Fernando Mendoza must prove himself to the Las Vegas Raiders before he can even dream of making this top 10 list.But Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes all made the cut for the best quarterbacks in the NFL.Patrick Mahomes is staring at a big comeback season in 2026GettyWith the historically successful 2026 World Cup in the rear view, America will now turn its attention to real football.Sam Darnold proved the worth of a trusted, veteran quarterback last season, leading the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl trophy.But the 2026 NFL season will reset the field, while Darnold acknowledged after a 29-13 win over Drake Maye’s New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX that he needed to be better in the big game.“Every player has got to strive for that, and every coach has to strive for that,” Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde exclusively told talkSPORT. “You’re trying to be the best version of yourself all the time.” Here’s a look at the top 10 QBs in the NFL as training camps begin across the league.10. Sam Darnold, Seattle SeahawksThe 29-year-old Darnold is a Super Bowl bargain.He’s made back-to-back Pro Bowls while throwing for 60 touchdowns in the last two years.Darnold is also now a proven leader who can inspire an entire team to a big game victory. “Some people called me crazy throughout my career for believing in myself so much and having so much confidence,” said Darnold, in response to a question from talkSPORT. “But it was because of my parents, because of the way that they believed in me throughout my entire career, and it allowed me to go out there and play free and have a ton of confidence.”Darnold proved that a veteran QB and strong defense can still win the Super BowlGetty9. Drake Maye, New England Patriots Maye drew eyes as a rookie, then exceeded expectations during his second year.He finished second in NFL MVP voting and fifth in Offensive Player of the Year honors.A frustrating loss to Seattle in Super Bowl LX should inspire further improvement from the former No. 3 overall pick. 8. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles ChargersThere’s no doubt that Herbert is a top 10 QB in the NFL.But he hasn’t thrown for more than 4,000 yards since 2022, while the Chargers are still waiting for Herbert’s first playoff victory.This is a big year for Jim Harbaugh, Herbert and Los Angeles’ second-best NFL team. 7. Caleb Williams, Chicago BearsWilliams is the new ‘Iceman’ and embracing Super Bowl expectations in Chicago.There have been times when the 24-year-old QB has appeared overwhelmed by all the pressure.But Williams’ fourth-and-8 ‘silhouette pass’ to Rome Odunze in a thrilling 31-27 playoff win over the Green Bay Packers last season was proof of the young QB’s clutch talent.“Belief. That’s all you need,” Williams said. “You got belief in the coaches that they’re going to call the right play at the right time. You got belief in the players on the field that you’re going to make the right play at the right time.”The new Iceman is hoping for a breakthrough year with the BearsGetty6. Jared Goff, Detroit LionsGoff ranked third in the NFL in passer rating (105.5) last season.But Detroit’s 9-8 record was disappointing for the Lions, who finished in a tie for last place in the NFC North.Goff must be better than Caleb Williams, Jordan Love and potentially Kyler Murray this season, and he still needs to add a couple big playoff wins to his résumé.5. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City ChiefsThere’s no doubt that Mahomes is the most popular quarterback in the NFL.But his top 10 ranking right now is based more on past experience than current reality.Showtime is shooting for Week 1 as he recovers from major knee injuries.He’s already highly motivated. If Mahomes stays healthy in 2026, a comeback season could lead to a third MVP award. Matthew Stafford, Mahomes and Williams rank in the top 10 of best NFL QBsgetty4. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati BengalsBurrow needs to start fast and stay healthy.If he accomplishes both of those goals this season, Joe Cool will be just fine.But the biggest question, again, is how good the Bengals will be while being led by a $275 million QB. If Cincy falters, could Burrow push for a midseason trade? 3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles RamsStafford is the NFL’s reigning MVP at 38-years-old and getting closer to a Hall of Fame jacket.He also has Myles Garrett on the Rams’ defense, and has spent the last two seasons barely falling short in the playoffs.With 64,516 career passing yards and 423 TDs, Stafford is an all-time elite NFL QB who’s only improving with age. NFL's Greatest......Ranking the top 10......Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and moreTight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens Jackson was ranked No. 69 overall among NFL players by some of his peers.But that was absurd, and the 2026 season should be another breakthrough for Action Jackson.With a new head coach in Jesse Minter and veteran Derrick Henry in Baltimore’s backfield, Jackson will enter the year eyeing his third MVP award and his first Super Bowl trophy. Jackson wants to prove that it was silly to rank at him at No. 69 among all NFL playersGetty1. Josh Allen, Buffalo BillsThe Winter Soldier is the heart and soul of the Bills Mafia.But Allen, like Jackson and Burrow, is still searching for his first Super Bowl ring.The 2024 NFL MVP is also on a Hall of Fame path with 30,102 career passing yards, 220 TDs via the air, 4,721 rushing yards and 79 TDs on the ground.In a league loaded with superb franchise QBs, Allen is the best entering training camp. But there’s so much talent near the top he’ll surely lose his spot by Week 2.