RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesNFL quarterbacks face more pressure than any other position in the sport and these four players are up against it before the 2026 season.
All 32 teams are hoping to put themselves into a situation where they can contend for the Super Bowl . However, those franchises won’t stand a chance at succeeding without stellar quarterback play in 2026.
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Top names in the sport are always on the hot seat, including Kansas City Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes . Although, his situation is a bit different considering he’s already won several Super Bowl titles.
Meanwhile, usual suspects like Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Matthew Stafford loom with their teams expected to be in contention.
We’re examining 4 quarterbacks set to face intense pressure to succeed in 2026, including a former champion.
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Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen runs during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The Bills star nearly guided his team to the AFC Championship Game a season ago. However, Buffalo’s window of opportunity is certainly shifting based on the New England Patriots’ newfound success.
Allen is always in MVP consideration, but Buffalo brought in DJ Moore to bolster the wide receiver group. The team already has a tremendous rushing attack with Allen and James Cook as well.
At a certain point, questions will continue to raise as to whether or not Allen has the ability to win the biggest games.
Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy speaks with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Hurts may be a Super Bowl winner, but the Eagles star faces huge pressure this season after the A.J. Brown trade. Philly still boasts a talented squad with Saquon Barkley and Devonta Smith leading the offense.
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The Eagles already received significant backlash last season after losing at home to the San Francisco 49ers in the postseason. Hurts has a new offensive coordinator in 2026 and Brown isn’t around as a distraction any longer.
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott interacts with receiver Kavonte Turpin at training camp. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) Dallas is always under immense scrutiny when it comes to finding success. The Prescott era has been no different with the Cowboys coming up short on several occasions.
Prescott and Co. feature significant hype around their team in 2026 with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens leading the way. The Cowboys QB even declared recently that Dallas needs to win a Super Bowl soon to validate his team’s accomplishments.
Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert leaves the field during an NFL playoff game. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The Chargers standout is riding the high of engagement to pop singer Madison Beer . Herbert’s on-field success is certainly going to be a major talking point though considering the talent on Los Angeles’ roster.
New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is expected to provide a major lift. Meanwhile, the Chargers boast a talented receiving game that features Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.
Herbert is still winless in the playoffs through his first six NFL seasons, and he desperately needs a victory this year to justify conversations of him being an elite quarterback.
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