CBS Sports places four-time NFL MVP in interesting spot in QB rankings list

The first week of the 2025 NFL season is in the books, and CBS Sports' initial quarterback rankings are already stirring controversy, with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers landing at the No. 15 spot.

Rodgers led the Steelers to a thrilling 34-32 victory over his former team, the New York Jets, on Sunday. The four-time MVP went 22-of-30 for 244 passing yards and four touchdowns without an interception (8.9 yards per attempt). The 41-year-old displayed solid mobility when under pressure and threw the ball accurately throughout the game. Furthermore, his chemistry with star wideout DK Metcalf was on full display, as he had a team-leading four receptions for 83 yards (20.8 yards per catch). 

Should Aaron Rodgers be ranked higher?

Rodgers is no longer in his prime, but he still demonstrated creativity when plays broke down and made competent decisions with the football. In fact, he has a strong case to be nudged a little higher on the list. 

Quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow (No. 11) and Jared Goff (No. 12) didn't have prolific outings in Week 1 and are ranked ahead of Rodgers. Burrow went just 14-of-23 for 113 yards and one touchdown while averaging 4.9 yards per pass attempt. The Cincinnati Bengals offense only posted 17 points in a victory over a Cleveland Browns team that isn't expected to be competitive in 2025. In totality, the Burrow-led offense mustered 141 yards of total offense. 

Goff and the Detroit Lions managed 13 points in a lopsided loss to the Green Bay Packers. The former Los Angeles Rams quarterback went 31-of-39 for 225 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Goff averaged a lowly 5.8 yards per pass attempt and didn't toss for his lone touchdown until 55 seconds remained in the game. 

Rodgers at least garnered respectable statistics and aided his new team to victory in his debut. He may not be as good as Goff and Burrow throughout a season at this juncture. However, it is not far-fetched to say that the 2005 draft pick was the better player after the NFL's opening weekend concluded.