Ranking the Six Starting QBs on Christmas Day: From Bo Nix to Brosmer, It’s a Holiday Mix of NFL Signal-Callers
Christmas Day is usually reserved for marquee matchups and big-name quarterbacks lighting up the scoreboard. But this year, the NFL’s holiday slate is giving us a little bit of everything-from MVP-caliber veterans to rookies still figuring out how to read a defense. With injuries reshaping depth charts across the league, Thursday’s trio of games features six starting quarterbacks who couldn’t be more different in pedigree, production, or playoff positioning.
Let’s break down and rank the six QBs taking the field this Christmas, from the top-tier arms to the ones just hoping to keep the sleigh on course.
1. Bo Nix - Denver Broncos
Bo Nix has been one of the surprise stories of the 2025 season, and he’s earned his spot at the top of this list. The rookie has the Broncos sitting at 12-3 and atop the AFC standings heading into Week 17, a remarkable turnaround for a franchise that’s cycled through quarterbacks like holiday decorations over the past few years.
Last weekend’s loss to the Jaguars-Denver’s first defeat since September-was a reality check, with the offense managing just 20 points. But even in that setback, Nix showed poise beyond his years.
His command of Sean Payton’s offense, quick decision-making, and ability to extend plays have been key to the Broncos’ resurgence. He’s not just riding the wave-he’s helping create it.
2. Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
Prescott has quietly put together one of the most efficient seasons of his 10-year career. Through 15 games, he’s completed 68.5% of his passes for 4,175 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Those are strong numbers in any year, but especially so in a season where Dallas has needed every bit of his production to stay competitive.
The Cowboys rank fifth in the league in points per game (28.3) and second in total yards (393.1), and Prescott’s steady hand is a big reason why. The only thing holding him back from the top spot here?
Dallas’ 6-8-1 record, which reflects a defense that hasn’t held up its end of the bargain. Still, Prescott’s play has been top-tier, and he’ll be the best veteran QB on the field Thursday.
3. Jared Goff - Detroit Lions
Goff has kept the Lions’ offense rolling all season long. Detroit is putting up 30.1 points per game-second-most in the NFL-and racking up 378.7 total yards per contest, good for third. That offensive firepower has them in the thick of the playoff race at 8-7, even if the record doesn’t quite reflect how explosive they’ve been.
Individually, Goff is having one of the best years of his career. He ranks second in both touchdown passes (32) and passer rating (109.4), trailing only MVP front-runner Matthew Stafford in both categories.
He’s also third in passing yards (4,036), behind only Stafford and Prescott. Goff may not have the flashiest style, but he’s been ruthlessly efficient-and Detroit’s playoff hopes rest squarely on his shoulders.
4. Chris Oladokun - Kansas City Chiefs
It’s not often you get to say a Chiefs quarterback is a complete unknown heading into a game, but here we are. With Patrick Mahomes sidelined, fourth-year pro Chris Oladokun is stepping in for his first NFL start. That’s right-zero career starts, and now he’s under center for one of the league’s most high-profile franchises on Christmas Day.
To be fair, Oladokun gets the nod here over the next two guys because of what we haven’t seen. There’s at least a chance he can bring some spark or surprise to the offense.
He’s been in the system, he’s got the tools, and if the Chiefs can scheme around his strengths, maybe he can keep them afloat. It’s a big ask, but the benefit of the doubt gives him the edge.
5. Josh Johnson - Washington Commanders
There’s something admirable about Josh Johnson’s longevity. At 39 years old and in his 18th NFL season, he’s made a career out of being the guy teams call when things get desperate. And here we are again: with Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota both out, Johnson is set to make just his 10th career start.
Last week, in relief of Mariota, Johnson completed five of nine passes for 43 yards and an interception. His passer rating?
28.7. It wasn’t pretty, and it’s hard to expect much more at this stage of his career.
But he knows the playbook, he’s been in every kind of locker room, and he won’t be overwhelmed by the moment. That said, the ceiling here is low.
6. Max Brosmer - Minnesota Vikings
With J.J. McCarthy out due to a fractured wrist, rookie Max Brosmer is getting his second NFL start. The undrafted free agent out of New Hampshire had a rough debut earlier this season against the Seahawks, throwing for just 126 yards while committing four turnovers in a 26-0 loss.
It’s a tough spot for any young quarterback-let alone one with limited experience and minimal reps. Brosmer has a chance to show growth in his second outing, but based on what we’ve seen so far, he enters Christmas as the biggest question mark of the group. If he can protect the football and manage the game, that alone would be a step in the right direction.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas slate isn’t exactly packed with head-to-head battles between superstar quarterbacks-but it does offer something different: a look at the full spectrum of NFL quarterbacking. From MVP candidates like Prescott and Goff to rookies like Nix and Brosmer, Thursday’s games are a reminder of just how deep-and unpredictable-the quarterback position can be.
And while not every matchup may scream “prime time,” there’s plenty of intrigue in seeing how these six quarterbacks handle the spotlight. Whether it’s a veteran trying to keep his team alive or a rookie hoping for a breakout moment, each one has something to prove this holiday season.