Lamar Jackson remains one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks, but his peers have sent a seismic message about his current standing. The two-time MVP tumbled a jaw-dropping 67 spots in the latest NFL Top 100 Players rankings, landing at No. 69 after sitting at No. 2 last season. It's a freefall with no modern precedent for a healthy, prime-aged superstar.
The Baltimore Ravens signal-caller's ranking was revealed this week as part of the league's annual countdown, voted on by current NFL players. The drop has left fans and analysts scratching their heads, especially given Jackson's consistent production and leadership on the field.
How the Voting Works—and Why It Backfired
According to NBC NFL insider Mike Florio, the process is inherently flawed. An unspecified number of players submit a list of their top 20 NFL players, with points assigned from 20 down to 1. If a player has an off year—even a relative one—he can tumble far more than his actual talent warrants. “Really, it’s not on the players. The process is flawed,” Florio said. “As evidenced by the fact that Lamar Jackson fell 67 spots to No. 69.”
That explanation resonates with many who argue that the system rewards recency bias over sustained excellence. Jackson, who led the Ravens to the playoffs again in 2025, still posted impressive numbers. Yet his ranking suggests his peers view him differently than they did just a year ago.
This isn't the first time players' voting has sparked controversy across sports. In the WNBA, Caitlin Clark was famously snubbed in the All-Star vote despite fan and media support, highlighting how peer ballots can sometimes miss the mark.
What This Means for Jackson and the Ravens
Jackson's drop is particularly stunning because he's healthy and in his prime. Historically, players of his caliber don't fall off the map like this unless they're sidelined by injury or a major dip in performance. Neither applies here. The Ravens have built their offense around his unique dual-threat ability, and he remains the engine of a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
For Jackson, the ranking serves as bulletin-board material. He'll enter the 2026 season with a chip on his shoulder, determined to prove that his peers' judgment was premature. The Ravens' locker room, already tight-knit, will likely rally around their quarterback. It echoes the Rams' locker room eruption after the Myles Garrett trade, where players used external doubt as fuel.
Still, the NFL Top 100 list is more than just a popularity contest. It reflects how players perceive each other's current impact. Jackson's fall suggests that while he's still respected, he no longer strikes fear in opponents the way he once did. That perception could shift quickly if he delivers another MVP-caliber season.
A Broader Look at Player Rankings
The NFL Top 100 has always sparked debate, but Jackson's slide is a case study in its volatility. Last year, he was the consensus No. 2 behind only Patrick Mahomes. Now, he's barely in the top 70. For context, that's a larger drop than any healthy superstar has experienced in the list's history.
The voting process itself may need an overhaul. Some critics argue that asking players to rank only 20 names creates a narrow lens, especially when ballots are collected at different points in the season. A player who struggles early might be forgotten by voters, while a hot streak can elevate someone beyond their true standing.
This isn't just an NFL issue. MLB's players union has also grappled with how to fairly represent player performance, proposing bold changes to prop bet rules to protect the integrity of the game. Across sports, player-voted lists remain a lightning rod for controversy.
Jackson will have his chance to rewrite the narrative in 2026. If he returns to MVP form, don't be surprised to see him rocket back up the rankings next year. For now, he sits at No. 69—a number that will surely motivate him all season long.
