Even Steelers fans know how badly Lamar Jackson was robbed in NFL Top 100 rankings

The NFL Top 100 always gives fans something to argue about before training camp, but Lamar Jackson landing at No. 69 on the 2026 list is especially difficult to defend.

Jackson, who ranked No. 2 in 2025, was clearly robbed this time around. He finished one spot ahead of Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney, which says more about how heavily voters punished an injury-filled 2025 than it does about the Baltimore Ravens quarterback’s actual place in the league.

Last season was Jackson’s first since 2022 without a Pro Bowl, All-Pro selection, or MVP award. A hamstring injury started in Week 3 and lingered through much of the year, then a severe back contusion against the New England Patriots in Week 16 added another setback. Despite this, according to NFL+, Jackson still had 15 explosive plays (T-5th), as well as the highest passer rating (147.6), yards per attempt (13.2), and completion percentage over expected (+11.9%) on play-action passes.

Lamar Jackson is still the AFC North quarterback Pittsburgh Steelers fans should fear most

Steelers fans don’t need a ranking to understand Jackson’s value. When he’s healthy, Baltimore’s offense changes the field. Edge defenders can’t chase too aggressively, linebackers hesitate on run fits, and defensive backs must hold coverage while Jackson does his thing.

He can beat Pittsburgh with his legs when the passing game isn’t clicking, and that threat has shaped every Steelers game plan against Baltimore. Even his throwing mechanics and ball placement, which were once his downfall, have improved dramatically over the past few seasons.

Jackson has also handled more instability than most elite quarterbacks. Since entering the league in 2018, he’s worked under Marty Mornhinweg, Greg Roman, Todd Monken, and now Declan Doyle. Only Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has dealt with more coordinator and play-caller turnover over that span.

The 2026 season brings yet another adjustment. Former Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter gives Jackson his first head-coaching change in the NFL. New terminology, weekly rhythms, and a different organizational voice can slow an offense early, even with a quarterback capable of carrying it.

But Pittsburgh won’t have the luxury of seeing Baltimore’s new offensive transition early. The two powerhouses don’t square off until Week 15, when they meet twice in the final four weeks of the regular season. Injuries, playoff positioning, and Baltimore’s comfort with Doyle’s offense should be more settled.

Jackson turns 30 in January. His style makes long-term durability a legit concern, but a two-time MVP with multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors isn’t the 69th-best player in football. If he opens 2026 healthy, Pittsburgh will spend most of the season preparing to keep the division’s most dangerous quarterback from taking over in December.

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