In the upcoming divisional round of the 2024 NFL playoffs, there are eight talented quarterbacks vying for a shot at the conference championships. All of them are below the age of 30, with some rookies and first-time starters making their mark. So, who among these young signal-callers stands above the rest? Let's take a closer look and rank the quarterbacks in the divisional round:

At the bottom of the list is Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite an impressive debut season in Tampa Bay, Mayfield still has some room to grow before reaching the elite level. He has struggled in crucial moments against top-tier opponents, and it remains to be seen if he can change that narrative in the upcoming game against the Detroit Lions.

Next up is Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions. Goff, who turned 29 in October, has put up impressive regular-season statistics throughout his career. However, he has yet to enter the elite quarterback conversation. Goff led the Lions to their first NFC North title, but he needs to stay composed and efficient in big games, as he had a rough second half against the Los Angeles Rams.

The sixth spot goes to Jordan Love of the Green Bay Packers. Being patient has paid off for Love, the No. 26 overall pick of the 2020 draft. His playstyle has drawn comparisons to former Packer Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers' offense has been operating at a high level with Love under center. However, Love had a challenging start to the season, going 2-5 in the first seven weeks. If he continues on his current trajectory, the future looks bright for the 25-year-old quarterback.

Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills takes the fifth spot on the list. Allen is a talented dual-threat quarterback, but his turnover-prone tendencies have been a significant drawback. Despite his ability to lead his team to victory, Allen's penchant for turnovers has prevented the Bills from reaching the AFC Championship Game. He will face a tough challenge against the Kansas City Chiefs, but playing at home may provide him with an advantage.

Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers claims the fourth position. As the only quarterback on this list not drafted in the first round, Purdy's journey to this ranking is impressive. Described as more of a "game manager" than a "game changer," Purdy has consistently been the most efficient quarterback in the league, leading all competitors in QBR. His performance in the upcoming games will reveal more about his abilities.

C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans takes the third spot despite being a rookie. The No. 2 overall pick has had a sensational season, leading the Texans to the AFC South title. Despite not having key skill players for several weeks, Stroud has displayed efficiency and made crucial plays. With more experience and a healthy supporting cast, Stroud's future looks promising.

Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens earns the second position. Jackson, a former league MVP, had a well-rounded campaign despite a relatively inexperienced receiving corps. However, Jackson has struggled in the postseason, losing three out of four wild-card games. This season, he hopes to break that pattern and make a deep playoff run.

Finally, sitting atop the rankings is Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs. While he had a slightly down year by his own standards, Mahomes still showcased his elite skills. Despite not having a 1,000-yard receiver, he completed a career-high 67.2% of his passes. Mahomes' experience and ability to perform under pressure make him a top choice for any team in high-stakes situations.

As the divisional round approaches, these young quarterbacks will battle it out for a chance to compete in the conference championships. Only time will tell who will rise to the occasion and lead their teams to victory.