Quarterbacks making their first career playoff start - and what history says

With Wild Card Weekend set to begin on Saturday, several young signal-callers are on the brink of their first career NFL playoff starts. For many QBs, that debut can define their trajectory, and history shows postseason experience is rarely a smooth transition.

Here’s a look at which quarterbacks are in line for that milestone this weekend, and what history suggests we might see.

QBs making first playoff start in 2025 NFL playoffs

1. Drake Maye, New England Patriots

The Patriots quarterback will make his first career playoff start in the Wild Card round against the Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday, January 11.

Maye, in his second NFL season, finished with 4,394 passing yards and 31 touchdowns, leading the Patriots to a 14-3 record and the No. 2 AFC seed. Maye’s playoff debut is one of the most anticipated storylines of the weekend. He’s not only the starter for a top seed but also in the MVP conversation, thanks to his elite efficiency and accuracy this year.

History Lens: Historically, young QBs can struggle in their first playoff starts due to defensive intensity and fewer mistakes forgiven. But quarterbacks with top-tier regular-season production, like Maye, have bucked that trend more often than not.

2. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Williams will make his playoff debut in a marquee rivalry matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, January 10.

After completing his first full NFL season in 2024, Williams led the Bears to a surprising playoff berth this year, throwing for 3,821 yards and 27 touchdowns while demonstrating remarkable poise in the pocket and the ability to make plays on the move.

History Lens: Even after a full season of experience, first-time playoff quarterbacks face a significant step up in intensity. Rivalry games add another layer of pressure, with historical trends showing that young QBs can struggle against defenses that exploit postseason nerves. Williams’ combination of accuracy, mobility, and experience navigating an entire NFL season may give him a better shot to succeed than QBs entering the playoffs with limited starting experience.

3. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Young will make his first career playoff start against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 11.

In his second NFL season, Young led the Panthers to an NFC Wild Card berth, throwing for 4,052 yards and 30 touchdowns while showing poise and accuracy that contradicts his relative inexperience.

History Lens: First-time playoff starts can be a trial by fire. Historically, quarterbacks in their second or third seasons often face challenges adjusting to defenses that can’t be schemed against as easily as in the regular season. However, QBs who rely on quick reads and efficient passing, like Young, tend to fare better than those who depend heavily on deep throws or improvisation.

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