Baker Mayfield entered the NFL in 2018 as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns, aiming to revitalize a franchise mired in losing. Known for his swagger, quick release, and aggressive play style, Mayfield has had an up-and-down career. From playoff heroics to frequent team changes, his journey has been anything but ordinary.
But how does Mayfield stack up when it really counts against winning teams?
At SportsAndFitnessDigest.com, we define “winning teams” as those that finished the regular season with a .500 or better record. This consistent standard lets us evaluate quarterbacks more fairly across seasons.
Let’s break down Baker Mayfield’s performance against these opponents.
Baker Mayfield’s Record vs Winning Teams
As of the end of the 2024 NFL regular season, Baker Mayfield holds a career record of 11–27 (.289) against teams that finished the season .500 or better. Only games where Mayfield started are included.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Season | Record | Notable Wins | Notable Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2–4 | Ravens, Falcons | Texans, Chargers, Steelers |
| 2019 | 1–6 | Ravens | Patriots, Seahawks, 49ers |
| 2020 | 3–3 | Colts, Titans, Steelers | Ravens, Raiders, Chiefs |
| 2021 | 1–5 | Bengals | Cardinals, Packers, Patriots |
| 2022 | 1–5 | Raiders | 49ers, Chiefs, Ravens, Bengals |
| 2023 | 2–2 | Vikings, Saints | Lions, 49ers |
| 2024 | 1–2 | Eagles | Chiefs, Cowboys |
Career Total: 11 Wins – 27 Losses (.289)
Mayfield’s best season came in 2020, where he helped guide the Browns to their first playoff win in decades. He went 3–3 against winning teams that season and helped solidify his short-term status as the franchise quarterback.
Chart: Baker Mayfield vs .500+ Teams
A Closer Look at Mayfield’s Career vs Winning Teams
Mayfield has struggled with consistency throughout his career. His early years in Cleveland were marked by a revolving door of head coaches and offensive coordinators, making it difficult to develop stability.
His most productive season against top-tier teams came in 2020. He defeated several playoff-bound squads and performed well in key moments, including a playoff win over Pittsburgh (not included in the regular season data but significant context).
In later seasons, as he moved between teams (including stints with the Panthers, Rams, and Buccaneers), his results against strong competition remained mixed. He’s shown the ability to compete with quality opponents but hasn’t strung together a sustained stretch of success.
For comparison, here’s how Mayfield stacks up against other QBs:
- Patrick Mahomes: 41–20 (.672)
- Josh Allen: 21–23 (.477)
- Russell Wilson: 34–45 (.430)
- Kirk Cousins: 23–38 (.377)
- Jared Goff: 24–37 (.393)
- Kyler Murray: 9–21 (.300)
- Dak Prescott: 19–38 (.333)
- Matthew Stafford: 33–84 (.282)
- Justin Herbert: 10–26 (.278)
- Baker Mayfield: 11–27 (.289)
This places Mayfield near the bottom tier of starting quarterbacks in this metric, just above Stafford and Herbert.
Why It Matters
Beating winning teams is a key benchmark in quarterback evaluations. It demonstrates not just skill but poise, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure.
While Mayfield’s stats against weaker teams are decent, the inability to consistently beat playoff-caliber opponents has followed him across multiple franchises.
As he looks to reestablish himself in 2025, this trend will need to change if he’s to shed the “journeyman” label and lock down a permanent starting role.
Final Thoughts
Baker Mayfield’s record against winning teams tells a story of talent, grit, and missed opportunities. He’s had signature wins like knocking off the Ravens as a rookie and helping upset the Colts in 2020. Those highs have been few and far between.
The numbers speak for themselves. A .289 win percentage in these games isn’t good enough for a long-term franchise quarterback. That said, Mayfield is still only 30 years old and has shown the ability to battle through adversity.
If the right system and support are in place, there’s a chance he can improve this mark. But as it stands, his resume against quality opponents remains one of the weaker ones among his peers.
