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NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2016: Matthew Stafford Cements MVP Case
NFL Quarterback Power Rankings for Week 14 of the 2016 season
Sadly, Week 13 has come to an end and I can no longer make fun of the Cleveland Browns for losing. Oh, no, they did not win a game. They were just on their bye, giving them the rest they need to pick up their first victory of the season in Week 14, right? They will be starting a different quarterback than their previous game, so lets see how that plays out for them.
Outside of the sadness the Browns bye has given me, there was still football to be watched. Yes, it wasn’t watching the Browns stink it up, but instead it was watching 30 starting quarterbacks go to work with two teams on their bye (Cleveland Browns and Tennessee Titans). There were no ties this week, so 15 quarterbacks won and 15 quarterbacks lost.
The 30 starers combined for 7,018 yards, 39 passing touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. The 25 interceptions is five higher than in Week 12, even though there were two fewer starters and the 39 touchdowns were 20 less than last week, which is pretty bad. There were only 49 sacks this week, though, so that was something to be proud of considering they were sacked 68 times last week.
We are getting to the point in the season where players start to cement themselves in the power rankings and the MVP starts to become a real topic of discussion. Also note that these power rankings were compiled prior to the start of Thursday Night Football. Yes, Derek Carr played poorly and Alex Smith played well. That will be reflected in the Week 15 evaluation—not this week’s.
So, lets get to the rankings and see where all 32 starting quarterbacks sit as we head into Week 14.
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) looks on during the second half of the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Colin Kaepernick
QB, San Francisco 49ers
Previous Rank: 30 (-2)
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Week 13 Statistics: 1-5 (20%), 4 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 6-26 (L)
Season Statistics: 116-213 (54.5%), 1,444 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 0-7
Just when you though Colin Kaepernick couldn’t play worse this season, he played arguably the worst game in NFL history. He ended the day going 1-of-5 for just four yards and (shockingly) no scores. It was an embarrassing effort and to make matter worse, the San Francisco 49ers benched him for Blaine Gabbert.
Luckily for Kaepernick, the casual fans will remember more of him taking a knee during the national anthem and not his embarrassing play on the field. He’s been terrible this year and after that game, he may be the No. 32 ranked quarterback the rest of the season.
Dec 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is hit by Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Hassan Ridgeway (91) as he throws a pass during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Fitzpatrick
QB, New York Jets
Previous Rank: 27 (-4)
Week 13 Statistics: 5-12 (41.7%), 81 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 10-41 (L)
Season Statistics: 195-342 (57 %), 2,333 yards, 10 TDs, 14 INTs
Season Record: 2-8
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been terrible this season. He has only won two games and a majority of the Jets losses stem from his poor play. He has 14 interceptions this season and added another one this week before Bryce Petty came in the game. Is it time that the Jets put in Christian Hackenberg so we can laugh a little more?
Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) reacts after a play in the second half against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field. The Denver Broncos won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles
QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Rank: 29 (-1)
Week 13 Statistics: 19-42 (45.2%), 181 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 10-20
Season Statistics: 282-483 (58.4%), 2,930 yards, 20 TDs, 15 INTs
Season Record: 2-10
If I am part of the Jacksonville Jaguars, I am voicing my concern that we need to close the book on our quarterback Blake Bortles already. Listen, the fact of the matter is that Bortles stinks. He really does. The Jaguars missed bit time on him and they need to accept that and move on. He threw two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. That picks-six was the 11th of his career, giving him one more interception for a touchdown than his 10 career wins. Barf.
Dec 4, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch (12) scrambles in the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Paxton Lynch
QB, Denver Broncos
Previous Rank: NR
Week 13 Statistics: 12-24 (50.0%), 104 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 20-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 49-83 (59%), 497 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Season Record: 1-1
Denver Broncos rookie quarterback Paxton Lynch picked up his first career win on Sunday, but did he really earn it? I would say no considering he ended the day completing 50 percent of his passes for only 104 yards and no scores. Coming out of Memphis, I wasn’t completely sold on Lynch and my negative thoughts may have been true. He needs to improve if he wants to be the future of the Broncos.
Nov 27, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) lays on the ground after a sack by New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Josh McCown
QB, Cleveland Browns
Previous Rank: 28 (BYE WEEK)
Week 13 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 13 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 90-165 (54.5%), 1,110 yards, 6 TDs, 6 INTs
Season Record: 0-3
Yes! It is so nice to see a Browns quarterback get through a week without an injury or a loss. Sadly for the Browns it is because they were on their Bye Week, but at this point that is something they can celebrate. Josh McCown was lucky enough to end his reign as the Browns starter, sitting at No. 28. He will be benched this week for Robert Griffin III, who started Week 1 before getting inured. Lets see what RGIII can do in Week 14 and hope he doesn’t get hurt again playing quarterback for the Browns.
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Brock Osweiler
QB, Houston Texans
Previous Rank: 31 (+4)
Week 13 Statistics: 22-35 (62.9%), 202 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 13-21 (L)
Season Statistics: 260-435 (59.8%), 2,509 yards, 14 TDs, 13 INTs
Season Record: 6-6
Sadly, Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler didn’t even play a terrible game on Sunday. He actually did better than normal, but that still isn’t saying much. He ended the day throwing for 202 yards and two scores. He also completed 62.9 percent of his passes, which put his season completion percentage up to 59.8.
Osweiler has 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on the year, but the Texans paid him big money expecting so much more. He moves up in the rankings, but only because the players behind him performed so poorly.
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) looks on during the fourth quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Vikings 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Bradford
QB, Minnesota Vikings
Previous Rank: 24 (-2)
Week 13 Statistics: 32-45 (71.1%), 247 yards, 1 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 15-17 (L)
Season Statistics: 280-393 (71.2%), 2,662 yards, 13 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 5-6
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford always has excuses made up for his poor play, but it is time to stop making excuses and speak the truth. He is mediocre and isn’t a legitimate franchise quarterback. Before you complain about his offensive line, yes, I get it. However, he has always thrown short of the stick on third down and continues that trend this season. I am not joking when I say this, I believe he actually thinks it is smart to throw short of the sticks on third down because he thinks his receivers will make a play instead of Bradford trying to convert the third down with his arm. Sigh.
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Goff
QB, Los Angeles Rams
Previous Rank: 20 (-5)
Week 13 Statistics: 14-32 (43.8%), 161 yards, 1 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 10-26 (L)
Season Statistics: 51-95 (53.7%), 509 yards, 4 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 0-3
One thing is clear from watching and talking about the Los Angeles Rams: Jeff Fisher truly needs to be fired—yet the Rams signed him to an extension. I guess being mediocre gets you rewards if you work for the Rams, so I am already sending my resume in because that sounds like fun to me. Their rookie quarterback Jared Goff had a real tough day in the office, but his team didn’t help. Both of his interceptions weren’t his fault, but he only completed 43.8 percent of his passes and threw for 161 yards. His accuracy has been questionable this year, only completing 53.7 percent of his passes on the year. He needs to improve, but he is a rookie so it should come with time.
Dec 4, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) warms-up before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Barkley
QB, Chicago Bears
Previous Rank: 22 (-2)
Week 13 Statistics: 11-18 (61.1%), 192 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 26-6 (W)
Season Statistics: 45-87 (51.7%), 589 yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs
Season Record: 1-1
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley won his first career game on Sunday and that is pretty awesome. However, he did not do anything special, but a win is a win. He moves down in the rankings because of his mediocre outing, but I still send my congratulations on his first victory. He threw for 192 yards and no scores in his first victory, so it may be one to remember, but it is also one to forget.
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws during the second half against the Washington Redskins at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Palmer
QB, Arizona Cardinals
Previous Rank: 26 (+3)
Week 13 Statistics: 30-46 (65.2%), 300 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 31-23 (W)
Season Statistics: 282-460 (61.3%), 3,231 yards, 18 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 4-6-1
The Arizona Cardinals needed a win on Sunday and they also needed their quarterback Carson Palmer to play better. Both happened and Palmer dominated the game. He has had a tough year, but on Sunday he looked like the 2015 Palmer that made people believe he was a star. He ended the day with 300 yards and three scores. He did not throw an interception, so he truly had a great game. The Cardinals will need more like it if they are going to have a shot at there playoffs.
Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA;Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) catchers a touchdown pass from quarterback Alex Smith (11) against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Smith
QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Previous Rank: 21 (-1)
Week 13 Statistics: 21-25 (84%), 270 yards, 1 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 29-28 (W)
Season Statistics: 250-371 (67.4%), 2,567 yards, 11 TDs, 4 INTs
Season Record:
Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs won on Sunday, but oddly enough their starting safety scored more points than their starting quarterback. Eric Berry had an interception for a touchdown, which is six points and he also added two more when he took a two-point concretion attempt to the house as well.
Smith drops in the power rankings, even though he completed 84 percent of his passes for 270 yards and a score because when your starting safety outscores you, you don’t deserve to climb the rankings. After Thursday Night Football, though, he’ll rise next week.
Dec 4, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Carolina, 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton
QB, Carolina Panthers
Previous Rank: 17 (-4)
Week 13 Statistics: 14-32 (43.8%), 182 yards, 1 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 7-40 (L)
Season Statistics: 203-371 (54.7%), 2,614 yards, 14 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 4-6
If I had you watch film on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton in 2016 without knowing that he won the 2015 MVP and Offensive Player of the Year award, you would never be able to guess that he did. He has been bad in 2016 and that continued in Week 13 against the Seattle Seahawks. Newton completed 43.8 percent of his passes for 182 yards and one score. He was benched for the first play of the game, which is a whole other story, but it puts the cherry on top for his bad year.
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Tannehill
QB, Miami Dolphins
Previous Rank: 16 (-4)
Week 13 Statistics: 29-40 (72.5%), 226 yards, 1 TDs, 3 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 6-38 (L)
Season Statistics: 246-369 (66.7%), 2,800 yards, 16 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 7-6
Just when we all thought the Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill had turned his season around, he comes out and throws three interceptions and gets blown out by 32. A fifth-year quarterback who hasn’t shown too much in his five years makes a case that Adam Gase and company could move on from him. Throwing three interceptions and stinking up the place can leave a bad taste in fans mouths, especially when it is Year 5 and time to show you’re the guy.
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Tyrod Taylor
QB, Buffalo Bills
Previous Rank: 15 (-4)
Week 13 Statistics: 18-35 (51.4%), 191 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 24-38 (L)
Season Statistics: 211-348 (60.6%), 2,292 yards, 11 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 6-6
I recently found myself in a sports discussion regarding Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor. One side felt that Taylor was more than an average quarterback in the NFL and the right side (mine) argued that he is the definition of average. Taylor competed 51.4 percent of his passes this week and did not throw for a score, though he did run one in. However, he is a quarterback and quarterbacks that have below average arm talented to use their legs to succeed. Taylor isn’t terrible, but he is as average as they come in the NFL.
Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) looks to pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Dalton
QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Rank: 23 (+5)
Week 13 Statistics: 23-31 (74.2%), 332 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 32-14 (W)
Season Statistics: 282-439 (64.2%), 3,375 yards, 14 TDs, 6 INTs
Season Record: 4-7-1
After having a down year, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton dominated the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 13. He may have looked mediocre all year, but he looked like an All-Pro against the Eagles. He completed 74.2 percent of his passes for 332 yards and two scores. They had no answer for Dalton and that is the level of play he needs to have every single week. If he can, I will stop saying the Bengals need to move on, even though I still do believe they do after his big game.
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Eli Manning
QB, New York Giants
Previous Rank: 14 (-3)
Week 13 Statistics: 24-39 (61.5%), 195 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 14-24 (L)
Season Statistics: 285-452 (63.1%), 3,097 yards, 22 TDs, 12 INTs
Season Record: 8-4
New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning was the weak link on the Giants offense once again. I have felt that there could be an injury to his throwing arm because he has played so poorly and I think his terrible Week 13 game could have shown I was right. At one point in the game, he had an easy deep ball touchdown but under-threw the ball by about 15 yards. Who knows if he is injured, but we do know he has played bad. 195 yards, two touchdowns, but two interceptions isn’t going to get the job done.
Dec 4, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sportsi
Russell Wilson
QB, Seattle Seahawks
Previous Rank: 18 (+2)
Week 13 Statistics: 26-36 (72.2%), 277 yards, 1 TDs, 1 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 40-7 (W)
Season Statistics: 264-404 (65.3%), 3,142 yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 8-3-1
For the ninth week in the 2016 NFL season, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw for one or less touchdowns. That isn’t something you want to see from a quarterback who many feel is elite. Wilson has never been one of the top guys to me and his 2016 season is just cementing that to me. His crazy followers wont like to hear that, but he has only thrown for 12 scores this season and hasn’t played well consistently.
Dec 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) tackles Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Wentz
QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Rank: 13 (-2)
Week 13 Statistics: 36-60 (60%), 308 yards, 1 TDs, 3 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 14-32 (L)
Season Statistics: 285-452 (63.1%), 2,901 yards, 12 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 5-7
Ugly would be the best way to describe rookie quarterback Carson Wentz’s performance in Week 13. I don’t care how bad his supporting cast is, Wentz made some terrible throws that showed he is truly a rookie. I understand it may be hard to have trust in your game when the others around you aren’t very good, but he needs to play better. He threw three interceptions, but could have easily had five on the day. He drops two spots this week, but if he plays poorly and not just his supporting cast next week, Wentz will fall out of the top 16 quarterbacks in the power rankings for 2016.
Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Dennis Pitta (88) celebrates with quarterback Joe Flacco (5) and wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Flacco
QB, Baltimore Ravens
Previous Rank: 19 (+5)
Week 13 Statistics: 36-47 (76.6%), 381 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 38-6 (W)
Season Statistics: 321-497 (64.6%), 3,258 yards, 15 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 7-5
I have been waiting for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco to have a big game this season and he finally delivered in Week 13. He is still recovering from his torn ACL regardless of what he says, but his knee looked great as he torched the Miami Dolphins for 381 yards and four scores. Both numbers were the best in the NFL this week and helped move the Ravens to 7-5. If he can keep playing lights out like this game, the Ravens will easily make the playoffs.
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Philip Rivers
QB, San Diego Chargers
Previous Rank: 12 (-1)
Week 13 Statistics: 15-26 (57.7%), 225 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 21-28 (L)
Season Statistics: 266-425 (62.6%), 3,353 yards, 25 TDs, 14 INTs
Season Record: 5-7
It is so frustrating when Philip Rivers has a bad game because his supporting cast isn’t the best, but it doesn’t help when he also plays poorly. In Week 13, Rivers threw for 225 yards and two scores, but he also threw two interceptions. His team lost the game, 21-28, meaning his two interceptions helped contribute to their loss. He has played well all year, so a couple bad games with his supporting cast shouldn’t hurt him too much in the power rankings.
Dec 1, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Brian Robison (96) forces Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) to fumble in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Cowboys win 17-15. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Dak Prescott
QB, Dallas Cowboys
Previous Rank: 10 (-2)
Week 13 Statistics: 12-18 (66.7%), 139 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 17-15 (W)
Season Statistics: 243-358 (67.9%), 2,974 yards, 19 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 11-1
Yes, the Dallas Cowboys and their quarterback Dak Prescott are currently 11-1, but he still drops in the quarterback power rankings. Many feel Prescott is an elite quarterback, but the film states otherwise. I hate that it seems like I am always knocking Prescott, especially when I was one of the few who felt he could be a star in the NFL, but he’s far from an elite quarterback. Prescott is an elite game-manager right now, but he does have potential to be an elite quarterback. He played one of his worst games of the season, but his team still pulled through for him. The Cowboys are once again winning with Prescott, not Prescott winning for the Cowboys.
Dec 4, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) looks to pass against the San Diego Chargers during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Jameis Winston
QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Rank: 11 (NC)
Week 13 Statistics: 20-30 (66.7%), 280 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 13 Final Score: 28-21 (W)
Season Statistics: 269-436 (61.7%), 3,180 yards, 23 TDs, 12 INTs
Season Record: 7-5
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have won four-straight games, moving to 7-5 on the year. Their quarterback Jameis Winston has been a big part of their win streak and he continued to help his team win in Week 13.
He ended the day completing 66.7 percent of his passes for 280 yards and one score. He did throw another interception, giving him 12 on the year, but Winston also has 23 touchdowns to go with those picks. The Buccaneers are in their own driver’s seat when it comes to the playoffs and luckily for them, Winston is the one driving.
Dec 5, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA;
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws against the New York Jets in the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Luck
QB, Indianapolis Colts
Previous Rank: NR
Week 13 Statistics: 22-28 (78.6%), 278 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 41-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 258-403 (64%), 3,105 yards, 23 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 6-5
After missing Week 12 with an injury, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck came to play in Week 13. The former No. 1 overall pick dominated the New York Jets defense, throwing for 278 yards and four scores. He also completed 78.6 percent of his passes and did not turn the ball over. It was the second time this season he threw four scores and did not throw an interception. Luck has always had the talent, but his up and down play has been in question. He needs to keep this elite level of play going to end the year and silence the critics.
Nov 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during the second quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota
QB, Tennessee Titans
Previous Rank: 9 (BYE WEEK)
Week 13 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 13 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 243-378 (64.3%), 2,998 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 6-6
Marcus Mariota has put on a show this season. He has really cemented himself as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. He has thrown for 25 scores on the season and has also added two rushing touchdowns. The Tennessee Titans made the right choice not trading their pick and taking Mariota because they have a bright future with him. It will be interesting to see how he finishes the season, but my guess would be that he continues to ball out.
Dec 4, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) leaves the field after being defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs at the Georgia Dome. The Chiefs won 29-28. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Ryan
QB, Atlanta Falcons
Previous Rank: 6 (-2)
Week 13 Statistics: 22-34 (64.7%), 297 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 13 Final Score: 28-29 (L)
Season Statistics: 284-414 (68.6%), 3,813 yards, 27 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 7-5
The end of the MVP run for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan may have finally happened in Week 13. He had been making a strong case, but after two-straight average games, and then another in Week 13; Ryan hurt his chances. He can obviously play out of his mind the last four weeks, but he needs to do just that. He stunk it up this week, throwing an interception for a touchdown and also giving up an interception on a two-point conversion, which lost his team the game.
Dec 4, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Rodgers
QB, Green Bay Packers
Previous Rank: 8 (+1)
Week 13 Statistics: 20-30 (66.7%), 209 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 21-13 (W)
Season Statistics: 309-497 (64.5%), 3,283 yards, 29 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 6-6
Remember when the Green Bay Packers lost four in a row, which led to people putting the blame on their quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Even though he threw for 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions over that span, many felt it was his fault. Well, the Packers have now won two in a row and Rodgers is finally getting the love he deserves. He ended with 209 yards and two scores this week, leading his team to a big 21-13 victory to move to 6-6.
Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during introductions before a game against the Detroit Lions at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Brees
QB, New Orleans Saints
Previous Rank: 4 (-2)
Week 13 Statistics: 31-44 (70.5%), 326 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 13-28 (L)
Season Statistics: 357-500 (71.4%), 3,913 yards, 30 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 5-7
You don’t read this much, or see it much, but New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees played terribly in Week 13. He has been spectacular so far in 2016, but for the first time this season, Brees failed to throw for a touchdown. He also threw three interceptions and was a big reason for his teams loss. He’s still one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but even the best have an off day. Look for him to bounce back in his next outing.
Dec 4, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Roethlisberger
QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Rank: 7 (+2)
Week 13 Statistics: 24-36 (66.7%), 289 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 13 Final Score: 24-14 (W)
Season Statistics: 266-409 (65%), 3,034 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 7-4
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has finally found his way back into the top-five after his solid Week 13 performance against the New York Giants. The Giants came into the game on fire, but Roethlisberger put that out quickly as he threw for 289 yards and two scores against them. He did throw an interception, but it was only his eighth on the season and his touchdown total sits at 25. If he were to play a full 16-game season, Roethlisberger would be on pace for 36 touchdowns, 4,413 passing yards. Those are impressive numbers and he has been impressive all year.
His team is ready to make their playoff push, mainly because they have him back and healthy. The defense may not be built for a Super Bowl, but Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense is potent enough to get them one. He sits at No. 5 in the power rankings and his team sits even prettier as their future Hall of Fame quarterback has hit his stride late in the year.
Dec 4, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Kirk Cousins
QB, Washington Redskins
Previous Rank: 1 (-3)
Week 13 Statistics: 21-37 (56.8%), 271 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 13 Final Score: 23-31 (L)
Season Statistics: 320-474 (67.5%), 3,811 yards, 21 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 6-5-1
After moving all the way up to the No. 1 spot in the power rankings, Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins had a game to forget in Week 13. In his last four games leading up to his Week 13 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, Cousins threw for 10 scores and only one interception. He has been balling out and in my opinion, he has the best deep passing game in the NFL.
That deep passing game still shined this week, but he wasn’t able to put much together outside of that. He only completed 56.8 percent of his passes and only threw for one score. His touchdown pass was beautiful, but he also threw an interception in the game.
His team lost, 23-31, so they could have used him more to score more points, obviously. There is no way this bad outing puts Cousins out of the top five, and he still sits at No. 4, but he needs to get back on track next week if his team is going to make the playoffs and he is going to end the year as a top-five quarterback.
Dec 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) celebrates after throwing a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Lions defeated the Saints 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Stafford
QB, Detroit Lions
Previous Rank: 5 (+2)
Week 13 Statistics: 30-42 (71.4%), 341 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 28-13 (W)
Season Statistics: 291-433 (67.2%), 3,224 yards, 21 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 8-4
I called Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford a potential MVP candidate a couple of weeks ago and some people shot that idea down. They felt that there is no way he could win the award and called me some choice words. Well, jokes on them as Stafford is easily in the MVP race and is four dominant games away from earning the award.
He kept his case going in Week 13 when he threw for 341 yards and two scores. He also completed 71.4 percent of his passes and led his team to their eighth victory of the year, which has them on top in the NFC West.
Stafford leads the NFL with seven game-winning drives and that is going to be huge when the MVP voting comes around. He is on pace for 4,397 yards passing and 28 touchdown passes. He has only thrown five interceptions this season, which would beat his previous career best by seven. There is no debating that Stafford has been great this season and you need to start having his name in the MVP voting—without calling me names this time!
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) prepares to throw the ball during the second half against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots 26-10 won. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Tom Brady
QB, New England Patriots
Previous Rank: 2 (NC)
Week 13 Statistics: 33-46 (71.7%), 269 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 26-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 208-302 (68.9%), 2,470 yards, 19 TDs, 1 INTs
Season Record: 7-1
For the second week in a row, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sits at No. 2 in the power rankings, after holding down the top spot for weeks. It isn’t a knock on Brady, who is the greatest quarterback of all-time, but more of praise to the guy in the top spot.
Brady played a solid game on Sunday, throwing for 269 yards and one score. You would have liked to see him throw for more scores, but Brady now has 19 touchdowns and one interception in his eight starts the season. He has been the driving force behind the Patriots looking like Super Bowl favorites and they will continue to be them if he keeps playing solid football.
Brady is most likely going to end the year with almost 4,000 yards passing, but he missed the first four games. That is ridiculous considering some quarterbacks wont reach that feat and they played all 16. He is also on pace to end the year with 29 touchdown passes, so that just cements even more the greatness he brings to the field.
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates after a two-point conversion pass in the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Billsduring a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Carr
QB, Oakland Raiders
Previous Rank: 3 (+2)
Week 13 Statistics: 19-35 (54.3%), 260 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 13 Final Score: 38-24 (W)
Season Statistics: 300-458 (65.5%), 3,375 yards, 24 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 10-2
MVP! MVP! MVP!
After Week 13, Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was my NFL MVP prior to getting thumped by the Chiefs on Thursday night. That may change some things. However, through his first 12 games this season, Carr had thrown for 3,375 yards and 24 touchdowns. He had only thrown five picks and taken care of the football like the elite quarterback he is.
He was on pace for 4,500 yards passing and 32 touchdowns. The passing yards would be a career-high while the 32 touchdowns would tie his best season. In Week 13, Carr added to his MVP case by throwing for 260 yards and two scores, leading his team to a 38-24 victory. The Raiders are 10-2 on the year and look like they are a real Super Bowl contending team, especially because of the play of Carr. Even after a bad outing in primetime, the numbers are still impressive overall and Oakland still must be taken seriously.
There are now three weeks left, so he needs to return to his Week 13 level of play after a disappointing Week 14 outing. But I see him rising to the occasion down the stretch and taking it home. After all, the AFC West is far from decided after the loss to Kansas City.
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