NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2016: Aaron Rodgers Never Left
NFL Quarterback Power Rankings for Week 15 of the 2016 season
Last week we missed out on making fun of the Cleveland Browns because they were on their bye, but they were back in action for Week 14, giving us plenty to laugh about.
For starters, they started a different quarterback than in their previous game. However, what made that even more comical was the fact that seven NFL running backs for more yards than their starting quarterback threw for. Digging deeper, one of those seven running backs ran for more than twice the amount of yards than the Browns had passing. Did I mention that they lost again?
Man, it has been so much fun to watch the Browns this season. But sadly we only have three more weeks to enjoy them. Week 14 featured all 32 starting quarterbacks and the rest of the season will too because there are no more bye weeks left. Since there were no ties this week, 16 quarterbacks won and 16 quarterbacks lost.
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Those 32 starers combined for 7,103 passing yards, which was only 85 more yards than last week, even though there were two more quarterbacks this week. To make matters worse, they only combined for 38 touchdown passes when the 30 starters in Week 13 combined for 39.
As if the yards and touchdowns weren’t enough of a let down this week, the 32 starers threw 36 interceptions, 11 more than last week. Usually there is a bright spot in the week, but after the 32 starters were sacked 76 times, 17 more than last week, this was just a bad week all around.
It may have been a down week, but certain players are rising to the occasion as the playoff push and NFL MVP race heat up. Lets get to the NFL Quarterback Power Rankings and see where all 32 starers sit.
Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) passes the ball against the New York Jets during the first quarter at Levi
Colin Kaepernick
QB, San Francisco 49ers
Previous Rank: 32 (NC)
Week 14 Statistics: 15-26 (57.7%), 133 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 17-23 (L)
Season Statistics: 131-239 (54.8%), 1,577 yards, 11 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 0-8
After last week’s stinker, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick was back to stink it up again in Week 14. There has been a ton of talk about where Kaepernick will play next season, but the real talk should be whether or not he will even make a roster in 2017. But at least some people are ignoring the fact that he has played so bad. The only thing that would make his poor play even better would be if he was on the Browns. Wait, don’t they need a quarterback in 2017?
Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) looks for a receiver against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Robert Griffin III
QB, Cleveland Browns
Previous Rank: NR
Week 14 Statistics: 12-28 (42.9%), 104 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 10-23 (L)
Season Statistics: 25-54 (44.4%), 294 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 0-2
Speaking of the Browns, they had their Week 1 starter, Robert Griffin III, back in action for them in Week 14. But, just like in Week 1, Griffin stunk it up and the Browns lost. Many, including myself, wanted to see what he could do starting again in the NFL. We all have found out that he truly isn’t a starter in this league, but it was fun while it lasted. The only good part of RGIII’s game is the fact that he isn’t the No. 32 starting quarterback in the power rankings.
Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) looks to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles
QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Rank: 30 (NC)
Week 14 Statistics: 23-37 (62.2%), 257 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 16-25 (L)
Season Statistics: 305-520 (58.7%), 3,187 yards, 21 TDs, 15 INTs
Season Record: 2-11
The mediocre season by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles continued in Week 14. He ended the day with 257 yards and one score, leading his team to their 11th loss of the season. The only positive of Bortles game was that he did not throw another interception for a touchdown. There is no doubt that it is time of the Jaguars to move on from Bortles, so lets all hope this is the last season we see him starting in the NFL.
Dec 11, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New York Jets quarterback Bryce Petty (9) throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi
Bryce Petty
QB, New York Jets
Previous Rank: NR
Week 14 Statistics: 23-35 (65.7%), 257 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 23-17 (W)
Season Statistics: 55-94 (58.5%), 574 yards, 2 TDs, 4 INTs
Season Record: 1-1
The New York Jets won a game, but there is no way you can thank their quarterback Bryce Petty of that victory. He has played in four games this season, starting two of them, but has only thrown for two scores. Making matters worse, he has thrown four interceptions and has only completed 58.5 percent of his passes. The Jets are a mess and they have a bunch of quarterbacks to pick from, all of whom are bad.
Dec 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) drops back to pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Brock Osweiler
QB, Houston Texans
Previous Rank: 27 (-1)
Week 14 Statistics: 14-24 (58.3%), 147 yards, 0 TDs, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 22-17 (W)
Season Statistics: 274-459 (59.7%), 2,656 yards, 14 TDs, 14 INTs
Season Record: 7-6
I was flat-out wrong when I thought that Brock Osweiler would help the Houston Texans this season. He has done the complete opposite, hurting them more than he has helped. They won their game on Sunday, but Osweiler did nothing to help. He ended the day with 147 yards and an interception. Those aren’t ideal numbers from a quarterback you just gave a massive contract to.
Dec 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) throws the ball during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Siemian
QB, Denver Broncos
Previous Rank: NR
Week 14 Statistics: 35-51 (68.6%), 334 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 10-13 (L)
Season Statistics: 230-376 (61.2%), 2,730 yards, 16 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 7-4
The 2016 Denver Broncos certainly aren’t the 2015 Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. Their defense has held up, only giving up 13 points on Sunday, but their offense only scored 10, handing them their fifth loss of the season. Trevor Siemian played an okay game, but he just doesn’t give the Broncos what they need. He has a cap on what he can do and that caps how high he can go in the power rankings.
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jared Goff
QB, Los Angeles Rams
Previous Rank: 25 (-1)
Week 14 Statistics: 24-41 (58.5%), 235 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 14-42 (L)
Season Statistics: 75-136 (55.1%), 744 yards, 4 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 0-4
It feels like yesterday I was calling for the Los Angeles Rams to start their No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Jared Goff. However, after starting his career 0-4, Goff has had a rough start. The Rams aren’t much help, but Goff was responsible for 14 points in this game and they weren’t for his team. He threw a really bad interception that was returned for a touchdown. He also held onto the ball a little too long when nothing was there, leading to the ball being stripped and returned for a score. Even though his start hasn’t been great, I still think Goff has the potential to do something. Now that the Rams have fired Jeff Fisher, let’s see who they surround him with in 2017.
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Lions won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Barkley
QB, Chicago Bears
Previous Rank: 24 (-1)
Week 14 Statistics: 20-32 (62.5%), 212 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 17-20 (L)
Season Statistics: 65-119 (54.6%), 801 yards, 4 TDs, 4 INTs
Season Record: 1-2
I have a friend who is a big Chicago Bears fans and he is loving life with quarterback Matt Barkley. I feel that is the mindset of a lot of Bears fans, but is Barkley really the answer? Who knows, but at least he has been showing more than Jay Cutler—and with less. Barkley hasn’t had any weapons to throw the ball to, but he continues to show up. He will have wide receiver Alshon Jeffery back this week too, so lets give Barkley the rest of the season and see if the Bears had a starter fall into their laps.
Dec 11, 2016; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) rolls out of the pocket in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Bradford
QB, Minnesota Vikings
Previous Rank: 26 (+2)
Week 14 Statistics: 24-34 (70.6%), 292 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 25-16 (W)
Season Statistics: 304-427 (71.2%), 2,954 yards, 14 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 6-6
The Minnesota Vikings and their quarterback Sam Bradford have lost six of their las eight games, but they won in Week 14. It was needed because their season, which was once looked at as Super Bowl favorites after a 5-0 start, now sits in limbo at 7-6. Bradford has been his average quarterback self, checking the ball down a ton, but he did have a good game this week. He ended with 292 yards and one score. Though, needs to be more of an elite, take over the game kind of quarterback for the Vikings.
Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Palmer
QB, Arizona Cardinals
Previous Rank: 23 (NC)
Week 14 Statistics: 18-33 (54.5%), 145 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 23-26 (L)
Season Statistics: 300-493 (60.9%), 3,376 yards, 20 TDs, 13 INTs
Season Record: 4-7-1
The down year for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer continued in Week 14. But I would argue it isn’t a down year, just part of the same from the body of work we have seen in his career. He has a great 2015 season, but that is more of an outlier for his career. He ended the day with two more interceptions and another loss in 2016.
Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) looks to pass in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton
QB, Carolina Panthers
Previous Rank: 21 (-1)
Week 14 Statistics: 10-27 (37%), 160 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 28-16 (W)
Season Statistics: 213-398 (53.5%), 2,774 yards, 15 TDs, 9 INTs
Season Record: 5-6
I will be honest when I tell you that I have a little bias when it comes to Cam Newton. I love watching him play the game and he is one of my favorite quarterbacks to watch on film. However, this season hasn’t been fun to watch. For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t thrilled watching Newton play and I came away even less thrilled after. The 2015 NFL MVP is long gone and Newton has been terrible in 2016 and that will continue as the Panthers lose more games this season.
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) looks to pass during the second half against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Smith
QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Previous Rank: 22 (+1)
Week 14 Statistics: 17-26 (65.4%), 264 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 21-13 (W)
Season Statistics: 267-397 (67.3%), 2,831 yards, 12 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 9-3
Alex Smith and the first-place Kansas City Chiefs looked the part on Thursday Night Football against the Oakland Raiders. The Chiefs looked the part of one of the best AFC teams in the NFL and Smith looked the part as one of the best game-managers in the NFL. Smith completed 65.4 percent of his passes for 264 yards and one score in the game. However, he did throw an interception. If Smith can keep up this level of play, the Chiefs can go very far and he may even be able to climb in the power rankings more next week.
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass during the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at New Era Field. Steelers beat the Bills 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Tyrod Taylor
QB, Buffalo Bills
Previous Rank: 19 (-1)
Week 14 Statistics: 15-25 (60%), 228 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 20-27 (L)
Season Statistics: 226-373 (60.6%), 2,520 yards, 13 TDs, 6 INTs
Season Record: 6-7
There are reports that the Buffalo Bills may move on from Tyrod Taylor and, if I was on the Bills, I would want them to be true. Taylor isn’t a terrible quarterback by any means. However, he isn’t even close to being a top one either. He has below average arm talent and fits the label of a game-manager. The Bills would win more games if they had a better quarterback, I guarantee it.
Dec 11, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is seen on the bench after being injured during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Tannehill
QB, Miami Dolphins
Previous Rank: 20 (+1)
Week 14 Statistics: 15-20 (75%), 195 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 26-23 (W)
Season Statistics: 261-389 (67.1%), 2,995 yards, 19 TDs, 12 INTs
Season Record: 8-5
The Miami Dolphins won again thanks to the play of their quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The former first-round pick has had an interesting year and it took a turn for the worst this week. Tannehill injured his knee, which will most likely keep him out the rest of the season. After throwing for 195 yards and three scores in the game, the knee injury leaves the Dolphins with a ton of questions. Do they move on from Tannehill after this season or is he truly their future? My vote goes for them moving on, but he made his best case to remain their franchise guy.
Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) warms up before game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Wilson
QB, Seattle Seahawks
Previous Rank: 16 (-2)
Week 14 Statistics: 22-39 (56.4%), 240 yards, 1 TD, 5 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 10-38 (L)
Season Statistics: 286-443 (64.6%), 3,382 yards, 13 TDs, 10 INTs
Season Record: 8-4-1
The Russell Wilson crazies were mighty quiet this weekend when their favorite quarterback played the worst game of his career against the Green Bay Packers. Seattle has been one of the better teams in the NFL, but after Wilson threw five interceptions and played poorly, they looked like an afterthought in the NFC. I know that not every interception was his fault, but he also go away with some other ugly throws in the game. The difference in ability between Wilson and Aaron Rodgers was so visible in the game, but I am sure there are still some Wilson fans arguing that he is the greatest of all time.
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Eli Manning
QB, New York Giants
Previous Rank: 17 (NC)
Week 14 Statistics: 17-28 (60.7%), 193 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 10-7 (W)
Season Statistics: 302-480 (62.9%), 3,290 yards, 23 TDs, 13 INTs
Season Record: 9-4
Mark it down: If Eli Manning can get back to his ‘ELIte’ form in 2016, the New York Giants will win the Super Bowl. They have such a good team right now and the only thing holding them back is the two-time Super Bowl champion. Manning hasn’t looked right all year and I have been saying that it looks like he is playing injured. He has no deep ball and has counted on slant passes to Odell Beckham Jr. to win football games. But, like I said, if he turns it on, watch out NFL.
Dec 11, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Dalton
QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Rank: 18 (+2)
Week 14 Statistics: 20-28 (71.4%), 180 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 23-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 302-467 (64.7%), 3,555 yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs
Season Record: 5-7-1
After three-straight losses, I called for the Cincinnati Bengals to bench their starting quarterback Andy Dalton. Well, since then, Dalton has thrown four touchdowns and no interceptions on his way to leading his team to back-to-back victories. I can always admit when I am wrong and Dalton has been paying solid football right now, so I was wrong. He will never be an elite quarterback, but his 180 yards and two scores this week were more than enough to win the game.
Dec 11, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) drops back to pass in the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Philip Rivers
QB, San Diego Chargers
Previous Rank: 12 (-3)
Week 14 Statistics: 21-39 (53.8%), 236 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 16-28 (L)
Season Statistics: 287-464 (61.9%), 3,589 yards, 27 TDs, 17 INTs
Season Record: 5-8
After having a solid start to his 2016 NFL season, San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has played some bad football over the past four weeks. Over that four-game span, his team is 1-3 and Rivers has thrown 10 of his 17 interceptions. His season-high interception total came at the start of his four-game skid, but he added three more this week and only completed 53.8 percent of his passes. Rivers needs to get back on track or he will continue to fall in the power rankings.
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) drops back to pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dak Prescott
QB, Dallas Cowboys
Previous Rank: 12 (-2)
Week 14 Statistics: 17-37 (45.9%), 165 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 7-10 (L)
Season Statistics: 260-395 (65.8%), 3,139 yards, 20 TDs, 4 INTs
Season Record: 11-2
What you are seeing from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott isn’t a rookie wall or some sort of plateau in play. What you are seeing is what I have been preaching the entire season: Prescott is solid and has potential, but too many people feel he is an elite quarterback and that isn’t what he is. For the 100th time this season, the Dallas Cowboys have been winning games with Prescott, he hasn’t been winning games for the Cowboys.
I love his game and think he will develop into a solid starter one day, but right now he just isn’t at that level. He is a game-manager and, for the past couple of weeks, he has been an average one at best. If the Cowboys want to win the Super Bowl in 2016, they need to start Tony Romo because they have too much talent to have their weakest link on offense to be their quarterback.
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) passes in front of Washington Redskins nose tackle Ziggy Hood (90) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Wentz
QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Rank: 15 (+2)
Week 14 Statistics: 32-46 (69.6%), 314 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 22-27 (L)
Season Statistics: 317-498 (63.7%), 3,215 yards, 13 TDs, 12 INTs
Season Record: 5-8
A lot of people feel I have a bias when it comes to Carson Wentz. I gave him my highest grade for a quarterback entering the NFL and also had him as the No. 1 player in the 2016 NFL Draft. I can see where people think a bias impacts my evaluation on him, but I want those people to watch the game he played against the Washington Redskins and them come talk to me. This kid has so much talent at the quarterback position and, though it is still his rookie season, I am sure I was right about his potential in the NFL.
The Philadelphia Eagles did nothing to help him in Week 14, yet Wentz shined and played a ridiculously good game. His ability to move around the pocket and deliver strikes is already top-notch. If this kid can get some weapons, an offensive line, and a running game, he has a shot to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks to throw against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Flacco
QB, Baltimore Ravens
Previous Rank: 14 (+2)
Week 14 Statistics: 37-52 (71.2%), 324 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 23-30 (L)
Season Statistics: 358-549 (65.2%), 3,582 yards, 17 TDs, 12 INTs
Season Record: 7-6
The Baltimore Ravens needed better play from their quarterback Joe Flacco and they have been getting it. Over the past two games, Flacco has thrown for six touchdowns and only two interceptions. The Ravens may have lost this week to the New England Patriots, but Flacco played well. He threw for 324 yards and two scores and is showing that he is ready to help the Ravens make the playoffs with just three weeks left.
Dec 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) runs out of the pocket against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Luck
QB, Indianapolis Colts
Previous Rank: 10 (-1)
Week 14 Statistics: 24-45 (53.3%), 276 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 17-22 (L)
Season Statistics: 282-448 (62.9%), 3,381 yards, 25 TDs, 10 INTs
Season Record: 6-6
After winning three of their last four games, the Indianapolis Colts quarterback, Andrew Luck, picked a bad time to have a bad game. The Colts fell, 17-22, but it was Luck who hurt them most by throwing two interceptions and only completing 53.3 percent of his passes. Luck had a great week just one week ago and he needs to find that form in Week 15.
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) drops back against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jameis Winston
QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Rank: 11 (+1)
Week 14 Statistics: 16-26 (61.5%), 184 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 16-11 (W)
Season Statistics: 285-462 (61.7%), 3,364 yards, 23 TDs, 12 INTs
Season Record: 8-5
Even though he did not have a very good game in Week 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston moves up in the power rankings. His team is has now won five-straight games and he is a big reason for that. This was the first game of his career that he did not score a touchdown in, so even though his impressive streak of 28-straight games of scoring a touchdown ended, Winston led his team to a huge victory.
Dec 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) carries the ball during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota
QB, Tennessee Titans
Previous Rank: 9 (NC)
Week 14 Statistics: 6-20 (30%), 88 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 13-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 249-398 (62.6%), 3,086 yards, 25 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 7-6
Just like Winston, Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota did not play a very good game on Sunday. And to be honest, he actually played horribly, but his team still pulled out a huge victory. Mariota went 6-of-20 on the day, completing only 30 percent of his passes for 88 yards and no scores. It was horrible game, but since he has played so well all year and his team bailed him out; Mariota gets a pass and sits at No. 9 for the third-straight week.
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) pressures during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Brees
QB, New Orleans Saints
Previous Rank: 6 (-2)
Week 14 Statistics: 25-41 (61%), 257 yards, 0 INTs, 3 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 11-16 (L)
Season Statistics: 382-541 (70.6%), 4,170 yards, 30 TDs, 14 INTs
Season Record: 5-8
After playing one of the worst games of his career last week when he threw for no touchdowns and three interceptions, New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees did the same exact thing this week. He struggled to get anything going and now has thrown six interceptions and no touchdowns in his last two games. Both of those games have resulted in losses for his Saints team and they sit at 5-8 now.
Dec 11, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Roethlisberger
QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Rank: 5 (-2)
Week 14 Statistics: 17-31 (54.8%), 220 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 27-20 (W)
Season Statistics: 283-440 (64.3%), 3,254 yards, 25 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 8-4
Week 14 must have been a game for elite NFL quarterbacks to look silly by throwing three interceptions and not touchdowns because, not only did Brees look terrible, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger did too. The only difference for Roethlisberger was that his team won and Brees’ lost. However, Big Ben still ended the day playing his worst game of the season.
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates after throwing a 64-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Ryan
QB, Atlanta Falcons
Previous Rank: 8 (+2)
Week 14 Statistics: 18-28 (64.3%), 237 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 42-14 (W)
Season Statistics: 302-442 (68.3%), 4,050 yards, 30 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 8-5
Last week it looked as if Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan had ruined his chances to win MVP, but he put together a strong performance in Week 14. Ryan threw for 237 yards and three scores, leading his team to an easy 42-14 victory over the Rams. He is a long-shot to win the award, but at the very least he kept his name relevant as we get closer to the end of the year.
Dec 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) react after connecting on an 80 yard touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Kirk Cousins
QB, Washington Redskins
Previous Rank: 4 (-1)
Week 14 Statistics: 14-21 (66.7%), 234 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 27-22 (W)
Season Statistics: 334-495 (67.5%), 4,045 yards, 23 TDs, 9 INTs
Season Record: 7-5-1
I wonder which color pen Kirk Cousins will use when he signs his mega-deal with the Washington Redskins?
Do you think he will use one of those big goofy pens and have the words ‘You like that!?’ inked on it? I would say that is the biggest worry for Cousins as he has been dominant this season throwing the football. People, including his own team, did not feel he deserved a big contract before the 2016 season. He has proven them wrong and then some as he continues to shine in 2016.
Cousins dominated the Eagles, outside of a terrible interception for a touchdown. He continued to throw the ball deep with great success and hit DeSean Jackson for an 80-yard bomb against his former team. If Cousins can continue to play well, and the Redskins can feed off of his elite play, they are not out of the playoff race just yet. Regardless of how they end this season, Redskin fans should breathe easy knowing Cousins is their future.
Dec 11, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Rodgers
QB, Green Bay Packers
Previous Rank: 7 (-3)
Week 14 Statistics: 18-23 (78.3%), 246 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 38-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 327-502 (65.1%), 3,529 yards, 32 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 7-6
And you all wrote off the Green Bay Packers weeks ago! Look at them now, on a three-game win streak and showing they are a team that you do not want to pay right now. The biggest reason they are one of the hottest teams in football is that their elite quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, has been magnificent.
Rodgers was the topic of discussions when the Packers were struggling and was getting a ton of blame, for whatever reason, but he has silenced any doubters. In his last four games, Rodgers has thrown 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. He is getting hot right at the right time and the Packers are going to need him to remain this hot if they are going to make the playoffs.
This week, he made the Seahawks secondary look silly as he gashed them for 246 yards and three scores. He did this all while having an injured leg and limping all around the field. If the Packers win out and Rodgers keeps this elite level of play up; could the Packers sneak into the playoffs as Rodgers steals the MVP? I think they can, so watch out for Rodgers and the Packers.
Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts during a NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Carr
QB, Oakland Raiders
Previous Rank: 1 (-2)
Week 14 Statistics: 17-41 (41.5%), 117 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 13-21 (L)
Season Statistics: 317-499 (63.5%), 3,492 yards, 24 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 9-3
My last power rankings had Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr at No. 1. It talked about how he is in the driver’s seat to win MVP and all he had to do was continue his dominant play and win games. Well silly me, because both of those did not happen in Week 14.
For the first time all season, Carr played terribly. His wide receivers didn’t help him at all, but he also missed a ton of throws. He even missed a layup touchdown pass in the game and he did not look like the league MVP. He ended the game completing only 41.5 percent of his passes for 117 yards and no scores. His team only lost by eight, so they really could’ve used a better game from him.
Who knows what will happen with the MVP race now, but Carr allowed the race to be wide-open. He needs to get back on track this week or he could potentially fall out of the race completely with another stinker like he played in Week 14.
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Stafford
QB, Detroit Lions
Previous Rank: 3 (+1)
Week 14 Statistics: 21-35 (60%), 223 yards, 1 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 14 Final Score: 20-17 (W)
Season Statistics: 312-468 (66.7%), 3,447 yards, 22 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 9-4
The Detroit Lions have won their last five games and eight of their last nine to bring their NFC North leading record to 9-4. After starting 1-3, many felt the Lions would have a terrible year, but everything has changed since their quarterback Matthew Stafford has been amazing this season.
In Week 14, Stafford played a bad game, but he also injured his finger. He played through his injury and was still able to lead his team to a victory. It was Stafford’s league leading eighth game-winning drive of the season and has cemented his name in the MVP race.
Stafford has 3,447 yards and 22 touchdowns on the year, putting him on pace for his sixth consecutive 4,000-plus yard season. He is also on pace for a respectable 27 touchdown passes, but he will need to improve on those touchdown numbers to improve his MVP case. However, no other player in the NFL will be able to stand behind eight game-winning drives and there are still three more weeks for Stafford to work his magic. If he is able to lead his team to more game-winning drives while putting up numbers, Stafford is a legitimate MVP contender.
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs onto the field for warmups before a match with the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Tom Brady
QB, New England Patriots
Previous Rank: 2 (+1)
Week 14 Statistics: 25-38 (65.8%), 406 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Week 14 Final Score: 30-23 (W)
Season Statistics: 233-340 (68.5%), 2,876 yards, 22 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 8-1
There are a lot of angry Tom Brady haters this week after the New England Patriots and their quarterback won on Monday Night Football. A lot of people will be mad just because of he Patriots winning, but that is just for the casual fans. For the people who look deeper at the game, they see that this game could be the one that helps seal Brady’s third NFL MVP. And what will make them even angrier is the fact that Brady needed four fewer games than everyone else if he wins the award.
Obviously there are still three weeks left, but after Brady put 406 yards and three scores against the Baltimore Ravens defense, many are starting to see that he has a real shot at winning the award. Brady is no stranger to doing things that surprise people. He was, after all, a sixth-round pick that turned into the greatest quarterback of all time, but winning the MVP after Deflategate would be amazing.
If he played a full 16-game season at the rate he’s competed at, Brady would be on-pace for 5,113 yards and 39 touchdowns with only four interceptions. The man is amazing and, after Carr hurt his MVP chances, how can Brady not be the NFL MVP?
