National Football League

NFL Quarterback Power Rankings 2016: Is Matt Ryan Finally Elite?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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NFL Quarterback Power Rankings for Week 10 of the 2016 season

With all of the political debating going on in the world, it is nice we can all agree that the Cleveland Browns stink. For the fifth time this season, the Browns did not start the same quarterback in consecutive weeks. I do not know much about politics, but I do know Cleveland should probably try to start the same quarterback for at least four games in a row if they are going to have any shot at winning a game. I also know that President-elect Donald Trump has more wins than the Browns do in 2016.

Another week of the NFL season is in the books and we are officially on the wrong side of the regular season as we head into Week 10. It is always one of those sad feelings as the season slips away, but it’s also exciting that playoff football is nine weeks away.

Week 9 featured six teams on their bye week (Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, New England Patriots, Washington Redskins). That meant that 26 teams took the field, so there were 26 starting quarterbacks. Finally, after two -traight weeks, there were no ties in the NFL. So, 13 quarterbacks won and 13 lost.

This past week, we saw the 26 starting quarterbacks combine for 6,900 passing yards, 46 touchdowns, 19 interceptions and they were sacked 58 times. Last week’s 26 starting quarterbacks did thrown for 111 more yards, but this week’s threw for one more touchdown. However they did throw six more interceptions, but were sacked four fewer times.

As we get into the important playoff race weeks in the NFL, let’s dive into the NFL Quarterback Power Rankings once again.

Nov 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) throws the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Case Keenum

QB, Los Angeles Rams

Previous Rank: 32 (NC)

Week 9 Statistics: 27-46 (58.7%), 296 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 10-13 (L)
Season Statistics: 174-283 (61.5%), 2,004 yards, 9 TDs, 11 INTs
Season Record: 3-5

Case Keenum and the Los Angeles Rams came of a much needed Bye Week in week 8, but they found out rather quickly that the back half of the season was going to be the same. Keenum has sat at No. 32 for the last three weeks and it’s been because, well, he’s not good.

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Keenum just doesn’t have the elite tools to be a starter in this league. But according to Rams head coach Jeff Fisher, he gives them the best chance to win. If you were an outsider looking in, you would just think the Rams should draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but knowing the facts about this team could make you sick.

They traded up, giving up a lot, just to draft Jared Goff with the No. 1-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Goff has as many snaps and throws in the NFL as we do, so that is obviously a problem. Fisher has said repeatedly that the Rams second-string quarterback isn’t ready to go. If that is truly the case, then maybe the Rams already struck out on Goff because how could he be worse than Keenum?

Who knows. But we know Keenum isn’t good and he’ll be a bottom-feeder the rest of the year if he continues to start.

Nov 6, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Jets 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Fitzpatrick

QB, New York Jets

Previous Rank: 30 (-1)

Week 9 Statistics:17-28 (60.7%), 193 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 23-27 (L)
Season Statistics: 169-299 (56.5%), 1,982 yards, 8 TDs, 13 INTs
Season Record: 2-6

If you would have told me before the year started that New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick would have a terrible year, I wouldn’t believe you. He ended last season with a career-high 31 touchdown passes and 3,905 yards. It looked as if he had found his stride in the league and right fit, but then the Jets took forever to re-sign him.

That got me thinking.

“Maybe the Jets know Fitzpatrick isn’t that good and it could be because of their weapons on offense? No, that couldn’t be it! Fitzpatrick did throw 15 interceptions last season, but you take the good with the bad.”

Early indications are that the Jets should’ve stuck to their guns and let him stay a free agent. It was even weirder because no other teams went out of their way to sign him, highlighting that maybe he isn’t that good. The Jets decided to re-sign him and he has been arguably the worst quarterback in the NFL since.

He has only won two games for his Jets team and has thrown a league-leading 13 interceptions so far through 2016. Fitzpatrick just hasn’t shown the Jets anything and it is time for them to move on from the failed experiment.

Start Bryce Petty!

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) controls the ball against the New Orleans Saints during the first quarter at Levi

Colin Kaepernick

QB, San Francisco 49ers

Previous Rank: 31 (+1)

Week 9 Statistics: 24-39 (61.5%), 398 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 23-41 (L)
Season Statistics: 53-102 (52%), 728 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 0-3

The last two quarterbacks I have talked about, Keenum and Fitzpatrick, I talked about how they aren’t the guy and need to be benched for someone else. I would say that is the case with San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but he was already the second-string guy there and the third-string guy is just as bad—if not worse.

Regardless of what your opinion is on Kaepernick’s national anthem Protest, I can guarantee we have the same opinion on him as a quarterback, and it isn’t good. He just isn’t a starter in the league and it’s showing mightily in 2016.

Yeah he threw for almost 400 yards last week, but mainly because he put his team in such a hole that they had to throw the ball the entire game. He attempted 39 passes, completing 61.5 percent of them, but he also threw an interception.

Now, in his defense, maybe he had a lot on his mind, like not voting for the next President of the United States of America. Yeah, it goes against everything he is “protesting,” but I’ll let ESPNs Stephen A. Smith tell you how stupid that truly is.

Chip Kelly is usually a guy that gets the most out of his quarterbacks, but if this is the most Kaepernick has, this will be his last season in the NFL.

Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) passes the football against the Oakland Raiders during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports

Trevor Siemian

QB, Denver Broncos

Previous Rank: 28 (-1)

Week 9 Statistics: 18-37 (48.6%), 283 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 20-30 (L)
Season Statistics: 150-251 (59.8%), 1,770 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 6-2

It’s starting to be a glaring hole on their roster and it seems that maybe their elite defense won’t be able to plug it. Yeah, you know what I mean Denver Broncos fans. The fans must talk about their elite defense daily, as they should. But I wonder how much they are changing that talk to discuss their mediocre, maybe even close to calling bad, quarterback Trevor Siemian.

When you think of the AFC West, the Denver Broncos have been the team to beat in the division, but that is no longer the case. In Week 9, the Broncos took on the Oakland Raiders to show the NFL which team is going to be the frontrunner in their division. The Raiders showed it was them, but more importantly, the Broncos showed that Siemian is a big problem.

They usually pound the rock, but when that started to fail, Trevor Siemian showed he has no elite traits when looking at a quarterback. He ended the game with 283 yards, but most of them came from a late fourth quarter screen pass that wen 69 yards for a touchdown. He turned the ball over twice getting stripped sacked and throwing an interception.

Denver is a very good team, they just need a legitimate quarterback if they are going to repeat. And Siemian isn’t the answer.

Nov 6, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) reacts after throwing an incomplete pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Bortles

QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Previous Rank: 24 (-4)

Week 9 Statistics: 22-41 (53.7%), 252 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 14-19 (L)
Season Statistics: 196-331 (59.2%), 2,156 yards, 14 TDs, 10 INTs
Season Record: 2-6

Is it too early to say that Blake Bortles is a bust and the Jacksonville Jaguars messed up? Well, it’s too soon to call Bortles a bust, but it’s not too soon to start talking about it because he has been that bad. And yes, the Jaguars messed up selecting him with the third-overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, you can definitely start saying that. Wave hello to Derek Carr, everybody.

Bortles has been pretty bad in 2016 and is on pace to throw for 20 interceptions the season. He has only completed 59.2 percent of his passes on the year and his poor play has led to the Jaguars sitting at 2-6, looking like one of the worst teams in football.

His poor play was a big part of their loss this past weekend. He was going up against the Chiefs and it seemed like it would be a tough game for him to begin with. However, he just made it worse. Bortles only completed 53.7 percent of his passes, but did throw for two touchdowns. However, just like it’s been all season, Bortles threw a touchdown late in the fourth when he needed to be doing that the entire game.

Who knows what the Jaguars do in the 2017 NFL Draft, but they will have a top-five pick. Could they decide to cut their losses on Bortles already and draft another quarterback? Or can Bortles be saved?

Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) runs the ball while looking for a receiver during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

Cody Kessler

QB, Cleveland Browns

Previous Rank: NR

Week 9 Statistics: 19-27 (70.4%), 203 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 10-35 (L)
Season Statistics: 108-160 (67.5%), 1,150 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
Season Record: 0-6

It’s never funny to make jokes about NFL players, mainly because I could never do what they are doing, but sometimes there are jokes you have to say. Browns fans at home have the same amount of wins as any Cleveland Browns quarterback this season. Come on, I know people don’t like President-elect Donald Trump, but at 70 years old, he too has the same amount of wins as their current starter Cody Kessler.

I have been making fun of the Browns all season and it won’t stop until they shut me up with a win. But who knows when that will be. So just enjoy my terrible jokes the rest of the year.

Kessler has some potential, but I just don’t see it as much as others. It is hard to get a gauge of his potential and ability, just because the Browns stink so bad. They got blown out by the Cowboys and somehow Kessler ended the day with 203 yards and one touchdown. When the other team scores 35 points, you’d expect at least some high passing numbers from the opposing teams quarterback, but not last week.

The Browns are not going to be good anytime soon, but for the crew that thinks they shouldn’t draft a quarterback in the 2017 NFL Draft, you’re crazy. “With the first pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Cleveland Browns select (insert top quarterback’s name).”

Nov 6, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) yells out from the line of scrimmage during the second half against the New York Jets at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Tannehill

QB, Miami Dolphins

Previous Rank: 26 (NC)

Week 9 Statistics:17-28 (60.7%), 149 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 27-23 (W)
Season Statistics: 156-241 (64.7%), 1,877 yards, 8 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-4

If you have been reading my NFL Quarterback Power Rankings all season, you know that I am not high on Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill. And that continued on Sunday. Tannehill ended the day throwing the ball 28 times for 149 yards and one touchdown. His team won the game, 27-23, but a little more output from Tannehill could have helped them a lot more than what he gave them.

He only threw for 28 more yards than their breakout star running back Jay Ajayi ran for—and Ajayi had the same amount of touchdowns. That isn’t something to be proud of if you’re Tannehill, but I also had to throw some love Ajayi’s way for his impressive season.

Through eight games, Tannehill only has eight touchdowns and 1,877 yards. That puts him on pace to end the year with 16 scores and 3,754 yards. Those numbers would be solid for a rookie quarterback, not one that is currently playing their fifth NFL season. If the Dolphins are going to win more games, Tannehill needs to improve his game, drastically.

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) reacts after throwing a touchdown in the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Flacco

QB, Baltimore Ravens

Previous Rank: 27 (+2)

Week 9 Statistics: 18-30 (60%), 241 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 21-14 (W)
Season Statistics: 207-338 (61.2%), 2,078 yards, 6 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-4

The Baltimore Ravens started the year 3-0, with many wondering if they were for real. Then they answered the question themselves, losing their next four games to fall to 3-4. Luckily for them, they had their bye week to help stop the bleeding of losing four-straight.

One of the biggest problems is their quarterback, Joe Flacco.

He tore his ACL towards the end of last season, but still was able to be the starter for his team in Week 1. Obviously there was going to be some rust because of the injury, but it looks like there could be more than rust now. Flacco just isn’t playing very good football and, if it wasn’t for wide receiver Mike Wallace making a play to score a 95-yard touchdown, Flacco would have had a much worse day in Week 9.

Baltimore’s starting quarterback ended with 241 yards and one score,and he managed to throw yet another interception. That interception gives him seven on the year, one more than the six touchdowns he’s thrown. Flacco needs to improve and needs to improve quickly. At 4-4, the Ravens can easily make the playoffs, but not if Flacco keeps playing so poorly.

Nov 6, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Nick Foles (4) drops back to pass during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Foles

QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Previous Rank: NR

Week 9 Statistics: 20-33 (60.6%), 187 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 19-14 (W)
Season Statistics: 36-55 (65.5%), 410 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Season Record: 1-0

If you would have told me in 2012 that Nick Foles and Andy Reid would win a football game together in 2016, I probably would’ve believed you. However, if you told me that Foles and Reid won that game for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016, I would have said you were crazy.

Foles was taken in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft by Reid, but when Reid was the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles. Both Foles and Reid had bad years in 2012, with Foles only winning one game out of the six he started.

After that down year in Philly, they fired Reid and Foles was left without the coach who drafted hin. Fast forward to present time and the band is back together! Reid went out and got Foles, who had been doing pretty poorly since his dominant 2013 season.

The decision to get him wasn’t one to start him, but to serve has the backup to Alex Smith. It was also so Reid could try to coach Foles up and get the most out of him. But then Smith got hurt and in came Foles during their Week 8 game. He did well, throwing for two scores. Smith was unable to play in Week 9, so that meant Reid and Foles would go into a game together for the first time since 2012.

Foles played okay, throwing for 187 yards and a score, but the Chiefs won the game. Smith will return in Week 10, though. Still, it was fun to see Reid and Foles win a game together in 2016.

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) reacts following a sack during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Sam Bradford

QB, Minnesota Vikings

Previous Rank: 18 (-5)

Week 9 Statistics: 31-40 (77.5%), 273 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 16-22 (L)
Season Statistics: 166-243 (68.3%), 1,715 yards, 9 TDs, 1 INT
Season Record: 4-3

After playing the best football of his life for the first four starts of his Minnesota Vikings career, quarterback Sam Bradford is back to being the man who was taken No. 1 overall in the 2010 NFL Draft, but has been traded twice since that day.

The reason he’s been traded is the fact that he isn’t an elite quarterback. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise because it isn’t true. Bradford has never thrown for 4,000 yards nor has he ever thrown over 21 touchdown passes in a season.

In his seven starts this year, if you would break it down for a full 16-game season (he missed Week 1 because he was traded nine days before the year started), Bradford is on pace to throw for a career high 3,920 yards, but only 21 touchdown passes.

The only impressive aspect of his game is the fact he has only thrown one interception this season. He has fumbled five times, but these turnover numbers aren’t bad for Bradford considering he has had years when he threw 15, 14, and 13 interceptions.

His poor play has led to many calling the Vikings offense the worst in the NFL. In my opinion, they have a solid defense, but their offense just isn’t able to do enough for them to be a real contender in the NFC. And that all falls on Bradford’s shoulders.

Oct 30, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) looks to pass during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Cardinals 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Palmer

QB, Arizona Cardinals

Previous Rank: NC (BYE WEEK)

Week 9 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 9 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 177-282 (62.8%), 2,068 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs
Season Record: 2-4-1

Before the year started, I predicted that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer would have a down year, especially after he dominated last season. In 2015, Palmer ended the year with 4,671 yards and 35 touchdowns passes.

Many felt he could do the same and help the Cardinals get back into the playoffs, but I just felt like that would be the best he could play while in Arizona and I was right. Through nine weeks, Palmer has only played seven games, throwing for 2,068 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also thrown six interceptions, but Palmer is no stranger to throwing picks.

With those numbers, Palmer is on pace for 4,726 yards, which is impressive, but only 23 touchdowns. The touchdowns are obviously important because they need to score, but the low touchdown numbers also explain why he is only 2-4-1 this year as the starte.

The Cardinals are going to need to improve their passing game and start having Palmer throw for more scores or this year could get away from them fast and get ugly. It all depends on Palmer, though, if he has any gas in the tank left, Week 10 is when he should start using it.

Oct 30, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) looks to the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Osweiler

QB, Houston Texans

Previous Rank: NC (BYE WEEK)

Week 9 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 9 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 176-297 (59.3%), 1,719 yards, 9 TDs, 9 INTs
Season Record: 5-3

As the Houston Texans went into the Week 9 bye, it honestly felt like they had a losing record. It is weird to think they are currently 5-3 and first in the AFC South. One of the big problems for the Texans has been the play of their quarterback, Brock Osweiler.

Osweiler signed a massive contract this offseason and the defending Super Bowl champion (it never gets old) hasn’t played like he deserved it.

Through eight weeks, Osweiler has thrown nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. That puts him on pace to end the year with 18 touchdown and 18 interceptions, but that is arguably not even the worst part. He is only on pace to throw for 3,438 yards, but he has weapons to get the ball to like DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller. Yet, the numbers just aren’t there for him.

Luckily the Texans defense has been able to make up for his poor play because if not, this could look a lot worse. Hopefully the bye week allows him to relax and get ready for the back half of the season.

Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Russell Wilson

QB, Seattle Seahawks

Previous Rank: 23 (+3)

Week 9 Statistics: 20-26 (76.9%), 282 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 31-25 (W)
Season Statistics: 178-267 (66.7%), 2,094 yards, 7 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 5-2-1

I could almost guarantee that when Russell Wilson has a good game, there are fans of his who think that I am an idiot. Luckily for me, that hasn’t happened much in 2016 because Wilson has been pretty bad, to be honest.

Don’t you worry Wilson fans, I will admit he played solid this week. Wilson threw for 282 yards and two touchdowns while not throwing an interception. This was just the second time all season Wilson has thrown for multiple touchdowns in a game, so obviously he did something right this week. Even with the two scores in Week 9, though, Wilson is still on track to only throw for 14 touchdowns. Yikes.

I get it, his offensive line stinks and his weapons aren’t elite, but Wilson is regarded as a top quarterback by many, so he needs to play like one every single week. Wilson has more weeks (4) not throwing for a score than he does throwing for more than one touchdown. He also has the same amount of one-touchdown games (2) as multiple touchdown games. That won’t get you ranked high in the power rankings, even after a solid game.

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) celebrates after a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

Eli Manning

QB, New York Giants

Previous Rank: 20 (+1)

Week 9 Statistics: 22-36 (61.1%), 257 yards, 4 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 28-23 (W)
Season Statistics: 197-306 (64.4%), 2,241 yards, 12 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 5-3

Heading into Week 9, the New York Giants needed a big win against the division rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles. So far through 2016, Giants quarterback Eli Manning hasnt played “ELIte” football as the New York fans like to say.

He had thrown only eight touchdown passes in seven games and just hasnt been able to get the offesne going.

That all changed last week. Manning lit the Eagles terrible cornerbacks up, throwing for 257 yards and four touchdowns. Two of the touchdowns were to Odell Beckham Jr., who caught one slant route and turned it into a big score, while also making an impressive grab in the end zone later.

The only problem with Manning’s game in Week 9 was that he threw two interceptions. Now, the only pick was just a great play by the corner, but the second was when the game was on the line. The Giants needed a first down to win the game, but Manning had his pass tipped and picked off. It could have led to a big collapse and loss, but luckily for him his defense bailed him out. He needs to make sure plays like that never happen and he needs to keep throwing more touchdowns like he did this week.

Nov 7, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Tyrod Taylor

QB, Buffalo Bills

Previous Rank: 16 (-2)

Week 9 Statistics: 27-38 (71.1%), 289 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 25-31 (L)
Season Statistics: 162-268 (60.4%), 1,769 yards, 10 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 4-5

The Buffalo Bills season of ups and downs continues. Sadly, it seems to me that it’s been more downs than ups at this point. Starting the year 0-2, the season was over in many fans eyes. However, this Bills team rallied back to win four-straight games. After getting to 4-2, the fans were thinking that they have a real shot to do something this year, especially after they beat the New England Patriots in Week 4.

That sounded great, but they have now lost three-straight and are now 4-5 on the year. How could something like the happen? Honestly, that is just football, but also their quarterback Tyrod Taylor isn’t elite by any means.

Taylor is becoming more of a game-manager as he continues to play more games in the NFL. I have not really been impressed with him throwing the football. But in his defense, he doesn’t have many targets to throw to. He did throw for 289 yards and a touchdowns against the Seahawks and he added a rushing score, but the one turnovers hurt against a team like Seattle. You need to score any chance you get and turning the ball over takes that chance away.

Buffalo needs Taylor to start playing better or the three-game losing streak will turn to four after their bye in Week 10.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws a pass against the Washington Redskins during game 17 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. The Redskins and Bengals tied 27-27 tie. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Dalton

QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Previous Rank: NC (BYE WEEK)

Week 9 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 9 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 193-288 (67%), 2,349 yards, 9 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 3-4-1

The Cincinnati Bengals and their quarterback, Andy Dalton, needed their Week 9 bye badly. They have won two of their last seven games and have looked like they could be an irrelevant team in the NFL as we push closer to the playoffs. It’s odd, especially considering Dalton and the Bengals were so strong last season, but a big part of their poor year has come from their quarterback.

Dalton has had a really down year in 2016. He is on pace for 18 touchdown passes, which would be fewer than last season when he only played 13 games. He has been throwing for a ton of yards, he is on pace for 4,698, which would be a career-high. However, yards mean nothing if you aren’t getting into the end zone.

His team needs to start scoring points and it all starts with him. Hopefully he comes out of the bye week ready to play and ready to lead his team. If he doesn’t, not only will the Bengals be a forgotten team, Dalton could be forgotten to the backup quarterback, A.J. McCarron.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) drops to throw a pass during the second half of a football game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium. The Falcons won 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Jameis Winston

QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Previous Rank: 14 (-2)

Week 9 Statistics: 23-37 (62.2%), 261 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 28-43 (L)
Season Statistics: 181-306 (59.2%), 2,037 yards, 17 TDs, 9 INTs
Season Record: 3-5

I am very passionate about the game of football and I like to see when others are too. When I watch Jameis Winston play the game, for all of the knocks he gets about his personality, I see a guy who is passionate about the game. He is always smiling and having fun, outside of the knee injury he sustained in Week 9.

The injury was unfortunate, but they happen. Before the injury, Winston was playing well, but not well enough. He fumbled the ball and was getting outplayed by Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

Winston did end the day with three touchdowns, but sometimes you leave points on the field in a shootout and he did that. He has only completed 59.2 percent of his passes this year, so he just needs to fine-tune his accuracy if he is going to get higher in the power rankings. His team stinks too, so if he can get some more wins, he will earn a higher spot.

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) drops back to pass against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Jay Cutler

QB, Chicago Bears

Previous Rank: NC (BYE WEEK)

Week 9 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 9 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 48-77 (62.3%), 625 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 1-2

This bye week for the Chicago Bears will be a good one because their starting quarterback Jay Cutler can try to get healthier. He is still recovering from a thumb injury, even though he did play last week and win a big game for his team.

Cutler has been crushed by me and a lot of others all season. However, it obviously didn’t get to him, because he came out and played a great game against the Minnesota Vikings. He ended the game with one touchdown, but he did not throw turn the ball over so that was the most important part.

He needs to make sure that he used the bye to get healthy and prepare to help his Bears team win. This will most likely be his last season in Chicago, so the next eight weeks are going to be a big job interview for him. It will be interesting to see how Cutler responds to the talk of him not returning next year, but I think he will have a chance to do enough and earn himself a job next season.

Nov 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Luck

QB, Indianapolis Colts

Previous Rank: 13 (-1)

Week 9 Statistics: 23-36 (63.9%), 281 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 31-26 (W)
Season Statistics: 221-347 (63.7%), 2,565 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-5

It’s Year 5 for former No. 1-overall pick and current Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. If you want to get technical, it is Year 4.5 since he missed nine games last season. When he was coming out of college, I used to stay up late to watch him throw the ball. I loved the way he commanded the offense and how he put the ball right where it needed to be.

He’s the second highest graded quarterback I have ever scouted and I have expected a lot from him. But like I said, it is Year 5 now. Luck needs to be the guy that dominates football games and you can say, “his team has a chance every single week because of him.” Can you say that about the Colts? I could see the argument for both sides, but it shouldn’t be an argument.

Luck needs to improve this season and start playing at the elite level he has shown flashes of. Luckily for Luck, his two early interceptions in Week 9 weren’t as costly as they could have been. His team rallied behind him and they were able to win a big game against the Green Bay Packers.

The Colts quarterback ended the night with 281 yards and only one touchdown. He has 17 scores on the year and has thrown for 2,565 yards. Luck needs to improve those numbers, while leading his team to victory, if he is going to be higher in the power rankings.

Nov 6, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) walks off the field during the second half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. The Giants defeated the Eagles 28-23. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Wentz

QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Previous Rank: 11 (-2)

Week 9 Statistics: 27-47 (57.4%), 364 yards, 0 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 23-28 (L)
Season Statistics: 177-275 (64.4%), 1,890 yards, 9 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 4-4

The Wentz Wagon was fun when the Philadelphia Eagles started 3-0, but now after they have one of their last four to drop to 4-4, it’s not too fun to be on it. And yes, I am still on it and driving.

To be honest, rookie quarterback Carson Wentz starting so hot was actually bad for him. The reason: some fans are crazy and so ignorant that it hurts my brain to hear or see what they say! I have seen some fans calling Wentz a bust. I have seen some well-respected media members saying Wentz isn’t good. Those people are crazy and I wish I could sit them down to break film down for them and prove to them how foolish those statements are.

For the second time this season, the rookie quarterback played like a rookie quarterback. Wait, isn’t that how a rookie quarterback is supposed to play? And he has only done it twice all year? Yeah, he stinks…

Come on people, you are smarter than this. Wentz started the game with two bad interceptions, but those interceptions can actually result in net positives going forward. Wentz doesn’t throw interceptions often, so throwing them affords him a learning opportunity. He needs to make mistakes so that he can correct them. It will only make him better.

From the 2016 NFL Draft, there isn’t a better young quarterback in the league from a talent standpoint.

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws on the run during the second quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Roethlisberger

QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Previous Rank: NR

Week 9 Statistics: 23-45 (51.1%), 264 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 14-21 (L)
Season Statistics: 168-271 (62%), 1,949 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-3

Injuries are part of the game, but if we could somehow make the NFL a real life Madden franchise, my first action would be to turn off injuries. Why? One, I would never wish pain on anyone and it would be cool to know that no one would get hurt playing this amazing game. Two, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

This guy is a future Hall-of-Fame quarterback in my eyes, but his biggest knock the last two seasons has been his inability to stay healthy. Last season, he missed four games and this year he has already missed one, but luckily had his bye wek to save him from missing his second consecutive week. He decided to come back and play, definitely not at 100 percent, on Sunday. That may have been the wrong decision.

When you decide to play injured, there is no excuse of, “he played poorly because he was injured.” That is your choice as a quarterback and Big Ben played poorly. Roethlisberger ended the game with 264 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He did not do enough to help his team win and it just wasn’t the game he’s capable of playing.

I would love to see the numbers he would put up if he stayed healthy for 16 games because, even after missing a game and playing two others injured, Roethlisberger is still on pace for 39 touchdown passes and 4,455 yards.

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Mariota

QB, Tennessee Titans

Previous Rank: 10 (-1)

Week 9 Statistics: 27-43 (62.8%), 313 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 35-43 (L)
Season Statistics: 184-291 (63.2%), 2,187 yards, 17 TDs, 8 INTs
Season Record: 4-5

I have been very critical of Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, but he has shut me up the last couple of weeks. Mariota led his Titans to win three of their last four, mainly because he was playing lights out.

In Week 9, however, he played terribly. Yeah, he did throw for 313 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for another scores. But those four touchdowns were canceled out by the two he gave the San Diego Chargers.

On one occasion, Mariota fumbled the ball and it was returned for a touchdown. It was poor ball-security on his part and is unacceptable. On the second touchdown he gave the Chargers, he made a bad read and throw. The cornerback jumped the out route and easily returned the ball for a score. Your team can’t win football games if you give the other team a free 14 points.

Mariota has been played well, but this was definitely a bump in the road for him. He will need to bounce back next week or he will fall farther in the power rankings.

Nov 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) reacts to a touchdown scored by running back Ezekiel Elliott (not pictured) against the Cleveland Browns in the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Dak Prescott

QB, Dallas Cowboys

Previous Rank: 12 (+2)

Week 9 Statistics: 21-27 (77.8%), 247 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 35-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 165-248 (66.5%), 2,020 yards, 12 TDs, 2 INTs
Season Record: 7-1

At times, it is hard to talk about Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott because Cowboys fans ruin it for me. Listen, I understand the excitement, I do. However, I do not understand the blatant neglect of factual information and blatant neglect of levelheaded thoughts.

Cowboys fans may believe their team is going to win the Super Bowl this season and that is cool. But I only agree under one condition; if Tony Romo is the one under center.

Yes, Prescott has played well, but watch his three touchdown passes agains the Cleveland Browns. The play-design is money and he is making throws any quarterback could make. I know it sounds like I am knocking Prescott, which I guess you could say I am. But I am just trying to explain that for how good Prescott has played, he really hasn’t been as special as many fans make him out to be.

I’ve been saying it for a while now, the Dallas Cowboys are winning with Dak Prescott, Prescott isn’t winning for the Dallas Cowboys. There has been big debate on whether you would want Wentz or Prescott and, for me, it isn’t even close. If you put Wentz on the Cowboys, and Prescott on the Eagles, your opinion would match mine.

He gets a high ranking in the power rankings because, even though he isn’t doing anything truly special, he has managed the Cowboys to an impressive 7-1 record. Who knows what will happen with Romo when he is officially back. If I’m running the Cowboys, though, Romo is the best option.

Nov 6, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) throws a pass in the first half of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Cam Newton

QB, Carolina Panthers

Previous Rank: 9 (NC)

Week 9 Statistics: 20-32 (62.5%), 225 yards, 1 TD, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 13-10 (W)
Season Statistics: 138-239 (57.7%), 1,733 yards, 9 TDs, 6 INTs
Season Record: 3-4

I said it in last week’s rankings and I will say it again this week; do not rule out the Carolina Panthers just yet! This team lost one game last season, yet they are 3-5 so far through nine weeks. Yes, it is disappointing, but no their season isn’t over.

People have already written them off, but it’s like they forget that they have quarterback Cam Newton on their team. The same Cam Newton that won 2015 NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. The same Cam Newton that, at any moment, could go off and dominate your defense with his feet or his arm.

Newton and the Panthers needed a big, hard-fought win in Week 9 and that is exactly what they got. They won the game 13-10, but the way they battled as a team is going to be huge moving forward. Newton played solid, not great football. He completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 225 yard and one touchdown.

He did not throw an interception and he did just enough to make sure his team got the win. Newton hasn’t played as well as he did last year, but he doesn’t need to. The Panthers just need to play team football and allow Newton to be special in the process. Newton will not win MVP this year, but I am sure he would rather make the playoffs and they still have a chance to do that.

Nov 6, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) pumps his fist during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Philip Rivers

QB, San Diego Chargers

Previous Rank: 8 (NC)

Week 9 Statistics: 24-33 (72.7%), 275 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 43-35 (W)
Season Statistics: 206-325 (63.4%), 2,560 yards, 17 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-5

I had a friend text me the other day and say that San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is having a bad year. Shocked, I read the text twice to make sure I was reading it right, just to make sure I knew what I was about to rip him for. Rivers is having a bad year? No way!

This man has no No. 1 wide receiver and I would even argue no No. 2 wide receiver. His best pass-catching running back, Danny Woodhead, tore his ACL early in the year, so Rivers is without him too. Yet, with all of that stacked against him, he has his Chargers at 4-5. More importantly, he has played some really good football.

Rivers has thrown for 2,560 yards and 17 touchdowns. He is on pace for 4,551 yards and 30 touchdown passes, again, without a true No. 1 or 2 wide receiver. Yeah, the Chargers may struggle at times, but they won on Sunday, 43-35, and Rivers played a big part in that.

He ended the game with 275 passing yards and two touchdowns. Rivers didn’t thrown an interception and made sure he did enough for his team to get the victory. So, everything I am saying now, was said to my friend, with some more choice words mixed in for flavor.

Nov 6, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. Indianapolis won 31-26. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Aaron Rodgers

QB, Green Bay Packers

Previous Rank: 5 (-2)

Week 9 Statistics: 26-43 (60.5%), 297 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 26-31 (L)
Season Statistics: 202-318 (63.5%), 2,039 yards, 20 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 4-4

It’s been an ugly couple of weeks for the Green Bay Packers. They started 3-1 and are now 4-4, losing three of their last four games. It hasn’t been what many expected, including myself. I picked the Packers to win the Super Bowl before the year started and now I may be looking a little crazy.

One of the biggest reasons I picked the Packers was because they have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Rodgers is one of the best in the league, but he did not start the season like that. However, he has warmed up and started to get hot, but oddly enough his team has been losing while he’s been hot.

They have lost their last two games, but Rodgers has thrown seven touchdowns and only one interception in those two losses. One big problem for the Packers is their injuries. Tons of key starters are injured for their defense, but the biggest injury is the loss of running back Eddie Lacy. Without Lacy, the Packers have thrown Ty Montgomery in there to be their lead back. Montgomery has done well. But without Lacy, it makes Rodgers more of a guaranteed passer before the play even starts.

He has played well, but his team is losing. As hard as it is to say, maybe Rodgers needs to somehow do even more than he is already doing—and fast.

Oct 30, 2016; London, United Kingdom; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) scrambles during the third quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Cousins

QB, Washington Redskins

Previous Rank: NC (BYE WEEK)

Week 9 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 9 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 215-321 (67%), 2,454 yards, 12 TDs, 7 INTs
Season Record: 4-3-1

Captain Kirk Cousins has been the driving force behind his team this season. The Washington Redskins sit at 4-3-1, but that is good enough for third in their division and they are within striking distance of making a playoff run.

Without Cousins, who knows where this team would be because he has thrown for 2,454 yards, 121 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. That puts him on pace for 4,908 yards, 24 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. The touchdowns and interceptions are obviously not where they need to be, but Cousins had a rough start to the 2016 season before he dialed in.

Washington’s starting quarterback has had his fare share of good games this season, putting together a four-game winning streak before suffering a subsequent loss and then tie. He needs to make sure he has his team hungry as they come out of their bye, because they can lose ground quickly in the NFC East.

Although, the best part about the NFC East is that you can gain ground quickly if you can put a nice streak of wins together. They have a tough test against a solid Vikings pass defense, so look for Cousins to either have a great game or one that will knock him down the rankings for next week.

Nov 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Lions defeated the Vikings 22-16. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Stafford

QB, Detroit Lions

Previous Rank: 7 (+2)

Week 9 Statistics: 23-36 (63.9%), 219 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Week 9 Final Score: 22-16 (W)
Season Statistics: 214-318 (67.3%), 2,373 yards, 18 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 5-4

The Detroit Lions won on Sunday, moving to 5-4 on the year. All five of their wins have been close, winning in the fourth quarter of all five. Not only did they win in the fourth for all five, their quarterback Matthew Stafford led them on game-winning drives to get those five wins.

Yes, Stafford currently leads the NFL with five game-winning drives, representing 100 percent of his teams wins in doing so. That stat itself is ridiculous and amazing, but Stafford has also put up some solid numbers all year, too.

He current has thrown for 2,373 yards and 18 touchdowns while only throwing five interceptions. Stafford played a solid game against the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 219 yards and two touchdowns. However, the last touchdown was the biggest. He found Golden Tate for a walk-off touchdown pass in overtime.

If he can continue to will his team to wins, the Lions are a team that you could keep an eye out for. Their division is filled with the Packers and Vikings, but they just defeated the Vikings and the Packers also lost on Sunday.

Nov 6, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi

Drew Brees

QB, New Orleans Saints

Previous Rank: 4 (NC)

Week 9 Statistics: 28-39 (71.8%), 323 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 41-23 (W)
Season Statistics: 242-347 (69.7%), 2,689 yards, 21 TDs, 5 INTs
Season Record: 4-4

5,378 yards, 42 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Those are ridiculous good numbers and would make a player very happy, unless you’re the New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees. A season like that is one to dream of for quarterbacks in the NFL, but for Brees, those numbers wouldn’t even be career-highs.

Moral of the story, Brees is ridiculously good. No, he is ridiculously great. Great enough that one day he will be a first ballot Hall of Fame player. There is no debate on that, but there is a debate on whether or not his team will make the playoffs.

After starting 0-3, Brees and his Saints have pushed back to get to 4-4. The big reason for that is the fact that Brees is playing elite football and leading his team to victories. If they did not have Brees, they would not be able to be in the position they are.

Brees dominated their Week 9 game, throwing for 323 yards and three scores. The dominant game led to another victory and showed that the Saints aren’t a team to sleep on this season. They take on the Denver Broncos in Week 10. So if Brees can sling it against them, he may even be a dark horse MVP candidate, as well as a guy that could be the No. 1 quarterback in the power rankings.

Nov 6, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts after the Raiders rushed for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 30-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr

QB, Oakland Raiders

Previous Rank: 2 (-1)

Week 9 Statistics: 20-31 (64.5%), 184 yards, 0 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 30-20 (W)
Season Statistics: 234-354 (66.1%), 2,505 yards, 17 TDs, 3 INTs
Season Record: 7-2

Last weeks NFL Quarterback Power Rankings piece was titled, “Derek Carr for MVP?” Do I truly believe Carr should win MVP? Yes.

Carr has been sensational all season and Week 9 was no different. You may be thinking, “He didn’t even throw for 200 yards or a score, so how was he sensational this week?” Let me explain by first stating they were playing the Denver Broncos. Denver has arguably the best defense in the NFL, but they also are in the Raiders division at the top looking to lead. Whoever won the game would be in first place, so it was obviously a huge game.

Instead of trying to force everything, especially after the MVP talk had started to pick up during the week, Carr took what the defense gave him and did what is best for his team. They pounded the rock and dominated the game, winning 30-20.

The MVP is going to put up numbers I know, but a true MVP in my eyes will do whatever he can to make sure his team gets the win, even if that means jeopardizing his own stats. Obviously you would like to see Carr throw for 300 yard and three touchdowns, but he heads into his bye week with the Oakland Raiders in first place and looking like a legitimate playoff contender.

Nov 3, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls out the snap during the second half of a football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Falcons won 43-28. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Ryan

QB, Atlanta Falcons

Previous Rank: 3 (+1)

Week 9 Statistics: 25-34 (73.5%), 344 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
Week 9 Final Score: 43-28 (W)
Season Statistics: 218-313 (69.6%), 2,980 yards, 23 TDs, 4 INTs
Season Record: 6-3

If you read that a quarterback threw for 5,298 yards, 41 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 2016, you would think that he is elite and had a great year. Well, start thinking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is elite, because he is showing that he truly is.

It has been a long path for Ryan leading up to this point. He was taken with the third overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft and has yet to have a season where you would consider him an elite quarterback. That is not a knock on him, just more about the greatness of the others ahead of him. Ryan hasn’t been terrible, he’s been a solid starter, but there was more to be desired while watching him.

All of what you desired is finally coming to fruition this season. He is balling out and doing it with ease. I think that is the most important aspect of his game, not the numbers and the wins, but the ability to look so cool under pressure back there.

It’s allowed him to have monstrous games, like he did in Week 9. Ryan threw for 344 yards and four touchdowns while dominating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also did not throw an interceptions and has taken care of the football all year.

We always try to discuss which quarterbacks are elite, but make sure Ryan is now in that discussion.

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Tom Brady

QB, New England Patriots

Previous Rank: NC (BYE WEEK)

Week 9 Statistics: BYE WEEK
Week 9 Final Score: BYE WEEK
Season Statistics: 98-134 (73.1%), 1,319 yards, 12 TDs, 0 INTs
Season Record: 4-0

For the first week he has been active, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady did not throw for multiple touchdowns. Why? The Patriots are on their bye week.

They are easily the hottest team in football and that is directly reflected because their quarterback is playing the best football of his life. Brady is on pace to throw for 5,276 yards, 48 touchdowns, and zero interceptions if he were playing a full 16-game season.

Obviously he won’t be playing the full season because of his four-game Delfategate suspension. But even though he will only start 12 games this season; Brady is a legitimate MVP candidate. Yeah, they went 3-1 without him, but with him they are the best team in football.

Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time in many eyes, including my own, and he is just cementing that fact even more in 2016. I picked the Patriots to lose in the Super Bowl this season. However, I do not feel comfortable about my pick any longer. I actually believe the Patriots can win another Super Bowl and it will be because of the elite level Brady has been playing.

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