NFL Quarterback Power Rankings Week 2: Philip Rivers Dominates
NFL Quarterback Power Rankings after Week 2.
The trash has been picked up from empty stadiums. Practices began to prepare for a new matchup. And the Cleveland Browns are down another quarter. Yes, that must mean we are back for the NFL Quarterback Power Rankings after Week 2 of the 2016 NFL season.
Week 1 allowed us to see all 32 starting quarterbacks in action, setting the tone for their 2016 seasons. However, Week 2 featured two new quarterbacks. One of them started because of injury, while another took over for Shaun Hill in Minnesota.
Many fans were excited as their quarterbacks dazzled while others were upset that their signal-callers disappointed.
In Week 2, there was a total of 8,913 passing yards, which was 646 yards more than Week 1. There were also more touchdown passes this week than there was the week before, as the quarterbacks threw 50 compared to last weeks 48.
Those were the positive aspects of the week, but Week 2 featured 28 interceptions, which was nine more than last week and 68 sacks, which was two more than the previous week. There were no ties or byes this week, so 16 quarterbacks won and 16 quarterbacks lost.
From now until the end of the season, NFL Spin Zone will continue to rank the quarterbacks during the 2016 NFL season. The rankings are based off of the quarterbacks weekly play, but as the year progresses, their play throughout the entire season will help impact their ranking.
Now onto the NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, starting with the very bottom.
Sep 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Case Keenum (17) passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of a NFL game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Case Keenum
QB, Los Angeles Rams
Previous Rank: 32
Week 2 Statistics: 18-30 (60%), 239 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 12-6 (W)
Season Statistics: 35-56 (53.8%), 369 yards, 0 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
This seems like it will be a familiar place for Case Keenum the entire season, No. 32. Keenum has yet to score a touchdown two weeks into the season, highlighting the fact that he is the worst starting quarterback in football.
In Week 2, he did play the Seattle Seahawks, who have one of the best secondaries in the game. However he didn’t do much for his team. Not only did he not score a touchdown in two weeks, Keenum hasn’t even led a touchdown drive!
There is no doubt in my mind that the Los Angeles Rams are making a huge mistake not putting their number one overall pick in. Honestly, how much worse could Jared Goff do? There is no way you could say he wouldn’t, at the very least, lead his team to a score.
If that is the case, then the Rams struck out on Goff and it will be a long season for them. At least they play the Seahawks again one more time this season because that seems to be the only game they show up to play in.
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (13) drops back to pass in the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Trevor Siemian
QB, Denver Broncos
Previous Rank: 31
Week 2 Statistics: 22-33 (54.5%), 266 yards, 0 TD’s, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 34-20 (W)
Season Statistics: 40-59 (67.8 %), 444 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT’s
Season Record: 2-0
Yes, the Denver Broncos are 2-0 on the season. No, it is not because of the play of their starting quarterback Trevor Siemian.
Siemian was named the starter before the regular season, but many questioned whether it was the right move. Even after they haven’t lost yet in the 2016 NFL season, I believe it isn’t the right move.
The Broncos had the idea of having Siemian in there to manage the game, while minimizing turnovers and making sure he does enough to let the defense win the game. Mainly for the Broncos, it has been their defense winning the games, along with their rushing attack.
The former Northwestern quarterback has thrown three interceptions throughout the first two games, while only throwing for one touchdown. The Indianapolis Colts secondary is atrocious right now, yet Siemian wasn’t able to complete more than 55 percent of his passes, or throw for a single touchdown. It’s good that the Broncos are 2-0. However, the mediocre play of Siemian will catch up with them.
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert (2) looks to pass the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Blaine Gabbert
QB, San Francisco 49ers
Previous Rank: 29 (-1)
Week 2 Statistics: 17-36 (47.2 %), 243 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 27-46 (L)
Season Statistics: 39-71 (54.9 %), 413 yards, 3 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
Just when you want to believe Blaine Gabbert has been saved by Chip Kelly, he goes out and only completes 47.2 percent of his passes and throws two interceptions. This is still the same Blaine Gabbert who was drafted in the first round, just to be traded to the 49ers and play mediocre football.
As Colin Kaepernick steals the headlines, that actually is a good thing fort Gabbert because he hasn’t been great so far in 2016. After seeing his team give up 46 points, Gabbert was only able to throw for two touchdowns and 243 yards. That isn’t ideal from your starter and Gabbert needs to improve, quickly.
The 49ers dominated the Rams in Week 1, but the Rams aren’t a very good football team. Only completing 55 percent of his passes on the year, Gabbert is showing his accuracy issues are impacting his teams success. If the 49ers want any chance of not picking in the top 10 this season, the No. 30 quarterback needs to play better.
Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Barry Church (42) intercepts a pass from Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (not pictured) in the end zone in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Cowboys won 27-23. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Kirk Cousins
QB, Washington Redskins
Previous Rank: 25 (-4)
Week 2 Statistics: 28-46 (60.8%), 364 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 23-27 (L)
Season Statistics: 58-89 (65.2%), 693 yards, 1 TD, 3 INT
Season Record: 0-2
Yuck. That rancid taste in your mouth is the Kirk Cousins Kool-Aid, if you were drinking it. The franchise-tagged quarterback wanted a big deal during the offseason, but the Washington Redskins were set on not giving Cousins the bank just yet. They decided to wait and see if he could play well for two straight seasons, and it’s looking like that will pay off.
Cousins has been very bad this season, definitely not showing he deserves franchise quarterback money. He threw a terrible interception late in the game on Sunday, while locked on his target in the end zone. The pick cost the Redskins points and more importantly, it cost them the game.
It isn’t just me who see’s just how bad Cousins is playing, it’s his teammates as well. Body language is important in football, so look at his wide receivers frustrations with their quarterback throughout the game. Cousins has thrown three interceptions so far in 2016, but the biggest problem is that the Redskins are now 0-2 because of it.
If he continues to play poorly, the Redskins will continue to lose—while also being in the market for a new quarterback during the offseason.
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Josh McCown (13) is pressured by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Matt Judon (91) during the first half at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Josh McCown
QB, Cleveland Browns
Previous Rank: NR
Week 2 Statistics: 20-33 (60.6%), 260 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 20-25 (L)
Season Statistics: 20-33 (60.6%), 260 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Season Record: 0-1
Another week, another starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. Ugh, it is so sad to watch this team crumble so early in the season, but at the same time, it is so expected. You can either feel bad for the Browns or look forward to finding out who will start quarterback for them next.
This week, it was journeyman Josh McCown.
Robert Griffin III started the first game of the season for them, played horrible, and got injured. That injury could spell the end of the season for RGIII, so McCown was given a chance to play the rest of the season.
That was until he threw two interceptions and blew a lead for his team. The worst part of the game was that McCown also got injured and will not play next week. So, while he sits at No. 28 this week, we will have a new Browns quarterback on the rankings for Week 3: rookie Cody Kessler.
The new game we are going to play: which Browns quarterback breaks the top-25 of the quarterback rankings this season. Also, don’t rule out the fact that even Kessler may not be the last quarterback they start this season.
Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) reacts after thrownig an intercepted pass against the New England Patriots in the last seconds of play at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins 31-24. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Tannehill
QB, Miami Dolphins
Previous Rank: 23 (-4)
Week 2 Statistics: 32-45 (71.1%), 389 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 24-31 (L)
Season Statistics: 48-74 (64.9%), 575 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Season Record: 0-2
If you look at the box score from the New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins game, you would think that Ryan Tannehill played well. Well, like most games, the box score doesn’t always tell the story.
After not throwing for a touchdown in Week 1, Tannehill was back and looking to redeem himself. Instead, Tannehill played horrible in the first half. His poor play allowed the Patriots to get a commanding lead, which led to the Dolphins needing to pass the ball, a lot.
Those pass plays, 45 attempts, allowed Tannehill to do some damage late in the game. He ended with 389 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions to go with it. His 2016 campaign isn’t what the Dolphins had expected, so hopefully he can get back on track.
Luckily for Tannehill and the Dolphins, it is only Week 2. But there is some cause for concern as their quarterback sits at No. 27 in the quarterback power rankings.
Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Destiny Vaeao (97) makes Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) fumble the ball during the second half at Soldier Field. The Eagles won 29-14. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jay Cutler
QB, Chicago Bears
Previous Rank: 24 (-2)
Week 2 Statistics: 12-17 (70.6%), 157 yards, 0 TD’s, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 29-14 (L)
Season Statistics: 28-46 (60.9%), 373 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s
Season Record: 0-2
When you hear the name Jay Cutler, you think of a quarterback that wears his emotions on his sleeve, but also turns the ball over a lot. Well, that Jay Cutler was in full-swing Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cutler started the game hot, completing hard passes and flashing the arm talent that still allows him to be a formidable starter in the league, however his offensive line stopped protecting him and his feet started to get happy. You could see as each drive progressed, Cutler was closer to making a mistake. He did not look comfortable in the pocket and then he fumbled the ball on a sack that shouldn’t have made hum fumble.
After the fumble, he looked to be in some pain in his thumb or hand area, later ruled a thumb injury, but Cutler stayed in for another drive. That may have been the wrong move, as Cutler threw a terrible interception.
Jay Cutler never saw Nigel Bradham…
PICKED. #PHIvsCHI #FlyEaglesFly https://t.co/eXYeoY2c4a
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2016
The poor pass led to an Eagles touchdown and led to many questioning just how much more Cutler has for the Bears. It’s unknown if he will start next week. Regardless, it looks like Cutler will be a bottom feeder in the power rankings the entire season.
Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) walks off the field after a 38-14 loss to San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Blake Bortles
QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Previous Rank: 16 (-9)
Week 2 Statistics: 31-50 (62%), 329 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 14-38 (L)
Season Statistics: 55-89 (61.8%), 649 yards, 3 TD’s, 3 INT’s
Season Record: 0-2
If I had to pick one quarterback I struggle to get onboard with the hype they received this offseason, it was Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles.
A lot of people love his ability, and I am one of them. What I do not love is his decision-making. There are times that Bortles flashes All Pro potential, but then there are other times where he looks like a marginal NFL quarterback. That inconstant play is what led him to drop nine spots in the quarterback rankings this week.
Bortles played terrible in Week 2, throwing two big interceptions, giving him three on the year. As it stands, Bortles is on pace to throw 24 interceptions on the season. He is no stranger to throwing interceptions, but that’s not good at all. He has thrown 38 career inceptions, with 18 in 2015. He needs to find a balance in his game or he will never help the Jaguars get over the hump.
His poor play this season has pushed the Jags to 0-2 and has some fans worried this will be another bad year. Until Bortles shows the positives to his game are consistent, there is no way he can crack the top-20.
Sep 18, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looses the ball as he is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive end Robert Quinn (94) during the first half of a NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Wilson
QB, Seattle Seahawks
Previous Rank: 17 (-7)
Week 2 Statistics: 22-35 (62.9%), 254 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 3-9 (L)
Season Statistics: 49-78 (62.8%), 512 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Season Record: 1-1
I had Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson at No. 17 last week and I was scared to receive some backlash for it. The following for Wilson is huge, and like I said last week, his fans actually think he is better than Tom Brady.
Two games into the 2016 NFL season and you can see that Wilson isn’t as great as many make him out to be. Yes, he had a solid 2015 campaign, but it is 2016 and last year means nothing. He has been terrible in 2016, doing nothing to help his team win games.
Yes, there is the argument that he is playing with an injury (high ankle sprain), but I would argue that if he is injured enough that he hurts more than he helps; he needs to be a team player and take himself out. Being tough is great, but losing your team a game because you aren’t healthy enough to win means nothing to me.
I would respect a player more for allowing the backup the opportunity to get the win instead of playing hurt and stinking, like Wilson did in Week 2. The Rams are a bad, bad football team, yet Wilson couldn’t do anything against them.
If he has another bad game in Week 3, Wilson is will see his name fall farther in the rankings.
Sep 18, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scores a touchdown against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. The Dallas Cowboys won 27 – 23. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Dak Prescott
QB, Dallas Cowboys
Previous Rank: 27 (+4)
Week 2 Statistics: 22-30 (73.3%), 292 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 27-23 (W)
Season Statistics: 47-75 (62.7%), 519 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
I am a big Dak Prescott fan. I called him a steal in the draft and thought he truly has the ability to be a starter in this league. You could call me a Prescott fan, but you could also call me a realist when it comes to his play over the first two weeks.
Listen, don’t get caught up in the media hype; Prescott really hasn’t played well in his first two games. Yeah, he completed 77.3 percent of his passes, but a majority, if not all, of his passes were short throws that weren’t helping the Cowboys get points on the board.
Did I add in the fact that he hasn’t even thrown for a touchdown yet? After all those trips to the red zone!? Prescott is going to have a solid NFL career in my opinion, but he is light years away right now. The Cowboys know it because they are trying to protect and hyde their rookie by giving him easy reads and throws.
The Cowboys won the game on Sunday, but it wasn’t a great showing by them at all. Prescott needs to improve his passing if they want to win more games as they wait for Tony Romo to return.
Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) recovers a fumble by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Alex Smith
QB, Kansas City Chiefs
Previous Rank: 7 (-15)
Week 2 Statistics: 20-37 (54.1%), 186 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 12-19 (L)
Season Statistics: 54-85 (63.5%), 549 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 INT
Season Record: 1-1
Alex Smith is labeled as a game-manager, but in Week 1 he looked like a legitimate NFL quarterback. In Week 2, he went back to the game-manager label, as he struggled to get anything going throughout the air.
His inability to get the offense moving with his arm was a direct reflection to his team only scoring 12 points and losing the game. It was almost as if we were watching two different quarterbacks from the way he looked in Week 1 and Week 2.
Smith only completed 54.1 percent of his passes, which is below average even for his game-manager ways, and he only threw for 186 yards on 37 attempts. You can tell he misses his starting running back Jamaal Charles, but Smith is the leader of the team and needs to do a better job.
He did not throw for a touchdown in Week 2, proving even more he deserves to go down 15 spots in the power rankings. The hot start cooled off soon for Smith, but he does have 14 more games to try and show that he is one of the top 15 quarterbacks in the NFL.
Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) reaches back to pass during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Brock Osweiler
QB, Houston Texans
Previous Rank: 19 (-2)
Week 2 Statistics: 19-33 (57.6%), 268 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 19-12 (W)
Season Statistics: 41-68 (60.3%), 499 yards, 3 TD’s, 3 INT’s
Season Record: 2-0
The big news this offseason was whether “Super Bowl champion” quarterback Brock Osweiler would re-sign with the Denver Broncos or sign elsewhere. The term Super Bowl champion us used lightly, but Osweiler did help lead the Broncos to the playoffs.
Osweiler was benched for Peyton Manning, which obviously played a large part to his decision to leave Denver for Houston. However, the decision to sign with Houston seems to be a good one for Osweiler.
Along with signing Osweiler, they signed running back Lamar Miller and drafted wide receiver Will Fuller. They paired those two studs with one of the best receivers in the game, DeAndre Hopkins. Having all of these weapons, Osweiler should be able to play extremely well, though he struggled in Week 2.
He played okay in Week 1, sitting at No. 19, but after throwing two interceptions in Week 2, he sits at No. 21. Osweiler may have turned the ball over twice, but his team won the game. He stands at 2-0 and still has a ton to prove this season.
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass during the first quarter against the New York Jets at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Tyrod Taylor
QB, Buffalo Bills
Previous Rank: 28 (+8)
Week 2 Statistics: 18-30 (60%), 297 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 31-37 (L)
Season Statistics: 33-52 (63.5%), 408 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT
Season Record: 0-2
I was very hard on Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor after his embarrassing performance in Week 1. He barley threw for 100 yards, which is terrible in today’s NFL and did not throw for a touchdown. His poor play led to his team taking a loss, mainly because he was so ineffective.
Luckily for Bills fans, Taylor must read my quarterback power rankings because he came back strong in Week 2. He dominated the game, throwing for 297 yards and three touchdowns. He did throw a bad interception, but his deep ball was on the money the rest of the night.
Not luckily for Bills fans, they still lost the game even though their quarterback played so well. It is Week 2, so the Bills as a team need to gel together more. It will be easy for them to do that if their quarterback continues to play like he did this week. It will also be easy for him to climb even more than the eight spots he jumped this week.
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Fitzpatrick
QB, New York Jets
Previous Rank: 22 (+3)
Week 2 Statistics: 24-34 (70.6%), 374 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 37-31 (W)
Season Statistics: 43-69 (62.3%), 563 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT
Season Record: 1-1
On the opposite side of the field of Taylor last Thursday Night was the man from Harvard, Ryan Fitzpatrick.
The former 7th round pick (250th overall) looked like he was getting closer to the form he played at in 2015. Last season, he dominated for the Jets and looked as if he was the answer to their quarterback questions. Then the offseason rolled around and the Jets and Fitzpatrick were finding a common ground on a contract.
They finally got something figured out, but it impacted the start of their season because they didnt get to keep the same chemistry they had last season. It showed Week 1 and Fitzpatrick lost his team the game when he threw and interception.
Thankfully, the Jets offense started to gel in Week 2. Fitzpatrick had a lot of help from running back Matt Forte and his two wide receivers Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker had solid games.
Fitzpatrick is a top 20 quarterback, but he needs to keep gelling with his team so that he can end the year even higher.
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) takes off his helmet against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jameis Winston
QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Previous Rank: 4 (-14)
Week 2 Statistics: 27-52 (51.9%), 243 yards, 1 TD, 4 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 7-40 (L)
Season Statistics: 50-84 (59.5%), 524 yards, 5 TD’s 5 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
What a tumble down the power rankings for a quarterback who looked as if the sophomore slump did not apply to him…
Jameis Winston started the year off with four touchdown passes and only one interception. The game he played was perfect, hitting any pass he wanted and looking like he is going to be a star in the league. Then, Week 2 rolled around and it was a complete opposite quarterback.
Instead of the four touchdown passes, it was four interceptions. The four interceptions put his team in a whole quickly and it was almost like quicksand because the Cardinals just didn’t stop putting it on the Bucs.
Winston ended the game with only one touchdown pass, which was the only touchdown he led his team to the entire game and the only points they scored. Winston’s poor play highlighted the butt-kicking they received, and also highlighted his drop 14 spots in the rankings.
Sep 18, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) passes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Andy Dalton
QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Previous Rank: 15 (-2)
Week 2 Statistics: 31-54 (57.4%), 366 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 16-24 (L)
Season Statistics: 54-84 (64.3%), 732 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 INT
Season Record: 1-1
There is something about Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton that just always hangs over his head. It isn’t even the playoff losses, but it’s the fact that he is good, but just not good enough.
Dalton has the ability to be one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, but at times it seems like he is holding back or just isn’t as good as I think. A perfect example was on Sunday when he took on the Pittsburgh Steelers. His team lost 16-24, mainly because he only threw for one touchdown. He did throw for 366 yards, but he needed to punch his team in the end zone more than once.
It was a game that could have put Dalton in the top 10, but instead he sits at No. 17. He has 732 passing yards on the season, but only two touchdowns. The two touchdowns need to go up or the Bengals won’t be winning as many games as we all thought the season.
Sep 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) points down the field toward Detroit Lions free safety Glover Quin (27) before the snap during the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Marcus Mariota
QB, Tennessee Titans
Previous Rank: 20 (+4)
Week 2 Statistics: 25-33 (75.8%), 238 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 16-15 (W)
Season Statistics: 50-74 (67.6%), 509 yards, 4 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
One quarterback who had a solid climb in the rankings this week was second year player Marcus Mariota.
The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft has crazy potential, but the Titans are a team that could ruin that. They did trade their No. 1 pick this year for a ton of other picks, but it remains to be seen if they did enough with the trade. Their main priority should be to make sure Mariota has weapons and is protected because he will be the player who leads them to victory.
The running game in Tennessee looks solid, with DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry playing well, but in Week 2 it was Mariota who shined.
The former Oregon Duck threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns. He did throw an interception as well, however the Titans still squeaked out a win over the Lions, 16-15. Mariota is up four spots from last week, so look for him to climb even higher next week.
Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Eli Manning
QB, New York Giants
Previous Rank: 12 (-3)
Week 2 Statistics: 32-41 (78%), 368 yards, 0 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 16-13 (W)
Season Statistics: 51-69 (73.9%), 575 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT
Season Record: 2-0
At 2-0 and with two Super Bowl trophies, you would think that Eli Manning was having a great season. Well, that isn’t the case so far in 2016.
Yes the New York Giants have played well enough to get to 2-0, but Manning hasn’t really helped as much as he usually does. Luckily for the Giants, the defense they bought this offseason stopped Drew Brees because Manning did not do much.
He threw for an impressive 368 yards, but did not throw for a single touchdown against one of the, if not the, worst secondaries in football. Manning has been off target on a lot of his throws and if it wasn’t for a great catch by wide receiver Victor Cruz at the end of the game, the Giants may be 1-1 right now.
Manning is an elite quarterback, but after two straight weeks of average play, he sits at the No. 15 ranked quarterback.
Sep 18, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) drops back to pass during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Matthew Stafford
QB, Detroit Lions
Previous Rank: 3 (-11)
Week 2 Statistics: 22-40 (55%), 260 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 15-16 (L)
Season Statistics: 53-79 (67.1%), 600 yards, 4 TD’s, 1 INT
Season Record: 1-1
After an impressive Week 1 to start the 2016 NFL season, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford had an average game in Week 2.
His three touchdowns in the first week showed that Stafford has a ton of talent, but his 260 yards and only one touchdown in a 15-16 loss showed he still has room of growth. A lot of fans and media members felt that Stafford would struggle without Calvin Johnson in 2016, but the former No. 1 overall pick has actually shown that he can throw to anyone so far this season.
It was a bad game for the Lions in Week 2 as a whole, but they need to win these close games if they want to make the playoffs. Stafford also needs to win these games if he wants to be higher in the rankings. He fell 11 spots this week, mainly because the Titans aren’t a team to play poorly against.
Look for him to bounce back in Week 3 and get back to his top 10 ranking I believe he can be.
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aaron Rodgers
QB, Green Bay Packers
Previous Rank: 9 (-4)
Week 2 Statistics: 20-36 (55.6%), 213 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 14-17 (L)
Season Statistics: 40-70 (57.1), 412 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT
Season Record: 1-1
If it wasn’t for a Week 1 victory, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may not even be ranked in the top 20 for quarterbacks this season. If you took Rodgers early in fantasy, it definitely isn’t the start you were looking for.
Rodgers only three for 199 yards in Week 1, and only threw for 213 yards in Week 2. He at least threw for two touchdowns in Week 1, but only one touchdown pass was thrown in Week 2, which was a big reason his team lost this game.
He also had a chance to drive his team down the field for the win, but he threw an interception. It hasn’t been the season many believed Rodgers would have, but he does have many more games to play this season.
If he plays like he did in Week’s 1 and 2, Rodgers will find himself on the outside looking in at the top 20.
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) smiles following the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sam Bradford
QB, Minnesota Vikings
Previous Rank: NR
Week 2 Statistics: 22-31 (71%), 286 yards, 2 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 17-14 (W)
Season Statistics: 22-31 (71%), 286 yards, 2 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Season Record: 1-0
If you asked me before the season started if I would have Sam Bradford anywhere near my top 10 in the quarterback power rankings, I would have laughed. After Week 1, Bradford wasn’t even ranked because the was traded nine days before the season to the Minnesota Vikings. Hill started the year off, and we will miss him dearly in the power rankings, however Vikings fans should be happy with what Bradford did in his debut.
He is no stranger to playing poorly, but Bradford actually balled out in his first action of the 2016 season. He started the game really slow and it looked like the same Bradford we all know and hate was in Minnesota. But then he started to dial in, which isn’t normal for him, but he went with it.
He was making some big time NFL throws, hitting the deep ball with ease. Bradford isn’t known for having a good deep throw, mainly because he likes to check the ball down, but he was slinging it on Sunday Night.
He ended the night with 286 yards and two touchdowns, earning himself the No. 12 spot in the rankings. If he can match his performance in Week 2, Sam Bradford could honestly be a top 10 quarterback this season.
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) completes a pass against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Flacco
QB, Baltimore Ravens
Previous Rank: 18 (+7)
Week 2 Statistics: 25-45 (55.6%), 302 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 25-20 (W)
Season Statistics: 47-78 (60.3%), 560 yards, 3 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Season Record: 2-0
This one may surprise some people, but I love what Joe Flacco has been able to do this season. To think he is coming back from a torn ACL, less than a year ago, and playing this well is crazy.
Flacco started slow this season, only throwing for one touchdown in Week 1. The touchdown he did throw was a laser to Mike Wallace and flashed the arm talent he has. People like to knock Flacco, but he really does an awesome arm. He can throw the ball so far, which is why Wallace will be the biggest beneficiary of that talent.
In Week 2, Flacco played good football. He did have two interceptions in the game, but he also threw for 302 yards and two touchdowns. The best part of Flacco’s game was the fact that he got his team the victory. He needs to clean up the turnovers, but he is just getting the rust off right now. He led his team to a comeback victory and I am looking forward to watching him play the rest of 2016.
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) rushes Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Luck
QB, Indianapolis Colts
Previous Rank: 2 (-8)
Week 2 Statistics: 21-40 (52.5%), 197 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 20-34 (L)
Season Statistics: 52-87 (59.8%), 582 yards, 5 TD’s, 1 INT
Season Record: 0-2
Andrew Luck is getting a bad rap that he needs to try and get rid off. That rap is being a hot and cold quarterback, which is exactly what he was the first two weeks of the season. In Week 1, Luck found himself as the No. 2 ranked quarterback, even after his team lost the game. He played lights out, throwing for four touchdowns and no interceptions.
He had to go to Denver and take on the defending Super Bowl champions in Week 2, and they got to him. The hot quarterback in Week 1 was cold in Week 2.
The Broncos obviously have one of the best defenses in the NFL, so struggles are expected for opposing quarterbacks. Luck ended the day with only 197 yards passing on 49 attempts, and he only threw for one touchdown. He also threw his first interception of the season. That interception was returned for a touchdown by Aqib Talib.
If Luck wants to stay in the top 10 next week, he better go back to being the hot quarterback he was in Week 1.
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Ryan
QB, Atlanta Falcons
Previous Rank: 8 (-1)
Week 2 Statistics: 26-34 (76.5%), 396 yards, 3 TD’s, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 35-28 (W)
Season Statistics: 53-73 (72.6%), 730 yards, 5 TD’s 1 INT
Season Record: 1-1
Sadly, as I was doing these power rankings, I couldn’t find a spot higher than No. 9 for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan had a solid Week 1 and followed that up with an awesome Week 2.
In Week 2, he threw for 396 yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing his first interception of the season. With numbers like that, you would think he would be higher, however the Raiders secondary is showing to be one of the worst so far in 2016. While Ryan’s numbers were solid, he could have been even better this week. He also got very lucky on his last touchdown pass, which was batted up in the air, but caught for a touchdown by wide receiver Justin Hardy.
His interception was also in the end zone, which is a big no-no on these power rankins.
Ryan is off to a great start in 2016, but I want to see what he can do next week. If he can continue his solid play, I will have to find a spot higher for him. Although, having Julio Jones is almost like a cheat code.
Sep 18, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) fourth quarter against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Brees
QB, New Orleans Saints
Previous Rank: 1 (-7)
Week 2 Statistics: 29-44 (65.9%), 263 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 13-16 (L)
Season Statistics: 57-86 (66.3%), 686 yards, 5 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Season Record: 0-2
These power rankings are going to be cutthroat all season long and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees felt the wrath of them first. After a dominating Week 1, throwing for four touchdowns and no interceptions, Brees found himself as the No. 1 ranked quarterback.
He looked like he was poised for another huge season, but then in Week 2 he got shut down. The Giants spent a ton of money on their defense this offseason, though Brees is one of the greatest to ever play the game. Give one point to the G-Men defense though, because they dominated the game. They only allowed one touchdown and 263 yards passing, to a guy who normally throws for 300 and two scores.
It was a bad game by Brees and a winnable one too. That is why he drops from No. 1 all the way to No. 8. Had he played better, his team would’ve easily won the game, but now they sit at 0-2. It is never fun to lose, but the Saints have lost two close ones to make it even worse.
Brees needs to play dominant football if the Saints are going to win, and if he wants to be in the top 5 of the power rankings.
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton
QB, Carolina Panthers
Previous Rank: 13 (+6)
Week 2 Statistics: 24-40 (60%), 353 yards, 4 TD’s, 1 INT
Week 2 Final Score: 46-27 (W)
Season Statistics: 42-73 (57.5%), 547 yards, 5 TD’s, 2 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
After watching Cam Newton play in Week 1, it was so up and down you would have never thought he won the MVP award last season, along with the Offensive Player of the Year. He once again could not beat the Denver Broncos while also getting sacked and turning the ball over.
The Carolina Panthers need Newton to play lights out if they want to do well again this year, especially after they lost the same amount of games they did last year just in Week 1. Newton and the Panthers came out firing in Week 2.
The 2015 MVP looked like the wanted to be the 2016 MVP as his arm was live and he was slinging the ball all game. He ended the day with 353 yards and four touchdowns, to only one interception.
When Newton plays this well, the Panthers can beat anyone in the NFL. Also, Newton has Kelvin Benjamin back this year and the two have already connected for three touchdowns, with two coming in Week 2.
Look for SuperCam to get back into the top 5 before the year is over.
Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) injured after a play against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jimmy Garoppolo
QB, New England Patriots
Previous Rank: 14 (+8)
Week 2 Statistics: 18-27 (66.7%), 234 yards, 3 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 31-24 (W)
Season Statistics: 42-60 (70%), 498 yards, 4 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Season Record: 2-0
One of the best surprises this season is the emergence of New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. All the talk away about Tom Brady and how he was suspended for the first four games. The world thought the Patriots were in trouble because Garoppolo wouldn’t be able to win the first four games, putting the Pats in a hole.
Those people forgot who the head coach of this football team is. Bill Belichick. Arguably the greatest of all time, somehow and someway, always finds the recipe for success. This time, however, it may be that the Patriots backup quarterback is just that good.
Garoppolo has dominated in his first two career stars, throwing for almost 500 yards and four touchdowns, while not throwing an interception. He did well in Week 1, but his three touchdown passes in Week 2 were awesome, especially when you add in the fact that he got injured and did not even play the entire game.
He has earned his right to be in the top 10 so far this season, however if the injury forces him to miss time, that will obviously hurt his ranking.
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) leaves the field after the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Palmer
QB, Arizona Cardinals
Previous Rank: 11 (+6)
Week 2 Statistics: 18-31 (58.1%), 308 yards, 3 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 40-7 (W)
Season Statistics: 42-68 (61.8%), 579 yards, 5 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
After getting outplayed in Week 1 by Garoppolo, Carson Palmer came back in Week 2 with a chip on his shoulder. Gee also cam back in Week 2 ready to sling it and his arm did not fail him.
The former USC Trojan had a great game throwing the football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns. He also did not throw an interception, so that is two straight weeks he hasn’t turned the ball over.
He led his team to a dominant 40-7 victory and the Cardinals showed they are still one of the top teams in the NFC. The loss to the Patriots will hurt, but if this team can hit their stride like they did in Week 2, and Palmer can play lights out, the Cardinals are a scary team.
Palmer currently has 579 yards, five touchdowns and no inceptions on the season. He had a career year in 2015, but he is showing that he may have another here in 2016.
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) react after scoring a touchdown against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Falcons defeated the Raiders 35-28. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Derek Carr
QB, Oakland Raiders
Previous Rank: 6 (+2)
Week 2 Statistics: 34-45 (75.6%), 299 yards, 3 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 28-35 (L)
Season Statistics: 58-83 (69.9%), 618 yards, 4 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
One of my favorite quarterbacks in the NFL dazzled on Sunday, even though his team did not.
The Oakland Raiders have a star and his name is Derek Carr. The kid can make all the throws and he showed that again in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. He torched the Falcons secondary for 299 yards and three touchdowns, while completing almost 76 percent of his passes.
The only problem was that his defense did nothing to help him, as they got torched too. Carr did his best to try and keep up with Falcons offense, but they were just too much. If he was able to throw for one more score, he would have had a chance to be the No. 1 quarterback this week, that’s how impressive he was. For now, the former second round pick sits comfortably in the top five, as he has 618 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions on the season.
It may be early in the season, but it looks like Carr is going to have a big year for the silver and black.
Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz (11) prepares to throw the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Wentz
QB, Philadelphia Eagles
Previous Rank: 10 (+7)
Week 2 Statistics: 21-32 (61.8%), 190 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 29-14 (W)
Season Statistics: 43-71 (60.6%), 468 yards, 3 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Season Record: 2-0
If it were up to Pro Football Focus, rookie quarterback and second overall pick Carson Wentz would be No. 1 on this list.
According to PFF, after two weeks of football, Wentz is the No. 1 quarterback with a 90.8 overall grade. To make the case for Wentz to be this high even better, his overall passing grade is 91.1, which also is No. 1.
Outside of not sliding and taking some unnecessary hits throughout the game, Wentz was great. For the second straight week he looked as if he has been playing quarterback in the NFL for years. It is almost shocking that less than a year ago he was throwing passes for North Dakota State University and not calling audibles at the line for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Against the Chicago Bears, at Chicago and on Monday Night Football, Wentz didn’t looked phased at all. The bright lights weren’t much for him, dissecting the Bears defense and throwing all over them. He ended the night only throwing for 190 yards, however the Eagles had three drops worth 82 yards and a touchdown. The dropped touchdown was Wentz’s best throw, as he threw an absolute dime at the end of the half, but wide receiver Jordan Matthews dropped it.
Many questioned whether Wentz was the real deal or not after he beat the Browns ion Week 1, but after a Week 2 dominant victory over the Bears; it is clear the kid is here to stay.
Sep 18, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) passes the ball against pressure from Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Geno Atkins (97) during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Ben Roethlisberger
QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Previous Rank: 5 (+3)
Week 2 Statistics: 19-37 (51.4%), 259 yards, 3 TD’s 2 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 24-16 (W)
Season Statistics: 46-74 (62.2%), 559 yards, 6 TD’s, 3 INT’s
Season Record: 2-0
Already in the top five last week, at No. 5, “Big Ben” Roethlisberger stepped up for his team in the rain on Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals have become a bit of a rivalry the last couple of years, mainly because of last season’s playoff game.
Both teams came into the game 1-0, but the Steelers walked away victorious. A big part of their victory was Roethlisberger’s three touchdown passes. Those three touchdown passes have his total up to six on the season, putting him first in the NFL. He did throw two inceptions on Sunday, but his three touchdowns outweighed them in my eyes.
The Bengals are also a tough team, so turnovers are expected, but you just need to make other plays to make up for them and that is what Big Ben did. His three interceptions on the season are a bit high for him through two weeks, so it will be something to keep an eye on as we progress through the season. If he continues to throw interceptions, he will see his name fall out of the top five, unless he keeps throwing for three touchdowns in the process.
Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) yells at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Philip Rivers
QB, San Diego Chargers
Previous Rank: 21 (+20)
Week 2 Statistics: 17-24 (70.8%), 220 yards, 4 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Week 2 Final Score: 38-14 (W)
Season Statistics: 42-60 (70%), 463 yards, 5 TD’s, 0 INT’s
Season Record: 1-1
You can’t say enough about the ability of Philip Rivers.
Honestly, I was thinking this guy would stink it up all year after he lost his best target, wide receiver Keenan Allen, to a season-ending knee injury, With Allen, Rivers had potential to really light it up this year, however without him it seemed inevitable he would have a bad year.
Add in the fact that the Chargers do not have a legitimate wide receiver to fill in for Allen, and you could see the negative thoughts. Wide receiver Travis Benjamin is good, mainly at running deep, however he isn’t a guy that you sign in free agency to be your No. 1. Though, after signing him in free agency, he is currently the Chargers No. 1 wide receiver.
With the loss of Allen, running back Danny Woodhead seems to be the guy Rivers will get the ball to, but then he gets carted off of the field on Sunday. It has already been a rough year for the Chargers injury wise, but Rivers has been playing lights out.
With no real top target, he still threw for 220 yards and four touchdowns (yes, four touchdowns). Not only did he light up the stat sheet and scoreboard, Rivers did not throw an interception and led his team to a much-needed victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
He may have been my 21st rankled quarterback in Week 1, however after showing his heart and ability in Week 2; Rivers definitely earned the top spot the week in the NFL quarterback power rankings.
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