NFL quarterback rankings, Week 8: Philip Rivers is dealing
After seven weeks, Matt Verderame goes through the NFL quarterback rankings. Philip Rivers will smile, Joe Flacco will not.
Let’s run through the NFL quarterback rankings now that Week 7 is in the books. If you missed last week or simply need a refresher for reference, here it is. As usual, this is based off this year’s play with a dash of historic context.
Blaine Gabbert Memorial Division
32. Colin Kaepernick
When you can’t complete half of your throws against the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you have no business playing quarterback in the NFL.
Charlie Frye Division
31. Kevin Hogan
Hogan is a fifth-round rookie who was picked up on waivers. The Browns unfortunately have to put him into action because everyone else is hurt.
30. Case Keenum
Keenum threw four interceptions on Sunday in a loss to the Giants. At some point, Jared Goff has to make his pro debut.
Oct 20, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Barkley (12) throws a pass during the game against the Green Bay Packers in the fourth quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
29. Matt Barkley
This is not good for the Bears. But hey, go Cubs!
28. Landry Jones
Jones had a decent game against the Patriots, but only engineered 16 points with Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell around him.
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Don Strock Division
27. Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick has thrown 11 interceptions to six touchdowns, and was benched for Geno Smith. He’s not good.
26. Blake Bortles
At some point, Bortles needs to play better or there will be whispers about his long-term viability in Jacksonville. Through seven weeks, he’s completing 59 percent of his throws with nine interceptions.
25. Brock Osweiler
Osweriler continues to make you believe that paying him $72 million was a huge mistake. The youngster looks like a backup quarterback with the swagger of a starting star.
24. Trevor Siemian
It’s all about the defense in Denver. If Siemian can limit his mistakes and average 200-225 yards per game, the Broncos will be fine.
Jay Fiedler Division
23. Joe Flacco
The Ravens had to expect Flacco to take some time recovering from two torn knee ligaments. That’s exactly what 2016 has been about, along with a lifeless group of weapons around him. Flacco is averaging 5.96 yards per throw with five touchdowns and six touchdowns. It’s been ugly.
22. Tyrod Taylor
Taylor has only thrown for 1,297 yards in seven games, and is completing barely 60 percent of his throws. He’s not a bad quarterback, but he won’t be leading a Super Bowl charge.
21. Ryan Tannehill
The Dolphins have finally taken some of the pressure off Tannehill with the emergence of Jay Ajayi. At this juncture, Tannehill has completed 65 percent of his throws, albeit with seven interceptions. He’s the definition of mediocre.
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) looks on against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 40-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Lynn Dickey Division
20. Jameis Winston
Winston has elite arm talent but continues to force throws. He’s amassed 12 touchdowns but has nine interceptions on the negative side of the ledger. Tampa Bay could take off if Winston takes the next step.
19. Carson Palmer
Palmer continues to struggle in 2016. While he’s been average, the Cardinals need more than 60 percent passing with seven touchdowns and five interceptions.
18. Marcus Mariota
Mariota has looked better in recent weeks. The second-year man has thrown 12 touchdowns with 1,604 yards and only six interceptions. There is room to grow, but Mariota is getting into a groove.
17. Cam Newton
Newton had a much-needed bye week. While he did win the MVP last year, Newton has been bad to this point with six interceptions against eight touchdowns. The biggest concern has been completion rate, sitting at 57.8.
Mark Rypien Division
16. Sam Bradford
Bradford was knocked around something fierce against the Eagles. He’s only thrown one interception, but there is a thought that Bradford must do more to get Minnesota deep into the playoffs.
15. Carson Wentz
After a couple of rough weeks, Wentz was uneven against Minnesota. So why does he move up? Wentz is a rookie quarterback who continued to test an elite defense and ultimately won.
14. Alex Smith
Smith just keeps winning. He was efficient against the Saints, throwing for a pair of touchdowns including a 38-yard deep ball to Tyreek Hill. He’s not great, but certainly good.
Oct 9, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes in the third quarter during the game against the New York Giants at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Earl Morrall Division
13. Aaron Rodgers
Rodgers threw for more than 300 yards against the Bears, but the performance was brutal early on. That said, we all know the amount of talent in that right arm.
12. Eli Manning
Manning throws too many interceptions for a seasoned veteran, but he’s seventh in passing yardage with 1,984. With the talent New York has at receiver, look for Manning to continue slinging the ball.
John Brodie Division
11. Dak Prescott
Prescott has been the story of the season, and might spell the end of Tony Romo in Big D. Prescott isn’t going deep down the field, but he’s brutally efficient. Great looking rookie.
10. Kirk Cousins
Cousins had a bad start to the year, but he’s rallied to play some really nice football. the Redskins are 4-3, and Cousins has thrown for 1,996 yards while completing 68 percent of his throws. Perhaps getting a long-term deal after this season?
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) carries the ball against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jim Kelly Division
9. Russell Wilson
Wilson is clearly not the same player as in past years, with his knee and ankle giving him trouble.S Still, he’s extremely dangerous to any defense, only tossing one interception while showing terrific pocket presence.
8. Matthew Stafford
Stafford is having a great year that nobody seems to be noticing. The Lions are 4-3, and Stafford has thrown 15 touchdowns against four interceptions. If Detroit keeps winning, Stafford will start getting plenty of attention.
7. Derek Carr
Carr is leading the renaissance of the Raiders, who haven’t reached the playoffs since 2002. With 13 touchdowns and a completion rate better than 65 percent, Carr looks like a legitimate star.
6. Andrew Luck
Luck has T.Y. Hilton and absolutely no help around him. Somehow, he’s already thrown for 2,000 yards. He makes ridiculous mistakes at times, but Luck is an unreal talent.
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5. Andy Dalton
Dalton is playing really well, despite Cincinnati being 3-4. The sixth-year man has thrown for 2,065 yards on 8.39 yards per attempt, taking full advantage of A.J. Green’s presence.
Oct 2, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks on during a pause in play during the fourth quarter in the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. New Orleans won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Montana Division
4. Drew Brees
Brees must wonder what he has to do to win games. The guy threw for more than 360 yards against the Chiefs and still lost. For the season, the future Hall of Famer has amassed 2,101 yards and 17 touchdowns through six games.
3. Philip Rivers
If the Chargers get themselves back in the playoff race, Rivers should be considered seriously for the MVP. Rivers has no help (on the field or sideline) and has over 2,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. Incredible talent.
2. Matt Ryan
Atlanta is falling off a bit, but Ryan continues to shine. The former Boston College star has thrown for 2,348 yards on a laughable 9.62 yards per attempt. Add in the 16 touchdowns and 67.6 completion percentage, and you could be looking at the MVP.
1. Tom Brady
Three games. Eight touchdowns. Zero interceptions. Completion rate of 75.2. Outrageous.
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