National Football League

Overreactions: Winston, Mariota best 1-2 QB draft ever

Published Nov. 29, 2016 3:53 a.m. ET

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Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota already are the best quarterback duo drafted 1-2 in NFL history.

Both players have their teams in playoff contention in only their second season.

Winston led Tampa Bay (6-5) to an upset win over Seattle on Sunday and the Buccaneers are one game behind Atlanta in the NFC South. Mariota had his eighth straight multiple TD game to lead Tennessee (6-6) over Chicago and the Titans are a half-game behind Houston in the AFC South.

In 2015, Winston and Mariota were the sixth set of QBs to be selected first and second overall in the draft since 1967. This year, it happened again when the Rams took Jared Goff at No. 1 and the Eagles selected Carson Wentz at No. 2.

Other QBs going 1-2 were: Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III (2012); Tim Couch and Donovan McNabb (1999); Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf (1998); Drew Bledsoe and Rick Mirer (1993); Jim Plunkett and Archie Manning (1971).

Injuries derailed Griffin's career. Couch and Leaf were busts. Mirer was a full-time starter for only three seasons.

The Plunkett-Manning combination was the most successful of them all. Plunkett was a Super Bowl MVP and Manning was a two-time Pro Bowl pick despite playing for the lowly Saints.

So Winston and Mariota have a long way to go.

Here are other overreactions following Week 12:

OVERREACTION: The Browns (0-12) won't lose next week.

REALISTIC REACTION: They have a bye .

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OVERREACTION: Seattle's loss to Tampa Bay proves the Seahawks (7-3-1) aren't on the same level as Dallas (10-1).

REALISTIC REACTION: Russell Wilson, Richard Sherman and Co. still have the best chance to knock off the Cowboys in the playoffs.

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OVERREACTION: The Raiders (9-2) are on course to meet the Patriots (9-2) in the AFC title game.

REALISTIC REACTION: Oakland might not make it out of the AFC West where the Chiefs (8-3) and Broncos (7-4) have superior defenses.

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OVERREACTION: Tom Brady is the best blocking QB in the NFL.

REALISTIC REACTION: The Jets' defense showed incredible mercy avoiding Brady as he led the way on LeGarrette Blount's 10-yard run.

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OVERREACTION: Adam Gase is Coach of the Year. His Dolphins (7-4) have won six in a row and are right in the mix for a wild-card berth.

REALISTIC REACTION: Jack Del Rio, Dirk Koetter and Bob McAdoo each make a strong case to win it.

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OVERREACTION: No Andrew Luck means no playoffs for the Colts (5-6).

REALISTIC REACTION: Luck should return from a concussion next week and Indianapolis is only one game out of first place.

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OVERREACTION: Playing for the win instead of a tie will cost the Broncos (7-4) the playoffs.

REALISTIC REACTION: They're tied in the standings with Miami and have five games left. Too much season left.

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OVERREACTION: The Cardinals (4-6-1) are the biggest busts of the season.

REALISTIC REACTION: They've got competition from Green Bay and Carolina (4-7).

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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL

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Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP-RobMaaddi

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