Week 9 NFL QB Power Rankings

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Oct 12, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of the game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Week 9 was a crazy week for quarterbacks. Andrew Luck threw for at least 300 yards again, Ben Roethlisberger threw for six touchdowns again, and Tom Brady continues his stellar play.

(Note: these QB power rankings are based on how well each quarterback has played so far this season, not just the most recent week. Each player’s improvement or regression from the previous week is indicated.)

Without further ado…

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1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos (± 0)

Sunday against New England was easily Manning’s worst game of the season. Denver’s offense failed to get going early, and Manning didn’t help things with that interception in the first half – I’m not sure what he saw there; Demaryius Thomas frankly wasn’t open. With all that said, Manning has still been the best quarterback this season. Over the last few games, Brady, Roethlisberger, and perhaps Luck and Rodgers have been better, but cumulatively, nobody trumps Manning so far. If Manning has more games like Sunday (that’s unlikely), someone may overtake him at first, but as of now, Manning remains in the top spot.

2. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts (± 0)

At his current pace, Luck will end up with 5,484 yards. That’s enough to break Peyton Manning’s record for most passing yards in a season. Luck had another four touchdowns and 350+ yards on Monday night against New York. A few things about Luck’s performance that shouldn’t go unnoticed: (1) he fumbled, but the Colts got it back, so it doesn’t show up in Luck’s box score stat line; (2) Antrel Rolle dropped an interception, a pass that was badly overthrown by Luck; and (3) Luck missed relatively easy throws for much of the first half. Luck can’t be perfect every game, but I think his greatness is epitomized by how well he plays despite these mistakes. Luck can throw inaccurate passes, but he still managed to throw for 354 yards and four touchdowns while hanging a 40-burger on the Giants. Luck is an elite quarterback.

3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (± 0)

The bye week couldn’t come at a better time for Rodgers and the Packers. They’re coming off a loss to New Orleans where Rodgers was a bit banged up. These two weeks off should give Rodgers enough time to fully recover from his tweaked hammy. Now Rodgers and his team have to go out for the last eight games and snatch the NFC North from the Lions’ hands.

4. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (+1)

After a poor first quarter where he lost a fumble and threw an interception (not his fault, but still a turnover), Brees started to heat up. He’s been playing much better over the last few weeks, and New Orleans, at .500, find themselves in first place in the NFC South. The Saints were actually my preseason Super Bowl pick, and if Brees continues his stellar play, New Orleans will at least win the NFC South.

5. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers (-1)

Not sure how Rivers played so poorly against Miami. Brent Grimes had his number all day long; so did the rest of the Dolphins’ defense. The last two picks were forced throws, probably because Rivers felt the need to chuck the ball downfield in hopes of gaining a big chunk of yardage. The results were not pretty – San Diego got shut out. Rivers has been a top five quarterback this season and last season, but there are still things he must improve on, such as taking what the defense gives him rather than forcing passes.

6. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (± 0)

Aside for the game against St. Louis where he recorded 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards, Wilson has been average at best over the last month. Due to that good game and the fact that the quarterbacks below him on this list haven’t played as well as he has this season, Wilson doesn’t move down. With that said, Wilson’s game against Oakland was subpar, and he needs to pick up his play for Seattle to keep winning.

7. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (± 0)

No movement for Stafford during his bye week. The Lions are right where they want to be at this point – if the season were to end today, the Lions would be NFC North champs and would have a first-round bye in the playoffs.

8. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins (+4)

Tannehill torched San Diego’s defense for three touchdowns and completed 70 percent of his passes. It’s safe to say that his job is no longer in question. Tannehill’s excellent play has put the Dolphins in position to make a potential playoff run, or at least be some sort of threat in the AFC.

Next: Next Group of Quarterbacks

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