Week 12 NFL QB Power Rankings
Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
In general, Week 12 was not a good week for quarterbacks. A few were benched, and one was injured during Sunday’s game and is out for the season. Meanwhile, the Raiders finally won a game and Derek Carr is looking like the best rookie quarterback.
(Disclaimer: 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, here are your Week 12 QB power rankings.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (± 0)
The same throw that would’ve gotten a quarterback benched is a throw that Rodgers completed for a touchdown — according to CBS Sports, the ball traveled 40 yards across the field, although it was only a one-yard touchdown. Richard Rogers was wide open, but that’s beside the point. Rodgers is the best quarterback on the planet right now, and while his performance against Minnesota wasn’t mind-blowing, he got the job done. Rodgers has posted an outrageous 119.3 passer rating this year, close to his record of 122. I don’t expect Green Bay to lose another game this regular season with the way Rodgers has been playing.
2. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos (± 0)
If there’s anything that will keep the Broncos from at least returning to the Super Bowl, it’s Denver’s defense, which allowed Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins to put up 36 points. I’m dismissing any argument that says that Manning isn’t built for the playoffs – teams win Super Bowls, not quarterbacks alone. With that said, Manning recorded his 35th four-touchdown performance, which is a record.
3. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts (± 0)
After a few fumbles, Luck got in rhythm. Sunday was the first game since Week 2 where Luck failed to pass for over 300 yards, and it was just his second this season. He still remains the league leader in passing yards, and is third in passing touchdowns (Peyton Manning is first; Aaron Rodgers is second).
4. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys (+1)
Romo engineered a terrific comeback drive that spoiled the Giants’ hope of an upset victory. He recorded four more touchdown passes and posted a 143.4 passer rating – Romo now ranks second in overall passer rating this season, behind Aaron Rodgers.
5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (-1)
Believe it or not, Brees and the Saints are still tied for first place in the NFC South at 4-7. The mediocrity of that division makes me think the NFL needs to re-seed before the playoffs. Anyway, Brees played exceptionally well against Baltimore if his interception to Will Hill is excluded. That pick-six was a real momentum-shifter, and the Saints didn’t score again until what appeared to be garbage time. There isn’t much more Brees can do to lift the Saints, as things like interceptions happen – frankly, the team is mediocre. Brees remains an NFL leader in virtually every passing category.
6. Tom Brady, New England Patriots (± 0)
Brady continues to impress after a subpar first month. I’d put Aaron Rodgers ahead of Brady in the MVP race, but the Patriots’ quarterback isn’t too far behind.
7. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins (± 0)
Since the rumors about Tannehill possibly being benched, he’s continued to impress. Tannehill keeps improving from week to week, and Miami should’ve pulled off the comeback victory against Denver. Saying it was Tannehill’s fault that the Dolphins lost is asinine – the interception he threw was dropped and tipped, and then picked off. Miami’s poor defense overshadowed a terrific game by Tannehill.
8. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (+2)
Wilson was able to move Seattle’s offense down the field against a stingy Cardinals’ defense. For the first time in a month, he threw for over 200 yards.