Week 13 NFL QB Power Rankings: Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers remains in top spot
Nov 30, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) tackled after scrambling against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
9. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers (± 0)
Rivers’ slide has stopped and he is playing at the same level as he was early in the season. That signature game-winning drive against Baltimore might be what Rivers needs to help propel San Diego to a playoff berth.
10. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (+1)
For the last few years, Stafford has regressed in completion percentage from September to November. This year, Stafford completed 64 percent of his passes in September, 58 percent in October, and 51 percent in November, excluding Thanksgiving. But Stafford completed 76 percent of his passes on Turkey Day – maybe this is the year Stafford gets rid of his “regression” narrative.
11. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (+1)
Ryan looked like the Matt Ryan of 2010 after shredding the Cardinals’ secondary. The deep passing game was on point, and the Falcons’ offense finally looked stellar.
12. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers (-2)
After two straight six-touchdown performances, Roethlisberger’s play has slipped. I know he banged his hand up early in the game, but throws in general were inaccurate.
13. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens (± 0)
That loss to San Diego is heartbreaking for everyone in Baltimore, but Flacco can’t be blamed. If you want to blame anyone, it should be the referees or the Ravens’ defense.
14. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs (± 0)
Sunday night’s game was an accurate representation of Smith’s season. Although he has no weapons on the outside, he fails to deliver even when his less-than-average targets are open. Kansas City’s loss to the Raiders might hurt down the stretch, as KC is now 7-5 (San Diego is 8-4) – a win against the Broncos may have served as a remedy, but Smith and the offense couldn’t get it done. The Eric Berry-less defense did a good job against Manning and co. Speaking of Berry, we at NFL Spin Zone wish him a speedy recovery.
15. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears (+1)
Cutler’s been playing much better after the abysmal game in Green Bay. He slowed down after a fast start, but the Bears’ offense didn’t help him out much. Cutler probably would’ve moved up barring a complete disaster, as Colin Kaepernick moved down to 16.
16. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers (-1)
I’m not sure what’s been wrong with Kaepernick this season. Maybe Jim Harbaugh should stop beating him up before kickoff. Kaepernick isn’t seeing the field well and has had trouble feeling pressure and stepping up in the pocket. That slow, javelin-like release may have caught up to him – he’s able to compensate (at times) with outstanding arm strength, but there are mechanical issues with Kaepernick’s throwing that need to be fixed.