I’ve provided my team power rankings a couple times thus far, but rather than beat a dead horse – I think we all know Sean McVay’s boys have earned the top spot through three weeks – I’ll pivot over to QBs this week.
How would I summarize my criteria? Nice and simple: (1) Front office, coaching staff, personnel – all things equal, I need to pick a quarterback to make a playoff and Super Bowl run this season. I need the guy who can win it all for me, and (2) This is NOT for fantasy. Think more in terms of practicality.
(Editor’s note: Tua and Tyrod have been excluded due to injury.)
Okay, let’s roll…
34. Justin Fields: Putting him dead last because he said the game speed against Cleveland was, “Actually kind of slow.” He went 6-of-20 for 68 yards, and was sacked 9 times. Nuff said.
33. Zach Wilson: Worst owner. Worst head coach. Worst offensive coordinator. Worst team. Worst everything. Receivers can’t catch. He still needs to get the ball out quicker and play better.
32. Nick Foles: Apparently all 3 Chicago QBs are “on the table” to start this week. That adds Nicky Foles to this list. He showed he was finished last season, but I’d still take him over Fields and Wilson right this very second.
31. Davis Mills: Was shocked – in a good way - by his poise and performance on TNF vs. Carolina. He quickly placed himself ahead of Fields and Wilson for the time being.
30. Trevor Lawrence: Maybe Davis Mills is actually better than him right now. Still, you can see all the physical gifts out there. Tough overall situation in Jacksonville makes it very difficult to evaluate Lawrence this early in his pro career.
29. Mac Jones: Has been the best rookie thus far, but that isn’t saying much. Mac is – understandably – in full “game manager” mode right now.
28. Taylor Heinicke: It was real ugly against Buffalo, but we liked what we saw vs. New York and in last year’s playoff matchup vs. the eventual champion, Tampa. Gotta like Heinicke’s moxie and never-back-down demeanor.
27. Andy Dalton: You know, he’s never that great. Never gonna knock your socks off. But ya know what? You know a pro QB when you see one. Dalton was getting the ball out very quickly vs. Los Angeles. He’s just more prepared to win than Fields right now, but I suppose that isn’t saying much in the grand scheme.
26. Ben Roethlisberger: Over-the-hill is a place he’s arrived at, now. He truly does look done. I might even consider trying Haskins.
25. Carson Wentz: Yikes. Just… yikes. Bring back Philip Rivers! (Who, by the way, would be No. 20 on this list.)
24. Jacoby Brissett: Indy was better off keeping Brissett and forgetting Wentz even existed. In one game, Brissett outperformed Wentz’s last 6 or 7 efforts, lol.
23. Daniel Jones: Does some good things. Does some bad things. New York never seems to win any close games with this enigmatic kid under center.
22. Jameis Winston: I still think New Orleans is ultimately better off with Taysom Hill as its No. 1. But, Jameis is 2-1. Did you see that TD throw from his ass? I think he’s the only guy in the league who would even attempt that.
21. Matt Ryan: Over-the-hill, but not to Big Ben’s degree. High football IQ and a ton of experience. Did enough to clip Danny Dimes in that close one.
20. Jalen Hurts: Still very raw. I do wonder what Gardner Minshew would do with this personnel. Still, Hurts has the overall upside and Philly just needs to ride out the growing pains on the technical side.
19. Sam Darnold: Credit Matt Rhule, Joe Brady and yeah… credit Sammy D, too. Things are on the up and up. Still gotta wait and see how he does without CMC. Can revert back to old Sammy very quickly, in my opinion.
18. Teddy Bridgewater: Just a steady leader. Calming presence. Winner’s disposition and attitude. Protects the rock and protects possessions.
17. Jared Goff: I really do think he’s one of the most underrated players in the game. Guy went to a Super Bowl, and everyone gave the credit to every single person BUT him. Sure, he wasn’t the X-factor for Los Angeles, but he’s a good pro QB. It’s really freakin’ hard to be the 17th best QB in the world! Give the kid a little credit. Tough, tough 0-3 for Detroit right now; they have been playing surprisingly well.
16. Joe Burrow: If we keep him healthy, he’s gonna climb. I’ve been a big fan ever since his national championship win. Has balls. Gets the ball out quickly. Shows faith and confidence in his teammates.
15. Jimmy Garoppolo: Right there with Goff in the most underrated category. Why does everyone wanna throw Jimmy G in the trash? Guy is a winner. Went shot-for-shot with Aaron Rodgers down the stretch again this week. SF went to a Super Bowl. You can’t rush to Trey Lance when you have a good, solid, steady pro QB taking your snaps at the moment.
14. Derek Carr: How about Las Vegas?? Just a little skeptical because they always seem to start strong. I need to see some sustainability. Carr is playing lights out right now, though, and I love his improved leadership over the past year or so.
13. Kirk Cousins: THE most underrated quarterback. Sixth in the history of the league in passer rating. Sixth! Strong arm. Good, steady stats. Efficient. Just a very good pro quarterback.
12. Baker Mayfield: He’s not Tom Brady, and he never will be, but he does have the “it” factor with his teammates. Players rally for this guy. He seems to have blind faith, and that trickles down the line to your teammates. Kevin Stefanski has helped Baker elevate to a new level, all aspects considered.
11. Ryan Tannehill: Insane QB ratings with Tennessee. Has always been underrated. You know he carried Miami to the playoffs with ADAM GASE as his head coach, right?
10. Matthew Stafford: Could be MVP. Could also be his teammate – and apparently new best friend – Cooper Kupp. I gotta see it in the playoffs before I can believe it. I still believe LA will come up short when it matters. Check Stafford’s career playoff stats. Count all those Ws.
9. Justin Herbert: Tracking to be one of the absolute best in the world. When I think about Justin Herbert, I immediately think BALL PLACEMENT. Talk about hittin’ spots! This kid just wheels and deals. I love this guy. Superstar in the making, if not already.
8. Kyler Murray: Continues to improve. Can’t knock him. Let’s see it in the playoffs.
7. Lamar Jackson: If “Hollywood” Brown could catch a ball he might be really, really good. I think Lamar is quietly improving. The drops hide the improvements.
6. Dak Prescott: One of my favorite players in the league, hands down. Warrior. Loves the game. FIGHTS back from injury. Dallas is looking hungry and energized, and Dak is their leader and sparkplug.
5. Russell Wilson: Mr. Steady. Hard to judge anything with this Seattle D. Can you win games if the other team can always score on the final possession, no matter which team it is?
4. Josh Allen: Buffalo is back, for sure. Allen has steadily improved throughout his pro career. Love the all-around nature of his game. Sky is the limit, indeed.
3. Aaron Rodgers: I might actually take him over #2. I didn’t. But I might. A-Rod is just as incredible as ever. Just a legend in terms of velocity, ball placement and overall efficiency.
2. Pat Mahomes: Nervous, anyone? We’ll play the long game and wait it out. I’m sure KC will turn it around with this young man leading the way.
1. Tom Brady: Consider ALL factors. A coach on the field. THE leader of leaders. The GOAT. Sure, he still has it on the field, but he does it all off the field, too. He elevates every player on his team. He elevates the entire organization, top to bottom. He may just be the most valuable athlete in the history of sports.
Make sure you're following John on Twitter @LegendSports7 and listen to his podcast "Pickin Pigskin Winners" as he and Wes Easley pick every single game game against the spread every Sunday
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