Predicting the 5 Best Quarterbacks in 2009

The 2008 season led to many surprise at the Quarterback position.

There were some outstanding rookies (Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco) who led their respected teams to the playoffs, struggling former first rounders (Matt Leinart and Vince Young), a guy who hadn't started a game since his senior year of high school (Matt Cassel), and veterans whose stars are still shining brightly (Kurt Warner, Kerry Collins, and Chad Pennington).

So what does the 2009 season have in store for us?

5. Tom Brady

Surprised?

The only reason we have Brady slotted this low is the knee injury he suffered last year. We can't forget 2007, when he threw for 4,806 yards, a record 50 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 117.2, and the fact that he still has Moss and Welker to throw to.

We saw how (Peyton) Manning struggled through the first few games after his knee surgery which wasn't nearly as severe, so expect Brady's numbers to be somewhere around 3,500 yards and 25 TDs.

4. Matt Ryan

Who can argue with the season Matty Ice had in 2008?

Ryan burst onto the scene with 3,440 yards, 16 touchdowns, and a rating of 87.7. All great numbers for a rookie and lets not forget the fact that he turned the Falcons from the laughing stock of the NFL into a playoff team.

Things are only going to get better for Atlanta and their young QB. Expect his numbers to be on par with Brady's in 2009.

3.Phillip Rivers

Love him or hate him Phillip Rivers in one of the best passers in the NFL. He was cheated out of the Pro Bowl after leading the Chargers to an amazing late season surge.

Rivers finished the season with 4,009 yards, 34 TD, with only 11 INTs, and had a league best 105.5 passer rating. If it weren't for a 4-8 start, this guy could have been the league MVP.

Also, let's not forget that this guy played in the 2008 playoffs with a torn ACL. A healthy Antonio Gates and steady production from Vincent Jackson and Chris Chambers, and this guy could have a 40 TD season.

2.Drew Brees

The last three years, Brees has put up yards per game averages of 276, 276, and 316. While 5,000 yard seasons are hard to repeat in the NFL, expect Brees to continue to put up big numbers for the forseeable future.

His numbers will drop from 2008, but the team wins will go up and the Saints will return to the playoff picture. Also, expect his receivers to continue to develop into quality playmakers.

1. Peyton Manning

If you would have missed the 2008 season and then looked back at Peyton's numbers, you would have never known that the Colts were 3-4 and Peyton's left knee was a huge question mark.

The Colts won their last nine games to finish the season 12-4 and Peyton posted his ninth career 4,000 yard season on his way to an NFL best third MVP award.

Expect Peyton to have another 4,000 plus yard season in 2009 and maybe win that fourth MVP award.