2012 Stat Predictions for All 32 Starting Quarterbacks in the NFL

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Today's NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and the talent under center is arguably better than it's ever been before.

When one truly considers the embarrassment of riches the NFL has at quarterback, it's easy to get excited for the 2012 NFL season.

Think back to last year. Drew Brees had one of the best years ever by a quarterback, but Aaron Rodgers was the MVP. Two NFL quarterbacks in league history had passed for 5,000 yards, but three did it in 2011. Matthew Stafford was one of the 5,000-yard passers, but saw his Pro Bowl spot go to the best-ever rookie passer, Cam Newton.

So, in this golden era of quarterback play, let's take a look at what the numbers should look like this season.

One note on the list: Each projection assumes a full season. Each of these is the calculation of the player if he wins the job in Week 1 and keeps his job (no matter how poor he plays) for 16 games. Yes, players will get injured and their numbers will suffer, but predicting injuries is a little morbid, no?

How will your team's quarterback fare in 2012?

Buffalo Bills—Ryan Fitzpatrick

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,750

Touchdowns: 25

Interceptions: 20

Passer Rating: 83.0

Trending: Upward

 

Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't have a ton of quality weapons, but Stevie Johnson, Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller can get the job done. Fitzpatrick's numbers may take a slight ding due to Brad Smith's slash role, but look for this to be the Harvard product's best season as a pro.

 

Headline: "Keeping Up With the Joneses in the AFC East"

Miami Dolphins—Ryan Tannehill

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 2,750

Touchdowns: 16

Interceptions: 20

Passer Rating: 69.0

Trending: Flat

 

While Ryan Tannehill doesn't have a lock on the starting job just yet, it's starting to look more and more like the Miami Dolphins are going to throw their rookie into the fire. With their lack of weapons and tough divisional schedule, expect Tannehill to struggle in his rookie season.

 

Headline: "Have to Walk Before You Can Run"

New England Patriots—Tom Brady

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 5,000

Touchdowns: 40

Interceptions: 10

Passer Rating: 112.5

Trending: Upward

 

Tom Brady crossed the 5,000-yard threshold in 2011, and fans should expect him to do so again in the coming season. Adding Brandon Lloyd to an already potent offense should pay dividends as teams simply can't game-plan to stop all of Bill Belichick's weapons. 

 

Headline: "Can't Stop Me Now"

New York Jets—Mark Sanchez

Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 2,750

Touchdowns: 13

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 71.5

Trending: Downward

 

With Tim Tebow in town and Tony Sparano's run-first offense in place, Mark Sanchez isn't going to have much of a chance to succeed in the coming year. Sanchez' starting position isn't any safer than Kyle Orton's was, and he'll have a lot less chances to score touchdowns if Tebow's red-zone package is successful.

 

Headline: "A Kingdom Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand"

Dallas Cowboys—Tony Romo

Al Bello/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,000

Touchdowns: 38

Interceptions: 12

Passer Rating: 101.0

Trending: Upward

 

Tony Romo took way too much grief in 2011 as he managed to win as many games as critics constantly point out he lost. He may never be Joe Montana, but Romo is a talented passer who will have as much protection as he's ever had in 2012.

Even with Laurent Robinson gone and Dez Bryant a giant question mark, expect Romo to put up big numbers, even if the Dallas Cowboys still manage to snatch defeat from the claws of victory.

 

Headline: "Haters Gonna Hate"

New York Giants—Eli Manning

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,000

Touchdowns: 28

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 91.5

Trending: Even

 

As much as we remember Eli Manning's postseason, it's also important to remember his up-and-down regular season and the conditions under which his postseason successes happened. The New York Giants could not run the football in 2011 and were forced to pass. As the Giants recommit to running the football, expect Manning's numbers to pale in comparison to his postseason success.

 

Headline: "If You Come At The King, You Best Not Miss"

Philadelphia Eagles—Michael Vick

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,000

Touchdowns: 22

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 87.5

Trending: Upward 

Michael Vick broke down last year trying to win games on his own as the Philadelphia Eagles' defense was unable to provide any stability. With the ascension of LeSean McCoy, expect Vick to settle down, remember what he's learned from Marty Mornhinweg and Andy Reid and improve his numbers.

 

Headline: "Back in the Saddle"

Washington Redskins—Robert Griffin III

Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,000

Touchdowns: 18

Interceptions: 19

Passer Rating: 73.5

Trending: Upward

 

Fans look at Robert Griffin III and, for whatever reason, want to expect the same numbers they saw from Cam Newton in 2011. However, what Newton did was special, and RGIII should be allowed to have his own good rookie year, even if it isn't the phenomenal statistical dominance of Cam Newton.

The bare numbers here don't tell the whole story, however, as RGIII should have plenty of yards and touchdowns on the ground.

 

Headline: "Growing Pains"

Baltimore Ravens—Joe Flacco

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,750

Touchdowns: 22

Interceptions: 10

Passer Rating: 90.0

Trending: Even

 

With a full offseason to work with Torrey Smith, Joe Flacco could outplay these predictions in a hurry. It will largely depend on what role Ray Rice will play in Baltimore—if he is primarily a rusher, Flacco's numbers will dip.

As a receiver, Rice could help put Flacco among the NFL's best in 2012. He's never been counted upon to put the Ravens on his shoulders, but Flacco should prove many of his critics wrong in the coming year.

 

Headline: "Don't You, Forget About Me"

Cincinnati Bengals—Andy Dalton

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,500

Touchdowns: 20

Interceptions: 10

Passer Rating: 86.5

Trending: Upward

 

Thrown into 2011 without any real preparation as a second-round pick, Andy Dalton exceeded any reasonable expectations for his rookie season. With more time to get his bearings, a sophomore slump for Dalton should be the last thing people expect.

 

Headline: "Live and Let Fly"

Cleveland Browns—Brandon Weeden

Jason Miller/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 2,500

Touchdowns: 18

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 72.5

Trending: Even

 

Brandon Weeden stepped onto the Cleveland Browns' roster and immediately became one of the elder statesmen, even as a rookie. He'll be asked to play like a veteran in year one, even if most of his role is handing off to Trent Richardson and making defenses pay once they stack the box.

 

Headline: "He Keeps On Rolling Along"

Pittsburgh Steelers—Ben Roethlisberger

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,000

Touchdowns: 25

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 89.5

Trending: Upward

 

With Hines Ward gone and Mike Wallace's status up in the air, Ben Roethlisberger isn't going to have as many familiar faces running routes for him in 2012. With Rashard Mendenhall in doubt, Big Ben will need to be at his best for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win football games. It may sound daunting, but every time a challenge has been placed in front of him, he's risen to meet and exceed the challenge. 

 

Headline: "When You Want Something Done Right..."

Chicago Bears—Jay Cutler

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,500

Touchdowns: 35

Interceptions: 12

Passer Rating: 101.0

Trending: Sky High

 

With Brandon Marshall in tow, it's easy to expect huge things from Jay Cutler this season. Moreover, his protection should be better as Gabe Carimi returns and Mike Tice has a full offseason to teach his ways to the offensive line. The NFC North opposition will demand the best out of Cutler, and he's finally got the weapons to keep up.

 

Headline: "Reunited and It Feels So Good"

Detroit Lions—Matthew Stafford

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,500

Touchdowns: 40

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 103.5

Trending: Even

 

Finally healthy, Matthew Stafford was lights out in 2011, and there's every reason to believe he can be even better. The Detroit Lions aren't built to run, and Stafford will air it out to a host of great targets like Calvin Johnson, Titus Young, Nate Burleson and Brandon Pettigrew.

 

Headline: "And I'm Doin' Fine...on Cloud Nine"

Green Bay Packers—Aaron Rodgers

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 5,000

Touchdowns: 40

Interceptions: 8

Passer Rating: 113.5

Trending: Even

 

Is Aaron Rodgers the best quarterback in the NFL? Is he the best quarterback in Green Bay Packers history? Has he finally stepped out of Brett Favre's shadow? Is he already an all-time great after so little time?

Notice that none of those legitimate questions allow for any discussion for Rodgers to be anything but phenomenal. Rodgers has been better than expected since he's been allowed to be the man in Green Bay, and fans will continue to be amazed at just how good he can be.

 

Headline: "Natural Born Thrilla"

Minnesota Vikings—Christian Ponder

Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 2,500

Touchdowns: 20

Interceptions: 18

Passer Rating: 71.5

Trending: Slightly Upward

 

Without question, Christian Ponder was not ready to be the Minnesota Vikings' starter in 2011, especially without Adrian Peterson at his best. Expect 2012 to be a bit of a coming-out party for Ponder as he has plenty of natural athletic talent and passing ability to succeed in the NFL.

He doesn't have a ton of weapons, but if he and Kyle Rudolph link up early and often, these projections could be tremendously conservative.

 

Headline: "Thrown to the Lions"

Houston Texans—Matt Schaub

Rob Carr/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,750

Touchdowns: 25

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 90.0

Trending: Slightly Downward

 

For years, the Houston Texans always seemed on the cusp of greatness, and in 2011, Texans fans finally got a taste of playoff football and a division championship. Since then, things have gone south for Schaub's chances next season. The Texans still don't have a legitimate No. 2 receiver, and their top dog, Andre Johnson, is dealing with injury.

Most importantly when looking at Schaub's numbers, it's impossible to look past the presence of Arian Foster and the lack of competition in the division. Schaub won't need to be anything more than a facilitator to beat up on the Colts, Jaguars and even the Titans. So, while it's easy to see great things in the Texans' future, Schaub's numbers won't necessarily be as great as they've been in the past.

 

Headline: "There's No I in Team"

Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Luck

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,000

Touchdowns: 22

Interceptions: 14

Passer Rating: 80.5

Trending: Upward

 

The general thought is that RGIII will outplay Andrew Luck in his first year because he's more athletic and has better weapons around him. However, sleeping on Andrew Luck is a huge mistake. The Stanford product will have the best receiver he's ever had in Reggie Wayne and is bringing his favorite tight end (Coby Fleener) with him. It will be a transition, but Luck will surprise a lot of critics in year one.

 

Headline: "School's Out"

Jacksonville Jaguars—Blaine Gabbert

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 2,750

Touchdowns: 15

Interceptions: 20

Passer Rating: 68.5

Trending: Slightly Upward

 

Blaine Gabbert is supposed to be the franchise savior in Jacksonville, and that just isn't going to happen. Admittedly, Gabbert had as rough a first year as one could imagine, but his problems go back much further than his rookie season. Expect slight improvement in 2012, but it's going to be evident (sooner rather than later) that Gabbert isn't the guy fans want him to be.

 

Headline: "Duck and Cover"

Tennessee Titans—Matt Hasselbeck

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,000

Touchdowns: 20

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 78.0

Trending: Slightly Downward

 

Jake Locker should win the competition in Tennessee, but (for whatever reason) the coaching staff seems to think that Matt Hasselbeck gives them a better chance to win early in the season. With Kenny Britt's status up in the air and Kendall Wright a year away from being a real stud, expect Hasselbeck to put up average numbers but win more games next to a re-energized Chris Johnson.

 

Headline: "Stay off My Lawn"

Atlanta Falcons—Matt Ryan

Al Bello/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,000

Touchdowns: 30

Interceptions: 15

Passer Rating: 93.5

Trending: Even

 

"Matty Ice" has cooled off a little bit and clearly isn't the elite QB that people thought he could be after his fantastic rookie season. However, he has more weapons than ever before, and Julio Jones should be a truly special player in this league.

Ryan is a fantastic game manager (in all the good ways) and can beat lesser defenses on his own. He's never going to be in the "Brady, Manning, Brees" category, but with the talent around him, he should keep the Falcons in playoff contention.

 

Headline: "I Get by with a Little Help from My Friends"

Carolina Panthers—Cam Newton

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,500

Touchdowns: 23

Interceptions: 12

Passer Rating: 114.0

Trending: Sky High

 

No one expected Cam Newton to do what he did in his rookie season, so it should come as no surprise if he takes another step forward in 2012. With teams unable to sell out against the pass, Newton is always going to throw against single coverage. Add in 500-plus yards rushing and double-digit rushing touchdowns to really get the true picture of how good he should be.

 

Headline: "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet"

New Orleans Saints—Drew Brees

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 5,250

Touchdowns: 42

Interceptions: 12

Passer Rating: 114.0

Trending: Even

 

With all the drama the New Orleans Saints had this offseason, they should've crumbled. Instead, the defense (especially the linebacking corps) looks even better in 2012, and Drew Brees is back with all of his top targets. With a healthy Mark Ingram, Brees' numbers could dip, but I expect Pete Carmichael to keep the foot on the gas pedal and Brees to have another career year.

 

Headline: "Look Out Below"

Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Josh Freeman

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,750

Touchdowns: 20

Interceptions: 18

Passer Rating: 82.0

Trending: Upward

 

With a new coaching staff, offense and top receiver on board, Josh Freeman will have a lot of moving parts to keep straight. So, don't expect Freeman to put it all together right away, but he should start to look like the great young quarterback he's shown glimpses of in the past. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won't win a lot of games in 2012, but Freeman will show he's part of the solution, not part of the problem.

 

Headline: "Time to Shine"

Denver Broncos—Peyton Manning

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,500

Touchdowns: 25

Interceptions: 10

Passer Rating: 90.0

Trending: Downward

 

People hear the words "Peyton" and "Manning" and (understandably) expect huge things from the Broncos in the upcoming year. Yet, with an offensive line that still needs serious work and a group of receivers that can't match his former Colts crew, the Broncos fanbase needs to have some patience.

Manning is, on his worst day, a much better passer than Tim Tebow will ever be, but he will have more of those worst days in 2012 than he's used to.

 

Headline: "Patience is a Virtue"

Kansas City Chiefs—Matt Cassel

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,000

Touchdowns: 18

Interceptions: 16

Passer Rating: 76.0

Trending: Slightly Upward

 

The Kansas City Chiefs are in a good position for the 2012 season, and all Matt Cassel has to do is be average. Last year was a down year, but Cassel (though not great, maybe not even good by today's NFL standards) is better than that. Jonathan Baldwin and Jamaal Charles will both be able to contribute more to the offense this year, and it will be fun to see how Dexter McCluster gets utilized.

 

Headline: "50 Shades of Dilfer"

Oakland Raiders—Carson Palmer

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,250

Touchdowns: 18

Interceptions: 18

Passer Rating: 76.0

Trending: Downward

 

The Oakland Raiders mortgaged their future for Carson Palmer, and the bank's about to foreclose on the house Al Davis built. Palmer has less offensive talent than he's ever had before, and none of his speed demon receivers are ready to be anything but one-trick ponies. Palmer's best bet will be to hand off to Darren McFadden, but if McFadden gets hurt again, Palmer is going to look pretty terrible in a hurry.

 

Headline: "Fool's Gold"

San Diego Chargers—Philip Rivers

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 4,250

Touchdowns: 35

Interceptions: 14

Passer Rating: 99.5

Trending: Sky High

 

Philip Rivers has a ton of detractors. Whether it's his personality or his lack of playoff successes, Rivers take a lot of hate from people, and they're reveling in last year's failures.

In reality, 2011 should be nothing more than a major outlier in an otherwise fantastic career, and Rivers should bounce back in a big way. With new weapons and a healthier offense, expect Rivers to be back in the AFC Pro Bowl conversation, and the Chargers to be back in playoff contention.

 

Headline: "60 Percent of the Time, It Works Every Time"

Arizona Cardinals—Kevin Kolb

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,000

Touchdowns: 17

Interceptions: 19

Passer Rating: 73.0

Trending: Even

 

John Skelton has tantalizing physical tools, but Kevin Kolb is an underrated athlete and a better quarterback than he showed in his first year with the Cardinals. He should win the job, easily, in camp and put together decent numbers.

Yet, after Larry Fitzgerald, the talent around Kolb still isn't up to snuff, and he has to worry about playing two great defenses (Seattle and San Francisco) and one quickly improving squad (St. Louis). Kolb is better than Skelton, but he's nowhere near good enough to win in that scenario.

 

Headline: "In Over His Head"

San Francisco 49ers—Alex Smith

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,250

Touchdowns: 22

Interceptions: 10

Passer Rating: 85.5

Trending: Sky High

 

Alex Smith will surprise a lot of people this season as he is set up for a fantastic year. Not only does he return everything that got the Niners to the playoffs in 2011, but he has an extra layer of offensive talent on the top of the depth chart. Whatever Randy Moss, Mario Manningham and LaMichael James add to the offense will be a bonus.

Smith has been more bust than boom since being the first overall pick, but a career year should be in store for 2012.

 

Headline: "On Solid Ground"

Seattle Seahawks—Matt Flynn

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,250

Touchdowns: 19

Interceptions: 16

Passer Rating: 78.5

Trending: Even

 

Seattle Seahawks fans are hoping that Matt Flynn can be the same guy he was in Week 17 last season, but the Seahawks' weapons aren't anywhere near what Flynn had as a Packer. Flynn should be able to beat out Tarvaris Jackson and Russell Wilson (if only because he's being paid way too much to sit on the bench).

The Seahawks aren't going to put up a ton of numbers through the air, though, and Flynn will look more human than he did in Green and Gold.

 

Headline: "The Grass Isn't Always Greener"

St. Louis Rams—Sam Bradford

Jay Drowns/Getty Images

Passing Yardage Prediction: 3,000

Touchdowns: 18

Interceptions: 10

Passer Rating: 81.0

Trending: Upward

 

It has a perfect storm in St. Louis for Sam Bradford, and the new coaching staff should bring a whole lot of stability. Bradford is still probably a year (or two) away from paying dividends as the first overall pick, but he should show flashes in 2012. Even at his worst, Bradford doesn't make a lot of mistakes, so he should be perfect for a Jeff Fisher-coached team that is going to run the ball a lot.

 

Headline: "Finding His Stride"

 

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Michael Schottey is the NFL National Lead Writer for Bleacher Report and an award-winning member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Find more of his stuff alongside other great writers at "The Go Route."