NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: Week Five

kevin roberts by Senior Writer Written on October 16, 2009

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NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11:  Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts is pictured during the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on October 11, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

You've heard of team power rankings. You've heard of power groupings. You've even heard of player rankings.

But what about player power rankings?

Even if it has been done, this list takes a close look at each team's current starter under center, their numbers from the past week, and offers some analysis as to why they rank where they do.

For argument's sake, only the 2009 season is used for stats, player ability, injury issues, offensive success, defensive support, and team's record.

And it was all computer in under five minutes. Enjoy.

32. Jamarcus Russell (Oakland Raiders)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 11:  JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders warms up before playing the New York Giants on October 11, 2009 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Dude sucks.

I get that his offensive line is bad. I get that he faced the Giants. I even totally understand that his receivers are terrible.

But maybe all the Jamarcus Russell fans aren't getting something:

Dude sucks.

31. Derek Anderson (Cleveland Browns)

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 11: Marcus Buggs #53 of the Buffalo Bills sacks Derek Anderson #3 of the Cleveland Browns at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Orchard Park, New York. Theplay was nullified by a penalty. Cleveland won 6-3. (Photo by Ri

He went 2-17 for 23 yards against an awful Buffalo Bills' defense.

How is he NOT at this spot?

30. Jake Delhomme (Carolina Panthers)

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 11:  Jake Delhomme #17 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates after winning the game 20-17 against the Washington Redskins at Bank of America Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Im

He has 10 turnovers in four games. That's horrible.

He'd pretty much have to move mountains to get out of the bottom five right about now.

Or, you know, throw some friggin' touchdowns.

29. Trent Edwards (Buffalo Bills)

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 11:  Trent Edwards #5 of the Buffalo Bills looks to make a pass play during their NFL game against the Cleveland Browns at Ralph Wilson Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Orchard Park, New York. The Browns defeated the Bills 6-3. (P

He is passive and pathetic. I'm not so sure it's all his fault, but it's definitely partially on him.

He needs to go down-field more, or this season is lost. Or is it already?

28. Kerry Collins (Tennessee Titans)

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 11:  Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans  throws the ball during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at LP Field on October 11, 2009 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 31-9.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge

He's doing the exact opposite of what he did last year. He's throwing picks and playing ineffective football.

Worst of all, the Titans aren't even losing close games anymore. Now they're just getting beaten to a pulp.

27. Jason Campbell (Washington Redskins)

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 11:  Jason Campbell #17 of Washington Redskins drops back to throw a pass against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Every time you think this kid is starting to turn a corner, he lays another goose-egg. He only ranks this "high" because he's put up decent fantasy numbers.

As far as pure talent and execution goes, he's a bottom feeder.

26. Marc Bulger (St. Louis Rams)

ST. LOUIS, MO - OCTOBER 11: Marc Bulger #10 of the St. Louis Rams passes against the Minnesota Vikings at the Edward Jones Dome on October 11, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri.  (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

His team is still 0-5 and his success last week was in mop-up duty. Still, 7-7 and a touchdown leaves an impression.

Bulger is back under center in week six against a weak Jaguars' secondary, so we'll see if he and this offense can finally turn the corner. Or even approach it.

25. Shaun Hill (San Francisco 49ers)

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 11:  Shaun Hill #13 ofthe San Francisco 49ers looks to pass the ball during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at Candlestick Park on October 11, 2009 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

He can manage the game with the best of them, but it's getting fairly evident that he isn't clutch and can't take over games.

The 49ers need to block better, but he failed them last week when they needed him most.

24. Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions)

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 04: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lionsl throws a pass against the Chicago Bears on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

He is playing a lot better than he was, but he's still a rookie, and he missed last week with a knee injury.

His uncertain status and a meager 1-3 record as a starter keep him in the bottom 10.

23. David Garrard (Jacksonville Jaguars)

SEATTLE - OCTOBER 11:  Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on the field during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on October 11, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Jaguars 41-0. (Photo by Ot

He was money two weeks ago, and then took a large, ineffective crap all over the field in week five.

He shouldn't have much trouble destroying the Rams in week six and moving up in the rankings, but that 41-0 loss left a bitter taste in my mouth, considering I started him last week in fantasy football.

22. Josh Johnson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 11:  Josh Johnson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts at Lincoln Financial Field on October 11, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

He's getting better, but he's not necessarily even average yet.

He is terribly inaccurate way too often, and his three interceptions and an 0-5 record keep him grounded.

Still, the touchdowns and improved decision-making help his cause. Josh Freeman, tighten that grip on that clipboard. For like, two more weeks.

21. Mark Sanchez (New York Jets)

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He rebounded from that awful, awful performance against the Saints in week four, but it wasn't by much.

His team still lost, and there wasn't a whole lot he did to prevent it.

20. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 27:  Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints moves to pass the ball during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium on September 27, 2009 in Orchard Park, New York. The Saints won 27-7. (Photo by

You can't drop him below a rookie just because he hasn't thrown a touchdown in his past two games.

But on that same note, you can't award him for being a game-manager.

He stays out of the bottom 10 because he's undefeated, but he needs a solid showing against the Giants to get a significant bump up.

19. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)

MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 05:  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers walks off the field during the Monday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings on October 5, 2009 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo

He made himself look pretty awesome in garbage time against a prevent defense against Minnesota. And he almost pulled off a comeback.

But apparently, "almost" only counts for placing 19th in these rankings.

18. Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens)

BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 11:  Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens passes against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 17-14. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Flacco was OK last week and actually should have come out with a win against Cincy.

Still, his yardage was weak and he only threw for one score. Add the loss to the equation, and he can't rank much higher than where he's at.

17. Chad Henne (Miami Dolphins)

MIAMI - OCTOBER 12:  Quarterback Chad Henne #7 of the Miami Dolphins throws a pass against the New York Jets at Land Shark Stadium on October 12, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The Dolphins defeated the Jets 31-27.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

They don't call it POWER rankings for nothing.

Henne was only average prior to Monday Night's game, but a very solid showing and a comeback drive (and win, mind you) catapults him above the likes of Flacco and Rodgers, who lost in their most recent efforts.

Henne even sits above Drew Brees, who literally hasn't thrown a touchdown or passed for over 200 yards in almost a month.

16. Tom Brady (New England Patriots)

DENVER - OCTOBER 11:  Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass against the Denver Broncos during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on October 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-17 in o

I sincerely doubt Brady stays this low after a tasty matchup with the Tennessee secondary, but I can't rank him any higher after three miserable quarters of play against Denver.

There is something clearly wrong with his mental approach to the game.

15. Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals)

BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 11:  Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 17-14. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

His team is 4-1 and he's putting up decent stats, but he's still throwing picks and not being "the guy" when he really should be getting it done.

This offense is starting to get dependent on Cedric Benson, and it's evident that Palmer really only has Ochocinco as a truly reliable target

I need to see more to move him up.

14. Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings)

ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 11:  :  :  :  :  :  Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings at Edward Jones Dome on October 11, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

I still haven't come down off the high of his magical game-winning toss, nor his emotional and impressive performance against his former team.

The Rams suck, but 230+ yards and a score will do to keep him above Carson Palmer.

I mean, after all, his team is 5-0.

13. Matt Schaub (Houston Texans)

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 11:  Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans warms up before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Texans 28-21

He lost last week, but he put up great numbers and looked good while doing it.

He's too talented to be this low, but the Texans need to start winning consistently for him to stay high in these rankings.

12. Matt Cassel (Kansas City Chiefs)

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 11:  Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the Dallas Cowboys on October 11, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

The Chiefs are still looking for their first win, but if it weren't for Cassel and his quickly improving play, they wouldn't have stood a chance against Dallas.

He was extremely solid all day, and super clutch on the final drive that forced overtime. He could get his first win as a KC passer this week against Washington.

11. Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys)

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 11:  Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys warms-up prior to the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs on October 11, 2009 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.  (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

He hadn't done squat since week one, but all it took was a quality second half an a monster overtime to change your view of Romo.

Sure, it was only the Chiefs, but it sure did look like Romo got his mojo back.

10. Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)

PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 4:  Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers looks to throw the ball in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 4, 2009 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Ima

Outside of coming up short against Big Ben and the Steelers, few passers have played as hard and been as effective.

If San Diego can ever get its rush offense going and stop anybody, Rivers would easily rise.

9. Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers)

DETROIT , MI - OCTOBER 11:  Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on while playing the Detroit Lions on October 11, 2009 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Pittsburgh won the game 28-20.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Steelers are still only 3-2, but Big Ben continues to show up and make things happen.

He dropped in two straight solid efforts in a big win over San Diego, and led Pittsburgh over Detroit on the road.

After a weak 1-2 start, he has them right back in the AFC North division race.

8. Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears)

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 04: Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears flips into the end zone for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Cutler has been nearly flawless since his horrid start against Green Bay on Sunday Night Football.

Three games later, the Bears are riding a 3-0 run as Cutler has thrown seven touchdowns to only one pick.

Yeah, he was worth the trade.

7. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons)

SAN FRANCISCO - OCTOBER 11:  Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons talks to his teammates during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on October 11, 2009 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Everyone in Atlanta was on fire and destroying the 49ers, so it's hard to give all the credit to Ryan.

Still, there's no ignoring his improvement since last year, and the fact that he's leading one of the best offensive groups in the league.

6. Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals)

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 11:  Quarterback Kurt Warner #13 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass during the NFL game against the Houston Texans at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on October 11, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona.  The Cardinals defeated the

Warner was awesome last week, getting his two star receivers involved early and often, while leading AZ back to a solid 2-2 record.

This is what you call building momentum.

5. Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia Eagles)

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 11:  Donovan McNabb #5 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks for an open man in a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lincoln Financial Field on October 11, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

Like the next guy listed, McNabb returned from injury with a knock-out performance, threw three touchdowns, and helped his team go 3-1.

With him finally healthy again, this Eagles offense is truly something to be afraid of.

4. Matt Hasselbeck (Seattle Seahawks)

SEATTLE - OCTOBER 11: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates as he runs onto the field before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on October 11, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Jaguars

He returns from a back injury to play behind a sketchy offensive line, and all he does is throw four touchdowns.

Simply amazing.

Like it or not, Mr. Clean is and deserves to be in the top five.

3. Kyle Orton (Denver Broncos)

DENVER - OCTOBER 11:  Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos delivers a pass against the New England Patriots during NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High on October 11, 2009 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-17 in over

Hes 5-0, too, and not JUST because of his awesome defense, excellent coaching, or the return of Brandon Marshall's dominance.

He's also a hell of a player.

Seven touchdowns to one stupid hail mary interception? Yeah, he deserves to be here.

2. Eli Manning (New York Giants)

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Another 5-0 Manning, and another statistic machine.

Well, he would be, if his team quite blowing other teams away and having him sit the second half.

At least we finally get to see a complete game from him against a good Saints team.

1. Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts)

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He has yet to throw for under 300 yards and is connecting with every weapon on his team.

Oh, and the Colts are 5-0.

Whatever the Manning brothers are smoking, I want in.

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written on October 16, 2009 Rankings/List

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