NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, Post-Week 1
With Week 1 of the NFL season in the books, the expectations and realities of fans and analysts are slowly starting to diverge. This was a wild and exciting week of action with tons of surprises and even more big plays.
The top three quarterbacks from Week 1 haven't changed, but there were some big shake-ups throughout the rankings.
Oddly, not a single quarterback threw for four touchdowns or more in Week 1. That has only happened five times since 2011.
Let’s see how things have shifted in just one week of NFL action.
Methodology
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These rankings factor in several major attributes for the quarterback position.
Personal observation and opinion play a key role. A general section for film-review grades form a foundation, but the output of these QBs' most recent performances is what really sends them flying up and down the rankings each week.
Wins also give quarterbacks a slight boost in addition to their individual performances. The statistics used to help determine the ranking system are pulled from ESPN.com, NFL.com and Pro Football Focus (subscription required) unless stated otherwise.
Stats that are factored in include passer rating, completion percentage, yards per pass, rushing yards per game, touchdown-to-interception ratio, fumbles lost and wins.
As the season moves on, the weighted influence from last year's output will be reduced by 25 percent each week.
Note: Total QBR is a scoring system that assesses everything a quarterback does on the field. It can be explained further via ESPN.
Also, Pro Football Focus grades every single play of the season to generate a cumulative point total, which weighs into the metric as well.
Players Ranked Last Week Who Are Not Listed This Week
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Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers: Sat out of Week 1 with a rib injury.
Shaun Hill, St. Louis Rams: Suffered a strained quad in Week 1.
32. Austin Davis, St. Louis Rams
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Minnesota | L 6-34 | 16 | 23 | 69.6 | 192 | 0 | 1 |
Replacement starter Shaun Hill, 34, played the entire first half for the St. Louis Rams, completing eight of 13 passes for 81 yards and an interception before leaving the game with a strained quad. He took over after Sam Bradford tore his ACL in Week 3 of the preseason.
Season Average
For a rookie QB who was likely unprepared to be handed the keys to the offense without any practice reps, Austin Davis didn't look all that bad. He managed to earn a roster spot with solid play throughout the preseason, finishing with a passer rating of 103.
With that said, this may be the last time we see him in 2014. Davis had the lowest QBR score of any QB in Week 1.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Minnesota | L 6-34 | 16 | 23 | 69.6 | 192 | 0 | 1 | N/A |
Next Week Outlook
According to NFL.com’s media insider Ian Rapoport, there is a good chance Hill could be out for Week 2. That means either Case Keenum or Davis will fill the void left from the Rams not having their top two QBs going into the season.
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31. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| New York Jets | L 14-19 | 20 | 32 | 62.5 | 151 | 2 | 0 |
Derek Carr flashed some promise against an aggressive New York Jets defense in Week 1, but he also showed he has a long way to go. The biggest positive to take away from this game is that he threw 32 passes without a single turnover.
Season Average
In his NFL debut, the rookie only managed to put 14 points on the board and finished 31st out of 33 QBs in Pro Football Focus grading. He also finished in the middle of the road (16th) in passer rating and had a 32.6 QBR (24th overall).
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | NYJ | L 14-19 | 20 | 32 | 62.5 | 151 | 2 | 0 | 31 |
Next Week Outlook
Carr’s job doesn’t get any easier on Sunday when his Oakland Raiders host J.J. Watt and the Houston Texans. It can be argued that this is a much more complete defense than the Jets, and Carr showed us that he can be rattled by pressure up the middle.
If play-caller Greg Olson and head coach Dennis Allen want Carr to progress as a quarterback, they can’t hold him back from a play-calling standpoint. With a running game that lacks explosion, it’s time to let Carr push the ball downfield a bit more in a controlled and creative manner.
30. Derek Anderson, Carolina Panthers
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Tampa Bay | W 20-14 | 24 | 34 | 70.6 | 230 | 2 | 0 |
It was a surprise to learn that Derek Anderson was going to get the start for the injured Cam Newton (ribs). With minimal preparation, Anderson played a fantastic game considering the Carolina Panthers have been highly scrutinized for their lack of talent at the receiver position.
With that said, the veteran backup did throw a ton of one-yard passes to running backs.
Season Average
The highlight of his day was a beautiful sideline strike to rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin for a touchdown. Let’s not forget this backup QB was once a Pro Bowl quarterback.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Tampa Bay | W 20-14 | 24 | 34 | 70.6 | 230 | 2 | 0 | N/A |
Next Week Outlook
Anderson is not likely to make an appearance in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, but one thing is for sure—Newton will have a high bar set for him in terms of expectations in this offense, which is apparently is far more capable than we once thought.
29. Chad Henne, Jacksonville Jaguars
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Philadelphia | L 17-34 | 24 | 43 | 55.8 | 266 | 2 | 0 |
Chad Henne dug deep and showed off a version of himself that we rarely see. His 266 passing yards and turnover-free performance was not only surprising but was almost enough to upset the Philadelphia Eagles. The second half, however, was a different story. The Eagles scored 34 unanswered points in the second half, while Henne and the Jacksonville Jaguars were rendered obsolete.
Season Average
Henne’s passer rating so far is 89.9, which is a vast improvement from the 76.5 that it was a year ago. However, his 36.6 QBR is on par with where he was in 2013.
Henne did well enough to move up one spot in the rankings. For the sake of his NFL career, hopefully that upward trend continues.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Philadelphia | L 17-34 | 24 | 43 | 55.8 | 266 | 2 | 0 | 30 |
Next Week Outlook
Jacksonville travels to Washington, D.C., to take on another franchise that is looking to make a resurgence. Can Henne outperform Robert Griffin III in the quest for the first win of the season? Both teams are 0-1 and will do whatever it takes not to start with an 0-2 record.
28. Eli Manning, New York Giants
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Detroit | L 14-35 | 18 | 33 | 54.5 | 163 | 1 | 2 |
Clearly, Eli Manning is not comfortable yet in the new West Coast offense being installed in New York. On Monday night against Detroit, he completed only 54.5 percent of his passes to go with two interceptions.
In the opening week, the experienced vet had a passer rating of 53.0, which was the second-worst mark in the league.
Season Average
Manning and the offense looked sloppy in Week 1, and the turnover struggles seem to be continuing from previous years.
It’s crazy to think the guy who recently led his team to two Super Bowl victories is now ranked among the lowest starters in the league.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Detroit | L 14-35 | 18 | 33 | 54.5 | 163 | 1 | 2 | 27 |
Next Week Outlook
After the first game, there isn't a whole lot of indication that things are going to get better anytime soon. This Sunday, the Giants will host the Arizona Cardinals and a secondary that gave Philip Rivers fits all game long in Week 1. As of right now, it doesn't appear there are a lot of wins in the Giants' future this season; however, with head coach Tom Coughlin and Manning leading the way, anything can happen.
27. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Cincinnati | L 16-23 | 35 | 62 | 56.5 | 345 | 1 | 1 |
Joe Flacco didn’t do a whole lot against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, as his struggles from 2013 seem to be carrying over.
Neither his 56.5 percent completion rate nor 5.6 yards per pass attempt was very good. The best throw Flacco made was the gorgeous 80-yard touchdown catch by Steve Smith.
Season Average
After his subpar performance, Flacco dropped another four spots in the power ranking. This puts him in ominous company with two-time Super Bowl champ Eli Manning. These QBs have combined for three Super Bowls, yet their struggles continue.
Flacco needs to snap out of this funk if he wants to justify his monster contract. The struggling QB has a passer rating of just 71.0 one week into the season, the fifth-worst mark in the league.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Cincinnati | L 16-23 | 35 | 62 | 56.5 | 345 | 1 | 1 | 23 |
Next Week Outlook
Thursday Night Football will feature Flacco going against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both teams are built somewhat similarly, which typically lends to a very physical matchup.
Each squad is very familiar with one another on both sides of the ball, but the Ravens might have more incentive to avoid a 0-2 start.
Flacco must prove he can be accurate while making smart decisions with the ball in his hand; otherwise, Baltimore has no chance of a playoff berth.
26. EJ Manuel, Buffalo Bills
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Chicago | W 23-20 | 16 | 22 | 72.7 | 173 | 1 | 1 |
EJ Manuel did make one awful mistake against the Chicago Bears in Week 1, throwing an interception near midfield with his team clinging to a 17-10 lead. Otherwise, he predominately held his own in a harsh environment, finishing with a 91.7 passer rating and 7.9 yards per pass attempt on the day.
Season Average
As a rookie, Manuel did a nice job of throwing more touchdown passes (11) than interceptions (nine), but he just couldn’t stay healthy long enough to find his rhythm. This season, he looks to prove that he can hurt a defense with his arm and not just his legs and a running game.
Completing 72.7 percent of his passes is a big step in the right direction, even if the passes are mostly short checkdowns and screens.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Chicago | W 23-20 | 16 | 22 | 72.7 | 173 | 1 | 1 | 29 |
Next Week Outlook
Although Week 1 success does not promise anything for the remainder of the year, the Bills surpassed early expectations for the moment.
Suddenly, next week's home opener against a Miami team that dismantled New England looks to be a critical early-season contest for AFC East supremacy. Should Buffalo follow up its win over Chicago by stifling Miami, there will be a legitimate sense of the tide turning for this recently purchased franchise.
25. Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Pittsburgh | L 27-30 | 19 | 31 | 61.3 | 230 | 1 | 0 |
Quarterback Brian Hoyer played the whole game in the Cleveland Browns' 30-27 loss to the Steelers on Sunday in Pittsburgh. Hoyer doesn't shoulder all of the responsibility for the Browns' middling third-down conversion rate—they finished just 2-of-11 on the day—but as the general of this offense, he receives the most blame.
Johnny Manziel spent the afternoon as a spectator, being afforded the opportunity to sit and watch in Year 1.
Hoyer, while far from outstanding, was decent. He is not the reason the Browns lost, but he was also not exceptional enough to get the win in a close matchup. In all fairness, his depleted offense generated 27 points against a tough Steelers defense on the road. That should have been more than enough.
Season Average
Hoyer slipped to 3-1 in his career as the Browns' starter, after recording three wins last year. Through one week of the 2014 season, he has a passer rating of 94.8. Despite this, he failed to move up in the rankings this week because of some unimpressive statistical elements—such as his 45.6 QBR and 61.3 percent completion rate.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Pittsburgh | L 27-30 | 19 | 31 | 61.3 | 230 | 1 | 0 | 25 |
Next Week Outlook
Hoyer and Co. will host the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, with both teams looking for their first win. Hoyer and the Browns need to improve their third-down efficiency if they hope to compete with Drew Brees and the Saints' high-powered offense.
Based on the way Matt Ryan lit up New Orleans' defense in Week 1, it appears as though that unit is not as strong as we anticipated heading into the season.
24. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Titans | L 10-26 | 19 | 35 | 54.3 | 202 | 1 | 3 |
Alex Smith threw just seven interceptions out of 508 pass attempts in 2013. It took him one game this year to nearly record half that many interceptions. Smith had the second-worst QBR in the league behind only the third-string QB Austin Davis in St. Louis.
Talk about a horrible way to show the team that you’re worth the $68 million contract extension you just signed.
Season Average
No. 11 passed for a career-high 3,313 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. The hope was he could improve upon those numbers.
Smith’s abysmal performance dropped him from 19th to 24th among starters. His modus operandi as a conservative game manager seemed to be abandoned as he put on his best fourth-quarter Tony Romo impersonation.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Titans | L 10-26 | 19 | 35 | 54.3 | 202 | 1 | 3 | 19 |
Next Week Outlook
It’s not looking good for the Chiefs, who are preparing to take on the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Smith will need to find a go-to target, while the Chiefs establish a running game.
Smith has never been the type of guy who can carry a team on his shoulders. If he is asked to do so this year, failure is to be expected.
23. Geno Smith, New York Jets
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Raiders | W 19-14 | 23 | 28 | 82.1 | 221 | 1 | 1 |
Not only did Geno Smith play well from the pocket, but he also ran for 38 yards on the day to help his team pull out a big victory at home against the Oakland Raiders.
His 96.6 passer rating was almost as impressive as his 82.1 percent completion percentage. What a difference a year and some playmakers make for this young QB.
Season Average
Now that Smith actually has some weapons on offense, he can improve upon the four fumbles, 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions he had as a rookie. The second-year quarterback finished five games completing less than 50 percent of his passes last season.
Smith is better than his numbers showed last year. He managed to rack up five game-winning drives, tied for the most in the NFL with Tom Brady.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Raiders | W 19-14 | 23 | 28 | 82.1 | 221 | 1 | 1 | 28 |
Next Week Outlook
Against a tough Green Bay Packers team looking to get their first win, Smith will need to take care of the ball and receivers need to avoid drops. In addition, it will be imperative for the Jets' red-zone offense to put six on the board instead of three, but this offense is still a work in progress.
The real concern for this matchup will be the Jets' depleted secondary taking on Aaron Rodgers.
22. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Houston | L 6-17 | 29 | 37 | 78.4 | 267 | 0 | 0 |
Although he completed 78.4 percent of his passes for 267 yards, Robert Griffin III did not put any pressure on the Houston Texans defense in Week 1. J.J. Watt never allowed him to get comfortable. He didn’t make the big plays that we’re used to seeing. He’s a creator, and if he’s not creating, he’s not the best he can be.
Season Average
Griffin’s numbers were significantly better than the reality of the situation. The offense only managed six points on the day, but he did manage to avoid tossing any interceptions. (He was charged with one fumble on a botched handoff with running back Alfred Morris.)
His jump from the 26th rank to the 22nd was partially due to Cam Newton being taken out of the equation. Additionally, a number of QBs had much worse games than he did, and his completion percentage and lack of interceptions saved him.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Houston | L 6-17 | 29 | 37 | 78.4 | 267 | 0 | 0 | 26 |
Next Week Outlook
Week 2 features a matchup of winless teams as the Jaguars and Redskins go head-to-head. But if Washington is going to be a playoff team, it has to be able to let Griffin utilize his best assets.
NBC Sports analyst Rodney Harrison stated on Football Night in America that he believes the Redskins need to let Robert Griffin III run around more and not try to make him a pocket passer.
“If you’re going to keep him in the pocket, you might as well play Kirk Cousins, because you’re making him a robot,” said Harrison, via quotes distributed by NBC Sports Network.
“I know there’s a balancing act, you want to keep him in the pocket and keep him healthy, but I think you’re taking away his biggest asset, and that’s his ability to get outside the pocket and make those plays. If you’re going to keep him in the pocket, you might as well play Kirk Cousins."
21. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Washington | W 17-6 | 14 | 22 | 63.6 | 206 | 1 | 0 |
Based on the preseason, it would have been tough to predict that Ryan Fitzpatrick would have a 109.3 passer rating after Week 1.
He also had a passing touchdown while averaging 9.4 yards per pass attempt in the win over a much-improved Washington defense.
With a solid defense, expect Houston to be a very competitive team in 2014.
Season Average
Fitzpatrick moved up from the 24th spot to the 21st in just one week of action. He has the intelligence and potential to climb up the rankings even higher. The good news for him is that he will not be expected to carry the team on his shoulders. His job is just trying not to lose the game with costly mistakes.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Washington | W 17-6 | 14 | 22 | 63.6 | 206 | 1 | 0 | 24 |
Next Week Outlook
In Week 2, the Texans will travel to Oakland to take on the new-look defense of the Raiders. It’s unsure whether last week’s victory was enough to hold off the pressure for coach Bill O’Brien to start the recently added Ryan Mallett.
This game will essentially be another audition for Fitzpatrick to hold off the other QBs on the roster who are looking to take over as the starter.
20. Matt Cassel, Minnesota Vikings
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ St. Louis | W 34-6 | 17 | 25 | 68.0 | 170 | 2 | 0 |
Matt Cassel and the Minnesota Vikings blew out the Rams on Sunday, 34-6. His performance was certainly an asset in the win, as he finished with a passer rating of 113.7. His 68 percent pass completion rate is impressive despite him not throwing deep very often.
Season Average
Cassel won the starting job over first-round pick Teddy Bridgewater in the preseason and seems to be showing us why the coaching staff picked him to be the starter—for now. If he can work his way into the middle of the pack this year, it will create a ton of interest in teams in need of an adequate passer. After all, good quarterbacks don’t grow on trees.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ St. Louis | L 34-6 | 17 | 25 | 68.0 | 170 | 2 | 0 | 22 |
Next Week Outlook
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has long history of success versus Norv Turner offenses. He also is very familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of his former quarterback, Cassel. When it comes to game-planning for this matchup, there won't be any uncertainty or surprises regarding offense.
19. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| New England | W 33-20 | 18 | 32 | 56.3 | 178 | 2 | 1 |
Ryan Tannehill may not have looked like a star in the win over the Patriots on Sunday, but he did pull off a huge upset against a team that many consider to be a Super Bowl favorite.
Tannehill was helped significantly by a thriving running attack and pass protection that actually worked to keep his jersey clean. He was sacked just once and knocked down one other time, while his offense rushed for 191 yards on the day.
Season Average
Miami’s young signal-caller is still developing as a QB, but he has made significant improvement each season he has been in the league.
It’s weird for Tannehill to have such a big win against a solid team and yet still fall a spot in the rankings, but his QBR of 34.9 was 22nd overall, and his 5.56 yards per pass attempt ranked 28th. He also struggled with accuracy, completing just 56.3 percent of his passes.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | New England | W 33-20 | 18 | 32 | 56.3 | 178 | 2 | 1 | 18 |
Next Week Outlook
This Sunday, the Dolphins will face one of the most dominant pass rushes in the league when they go against Buffalo. The Bills are fresh off a nice win with a defense that could pose as a serious challenge to Miami.
Tannehill must use his mobility to buy time against this defense and be careful not to force the ball into coverage. Establishing a running attack like the Dolphins did against the Patriots will also pay dividends.
18. Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Carolina | L 14-20 | 22 | 35 | 62.9 | 183 | 2 | 2 |
Last year, no quarterback in the league had a better total QBR than Josh McCown’s 85.1. He also led the league with the lowest number of interceptions per pass attempt. This year seems to be more reminiscent of the journey we expected to see before he lit the league on fire.
McCown’s 21.7 QBR ranked 30th out of 33 QBs from Week 1. The Bucs seemed to struggle getting anything established on offense. This loss zapped a lot of playoff hopes from the fanbase.
Season Average
McCown is coming off a career year where he replaced Jay Cutler in Chicago for part of the season. Having Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall on the outside is sure to help any quarterback.
Luckily, McCown has a similar situation with wide receivers Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. However, Tampa Bay’s offensive line will need to hold up to give McCown the time to connect with them.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Carolina | L 14-20 | 22 | 35 | 62.9 | 183 | 2 | 2 | 13 |
Next Week Outlook
McCown and Co. are faced with a great challenge trying to stop the intimidating front of the St. Louis Rams in Week 2. Somehow, the Vikings succeeded in doing this, but judging by Tampa Bay’s performance in the preseason, this should be an interesting matchup to keep an eye on. McCown may not be given a chance to succeed if his offensive line can’t buy him a little time to throw.
17. Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans
18 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Chiefs | W 26-10 | 22 | 33 | 66.7 | 266 | 2 | 0 |
Jake Locker may have turned the corner with new head coach Ken Whisenhunt providing the plays and coaching. He looked like a new quarterback in Week 1, throwing for 266 yards with no turnovers.
Locker had a 111.4 passer rating and averaged an impressive 8.1 yards per pass attempt. That says a lot considering his accuracy seems to drop off after 10 yards.
Season Average
So far, Locker seems to be living up to his impressive play from the preseason and has done nothing but enhance his chances to remain the starting quarterback for the rest of the season. However, we must keep in mind that things can and do change quickly in the NFL.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Chiefs | W 26-10 | 22 | 33 | 66.7 | 266 | 2 | 0 | 21 |
Next Week Outlook
Locker should have a field day with Dallas’ putrid defense in Week 2. This game could propel the young QB's career into another phase of success. But if Locker falters against this defense, it could also be the beginning of the end.
16. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals
19 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| San Diego | W 18-17 | 24 | 37 | 64.9 | 304 | 2 | 0 |
Surprisingly, Carson Palmer seemed to find a new gear during the offseason that nobody knew was there. Not only did he look faster against the San Diego Chargers on Monday night, but he showed impressive Roethlisberger-like abilities in evading would-be tacklers in the pocket. In Week 1, only Geno Smith and Alex Smith had more rushing yards than Carson Football’s 29.
Aside from a lost fumble on a sack he was partly to blame for, the often-reckless gunslinger managed to avoid throwing an interception against the Chargers.
Season Average
Palmer has the most NFL starts among active QBs who have never won a playoff game (138).
If there's one thing he has always been able to do, it's sling it deep. He is one of the best ever at throwing the long ball.
Palmer had one of the bigger leaps in the rankings this week, going from 20th to 16th. Throwing for more than 300 yards with two touchdowns is partly why he is moving in the right direction.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | San Diego | W 18-17 | 24 | 37 | 64.9 | 304 | 2 | 0 | 20 |
Next Week Outlook
Palmer will face the Giants at MetLife stadium on Sunday. New York's passing defense is ranked 28th in the NFL after giving up 341 yards to Matthew Stafford in Week 1. This is a great opportunity for Palmer to continue his impressive play and climb even higher up the rankings.
15. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
20 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| SF | L 17-28 | 23 | 37 | 62.2 | 281 | 1 | 3 |
After a long career of being slammed by defenders and a couple of concerning back surgeries, Tony Romo's arm doesn’t appear to be what it once was. He's certainly less mobile, and the timing on his throws is noticeably off. The timing could be a product of missed time in preseason, but the other concerns may be more permanent. It is not something Romo is used to, but he has to control his risk-taking urges.
Season Average
For those Dallas Cowboys fans who may be overreacting and are ready for a new quarterback, just remember this: Romo has “the most leveraged contract in the NFL,” according to ESPN.com’s Andrew Brandt. Brandt reiterates in his tweet that Romo is “not going anywhere” for quite some time.
Romo's drop from eighth to 15th is significant considering most people expected this offense to be a major bright spot for the organization.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | SF | L 17-28 | 23 | 37 | 62.2 | 281 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
Next Week Outlook
Dallas will take on a tough Tennessee defense on the road as Romo looks to right a sinking ship. This game will not be easy, as the Titans made short work of the Chiefs in Week 1.
Romo will likely need a big day to make up for the lack of defense, but also expect the play-calling to be more balanced than it was against the San Francisco 49ers.
14. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears
21 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Buffalo | L 20-23 | 34 | 49 | 69.4 | 349 | 2 | 2 |
Chicago’s offense turned the ball over three times in the Week 1 overtime loss to the Bills. Jay Cutler threw two ill-timed interceptions to contribute.
Season Average
Instead of taking steps forward in his second year under head coach Marc Trestman, Cutler looked to be back to his former gun-slinging self, throwing balls into heavy coverage and making terrible decisions all around. The accumulation of errors eventually contributed to the upset loss to the Buffalo Bills.
His boost in the rankings by one slot came in part because he completed 69.4 percent of his passes and had a passer rating of 86.2.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Buffalo | L 20-23 | 34 | 49 | 69.4 | 349 | 2 | 2 | 15 |
Next Week Outlook
On Sunday night, the Bears will face a much greater challenge than the Bills when they go toe-to-toe with the intimidating 49ers. San Francisco picked off Tony Romo three times last week and has to be licking its chops with Cutler on deck. Cutler is basically a more reckless version of Romo.
Despite this, any time you have Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery at your disposal, you have a good chance of success—especially when combined with Cutler’s dangerous arm.
13. Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles
22 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Jacksonville | W 34-17 | 27 | 45 | 60.0 | 322 | 2 | 1 |
With two fumbles and an interception against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, Nick Foles seemed to lose whatever magic he had last year, allowing the same amount of turnovers as he did throughout the entire 2013 season.
Foles is still trying to get comfortable with his younger and less experienced targets on offense. With that said, he did lead the Eagles to 34 unanswered points in their come-from-behind win over the Jaguars.
Season Average
After Week 1’s performance, Foles fell out of the top 10 of the rankings all the way to 13th. According to PFF, he had the worst grade of all the quarterbacks in Week 1. Considering he was one of the most impressive QBs in 2013, that's an ominous sign.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Jacksonville | W 34-17 | 27 | 45 | 60.0 | 322 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
Next Week Outlook
Philly will try to advance to 2-0 on Monday night by defeating the winless Colts in Indianapolis. This game pits Andrew Luck against Foles in a battle for bragging rights over who is the best QB of their draft class. Most people would consider Luck the better signal-caller.
If Foles has something to prove, he could end up putting on quite a show in front of a national audience. These are the games where legends grow and real playmakers are forced to put their teams on their shoulders. What type of player can Foles be in a moment like this?
12. Tom Brady, New England Patriots
23 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Miami | L 20-33 | 29 | 56 | 51.8 | 249 | 1 | 0 |
New England's Week 1 loss to the Dolphins was both surprising and embarrassing for that proud franchise. There is no doubt the Patriots are in the film room looking to make all the necessary connections.
Season Average
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, this is the first time in Tom Brady’s career that the Patriots are all alone in the AFC East basement. The Jets, Bills and Dolphins all won on Sunday, while New England lost to Miami.
I don’t think anyone expected Matt Cassel, Jake Locker, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Derek Anderson to have higher QB ratings than Brady in Week 1.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Miami | L 20-33 | 29 | 56 | 51.8 | 249 | 1 | 0 | 5 |
Next Week Outlook
The matchup against Minnesota should be an intriguing one. Brady will be looking to get that bad taste out of his mouth with a big win. To get the victory, he must beat his former backup quarterback, Matt Cassel.
The Minnesota defense seems to be improved, but it’s hard to say considering the Vikings faced a third-string rookie QB in Week 1.
11. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals
24 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Baltimore | W 23-16 | 25 | 38 | 65.8 | 301 | 1 | 0 |
Andy Dalton had a good game and a nice win on Sunday over the Baltimore Ravens.
The QB honored his contract extension with a 300-yard passing game and no turnovers. His 98.7 passer rating was also impressive.
Season Average
The Cincinnati Bengals are stacked on both sides of the ball, but they lack killer instinct. The reasoning behind this is no doubt multifaceted—but somewhere in this onion of blame is a layer specifically assigned to Dalton.
He is not necessarily a bad quarterback, but he is consistently referred to as just an average starter.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Baltimore | W 23-16 | 25 | 38 | 65.8 | 301 | 1 | 0 | 10 |
Next Week Outlook
The 1-0 Bengals will host the 1-0 Falcons on Sunday for a battle of two impressive teams looking to continue their positive momentum. Dalton will need to be careful when throwing at cornerback Desmond Trufant.
Expect a strong attempt at a balanced attack by Cincinnati.
10. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts
25 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Denver | L 24-31 | 35 | 53 | 66.0 | 370 | 2 | 2 |
Andrew Luck completed 35 of 53 passes for 370 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions against the Denver Broncos in Week 1. He also added a rushing touchdown in the second quarter from nine yards out.
Playing behind a questionable offensive line, Luck took three sacks and was hit at least six other times. He kept fighting though, and with the Colts trailing 31-10 in the fourth quarter, he eventually found his rhythm. However, the comeback fell short, as the Broncos sneaked out with the win.
Season Average
This year there is a lot to be excited about with the Colts offense—that is, if Indianapolis can get this offensive line in order. Luck’s group of receivers includes a healthy Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton, Hakeem Nicks, rookie Donte Moncrief and freakish athlete Da’Rick Rogers.
Don’t be surprised if Andrew Luck throws upwards of 40 touchdown passes in 2014.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Denver | L 24-31 | 35 | 53 | 66.0 | 370 | 2 | 2 | 10 |
Next Week Outlook
Luck will host the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night in an entertaining showdown between two QBs in their third years in the league.
It’s hard to imagine Luck allowing his team to fall behind 0-2 to start the season. This team will likely be firing on all cylinders on national television as the Colts look to earn their first win of the year.
9. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
26 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Giants | W 35-14 | 22 | 32 | 68.8 | 346 | 2 | 0 |
The offseason work on his footwork and mechanical emphasis seems to have paid off. Matthew Stafford is playing damn good situational football after an outstanding Week 1 blowout of the New York Giants.
Stafford’s fantastic game might have been one of the most impressive of the week. He executed on nearly all levels and even managed to add a rushing TD to his day.
Season Average
Watching Stafford play on Monday night, you could see a marked improvement. He is playing smart and has good pocket movement. He is impressive at extending plays, checking down or throwing away when he has to. Plus, he is sure to flash that trademark arm strength when he needs to—hopefully this year it will be with a more conservative approach.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Giants | W 35-14 | 22 | 32 | 68.8 | 346 | 2 | 0 | 17 |
Next Week Outlook
The Lions will head to Carolina to take on Cam Newton and the Panthers. It’ll be interesting to see what the Panthers do to slow down the deadly connection of Stafford to Calvin Johnson. Those two are arguably the most dangerous duo in the NFL today.
8. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers
27 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Dallas | W 28-17 | 16 | 23 | 69.6 | 201 | 2 | 0 |
Colin Kaepernick completed 16 of 23 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns against the Cowboys in Week 1. What was really impressive was the way he was able to use his athleticism to make plays with his arm rather than tucking it and running.
When he did scramble, he kept his eyes downfield and showed impressive accuracy in awkward positions.
Season Average
Kaepernick had the biggest leap in the rankings out of anyone, jumping from 16th overall to eighth. This is what happens when you have a 125.5 passer rating and complete nearly 70 percent of your passes. He also had the second-best QBR score of Week 1 behind only Matthew Stafford.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Dallas | W 28-17 | 16 | 23 | 69.6 | 201 | 2 | 0 | 16 |
Next Week Outlook
The 49ers get to show off the brand-new stadium in their home opener on Sunday night against the Chicago Bears. Chicago will be looking to redeem itself after a disappointing loss to the Bills in Week 1.
The key to this game will be taking advantage of the mismatches that Vernon Davis provides. Nobody on that Bears defense is fast or big enough to cover Davis.
7. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
28 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Seattle | L 16-36 | 23 | 33 | 69.7 | 189 | 1 | 1 |
To some degree, we have to throw Aaron Rodgers’ Week 1 stats out the window simply because the Seattle Seahawks have an amazing ability to make any quarterback, no matter how good, look like a freshman in college.
It’s crazy that he threw 33 passes yet only had 189 yards through the air.
Seattle’s ability to hold this offense to 16 points was quite a feat.
Season Average
If there is anyone capable of surpassing Peyton Manning this season as the No. 1-ranked QB, that person is Rodgers.
Although No. 12 will be looking for a reliable tight end to emerge this season, he can find comfort in the fact this offense has finally established a potent running game if Eddie Lacy can stay healthy.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Seattle | L 16-36 | 23 | 33 | 69.7 | 189 | 1 | 1 | 6 |
Next Week Outlook
The Packers’ Week 2 matchup against a wounded Jets secondary should be a great way for Rodgers to rebound after his middling performance against the Seahawks. Expect him to exploit those defensive deficiencies much more than rookie Derek Carr was able to.
This is turning into a must–win game for the Packers if they are looking to win the division in 2014.
6. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
29 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Cleveland | W 30-27 | 23 | 34 | 67.6 | 365 | 1 | 1 |
Ben Roethlisberger did a great job of avoiding turnovers against Cleveland despite his 34 passing attempts, most of which were targeted down the field. Big Ben was 15-of-17 for 251 yards and a TD while targeting wide receivers on Sunday.
Three QBs averaged more than 10 yards per pass attempt in Week 1, and Roethlisberger is one of them. For perspective, he only had more passing yards on four occasions in the last two seasons.
The production from young running back Le'Veon Bell proved crucial in squeaking by the divisional foe.
Season Average
Through three preseason games, Roethlisberger passed for 331 yards with a passer rating of 109. The veteran passer seems to be finding his groove with offensive coordinator Todd Haley as they prepare for a big season.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Cleveland | W 30-27 | 23 | 34 | 67.6 | 365 | 1 | 1 | 9 |
Next Week Outlook
Roethlisberger and his Steelers play at Baltimore on Thursday night in another tough divisional battle. Considering everything going on with Baltimore, the Steelers could have a slight advantage in preparation.
The Steelers' pass protection looked shaky in the latter portion of the game. This is concerning since the Ravens have some of the most talented pass-rushers in the league.
5. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers
30 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Arizona | L 17-18 | 21 | 36 | 58.3 | 238 | 1 | 1 |
Monday night’s 18-17 loss was a tough one, but Philip Rivers did show several flashes of what we saw in 2013. He did struggle at times against an elite secondary, but he found a way to squeeze the ball into tight windows all night long.
Season Average
Sniper-like accuracy is something Rivers has shown us over the years in addition to a hefty dose of toughness. There is no denying his competitive nature. With eight straight seasons of starting every single game, he has proved to be one of the better and more reliable QBs in the league.
Rivers dropped a spot in the rankings, but the good news is he is still a top-five QB at this point with a lot of football to go.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Arizona | L 17-18 | 21 | 36 | 58.3 | 238 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
Next Week Outlook
If Rivers and the Chargers thought they had it rough going against the Cardinals defense, the Seahawks are sure to take things one step further. Even if the Bolts lose the game and start the season off 0-2, this passing attack should be ready to face any opponent after these first two challenges.
4. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
31 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| New Orleans | W 37-34 | 31 | 43 | 72.1 | 448 | 3 | 0 |
Matt Ryan looked razor-sharp against the Saints in Week 1, completing 31 of 43 passes for 448 yards and three scores in the game. He broke his career record in passing yards while also setting the franchise record for career passing touchdowns on the same day.
Ryan’s eyes were all over the field, as he completed passes to nine different receivers and averaged 10.4 yards per attempt. He also showed impressive pocket awareness, as evidenced by being sacked only once despite an aggressive game plan from Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.
Season Average
We can’t expect Ryan to sustain these types of career numbers for an entire season, but his leadership and poise are enough to help guide this franchise to another playoff berth.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | New Orleans | W 37-34 | 31 | 43 | 72.1 | 448 | 3 | 0 | 14 |
Next Week Outlook
The Falcons travel to Cincinnati on Sunday to face the Bengals and their young, talented secondary. Last week, the Bengals gave up 329 yards through the air, ranking 26th in passing defense.
This should be an entertaining game that is loaded with stars and impressive plays. The big question will be whether the Falcons offensive line can hold up against a solid Cincinnati defensive line.
3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
32 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Green Bay | W 36-16 | 19 | 28 | 67.9 | 191 | 2 | 0 |
Russell Wilson and Co. kicked off the NFL season with an impressive performance against a very talented Packers team. The ascending QB’s numbers may not have been epic, but his execution of the well-balanced offense could not have been better.
Season Average
In a fairly substantial sample size to date, Wilson showed an impressive set of skills that seems to be equal parts athletic ability, accuracy and intellect. He is one of the most poised and intelligent young QBs in the league.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Green Bay | W 36-16 | 19 | 28 | 67.9 | 191 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
Next Week Outlook
On Sunday, Seattle will face a very competitive Chargers squad. Though it won’t be easy, it’s hard to imagine the Seahawks losing this game. Wilson doesn’t need to carry the team at all. Instead, he can rely on a dominant defense and a potent running game. Wilson, though talented, can serve merely as the icing on the cake.
2. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
33 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| @ Atlanta | L 34-37 | 29 | 42 | 69.0 | 333 | 1 | 1 |
Drew Brees unleashed his full arsenal of weapons in Week 1, hoping to start the season with a winning record in division play. For the most part, he did nearly everything right in the season debut, but a career day from QB Matt Ryan and a Marques Colston fumble in overtime eventually proved too much to overcome.
Season Average
The good news for the 0-1 Saints is that rookie WR Brandin Cooks provides this offense with a unique weapon that Brees has already demonstrated he knows how to use. Thus far, Brees is completing nearly 70 percent of his passes and has a passer rating of 90.7. His 333 yards passing puts him seventh overall in yards passing.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | @ Atlanta | L 34-37 | 29 | 42 | 69.0 | 333 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
Next Week Outlook
Few defenses have proved they can stop Brees and the Saints. This week, they travel to Cleveland to take on an improved defense that is loaded with young talent. With that said, the Steelers managed to put up 365 yards through the air last Sunday.
It seems unlikely that the Browns have enough firepower on the other side of the ball to compete with the Saints.
1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
34 of 34
This Week
| Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT |
| Indianapolis Colts | W 31-24 | 22 | 36 | 61.1 | 269 | 3 | 0 |
Peyton Manning didn’t start off 2014 setting any new records, but he did manage to come away with a victory over his former team and the man who would eventually replace him in the town he helped build.
Manning threw well despite being without Wes Welker and Eric Decker. His new weapons seem to be more explosive, although a comfort within the offense is still developing.
Season Average
In the land of milestones, Manning is entering a year where he is set to surpass some major ones. The great one is just six touchdowns away from 500 TD passes on his career.
His biggest challenge in 2014 will be staying healthy for 16 games at the ripe old age of 38. Should he do so, we have to believe the Broncos are in a great position for a Super Bowl run.
| Week | Opponent | Outcome | Comp | Att | PCT | Yards | TD | INT | Rank |
| 1 | Indianapolis | W 31-24 | 22 | 36 | 61.1 | 269 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Next Week Outlook
On Sunday, the Broncos face Alex Smith and the Chiefs. Though the Chiefs don't appear to tout the same dominant defense they did a year ago—they rank 19th in pass defense after one game—they still have a very effective pass rush. Against the Titans in Week 1, the Chiefs racked up four sacks.
One the positive side, Peyton Manning should be able to take advantage of a thin secondary that allowed over eight yards per pass attempt against Jake Locker.
Ryan Riddle is a former NFL player writing for Bleacher Report.
Follow him on Twitter
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