NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, Post-Week 2

As we look ahead to Week 3 of the NFL season, we can examine a snap shot of quarterback production through the first two games.

So far there are 10 quarterbacks in the NFL who have thrown at least one touchdown pass without an interception. That number is sure to dwindle as the season goes on. For fun, we will keep tabs on this to see who can be the last man standing this year.

After two weeks, Jay Cutler is the only QB so far to throw four TD passes in a single game.

This week’s addition will not have some familiar names, as the injury bug grabs hold of some big-name stars. At the same time, some other big names return to the field for the first time this season and shine.

Methodology

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

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. After Week 4, the preseason will not factor into the rankings at all.   

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

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Derek Anderson, Carolina Panthers:

Returned to the bench in favor of Cam Newton. 

Last Ranked: 30th

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins:

Left the game in the first quarter with a dislocated ankle.

Last Ranked: 22nd

Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals:

Missed game because of nerve damage in his right shoulder.

Last Ranked: 16th

32. Drew Stanton, Arizona Cardinals

Ron Antonelli/Getty Images

This Week

32

Week 3 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Giants	W 25-14	14	29	48.2	167	0	0

As a last-minute replacement to Carson Palmer, Drew Stanton started the game against the Giants on the road and avoided creating turnovers despite the lack of practice throughout the week.

His numbers were far from impressive, but he managed to make enough plays to give their talented defense a chance. After the game, he was awarded the team’s game ball. 

Season Average

32

Though Stanton is the lowest ranked starting QB, he still managed to put up “W” on the road. Before last Sunday the young backup had not thrown a regular-season pass since 2010 as a member of the Detroit Lions.  

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	San Diego	W 18-17	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2	@ Giants	W 25-14	14	29	48.2	167	0	0	N/A

Next Week Outlook

Stanton will probably return to the bench when Carson Palmer is healthy enough to play, which could be as early as next week’s game against the 49ers. This is a critical divisional matchup against one of the best teams in the league. Without Palmer under center, the Cardinals will be incredible long shots to win the game.

31. Chad Henne, Jacksonville Jaguars

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

31

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Redskins	L 10-41	14	28	50	193	1	1

Washington’s defense showed off its aggressive side on Sunday by sacking Chad Henne 10 times—half of those were his own fault. As a result, Henne was only able to lead his young offense to 10 points on the day while completing just half of his passes.

Season Average

30

If anything, Chad Henne is at least consistent. Unfortunately he is consistently one of the least productive starting quarterbacks in the NFL, which is a continuation from 2013. At this point it’s hard to imagine that rookie Blake Bortles is not the better option for immediate success.

Admittedly, Henne did play fairly well against the Eagles in Week 1 during the first half, but that is hardly enough to make up for a long string of erratic play.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Philadelphia	L 17-34	24	43	55.8	266	2	0	30
2	@ Washington	L 10-41	14	28	50	193	1	1	29

 

Next Week Outlook

The Jaguars host the Colts on Sunday as both teams will be looking for their first win of the season. When these divisional rivals met last season, the Colts won 30-10.

By now there has to be some chatter in the coaches room as to when they should debut their top draft pick and future of the franchise, Blake Bortles. The Henne experiment has ran its course. At this point he is not even a good veteran to have as a backup.

30. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

This Week

30

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Texans	L 14-30	27	42	64.3	263	1	2

The rookie showed improvement in Week 2 against the Texans but still failed to generate his first career victory. Carr was 2-of-9 converting third-down plays, and he also threw a pair of interceptions on the day, his first two of his career.

Season Average

30.6

In his first two games, Carr has completed 63.5 percent of his passes and rushed for an average of 28 yards per game. We all know he has the arm talent to succeed, but he will need to stand in the face of pressure and make accurate throws in order to be truly good in the NFL. So far, he is off to a pretty decent start.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	NYJ	L 14-19	20	32	62.5	151	2	0	31
2	Houston	L 14-30	27	42	64.2	263	1	2	31

Next Week Outlook

This Sunday the Raiders travel to New England to face Tom Brady and Co. Carr is leading an offensive unit ranked 23rd in passing. A little help from his running game would certainly take some pressure off the kid who already has enough to worry about.

Starting the season off 0-3 is an ominous sign for head coach Dennis Allen and his crew, but that appears to be the most likely reality at this point. The good news for Carr is the Patriots have not been that good against the pass, although they do lead the league in interceptions with five. 

29. Matt Cassel, Minnesota Vikings

Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

This Week

29

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Patriots	L 7-30	19	36	52.8	202	1	4

Matt Cassel looked terrible in the loss against his former team.  The Patriots forced four interceptions and held the veteran to 52.8 percent passing and just seven points on the scoreboard.

After a performance like this, you have to wonder if the Vikings are thinking about making a change to the rookie QB Teddy Bridgewater.

Season Average

23.6

Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde returns at QB for the Vikings. Matt Cassel has a history of being inconsistent. One week he can look like a great starting option, and the next week you wonder how he managed to stay in the league for so long. After two games, Cassel has the second-worst passer rating in the NFL behind only Alex Smith.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ St. Louis	W 34-6	17	25	68.0	170	2	0	22
2	New England	L 7-30	19	36	52.7	202	1	4	20

Next Week Outlook

Thanks in part to Matt Cassel, the Vikings have the worst rated passing game in the NFL. Can they travel to New Orleans and find success against a team that will certainly be motivated?

With Adrian Peterson deactivated, the Vikings have less of a chance at a balanced attack. Without their best player there is little chance Cassel can keep up with the type of points Brees is expected to generate after having a disappointing Week 2 performance.

28. Austin Davis, St. Louis Rams

Cliff McBride/Getty Images

This Week

28

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Buccaneers	W 19-17	22	29	75.9	235	0	0

After Shaun Hill went down in Week 1, the quarterback position seemed pretty bleak for the Rams. Enter a college walk-on from Southern Miss who went undrafted in the 2012 rookie class. If that resume doesn’t instill confidence in Rams fans, I don’t know what will.

 Davis got the win over the Bucs by avoiding turnovers and completing over 75 percent of his passes. 

Season Average

30

Surprisingly, though, Davis showed significant improvement from Week 1 and currently has a better passer rating, QBR, PFF grade, completion percentage, yards per attempt and record than second-round rocket-arm Derek Carr of the Raiders.

Davis is currently ranked 28th, which is a solid improvement from being dead last just a week ago.  

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Minnesota	L 6-34	16	23	69.6	192	0	1	N/A
2	@ Tampa Bay	W 19-17	22	29	75.8	235	0	0	32

 

Next Week Outlook

The 1-1 Rams look ahead to host the Cowboys next Sunday—with all the talk about the Cowboys defense, that unit is actually ranked 12th in the NFL after two games. Despite the ranking, there is a serious lack of talent on that side of the ball. Davis could have a career game against this unit, but he will need his defense to be up to the task against a potent Dallas offense.  

27. Geno Smith, New York Jets

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

This Week

27

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Packers	L 24-31	16	32	50	176	1	1

Against the Packers, Geno Smith completed just half of his 32 passes and finished with only 176 yards passing on the day. It’s tough to win a game against Green Bay with those numbers, but Geno is still learning how to play QB in this league. He continues to make some nice plays with his legs. 

In Week 2, the Jets passing attack struggled at times against the Packers defense. The good news for Jets fans is that the game ended up coming down to the wire when an unfortunate timeout call stripped them of the game-tying TD.

Season Average

26

After completing over 80 percent of his passes in Week 1, Geno’s play declined significantly. This week, he falls back in the rankings and will need to bounce back next week to move up the list.

In a two-game sample size, Smith has a passer rating of 81, QBR of 42 and a negative PFF grade of 3.4. These numbers are not terrible but he needs to get better all around.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Raiders	W 19-14	23	28	82.1	221	1	1	28
2	@ Green Bay	L 24-31	16	32	50	176	1	1	23

Next Week Outlook

The nation will get a good look at the second-year QB this Monday night when he takes on the Chicago Bears. Can Geno look better than Colin Kaepernick did last week against this defense? In order to do that, Smith will have to maximize his red-zone opportunities.

The Jets are ranked 29th in the league in passing. Luckily a solid running game has kept them competitive early one.

26. Eli Manning, New York Giants

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

26

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Cardinals	L 14-25	26	39	66.7	277	2	2

It’s hard to determine whether Eli Manning is not comfortable yet in the new West Coast offense or if he has just reached the point in his career where his confidence and ability to make more positive plays than negative ones are behind him.

This Sunday, the Giants hosted the Arizona Cardinals and a secondary that gave Philip Rivers trouble all game long in Week 1. Facing a backup QB in Drew Stanton, you would figure the two-time Super Bowl-winning veteran Eli Manning would have an easy time pulling off the victory. Instead, they couldn’t even muster up more than 14 points for the second week in a row.

It's worth mentioning that the Giants receivers dropped five passes on the day.

Season Average

27

After the first two games there isn't much indication that this team will get better anytime soon. Eli is ranked 26th in the NFL right now as he continues to turn the ball over more than anyone else.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Detroit	L 14-35	18	33	54.5	163	1	2	27
2	Arizona	L 14-25	26	39	66.6	277	2	2	28

Next Week Outlook

Desperate for a victory, the winless Giants face the undefeated Texans this weekend as Eli looks to dig himself out of a slump that is eroding his legacy one throw at a time.

Neither team has a very potent passing game, but the key for the Giants here will be if Manning can avoid the costly interceptions.

25. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

Evan Vucci/Associated Press

This Week

25

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Jaguars	W 41-10	22	33	66.7	250	2	0

With no preparation as a starter leading up to the game, Kirk Cousins was suddenly thrust into the game in the first quarter when Robert Griffin III left with a dislocated ankle.

Proving he is one of the best young backups in the NFL, Cousins completed 66.7 percent of his passes and currently has the highest Total QBR in the NFL with 94. What’s more is that the Redskins came away with a dominant victory over the Jaguars.

Season Average

25

Last week with Griffin under center, the offense only managed six points on the day. With Cousins taking over, Washington racked up 41 points and a victory.

Cousins is currently ranked 25th overall and looks to be a great fit in Coach Jay Gruden’s offense. If he continues to play this well and the team has success, there could be a serious QB controversy brewing in the nation’s capital.  

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Houston	L 6-17	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2	Jacksonville	W 41-10	22	33	66.6	250	2	0	N/A

Next Week Outlook

Week 3 features a matchup against their divisional foes in Philadelphia. This should be a true test to Washington's No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL.

The big storyline in this game will be whether or not Kirk Cousins can play the type of football that has fans begging for an RG3 trade. If he can have another game like he did last week, that rumbling will certainly get louder.  

24. Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns

Jason Miller/Getty Images

This Week

24

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Saints	W 26-24	24	40	60	204	1	0

The Browns pulled off a most unexpected upset against the New Orleans Saints last week at home. Led by Brian Hoyer, who attempted 40 passes on the day, Cleveland went ahead late in the game with a nice drive that finished with a field goal.

Season Average

24.6

Ranked 24th overall, Hoyer has looked better than the sampling we saw in the preseason, where he seemed to lack confidence and rhythm. This is the first time this season where he has moved anywhere on the rankings, and it is appropriate to come with a big win against the Saints.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Pittsburgh	L 27-30	19	31	61.3	230	1	0	25
2	New Orleans	W 26-24	24	40	60	204	1	0	25

Next Week Outlook

The last time the Ravens and Browns played, the Browns came away with a 24-18 win. This year, Cleveland has struggled on the defensive side of the ball and Josh Gordon is not going to play.

Hoyer continues to hold off the inevitable start of Johnny Manziel. But if he wants to finish the season as the starter he needs to move up at least into the teens.

This is a big divisional game against a talented defense.

23. Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

23

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Cowboys	L 10-26	18	34	52.9	234	1	2

Jake Locker followed up a good performance with a pretty awful one at home against Dallas. In a game that was supposed to pad Locker’s stats, he instead struggled from start to finish completing 52.9 percent of his passes and only putting up 10 points on the board.

Season Average

20.3

Jake Locker dropped quite a bit in the rankings, all the way down to 23rd after his uninspired play against Dallas. Just like his overall ranking, Locker is 21st in the NFL in passer rating with 85.4. On the season he has thrown three TDs and two interceptions.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Chiefs	W 26-10	22	33	66.7	266	2	0	21
2	Dallas	L 10-26	18	34	52.9	234	1	2	17

Next Week Outlook

The Titans have a tough road game ahead of them as they turn their attention to the Cincinnati Bengals. Locker will need to use his legs quite a bit to open things up down the field against a talented secondary that created quite a bit of turnovers last week.

Does Jake Locker have what it takes to hand the Bengals their first loss of the season?

22. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Mahoney/Associated Press

This Week

22

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Broncos	L 17-24	26	42	61.9	255	0	0

I suppose Andy Reid thought his best chance of beating the Broncos was to have a game manager with minimal weapons on the flanks throw the ball 42 times on the day. This is not a reliable formula for victory, especially without Jamaal Charles in the game.

Season Average

21.6

Alex Smith has the lowest passer rating in the NFL (63.6) among starting QBs. Despite throwing 77 times in two games, he only has one touchdown pass on the season.

For the season he has completed 58.4 percent of his passes, which ranks 35th out of 39 eligible players. That number needs to improve, and he has found ways to get the ball into the end zone.   

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Titans	L 10-26	19	35	54.3	202	1	3	19
2	@ Denver	L 17-24	26	42	61.9	255	0	0	24

Next Week Outlook

It’s not looking good for the Chiefs as they head into Miami seeking their first win of the season. Smith has been doing a lot of running around with his legs averaging a league-high for a QB: 39 rushing yards per game.

Miami has a better offense and defense at this point, so a victory on the road is going to be tough for Alex Smith and co.

21. EJ Manuel, Buffalo Bills

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

This Week

21

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Dolphins	W 29-10	16	26	61.5	202	1	0

Against the Dolphins, EJ figured out he has a dangerous and reliable weapon in rookie Sammy Watkins. He also managed to finish the game without any turnovers while passing for 202 yards in the 29-10 win over a divisional rival that just finished spanking the Patriots.

Season Average

25.3

Manuel has done nearly all of his work from behind the line of scrimmage. He can use his athleticism, but he does it to make plays with his arm rather than morph into a running back. He can even take off more as far as I’m concerned.

The second-year QB is starting to prove his doubters wrong with his ability to keep his eyes downfield and make the type of decisions that won’t cost his team the game. Each week Manuel has moved up in the rankings, and now that he is getting on the same page with rookie wideout Sammy Watkins, things should only be getting better for this passing offense.

The Bills are now in sole possession of first place in the AFC East and he has completed 66.7 percent of his passes.

Manuel is also ranked 11th among QBs in yards per pass attempt despite his smart, conservative play.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Chicago	W 23-20	16	22	72.7	173	1	1	29
2	Miami	W 29-10	16	26	61.5	202	1	0	26

Next Week Outlook

The Chargers come to town in what could be the game of the week. Can EJ Manuel keep up with the revitalized Philip Rivers who looked flawless against the league’s best defense?

The winner of this game is sure to carry with him some serious momentum, as well as respect, moving forward.

With the weapons on offense and a solid defense, the Bills could be good enough to sneak into a playoff game this year and end the longest active postseason drought in the NFL.

20. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Nick Wass/Associated Press

This Week

20

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Pittsburgh	W 26-6	21	29	72.4	166	2	0

The Ravens franchise QB stepped his game up in Week 2 against the Steelers, completing 72.4 percent of his passes with no turnovers on the day.

His favorite target is quickly becoming Steve Smith Sr., who was acquired this offseason from Carolina. 

Flacco was aided in the offense this game by prioritizing the running game; this helped them tremendously.  If you remember, he attempted 62 passes in opening week.

Season Average

23.3

When you look at this QB's entire career, you see a guy who has never played all that well in the regular season. Flacco is like that horrible bowler who got drunk and played lights out for one special night.

Flacco needs to snap out of this funk if he wants to justify his monster contract. The often struggling QB has a passer rating of just 83.2 two weeks into the season. Last week, however, was a step in the right direction. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Cincinnati	L 16-23	35	62	56.5	345	1	1	23
2	Pittsburgh	W 26-6	21	29	72.4	166	2	0	27

Next Week Outlook

The Ravens are now establishing themselves to be a much more balanced offense ranking 12th in passing and 13th in rushing. They take that balance to Cleveland in a divisional battle the Ravens have dominated over the years—although the Browns got the better of them the last time they faced each other.

This game will be a battle of two 1-1 teams looking separate from the pack. Flacco seems comfortable looking Steve Smith’s way. We should expect more of the same in Cleveland on Sunday.

19. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

Gary Wiepert/Associated Press

This Week

19

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Bills	L 10-29	31	49	63.3	241	1	1

Last Sunday, the Dolphins faced one of the most dominant pass rushes in the league when the Buffalo Bills came to town. The Bills are proved to be a serious challenge to the Dolphins, holding them to just 10 points on the day.

Tannehill didn’t play badly, but couldn’t get his team in the end zone.

Season Average

18.6

You would think a wide receiver turned QB would be doing a lot more tucking and running with the football, but Ryan Tannehill is actually one of the least likely QBs to run for yardage in the NFL. His 4.5 rushing yards per game is surprisingly low.

Tannehill’s 5.2 yards per pass on the season is the second-worst average in the league after two games.

I would say this team would be a lot more dangerous if Tannehilll would stop trying to show the world he can be Dan Marino and use those legs a bit more to get tough first downs and keep the drive alive.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	New England	W 33-20	18	32	56.3	178	2	1	18
2	@ Buffalo	L 10-29	31	49	63.3	241	1	1	19

Next Week Outlook

This week the Dolphins play host to the winless Kansas City Chiefs. The good news for Tannehill is that the Chiefs are not the dominant defense they were a year ago and have yet to have a single interception.

This is a very winnable game, but they should also expect maximum effort from a desperate organization looking to repair a sinking ship.

18. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

This Week

18

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Raiders	W 17-6	14	19	73.7	139	2	0

In Week 2, the Texans traveled to Oakland to take on the new-look defense of the Raiders. This game was essentially another audition for Fitzpatrick to hold off the other QBs on the roster who are looking to take over as the starter, and he passed with flying colors.

Ryan Fitzpatrick only put up 139 yards through the air, but that was all it took to get a 17-6 win against the Raiders. The important stats to take from that game are the zero turnovers and 74 percent completion rate.

Season Average

21

Fitzpatrick is off to a great start in 2014 but is still being held back from a less-than-stellar 2013 season and a terrible preseason. Those influences will continue to diminish by 25 percent each week. That means if he continues to play the way he has, we could be looking at a top-10 quarterback on a team destined for a playoff spot.

He is currently ranked 18th but is considered one of the hottest QBs in the league. Look for him to move up in Week 3 as long as he doesn’t play horribly this upcoming weekend.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Washington	W 17-6	14	22	63.6	206	1	0	24
2	@ Oakland	W 30-14	14	19	73.6	139	2	0	21

Next Week Outlook

The Texans head to New York to battle the Giants in Week 3. Houston is 2-0 and the Giants are 0-2. It’s hard to envision the Giants winning many games this year given the lack of talent on both sides of the ball and struggles with the new offensive system.

But as good as Fitzpatrick has been, the Texans passing offense is only ranked 30th in the NFL.

17. Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

This Week

17

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Colts	W 30-27	21	37	56.8	331	1	1

Foles is still doing enough to win games, and the offense is driven by the running backs above all else.

Strong second-half performances by the Eagles have kept them from an 0-2 start. Fatigue is the great equalizer for a team that excels in conditioning and attrition.

Season Average

12.3

Last year Nick Foles was one of the most efficient QBs in the league. This year, he looks to be mortal once again. His accuracy, vision downfield and decision making have all been brought into question. It’s starting to seem like this QB is thriving more because of Chip Kelly’s system rather than exceptional ability.

With that said, Foles has trended down in each week so far. He started out ranked seventh after preseason play and is now 17th overall. How far down will he fall before he turns things around?

Foles can only live off of last year’s numbers for so long.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Jacksonville	W 34-17	27	45	60.0	322	2	1	7
2	@ Indianapolis	W 30-27	21	37	56.8	331	1	1	13

Next Week Outlook

What more could you ask for than a matchup between the top-ranked offense (Eagles) vs. the top-ranked defense (Redskins)?

Foles will face a defense that sacked the QB 10 times in Week 2. This is not the same defense the Eagles put 57 points on in two games last season. This is an aggressive, sack-happy group licking its chops and looking for revenge.

Also, keep an eye on DeSean Jackson in this game as he looks for revenge against the coach who cut him loose.  

16. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Mark Zaleski/Associated Press

This Week

16

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Titans	W 26-10	19	29	65.5	176	1	0

Tony Romo did a good job taking what the Titans defense gave him on Sunday, which helped him to avoid turnovers and guide his team to a much-needed victory. Romo only threw for 176 yards, but he kept the chains moving. 

Season Average

13

After a long, brutal career that includes a couple of concerning back surgeries, Tony Romo appears to be on the decline. He's certainly less mobile, and the timing on his throws is questionable. But that could be a lack of targets outside of Dez Bryant. Romo must control his risk-taking urges moving forward like he did against the Titans.

Now ranked 16th overall, is Romo just an average starting QB at this stage in his career?

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	SF	L 17-28	23	37	62.2	281	1	3	8
2	@ Tennessee	W 26-10	19	29	65.5	176	1	0	15

Next Week Outlook

If Romo can’t out-duel a former walk-on QB who went undrafted, maybe it's time for him to pass this game on to the younger guys.

This should be a win for the Cowboys if Romo can play the conservative style of football he showed us in Week 2.

15. Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Scott Iskowitz/Getty Images

This Week

15

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Rams	L 17-19	16	21	76.2	179	0	1

Josh McCown completed a high percentage of his passes but threw an interception in the red zone and failed to throw a touchdown pass against the Rams. He did rush for one score on the day to show off his athleticism.

In the final drive, McCown was moving the ball down the field and giving his team a chance to win or tie, but an injury caused the officials to utilize a 10-second runoff of the clock, ultimately ending the game.

Season Average

15.3

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 57.9 QBR ranks 16th out of 35 QBs through two weeks. The Bucs are struggling to get anything established on offense, scoring just 31 points in two games. This latest loss zapped a lot of playoff hopes from the fanbase. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Carolina	L 14-20	22	35	62.9	183	2	2	13
2	St. Louis	L 17-19	16	21	76.1	179	0	1	18

Next Week Outlook

McCown and the Bucs travel to Atlanta to battle the Falcons in a must-win game. He understands he doesn’t need to panic and seems to be handling the early adversity well. Let’s see if his calm demeanor in post-game pressers translates into success on the field.

Considering the Falcons don’t have a sack all season, McCown should be able to make plays downfield without worrying about the pocket collapsing immediate after the snap.  

14. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

This Week

14

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Panthers	L 7-24	27	48	56.2	291	1	1

The Lions headed to Carolina to take on Cam Newton and the Panthers. The Panthers did a nice job slowing down the deadly Stafford-Calvin Johnson connection. Those two are arguably the most dangerous duo in the NFL today.

Stafford attempted 48 passes with a 56 percent completion rate and only put up seven points on the scoreboard.

Season Average

13.3

After two games Stafford is ranked 14th overall and has a passer rating of 94, a total QBR of 81 and averaging eight yards per pass. It’s time for Stafford to play like the No. 1 overall pick he was. This means working his way into the top-10 list of QBs and staying there throughout the season.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Giants	W 35-14	22	32	68.8	346	2	0	17
2	@ Carolina	L 7-24	27	48	56.2	291	1	1	9

Next Week Outlook

Detroit faces a tough divisional rival this Sunday when it hosts Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Both teams are 1-1, and according to the stats, the Lions have the better ranked offense and defense. This is a good time to ignore such stats.

The team that wins this game will gain a ton of momentum moving forward. Currently, the momentum belongs to the Packers, but the Stafford to Megatron connection doesn’t care about that at all.

13. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

This Week

13

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Bears	L 20-28	21	34	61.8	248	1	3

Colin Kaepernick seems to be developing a pattern of outstanding Week 1 performances only to completely fall apart the following week. Against the Bears, the athletic QB ended up committing four turnovers on the day. It’s obviously hard to win a game when you give the ball away that many times.

Season Average

12.3

Kaepernick had the biggest leap in the rankings out of anyone in Week 1, jumping from 16th overall to eighth. 

Kaepernick went from the second-highest ranked QBR in Week 1 to now having the 24th-ranked QBR. He made a cameo in the top 10 for at least one week before falling down to 13th overall.

The long-legged QB is second in the league among QBs in rushing yards per game with 38.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Dallas	W 28-17	16	23	69.6	201	2	0	16
2	Chicago	L 20-28	21	34	61.8	248	1	3	8

Next Week Outlook

Kaep and co. now turn their attention to the NFC West against the undefeated Cardinals. These games are always close and hard fought. If the Cardinals end up playing Drew Stanton over Carson Palmer, it will be tough to imagine Arizona winning this game.

Look for Colin Kaepernick to redeem his poor performance against the Bears last week.

12. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

12

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ 49ers	W 28-20	23	34	67.6	176	4	0

On Sunday night, the Bears faced the intimidating 49ers. San Francisco picked off Tony Romo three times in Week 1, yet failed to grab a single pick against the often reckless Cutler. 

According to Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus, the 49ers only blitzed once out of 37 dropbacks against Jay Cutler.

This cautionary approach eventually led to the 49ers' own destruction as Cutler found his big targets frequently in the second half of the game.

Season Average

13.6

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.  

With that said, Cutler has been slowly trending upward since the start of the season. The Bears have the right coach and the right weapons in place for this to be the best season this rocket-armed QB has had.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Buffalo	L 20-23	34	49	69.4	349	2	2	15
2	@ San Francisco	W 28-20	23	34	67.6	176	4	0	14

Next Week Outlook

The Monday night game against the Jets will mean Cutler is going see a lot more pressure up the middle than he did against the 49ers. The Bears defense will likely be the difference-maker in this game. Can they stop the top-ranked running game with the 22nd-best defense?

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 talent.

11. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

This Week

11

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Eagles	L 27-30	20	34	58.8	172	3	1

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.

Season Average

10.3

Week 2 was a more modest game—Luck only managed 172 yards on 34 pass attempts.

Luck’s season numbers are modest after two games, which certainly helps to explain the Colts' 0-2 start and his fall out of the top 10. 

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 upward of 40 touchdown passes in 2014.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Denver	L 24-31	35	53	66.0	370	2	2	10
2	Philadelphia	L 27-30	20	34	58.8	172	3	1	10

Next Week Outlook

The Colts travel down south to Florida to do battle with another winless divisional foe, the Jacksonville Jaguars.

So far the Jaguars look beatable on both sides of the ball and would be better off with Blake Bortles taking over.

10. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

10

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Lions	W 24-7	22	34	64.7	281	1	0

The big man with the “S” on his chest returned last week for his season debut against the Lions. The results were very positive, as Newton made sure he was not going to be upstaged by his backup, Derek Anderson, who played well in Week 1.

Newton avoided turnovers and passed for 281 yards on the day.

Season Average

10.5

Newton is only one game into the season and he looks like he’s in midseason form. Despite not having any stars to throw the ball to, the kid is ranked in the top 10 as of right now.

This was pretty much where his ceiling was last year—so it’ll be interesting to see if he can take that next step in his game with castoffs as his targets.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Tampa Bay	W 20-14	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	11
2	Detroit	W 24-7	22	34	64.7	281	1	0	N/A

Next Week Outlook

Newton vs. Roethlisberger will be a great game as the Sunday night matchup. Newton has never played this team in the regular season, so it should be fun to see how these defenses game-plan against such physical and overpowering QBs.

9. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

This Week

9

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Falcons	W 24-10	15	23	65.2	252	1	0

Dalton played solid in the Bengals' win over the Falcons last week. The running attack will be emphasized heavily under new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. This is evidenced in his 23 pass attempts.

Season Average

10

In Week 1, the QB honored his contract extension with a 300-yard passing game and no turnovers. His 98.7 passer rating was also impressive. On the season, Dalton leads all QBs in yards per pass attempt with 9.1. That means this guy is not afraid to sling the ball deep. What’s even more impressive about that is Dalton has yet to throw an interception this season.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Baltimore	W 23-16	25	38	65.8	301	1	0	10
2	Atlanta	W 24-10	15	23	65.2	252	1	0	11

Next Week Outlook

Cincy’s next challenge is the Titans this Sunday. This is an interesting matchup because we still don’t know which Titans team is the more accurate representation of their talent level.  

The Bengals have the fourth-ranked offense and a pair of talented running backs. Receiver A.J. Green will likely be a game-time decision with a sore foot. Whether he plays or not could be the difference.

8. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

This Week

8

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Ravens	L 6-26	22	37	59.5	217	0	1

Big Ben took a step backward on Thursday night against the Ravens. The loss was surprisingly one-sided as the veteran quarterback failed to find pay dirt the entire game. Roethlisberger put the ball in the opponent’s hands once, but that hardly was the difference in this one.

Season Average

7.6

Roethlisberger seems to be cemented as a top-10 QB at this point, but as last year proved, nothing is given to you in this league. The loss of a reliable weapon can send a top-tier signal-caller spiraling downward fast.

So far this season Ben has averaged 8.2 yards per pass while completing 63.4 percent of his passes.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Cleveland	W 30-27	23	34	67.6	365	1	1	9
2	@ Baltimore	L 6-26	22	37	59.4	217	0	1	6

Next Week Outlook

Sunday Night Football should be quite a treat with two physical teams going head-to-head. The Steelers travel to Carolina in a critical Week 3 matchup.

The Panthers currently have the fifth-ranked defense and the Steelers have the sixth-ranked offense, so this should be an even matchup. Luke Kuechly will be patrolling the middle of the field and Roethlisberger will be relying on his two offensive stars, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell.

Carolina leads the league in forced fumbles with six. 

7. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

This Week

7

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Bengals	L 10-24	24	44	54.5	231	1	3

Matt Ryan was clearly off of his game against the Bengals. He had three interceptions and only managed 10 points. You have to give Cincy a lot of credit for holding the top-ranked offense to just 10 points.

With tips and interceptions, the Bengals got their hands on 12 balls thrown by Ryan.

Season Average

8.3

Matt Ryan looked razor-sharp against the Saints in Week 1, breaking his career record in passing yards while also setting the franchise record for career passing touchdowns on the same day. 

As good as Ryan was in Week 1, he was nearly as disappointing against the Bengals in Week 2. Still, Matty Ice has the highest grade through two games, per Pro Football Focus. Ryan’s QBR of 74 was the seventh best on the season.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	New Orleans	W 37-34	31	43	72.1	448	3	0	14
2	@ Cincinnati	L 10-24	24	44	54.5	231	1	3	4

Next Week Outlook

The week’s action kicks off on Thursday with the Buccaneers heading to Atlanta for a tough divisional matchup.

In a conference call with Falcons.com writer Reid Ferrin, Bucs head coach Lovie Smith was candid about how difficult it is to game-plan against Matt Ryan, saying he “has caused me a lot of long nights and can do everything, pretty much.”

This should be an entertaining game that is loaded with stars and impressive plays. The big question will be whether the Falcons defense can hold up their end of the bargain.

6. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

This Week

6

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Vikings	W 30-7	15	22	68.1	149	1	0

Brady wasn’t asked to sling it 40 times this week, as the Patriots tried a more balanced offensive approach—it worked. Even though he only threw for 149 yards, the team put 30 points on the scoreboard.

Brady hit Rob Gronkowski on his only touchdown pass of the day and avoided tossing any interceptions.

Season Average

7.6

Brady’s 5.1 yards per pass is the lowest of all starting QBs in the NFL. He also has struggled with completion percentage, completing just 56 percent of his passes. This could be the decline that he is dreading. His elite status may be slipping away with age and a lack of dynamic playmakers.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Miami	L 20-33	29	56	51.8	249	1	0	5
2	@ Minnesota	W 30-7	15	22	68.1	149	1	0	12

Next Week Outlook

The Patriots come home to take on the Oakland Raiders. It's still early in the season, and the Patriots are just figuring out how to best utilize the personnel they’ve acquired on both sides of the ball.

The Raiders are looking for their first win of the season, but it is unlikely they find it in New England.

5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

This Week

5

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Jets	W 31-24	25	42	59.5	346	3	0

It took 42 pass attempts to win against the Jets by seven points. Rodgers was one of the top performing QBs of Week 2 with 346 yards through the air, three touchdowns and no interceptions.

Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson on one of the most beautiful throws of the season that turned into an 80-yard TD pass.

Season Average

6

To some degree, we have to throw Aaron Rodgers’ Week 1 stats out the window simply because of the Seattle Seahawks. But then again, San Diego proved that you can have success against the notorious secondary. 

If there is anyone capable of surpassing Peyton Manning this season as the No. 1-ranked QB, it's Rodgers.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Seattle	L 16-36	23	33	69.7	189	1	1	6
2	Jets	W 31-24	25	42	59.5	346	3	0	7

Next Week Outlook

Surprisingly, the Packers face the second-rated defense this week when they enter the Lions’ den in a divisional matchup for first place. 

Aaron Rodgers should have no problem picking apart a thinned-out secondary that lacks any real threats. The key to moving the ball will be keeping that talented defensive line in order.  

4. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

DENIS POROY/Associated Press

This Week

4

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Seahawks	W 30-21	28	37	75.7	284	3	0

The last time the Seahawks allowed 30 or more points in a game was in October of last year against the Colts. It was also the only time that year a team was able to do that. That speaks to the incredible performance Philip Rivers and the Chargers had against the Legion of Boom.

Season Average

4.3

The Chargers’ longtime franchise QB is picking up where he left off in 2013. After two games, his Total QBR of 73.6 is good enough for eighth in the NFL.

If he can keep playing like he did last week, Rivers could be the next QB to take first place on the overall ranking.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Arizona	L 17-18	21	36	58.3	238	1	1	4
2	Seattle	W 30-21	28	37	75.7	284	3	0	5

Next Week Outlook

After picking apart the Super Bowl champs, the Chargers have to be careful not to sleep on the undefeated Bills. Though the Bills defense is currently ranked 21st overall, we must keep in mind they have one of the most dangerous pass rushes in the league.

3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

David Richard/Associated Press

This Week

3

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Browns	L 24-26	27	40	67.5	237	2	1

The amazing Drew Brees is somehow winless after two games. But the first loss was hardly his fault.

Against the Browns, Brees played well also, but the team came up short as the defense failed to stop the Browns on a critical fourth-quarter comeback drive.

Season Average

2.3

On the season Brees has a passer rating of 90 and a QBR over 70. Both are respectable numbers. His 68.3 completion percentage is among the highest in the NFL, and we can almost count on this guy to throw for over 5,000 yards each and every season.

His 570 yards passing puts him fifth overall so far.  

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Atlanta	L 34-37	29	42	69.0	333	1	1	2
2	@ Cleveland	L 24-26	27	40	67.5	237	2	1	2

 

Next Week Outlook

Few defenses have proved they can stop Brees and the Saints. The Browns did a nice job slowing them down last week.

The offense is ranked third in the league, but the defense has been the real issue so far for New Orleans. This Sunday they play host to the Vikings as both teams look to rebound from losses. Brees needs to cut down on the turnovers moving forward, but he should be able to put up points as he normally does.

2. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Gregory Bull/Associated Press

This Week

2

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Chargers	L 21-30	17	25	68	202	2	0

Sunday’s loss to the Chargers proved that even the Seahawks are mortal. Despite the outcome, Wilson continued to play solid, consistent football.

The Chargers did, however, hold the Seahawks offense to a 37 percent success rate on third downs.

Season Average

2.6

Russell Wilson is the smartest and the steadiest young QB in the NFL. In terms of poise, leadership and ability to process the system and the opponent, Russell is everything the Vikings are hoping they found in Teddy Bridgewater. I’m just not sure they did find it. Wilson’s mental makeup is a rare quality that certainly minimizes any concerns about his lack of height.

After two games, the QB has a passer rating of 114.7, which is third among all NFL QBs.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Green Bay	W 36-16	19	28	67.9	191	2	0	3
2	@ San Diego	L  21-30	17	25	68	202	2	0	3

Next Week Outlook

Sunday will be a Super Bowl rematch with the Broncos. This will be the Seahawks’ biggest challenge of the season, and one where they can count on maximum effort from their opponent.

Russell Wilson rarely has to carry this team on his shoulders, but if Manning finds a way to put points on the board Wilson will need to match that output. Percy Harvin is a weapon who should come in handy this week and for the season as a whole.

1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

This Week

1

Week 2 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Chiefs	W 24-17	21	26	80.8	242	3	0

Against Kansas City, Manning opted for a more balanced attack, throwing the ball only 26 times. This is rare for this offense, but it allowed him to complete over 80 percent of his passes on the day. The Broncos took out the Chiefs and look like the team to beat this year with depth and talent on both sides of the ball.

Season Average

1

Peyton Manning is clearly on another level with all the talent he is surrounded by. He has six passing touchdowns and has yet to throw a single interception. He was ranked No. 1 overall in the QB power rankings since Week 2 of last season and has never looked back. It’ll be interesting to see if someone can catch up to his impressive dominance.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Indianapolis	W 31-24	22	36	61.1	269	3	0	1
2	Kansas City	W 24-17	21	26	80.8	242	3	0	1

Next Week Outlook

The Seahawks are coming off a disappointing loss to the San Diego Chargers in Week 2, and we all know how badly the Broncos want to exact their revenge after being embarrassed in the Super Bowl. Maybe Peyton and the Broncos will take some cues from the Chargers attack and look to find holes in the Seahawks’ armor.

Ryan Riddle is a former NFL player writing for Bleacher Report.

Follow him on Twitter