NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, Post-Week 5

It’s been an interesting start to the NFL season with regards to the quarterbacks.

Nick Foles has regressed since 2013 while Eli Manning must have swiped his magical jock strap.

Who the heck is this Austin Davis kid anyway? Is Geno Smith beyond repair?

Many wonder whether Tom Brady has enough talent around him to be the same QB we’ve come to expect over the years. If not, then what does Cam Newton have–or how about Brian Hoyer?  

Let’s face it, once an NFL player starts edging near his 40s, no matter how hard they try to protect these guys, eventually, every man gets too old to play professional football.

Perhaps the changing of the guard is underway. The days of Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are soon coming to an end. Let’s try to appreciate this brief moment in history when so many great quarterbacks played at the same time.

Since Week 2 of last year Peyton Manning has rested atop QB Power Rankings uninterrupted. Five weeks into the 2014 season, we finally have a new name printed at the top of the mountain.

Methodology

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

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.

When more than one quarterback plays for a team in one game, the QB with the most passing attempts is featured in the slide. 

Note: Total QBR is a scoring system that assesses everything a quarterback does on the field. It is explained further on ESPN.com.

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

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

EJ Manuel, Buffalo Bills

Benched

Last Ranked: 28th

Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings

Injured his ankle in Week 4

Last Ranked: 23rd

32. Geno Smith, New York Jets

Chris Carlson/Associated Press

This Week

32

The Jets traveled all the way to San Diego to face the red-hot Chargers and an underrated secondary. This group has one of the best cornerback tandems in the league with Brandon Flowers and rising star Jason Verrett, who was their top pick in this year’s draft.

Geno and Co. had only 20 passing yards going into the fourth quarter (Mike Vick was quarterbacking during some of that time).

To be fair, the offensive line was abused in this game and Smith was forced to throw the ball away or hit nearly every time he dropped back. Furthermore, the receivers can’t get open and the running game is nonexistent.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ San Diego	L 0-31	4	12	33.3	27	0	1

 

Season Average

28.6

Only three QBs in the NFL are averaging under 200 passing yards per game with at least 100 attempts, and Smith is one of them.  

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Oakland	W 19-14	23	28	82.1	221	1	1	28
2	@ Green Bay	L 24-31	16	32	50	176	1	1	23
3	Chicago	L 19-27	26	43	60.5	316	1	2	27
4	Detroit	L 17-24	17	33	51.5	209	1	1	30
5	@ San Diego	L 0-31	4	12	33.3	27	0	1	32

Next Week Outlook

Smith will start at QB for the Jets but his window of opportunity is closing on the season. In fairness, however, the Jets are lacking at the skilled position and up front in protection. Some of the blame has to point toward the offensive coordinator.  

The Broncos are one of just six teams allowing less than 60 percent of opponents’ passes to be completed.

31. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

This Week

31

Christian Ponder looked completely incapable of playing quarterback in the NFL last Thursday after the Packers made short work of them.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ GB	L 10-42	22	44	50.0	222	0	2

 

Season Average

31

Out of all the QBs who made it on the QB rankings this week, Ponder’s 5.05 yards per pass attempt ranks dead last. In addition, his 45.8 passer rating on the season is the lowest of any QB with at least 10 pass attempts while his 50 percent completion percentage is the third worst under the same qualifier.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ St. Louis	W 34-6	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2	NE	L 7-30	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
3	@ NO	L 9-20	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
4	Atlanta	W 41-28	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
5	@ GB	L 10-42	22	44	50.0	222	0	2	N/A

 

Next Week Outlook

According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, rookie Teddy Bridgewater is on pace to play this week against the Detroit Lions after being back at practice on Tuesday. That’s good news for Vikings fans, especially considering how inept Ponder looked out there.  

Barring injury, this is likely the last we’ll see of Ponder this year.

30. Drew Stanton, Arizona Cardinals

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

This Week

30

With Carson Palmer’s status still up in the air, Drew Stanton took over as the starting QB for the Cards once again. He entered the game 2-0 despite struggling at times with his accuracy.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Denver	L 20-41	11	26	42.3	118	0	0

 

Season Average

30.7

Unfortunately, Stanton is only completing 48 percent of his passes on the season, which is the lowest percentage for any QB with at least 50 pass attempts. On the positive side, Stanton has shown an impressive ability to push the ball downfield and not just settle for the easy checkdown completions. 

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	48.3	167	0	0	N/A
3	San Fran	W 23-14	18	33	54.5	244	2	0	32
4	Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	32
5	@ Denver	L 20-41	11	26	42.3	118	0	0	29

 

Next Week Outlook

Stanton left the game last week with a concussion, so the team now enters Week 6 with a ton of uncertainty at the QB position. Palmer is still trying to recover from nerve damage and if Stanton can’t go, that leaves the very raw rookie Logan Thomas.

29. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

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This Week

29

Luckily for Carr, the Raiders were one of two teams to have a bye last week. This might have been enough time for the rookie to heal what is reported to be a high ankle and MCL sprain, per Chris Wesseling of NFL.com.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT

 

Season Average

30.5

Of all the QBs who have attempted at least 100 passes thus far, Carr is averaging the lowest pass yards per game with 184.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ NY Jets	L 14-19	20	32	62.5	151	2	0	31
2	Houston	L 14-30	27	42	64.3	263	1	2	31
3	@ NE	L 9-16	21	34	61.8	174	0	1	30
4	Miami	L 14-38	16	25	64.0	146	1	1	31
5	Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	31

 

Next Week Outlook

According to Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com, “all signs point to Derek Carr being ready to play” against the Chargers.

Carr will likely have limited mobility if he does play but beating the Broncos is highly unlikely any way you slice it.

28. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

This Week

28

You could see early on in the Pittsburgh game that Blake Bortles was bringing life to an offense that barely had a pulse over the last two seasons. You could also see the youth of the Jaguars offense across the board.

Despite statistically struggling, Bortles showed a ton of promise and will certainly get better as the season moves on.

Bortles is going to be an outstanding NFL QB before it’s all said and done.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Pittsburgh	L 9-17	22	36	61.1	191	0	2

 

Season Average

26.6

Bortles took some steps back on the rankings this week after a week where he threw two INTs and failed to find the end zone.

Bortles has started only two games so far, yet he already is tied with the most INTs in the NFL. On the season he has three pass TDs, which is the lowest total among all QBs with six INTs.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Philly	L 17-34	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2	@ Washington	L 10-41	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
3	Indianapolis	L 17-44	14	24	58.3	223	2	2	N/A
4	@ San Diego	L 14-33	29	37	78.4	253	1	2	27
5	Pittsburgh	L 9-17	22	36	61.1	191	0	2	25

 

Next Week Outlook

The Jaguars are looking at a winnable game against the Titans but will need their rookie signal-caller to do a better job at cutting down on the turnovers.

27. Charlie Whitehurst, Tennessee Titans

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This Week

27

Jake Locker returned to the starting role to face the Browns on Sunday but left the game in the second quarter after injuring his thumb on a helmet. Enter Charlie Whitehurst.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Cleveland	L 28-29	13	21	61.9	194	2	0

 

Season Average

28.5

Whitehurst has done a half-decent job in his backup role but has not been nearly good enough to end the Titans’ four-game losing streak.

The man known as the “clipboard Jesus” has completed only 56.8 percent of his passes.  

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ KC	W 26-10	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2	Dallas	L 10-26	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
3	@ Cincinnati	L 7-33	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
4	@ Indy	L 17-41	12	23	52.2	177	1	1	N/A
5	Cleveland	L 28-29	13	21	61.9	194	2	0	30

 

Next Week Outlook

The quarterback's status for Week 6 is still uncertain. If Whitehurst gets the nod, expect another Titans loss. Per NBC’s Pro Football Talk: “Whisenhunt said Jake Locker’s right thumb is bruised and swollen, but that there’s no structural damage that would rule him out against the Jaguars at this point.” 

26. Kirk Cousins, Washington Redskins

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

This Week

26

Kirk Cousins was able to rebound from his disastrous performance against the Giants by giving Washington a legitimate shot at an upset victory over the Seahawks on Monday night.

He found his big-play weapon DeSean Jackson several times on the night and poked some holes in the league’s most notorious secondary.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Seattle	L 17-27	21	36	58.3	283	2	0

 

Season Average

24.7

Cousins has proven he can put up decent passing numbers against elite defenses but has yet to win a game he’s started this season.

Back when Robert Griffin III went down originally, there was a lot of questions as to what Washington would do when he got healthy if Cousins played well in his absence. So far Cousins has not done nearly enough to justify holding onto the job, though he has certainly done some nice things as the backup.

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	66.7	250	2	0	N/A
3	@ Philly	L 34-37	30	48	62.5	427	3	1	25
4	NY Giants	L 14-45	19	33	57.6	257	1	4	21
5	Seattle	L 17-27	21	36	58.3	283	2	0	27

 

Next Week Outlook

Time is running out for the Redskins this season. They are currently sitting at 1-4 despite having a top-10 offense and defense. The Arizona game is a very winnable one, especially with all the injuries on defense and the QB situation in flux for the Cards.

25. Mike Glennon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

This Week

25

After their embarrassing loss to the Falcons on national TV, the Bucs have been playing some impressive football. Unfortunately they just fell short against the Saints.

A Mike Glennon touchdown pass three plays into the fourth quarter gave them a 31-20 lead, but things went downhill from there. Glennon didn’t move the team on a couple of fourth-quarter possessions and threw a costly interception, but the young QB was certainly not the problem in this loss. 

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ New Orleans	L 31-37	19	32	59.4	249	2	1

 

Season Average

25

Glennon has played impressively two weeks in a row. One of his most impressive stats so far is leading the league in the percentage of passing yards that come before the catch.

According to PFF, 71.7 percent of his total passing yards came before a receiver had ever taken a single step with the ball in his hands. This means Glennon is doing a nice job pushing the ball down the field and stretching opposing defenses.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Carolina	L 14-20	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2	St. Louis	L 17-19	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
3	@ Atlanta	L 14-56	17	24	70.8	121	1	0	N/A
4	@ Pittsburgh	W 27-24	21	42	50.0	302	2	1	24
5	@ NO	L 31-37	19	32	59.4	249	2	1	26

Next Week Outlook

According to head coach Lovie Smith, the “odds are” that Glennon will start against Baltimore in Week 6 while veteran Josh McCown continues to recover from a thumb injury.

24. Kyle Orton, Buffalo Bills

Jose Juarez/Associated Press

This Week

24

Orton threw 43 times, only to end up tied with the lowest point total the Bills have had all season. This was a game the Bills should have lost but can thank the Lions place-kicker for missing three field goals on the day.

With that said, Orton’s ability to find receivers downfield in the second half combined with his decisiveness allowed this offense to look a bit more fluid at times.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Detroit	W 17-14	30	43	69.8	308	1	1

 

Season Average

24

This roster has enough talent to make a serious run at the playoffs but will need Orton to complete around 65 percent of his passes each week.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Chicago	W 23-20	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
2	Miami	W 29-10	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
3	San Diego	L 10-22	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
4	@ Houston	L 17-23	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
5	@ Detroit	W 17-14	30	43	69.8	308	1	1	N/A

Next Week Outlook

If the Patriots play like they did on Sunday night, the Bills will have little chance of pulling off a victory. Orton played decent last week but Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels knows all of the strengths and weaknesses to Orton’s game. Expect the Patriots to have a plan that will expose the replacement QB.

23. Austin Davis, St. Louis Rams

Matt Rourke/Associated Press

This Week

23

Aside from being the first QB this season to lose two fumbles in one game, Austin Davis had the best day of his brief NFL career. Some of his impressive numbers were the result of throwing the ball up and getting lucky it wasn’t intercepted, and the other parts were the product of an underrated quarterback.

Week 6 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT

 

Season Average

26.4

Davis is completing 67 percent of his passes while averaging 7.9 yards per pass. He has a very respectable QBR of 63.

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	@ TB	W 19-17	22	29	75.9	235	0	0	32
3	Dallas	L 31-34	30	42	71.4	327	3	2	28
4	Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	25
5	@ Philly	L 28-34	29	49	59.2	375	3	0	24
6

 

Next Week Outlook

Austin Davis and the Rams play host to the 49ers and their second-ranked defense. After an impressive performance a week ago, Davis should be the starter despite Shaun Hill being healthy.

Can Davis put up those incredible numbers against a secondary that seems to be finding its groove?

A win here would be a huge statement for a guy who was once a third-string QB who nobody heard of against a secondary allowing just 57.5 percent of the passes thrown their way to be completed.

22. Nick Foles, Philadelphia Eagles

Rich Schultz/Getty Images

This Week

22

Nick Foles got away with some bad throws down the middle of the field but still managed to throw two TDs and complete 64.9 percent of his passes.

Although far from perfect, the Eagles continue to find ways to win.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
St. Louis	W 34-28	24	37	64.9	207	2	1

 

Season Average

15.8

There are four QBs in the NFL who have currently attempted over 100 passes while completing less that 60 percent of them—Nick Foles is among that group of names that includes EJ Manuel, Jake Locker and Geno Smith. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	JAX	W 34-17	27	45;	60.0	322	2	1	7
2	@ IND	W 30-27	21	37	56.8	331	1	1	13
3	WSH	W 37-34	27	41	65.9	325	3	0	17
4	@ SF	L 21-26	21	43	48.8	195	0	2	15
5	STL	W 34-28	24	37	64.9	207	2	1	21

 

Next Week Outlook

Foles and the Eagles will play host to the Giants in a classic divisional matchup. In this particular matchup, Foles will have to be extra careful with the ball against a defense that leads the league in interceptions with eight.

21. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

This Week

21

Ryan Fitzpatrick struggled to make plays through the air against the Cowboys last week, racking up just 154 yards passing and throwing a pick.

This was a game the Texans could have won with better QB play.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Dallas	L 17-20	16	25	64.0	154	0	1

 

Season Average

20.1

The Texans QB has done a decent job this season, all things considered. So far he’s playing like an average starting QB at times and a backup at other times. His five TDs and six INTs is not a good ratio. He is one of just four QBs on the ranking with a negative TD/INT ratio.

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	73.7	139	2	0	21
3	@ NY Giants	L 17-30	20	34	58.8	289	1	3	18
4	Buffalo	W 23-17	25	37	67.6	268	1	2	17
5	@ Dallas	L 17-20	16	25	64.0	154	0	1	20

 

Next Week Outlook

Hosting the Colts should be a challenge for Ryan Fitzpatrick considering their defense is second in the league in completion percentage allowed at 57.1.

20. Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns

Wade Payne/Associated Press

This Week

20

Brian Hoyer and the Browns rallied back from a 25-point deficit to cap off the greatest road comeback in NFL history. 

Hoyer proved that he can stay cool under pressure with this massive comeback aided by his three TD passes and 292 yards through the air.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Tennessee	W 29-28	21	37	56.8	292	3	1

 

Season Average

22.5

Hoyer is having a nice season despite the lack of talent at receiver. He’s made good decisions and showed impressive playmaking abilities. His QBR of 72.1 is ranked eighth among qualified QBs.  

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Pitt	L 27-30	18	30	60	222	1	0	25
2	NO	W 26-24	24	40	60	204	1	0	25
3	Baltimore	L 21-23	19	25	76.0	290	1	0	24
4	Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	19
5	@ Tenn	W 29-28	21	37	56.8	292	3	1	22

 

Next Week Outlook

Brian Hoyer and Co. look like a team having a ton of fun right now. New head coach Mike Pettine has done a great job with this team and seems to partly responsible for the carefree demeanor being displayed as of late.

Next week they hope the magic continues as they bang heads with the ninth-ranked defense of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

19. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

This Week

19

Joe Flacco was rattled throughout the day by the Colts’ relentless blitz packages that ultimately proved too much for him to overcome. He was held without a TD pass and completed just 57.9 percent of his passes.

Their 13 points on the day was the lowest point total for the Ravens all season.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Indianapolis	L 13-20	22	38	57.9	235	0	1

 

Season Average

21.1

Aside from one game this season, Flacco has looked no better than an average starting QB. Most of his passing stats fall someone near the mean.

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
3	@ Cleveland	W 23-21	19	31	61.3	217	1	1	20
4	Carolina	W 38-10	22	31	71.0	327	3	0	20
5	@ Indy	L 13-20	22	38	57.9	235	0	1	18

 

Next Week Outlook

Flacco heads south to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The Bucs are ranked near the bottom of the league in just about every meaningful category. Flacco should be able to pull off a win on the road here.

18. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

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 This Week

Tannehill spent his weekend resting as the Dolphins took advantage of a bye.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

 

Season Average

19.1

There are four QBs in the NFL with at least 10 pass completions this season who are averaging less than six yards per pass attempt. Tannehill is one of them with a 5.82 average. It’s worth mentioning that Miami’s QB is second in the league in “Yards In the Air” that led to dropped passes (148), per PFF.

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
3	Kansas City	L 15-34	21	43	48.8	205	1	0	19
4	@ Oakland	W 38-14	23	31	74.2	278	2	1	22
5	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	19

 

Next Week Outlook

Ryan Tannehill will square off Sunday against the Packers, who feature a defense that has held opposing QBs to a passer rating of 70.5, good enough for second in the league.

17. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

This Week

17

Alex Smith came back to his old stomping grounds highly motivated to show his former team they made a big mistake letting him go. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Smith threw the ball 31 times yet only completed 54.8 percent of his passes for a season-low 175 yards.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ San Francisco	L 17-22	17	31	54.8	175	2	1

 

Season Average

19.3

Smith’s targets have dropped more balls (15) than any other QB in the league, per PFF. 

Smith is not a fan of the term game manager, but he continues to live up to the term. His season high for passing yards is just 255 and he has failed to reach 200 yards passing on two occasions.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	Tennessee	L 10-26	19	35	54.3	202	1	3	19
2	@ Denver	L 17-24	26	42	61.9	255	0	0	24
3	@ Miami	W 34-15	19	25	76.0	186	3	0	22
4	New England	W 41-14	20	26	76.9	248	3	0	18
5	@ San Fran	L 17-22	17	31	54.8	175	2	1	16

 

Next Week Outlook

Smith will get a chance to lick his wounds and rest with a Week 6 bye.

16. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Jose Juarez/Associated Press

This Week

16

Not surprisingly, Matthew Stafford begins to look quite mortal when Megatron is out of the game. Stafford felt the pressure from Buffalo’s defensive front, which left no room for him to step up in the pocket most of the day.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Buffalo	L 14-17	18	31	58.1	221	1	1

 

Season Average

14

Stafford has had an up-and-down season so far. One week he looks like one of the best QBs in the league and the next he looks average at best. If he can find some consistency this Lions team has enough pieces for the postseason.

The Lions QB has been sacked 17 times this year, more than any other QB up to this point.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	NY 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
3	Green Bay	W 19-7	22	34	64.7	246	0	2	14
4	@ NY Jets	W 24-17	24	34	70.6	293	2	0	16
5	Buffalo	L 14-17	18	31	58.1	221	1	1	12

 

Next Week Outlook

The Vikings got shredded to pieces by the Packers last Thursday night, giving up 42 points. Can Matthew Stafford have that same success or will the Lions fall to a rookie QB making his second career start?

15. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

This Week

15

The turnover tendencies for Jay Cutler never seem to go away for long. In the upset loss to the Panthers, Cutler was responsible for three turnovers, including one fourth-quarter pick that cost the team dearly.

The Bears were only able to muster up three points after halftime.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Carolina	L 24-31	28	36	77.8	289	2	2

 

Season Average

14.5

Cutler is completing an impressive 68.1 percent of his passes with a passer rating of 94 and a QBR of 67. He has thrown four INTs in the last two games, which is somewhat concerning.

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 Fran	W 28-20	23	34	67.6	176	4	0	14
3	@ NY Jets	W 27-19	23	38	60.5	225	2	0	12
4	Green Bay	L 17-38	22	34	64.7	256	2	2	14
5	@ Carolina	L 24-31	28	36	77.8	289	2	2	17

 

Next Week Outlook

Jay Cutler should be able to rejoice knowing that the Falcons have only two INTs all year to go along with the second lowest sack total in the NFL.

14. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

This Week

14 

Against the Chiefs, Kaepernick struggled to find the open man, completing just 53.8 percent of his passes. The good news is that Kap successfully avoided throwing any picks and they did enough to get an important victory.  

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Kansas City	W 22-17	14	26	53.8	201	1	0

 

Season Average

12.3

After five games, Kaepernick has failed to throw for 250 yards in a game and although he’s thrown three INTs in a game, we’re still waiting for three TDs in a game. Despite all of that, he still managed to work his way into the top 10 by making big plays when it counts, either with his legs or his arm.

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
3	@ Arizona	L 14-23	29	37	78.4	245	1	0	13
4	Philly	W 26-21	17	30	56.7	218	2	1	12
5	Kansas City	W 22-17	14	26	53.8	201	1	0	11

  

Next Week Outlook

The Rams are 1-3 but the games are always tough and hard-fought between these two teams. Kaepernick has played solid football but has also been aided by strong play from the 49ers defense.

13. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Stephan Savoia/Associated Press

This Week

13

Sunday night was a bad night to play against the Patriots. Dalton didn’t play especially bad in that game but this was just not a night where the Patriots were going to lose.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ New England	L 17-43	15	24	62.5	204	2	0

 

Season Average

11

Dalton has played impressive football thus far, boasting the second highest yards per pass attempt (8.57) in the NFL for QBs who started more than a single game. However, he also has the lowest percentage of passing yards that come before the catch of any QB currently starting.

Per Pro Football Focus, only 38.3 percent of his passing yards have come before factoring in the YAC. This indicates a boost in his stat line by making simple dump-off passes and letting the receiver do most of the work.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Balt	W 23-16	25	38	65.8	301	1	0	10
2	Atlanta	W 24-10	15	23	65.2	252	1	0	11
3	Tennessee	W 33-7	15	23	65.2	169	0	1	9
4	Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	10
5	@ NE	L 17-43	15	24	62.5	204	2	0	13

 

Next Week Outlook

Dalton looks to rebound from a terrible loss against the Patriots when his Bengals host Cam Newton and the Panthers. Both teams are looking for their fourth win of the season.

Cincy is ranked 11th in passing and the Panthers have the 20th-ranked defense.

12. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Steven Senne/Associated Press

This Week

12

Tom Brady and the Patriots played like the team we expected to see at the beginning of the season. Perhaps the two-tight-end sets and running the ball effectively helped get this offense going.

Against a quality defense, New England played a complete, well-balanced game for four quarters.  

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Cincinnati	W 43-17	23	35	65.7	292	2	0

 

Season Average

9.6

According to PFF, no QB has been hit while throwing the ball more than Brady has. He also has the lowest completion percentage (10.5) of passes beyond 20 yards (PFF).

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	14	21	66.7	149	1	0	12
3	Oakland	W 16-9	24	37	64.9	234	1	0	6
4	@ Kansas City	L 14-41	14	23	60.9	159	1	2	9
5	Cincinnati	W 43-17	23	35	65.7	292	2	0	14

 

Next Week Outlook

Brady should be a bit nervous as he prepares to face one of the league’s most dominating defensive fronts in the Buffalo Bills.

Will the Patriots offensive line be able to keep their quarterback upright long enough to pick this defense apart?

11. Eli Manning, New York Giants

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

This Week

11

Manning found a way to pull off another upset, this time over the Atlanta Falcons. He didn’t need big numbers for the win, but not throwing an interception was a big accomplishment for him.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Atlanta	W 30-20	19	30	63.3	200	2	0

 

Season Average

21.6

After looking like one of the worst teams in the NFL, the Giants have now won three straight games. During that time he has thrown eight TDs compared to just one INT.

Manning has to be the one QB who has ascended the most this year. He was ranked 27th in Week 1 and has slowly moved all the way up to 11th. This should make him a front-runner for Comeback Player of the Year.

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	66.7	277	2	2	28
3	Houston	W 30-17	21	28	75.0	234	2	0	26
4	@ Washington	W 45-14	28	39	71.8	300	4	1	23
5	Atlanta	W 30-20	19	30	63.3	200	2	0	15

 

Next Week Outlook

Manning will have to be precise against an Eagles secondary that’s holding passers to just 58.8 percent passing. With that said, only six teams have given up more big-play passing plays beyond 20 yards.

10. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Al Bello/Getty Images

This Week

10

Playing behind a banged-up offensive line, Matt Ryan was sacked four times on the day. He threw for a pair of TDs but the Falcons would eventually lose their second straight game.  

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ NY Giants	L 20-30	29	45	64.4	316	1	1

 

Season Average

8

No QB still in his 20s has thrown more career TDs than Matt Ryan (164).

Ryan’s 1,579 passing yards this season are second most in the league. However, when throwing the ball beyond 20 yards, he has one TD compared to four INTs.

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
3	Tampa Bay	W 56-14	21	24	87.5	286	3	0	7
4	@ Minnesota	L 28-41	25	41	61.0	298	3	2	5
5	@ NY Giants	L 20-30	29	45	64.4	316	1	1	8

 

Next Week Outlook

This Sunday, the Falcons and the Bears go head-to-head to determine which team can get their team back to .500. Matt Ryan has played well at home so far this season.

9. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Chuck Burton/Associated Press

This Week

9

The Bears held Cam Newton to his lowest completion percentage of the season but he also threw two TDs in a game for the first time.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
CHI	W 31-24	19	35	54.3	255	2	1

 

Season Average

10.2

Newton has struggled to find success throwing the ball down the field to this makeshift group of castoffs and rookies. Per PFF, he has completed just 18.2 percent of his passes beyond 20 yards, which includes dropped passes.

With that said, Newton has come a long way in his development at a pocket passer, proving that he can win games and be consistent without relying on his legs.

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
3	Pittsburgh	L 19-37	24	35	68.6	250	1	0	10
4	@ Baltimore	L 10-38	14	25	56.0	197	1	0	11
5	Chicago	W 31-24	19	35	54.3	255	2	1	10

 

Next Week Outlook

Newton comes to Cincinnati to face a secondary that has done a nice job of taking the ball away. Cincy’s defense is tied for fourth in the league in INTs. The Bengals are allowing only 56.6 percent of the passes thrown on them to be caught, the lowest percentage in the league.

Without many weapons to win one-on-one matchups, Newton may need to rely on his legs to get the win.

8. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

This Week

8

Romo came up clutch in overtime against the Texans when he lobbed the ball in the air to Dez Bryant on the sideline for the catch of the day.  

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Houston	W 20-17	28	41	68.3	324	2	1

 

Season Average

11.5

Tony Romo has the Cowboys off to a 4-1 start for the first time since 2008. The difference between this season and last season is that Dallas is actually coming out on top in close games.

At one time this season, Romo was ranked as low as 16th, but he is now ranked among the top 10 for the second week in a row.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	San Francisco	L 17-28	23	37	62.2	281	1	3	8
2	@ Tennessee	W 26-10	19	29	65.5	176	1	0	15
3	@ St. Louis	W 34-31	18	23	78.3	217	2	1	16
4	New Orleans	W 38-17	22	29	75.9	262	3	0	13
5	Houston	W 20-17	28	41	68.3	324	2	1	9

 

Next Week Outlook

It should be tough sledding for Tony Romo and his offense trying to move the ball on the Seahawks defense. Seeing the Legion of Boom trying to shut down Romo’s favorite target (Bryant) should be fun to watch.

7. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

This Week

7

Brees attempted 56 passes in this matchup and seemed to struggle with his efficiency throughout.

Although Brees finished the game strong, he was also lucky early on. In the first drive of the game, he launched a ball deep that hung in the air and was undercut by Alterraun Verner. Lucky for the Saints, the CB dropped what should have been an interception.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Tampa Bay	W 37-31	35	57	61.4	371	2	3

 

Season Average

4.5

No quarterback in the NFL up to this point in the season has attempted more passes than Brees. This makes his 68.8 season completion percentage that much more impressive. Brees has always been one of the most accurate quarterbacks in football and these numbers certainly support that claim.

Brees has also thrown for more “Yards In the Air” on dropped passes than any other QB in the league, per PFF.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
1	@ Atlanta	L 34-37	29	42	69	333	1	1	4
2	@ Cleveland	L 24-26	27	40	67.5	237	2	1	5
3	Minnesota	W 20-9	27	35	77.1	293	2	0	3
4	@ Dallas	L 17-38	32	44	72.7	340	2	1	3
5	Tampa Bay	W 37-31	35	57	61.4	371	2	3	5

 

Next Week Outlook

The Saints will try to fix some issues while resting during their Week 6 bye.

6. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

This Week

6 

Big Ben and his talented offense managed only 10 points on offense against the worst defense in the NFL.

But he did look better than his numbers indicated.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Jacksonville	W 17-9	26	36	72.2	273	1	0

 

Season Average

7.1

According to Pro Football Focus, Roethlisberger has the highest completion percentage (63.2) of passes beyond 20 yards, including dropped 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	59.5	217	0	1	6
3	@ Carolina	W 37-19	22	30	73.3	196	2	0	8
4	Tampa Bay	L 24-27	29	40	72.5	314	3	0	8
5	@ Jacksonville	W 17-9	26	36	72.2	273	1	0	6

 

Next Week Outlook

Surprisingly, the strength of the Browns team this season has been their no-name offense, while the defense has struggled in a big way. They’re currently ranked 31st on that side of the ball.

Roethlisberger leads one of the most complete teams in the league and is surrounded by an exciting variety of weapons on offense.

5. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Nick Wass/Associated Press

This Week

5 

When all else was bottled up by the Redskins, Russell Wilson put the team on his shoulders and ran all night long—setting a Monday Night Football record for a quarterback with 122 yards rushing. That rushing total was also a career high for Wilson.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ Washington	W 27-17	18	24	75	201	2	0

 

Season Average

4

Wilson has thrown for two touchdowns in every game this year while only throwing a single interception all season. Whether making plays with his legs or his arm, Wilson puts his team in the best position to win football games.

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	@ SD	L 21-30	17	25	68	202	2	0	3
3	Denver	W 26-20	24	34	70.6	258	2	1	2
4	Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	4
5	@ Wash	W 27-17	18	24	75	201	2	0	7

 

Next Week Outlook

Wilson has a 17-1 career home record, according to ESPN Stats and Info. That spells trouble for the visiting Dallas Cowboys.

4. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

This Week

4

Luck threw two interceptions in this contest, which means he cooled off a bit from his previous weeks of domination. But he did clinch the win against the Ravens with a score in the fourth quarter.  

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Baltimore	W 20-13	32	49	65.3	312	1	2

 

Season Average

7.3

Luck leads the league in passing yards (1,617) and passing TDs (14) after five games and has attempted the second most passes. On the down side, his six INTs are tied for the most in the league with six others.

If you wanted to make a case that says Luck gets his passing yards the hard way, you certainly could. Luck leads the league in passing yards through the air with 927. That number disregards any yardage accrued by running after the catch.

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
3	@ Jacksonville	W 44-17	31	39	79.5	370	4	0	11
4	Tennessee	W 41-17	29	41	70.7	393	4	1	6
5	Baltimore	W 20-13	32	49	65.3	312	1	2	3

 

Next Week Outlook

The last time the Colts and Houston Texans met was last December. The Colts won that game 25-3. But this is a different Houston team that has already won as many games as it did all of last year.

This should be a good divisional matchup for first place. Luck should be able to pull this win off as he continues to lead the second-ranked offense.  

3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

This Week

3

Rodgers was so efficient in his win over the Vikings that he needed to throw only 17 passes on the day. It also helped to have a running game that was unstoppable.

Even though he had 17 pass attempts, he still managed to throw three TD passes.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Minnesota	W 42-10	12	17	70.6	156	3	0

 

Season Average

5.3

Rodgers threw his 200th career TD on Sunday, making him the latest of just 10 active QBs who have hit that mark.

This season, Rodgers boasts a plus-11 TD/INT ratio, which is the best in the NFL.

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	NY Jets	W 31-24	25	42	59.5	346	3	0	7
3	@ Detroit	L 7-19	16	27	59.3	162	1	0	5
4	@ Chicago	W 38-17	22	28	78.6	302	4	0	7
5	Minnesota	W 42-10	12	17	70.6	156	3	0	4

 

Next Week Outlook

Traveling to Miami is not going to be an easy contest for Rodgers and the Packers. The Dolphins are currently ranked seventh on defense and are looking for their third win of the season.

Miami is allowing a league-low 6.0 yards per throw against them so Rodgers is going to have to bring his “A” game for this one.

2. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

This Week

2

Peyton Manning surpassed a huge career milestone on Sunday when he became only the second QB in NFL history to throw for 500 TDs. He ended up with four TDs on the day to go with a career-high 479 passing yards.

This was also the first time all year Manning threw two INTs in one game.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
Arizona	W 41-20	31	47	66.0	479	4	2

 

Season Average

1.1

His 503 career passing TDs are second all time behind Brett Favre. To put this into perspective, the next active QB on the list is Drew Brees, who has 372 career TDs.

On the season, Peyton Manning is tied with Andrew Luck for the most passing yards per game (323) in the league.  

It’s hard to imagine how Manning could fall out of the top-ranked spot after a record-setting day like he had, but Philip Rivers has outplayed Manning this season as a whole while the performances from last season continue to diminish as the weeks go on.

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
3	@ Seattle	L 20-26	31	49	63.3	303	2	1	1
4	Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	1
5	Arizona	W 41-20	31	47	66.0	479	4	2	1

 

Next Week Outlook

Simply put, the Broncos have too many weapons for the Jets to stop with their thinned-out secondary.  Expect Peyton Manning to piece together a victory against the sixth-ranked defense in the NFL.

1. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

This Week

1

For the fourth straight game, Rivers managed to complete at least 70 percent of his passes. The Chargers beat the Jets decidedly 31-0 and look poised to be one of the best teams in the league.

Week 5 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
NY Jets	W 31-0	20	28	71.4	288	3	1

 

Season Average

3

Of all the QBs who have started every game this year, Rivers’ 8.75 yards per pass attempt and 70.3 completion percentage ranks No. 1. That’s an impressive stat to consider. Not only is he putting the ball down the field, but he’s doing it while remaining the most efficient quarterback in football.

Rivers also ranks No. 1 in passer rating with 116.3. This could be the year Rivers wins MVP of the league.

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
3	@ Buffalo	W 22-10	18	25	72.0	256	2	0	4
4	Jacksonville	W 33-14	29	39	74.4	377	3	0	2
5	NY Jets	W 31-0	20	28	71.4	288	3	1	2

 

Next Week Outlook

It should be interesting to see what happens when the QB (Rivers) with the highest completion percentage (70.3) faces the defense (Raiders) allowing the highest rate of completions (72.4).

 

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

Follow him on Twitter.