NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, Post Week 13

It looks as though we’re headed for one of the most exciting finishes to an NFL regular season in recent memory. Most teams still have a lot to play for as the playoff picture starts to take a more definitive shape.

Which top-ranked QB can guide his team to the promised land?

Week 13 saw the return of QBs like Geno Smith, Colt McCoy and Ryan Fitzpatrick. One of those names would go on to post one of the best performances of the season.

Who is the top-ranked rookie QB thus far, and which struggling passer is just begging to be put out of their misery?

Methodology

Eric Gay/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 quarterbacks' 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 quarterback 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.

QBs Who Were Removed

Darron Cummings/Associated Press

Michael Vick, New York Jets

Benched for Geno Smith

Last Ranked: 31st

Ryan Mallett, Houston Texans

Torn pectoral muscle

Last Ranked: 29th

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

Benched for Colt McCoy

Last Ranked: 24th

32. Geno Smith, New York Jets

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

This Week

32

Before Week 13’s game, the Jets announced Geno Smith would start against a dominating Dolphins defense on Monday Night Football, per Rich Cimini of ESPN.com.

Smith struggled with the opportunity to start and a game plan that sought to limit his exposure. He completed just seven passes against the Dolphins, the fewest by a quarterback to play a whole game this season. Five of his 13 pass attempts came on the game's final drive, which ended with an interception by Dolphins safety Reshad Jones.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
MIA	L 13-16	7	13	53.8	65	0	1

 

Season Average

29.7

Geno has spent most of the season ranked dead last among NFL QBs in the power rankings. This is what led to his eventual benching. He has completed 57.4 percent of his passes for an average of 5.9 yards per pass. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	28
1	OAK	W 19-14	23	28	82.1	221	1	1	23
2	@ GB	L 24-31	16	32	50	176	1	1	27
3	CHI	L 19-27	26	43	60.5	316	1	2	30
4	DET	L 17-24	17	33	51.5	209	1	1	32
5	@ SD	L 0-31	4	12	33.3	27	0	1	32
6	DEN	L 17-31	23	43	53.5	190	2	1	32
7	@ NE	L 25-27	20	34	58.8	226	1	0	32
8	BUF	L 23-43	2	8	25	5	0	3	N/A
9	@ KC	L 10-24	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	PIT	W 20-13	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
11	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
12	BUF	L 3-38	10	12	83.3	89	0	0	N/A
13	MIA	L 13-16	7	13	53.8	65	0	1	32

Next Week's Outlook

When the Jets head to Minnesota, Geno is likely going to be the starter. His biggest challenge will be avoiding the Vikings’ dominant pass rush. So far this season, they have tallied 35 sacks, the fourth-most in the NFL.

31. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

This Week

31

With a 1-10 record, the Jaguars went into this game looking for a victory any way possible. Bortles was able to have some success at home against the Giants’ 31st-ranked defense.

Though the rookie QB put together a much-needed win, the Giants sacked Bortles seven times, including four times in the third quarter alone. 

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
NYG	W 25-24	21	35	60.0	194	1	0

 

Season Average

30

The rookie quarterback has thrown the most interceptions (15) in the NFL at this point and may finally be learning how to reduce the costly turnovers. After all, his first game without an interception resulted in a win.

According to Aaron Schatz, Blake Bortles’ pass DVOA (via Football Outsiders) is basically the same from Weeks 3-7 and Weeks 8-13. This shows that Bortles has failed to make any strides so far with the valuable playing time he has been afforded.   

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	@ PHI	L 17-34	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	@ WSH	L 10-41	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	IND	L 17-44	14	24	58.3	223	2	2	27
4	@ SD	L 14-33	29	37	78.4	253	1	2	25
5	PIT	L 9-17	22	36	61.1	191	0	2	28
6	@ TEN	L 14-16	32	46	69.6	336	1	1	29
7	CLE	W 24-6	17	31	54.8	159	1	3	31
8	MIA	L 13-27	18	34	52.9	221	1	2	31
9	@ CIN	L 23-33	22	33	66.7	247	2	1	32
10	DAL	L 17-31	22	37	59.5	290	0	1	32
11	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	32
12	@ IND	L 3-23	15	27	55.6	146	0	1	32
13	NYG	W 25-24	21	35	60.0	194	1	0	31

 

Next Week's Outlook

If Blake Bortles can keep away from J.J. Watt, he should be able to generate some offense against the Texans. Houston has one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL, allowing 270 yards through the air per game.

Being at home in Jacksonville should help the rookie QB, but the 6-6 Texans are still fighting for a playoff berth.

30. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

Tom Gannam/Associated Press

This Week

30

The Raiders squared off against the 4-7 Rams in Week 13. This appeared to be a winnable game for Raider Nation, but instead, the Rams pulled off a blowout victory. Neither team was playing for more than pride, but as St. Louis showed, sometimes that can be enough.

This was the first time as a pro Derek Carr had to deal with a relentless pass rush, which he didn't handle well at all. The Rams forced him out of the pocket several times throughout the game, and he was unable to adjust or respond. This was one of his biggest concerns coming out of Fresno State.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ STL	L 0-52	24	39	61.5	173	0	2

 

Season Average

29.8

Carr has started all 12 games for the Raiders and currently leads all rookies with 2,422 passing yards and 14 TDs.

Carr currently has the second-lowest average yards per pass (5.44) among quarterbacks with at least 100 passes.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	31
1	@ NYJ	L 14-19	20	32	62.5	151	2	0	31
2	HOU	L 14-30	27	42	64.3	263	1	2	30
3	@ NE	L 9-16	21	34	61.8	174	0	1	31
4	MIA	L 14-38	16	25	64.0	146	1	1	31
5	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	29
6	SD	L 28-31	18	34	52.9	282	4	1	31
7	ARI	L 13-24	16	28	57.1	173	0	0	28
8	@ CLE	L 13-23	34	54	63.0	328	1	0	28
9	@ SEA	L 24-30	24	41	58.5	194	2	2	28
10	DEN	L 17-41	30	47	63.8	192	2	2	29
11	@ SD	L 6-13	16	34	47.1	172	0	0	30
12	KC	W 24-20	18	35	51.4	174	1	0	30
13	@ STL	L 0-52	24	39	61.5	173	0	2	30

 

Next Week's Outlook

If the 49ers are able to put pressure on Carr in the same way the Rams did, he will likely end up having a long day. He has never been good in the face of pressure, and the 49ers are a team that can create these problems for QBs, especially with Aldon Smith back in the lineup.

29. Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cliff McBride/Getty Images

This Week

29

The Bucs hosted the Bengals for Week 13. Cincy was 7-3-1 and Tampa Bay had a 2-9 record heading into the matchup. Head coach Lovie Smith said the offensive line needs to play better, per Pat Yasinskas of ESPN.com, and it did just that. McCown was only sacked once on the day, but they still lost.

McCown completed 15 of 29 passes for 190 yards and one interception. He only threw for four first downs all day.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
CIN	L 13-14	15	29	51.7	190	0	1

 

Season Average

21

McCown has completed 59.2 percent of his passes so far and has a negative accumulative grade on Pro Football Focus.

It might be time to let the younger QB, Mike Glennon, get a chance to develop. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	13
1	CAR	L 14-20	22	35	62.9	183	2	2	18
2	STL	L 17-19	16	21	76.2	179	0	1	15
3	@ ATL	L 14-56	5	12	41.7	58	0	1	N/A
4	@ PIT	W 27-24	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
5	@ NO	L 31-37	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
6	BAL	L 17-48	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
7	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
8	MIN	L 13-19	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
9	@ CLE	L 17-22	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	ATL	L 17-27	27	43	62.8	301	2	2	26
11	@ WSH	W 27-7	15	23	65.2	288	2	0	23
12	@ CHI	L 13-21	25	48	52.1	341	1	2	23
13	CIN	L 13-14	15	29	51.7	190	0	1	29

Next Week's Outlook

Assuming Josh McCown will start on Sunday in Detroit, the Buccaneers must find creative ways to attack this Lions secondary, which has played well all season. They are allowing opposing QBs a passer rating of 81.9, good enough for sixth in the NFL.

28. Drew Stanton, Arizona Cardinals

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

28

Stanton traveled to Atlanta to face the worst-ranked defense in the NFL. The 4-7 Falcons were still in the hunt for the divisional title, which showed up in the way they fought hard. This upset game might have many Cards fans pushing the panic button, but Stanton did manage 294 yards through the air.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ ATL	L 18-29	24	39	61.5	294	1	2

 

Season Average

29

In the last three games, Stanton has thrown five interceptions compared to three TDs while going 1-2. He has never been ranked higher than 26th, and it looks as though his performances are headed in the wrong direction. With just four regular-season games remaining, he’ll need to fill Carson Palmer's shoes if the Cardinals are to have any chance at postseason success.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	SD	W 18-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	@ NYG	W 25-14	14	29	48.3	167	0	0	N/A
3	SF	W 23-14	18	33	54.5	244	2	0	32
4	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	32
5	@ DEN	L 20-41	11	26	42.3	118	0	0	29
6	WSH	W 30-20	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
7	@ OAK	W 24-13	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
8	PHI	W 24-20	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
9	@ DAL	W 28-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	STL	W 31-14	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
11	DET	W 14-6	21	32	65.6	306	2	2	26
12	@ SEA	L 3-19	14	26	53.8	149	0	1	27
13	@ ATL	L 18-29	24	39	61.5	294	1	2	28

 

Next Week's Outlook

Stanton faces one of the toughest challenges in the NFL on Sunday. The Chiefs are allowing a league-low 197 passing yards per game. Considering his struggles, this could be a long day for the Cardinals QB.

On the bright side, the Chiefs secondary has a league-worst four interceptions all season. This should give the backup QB more confidence to continue taking shots down the field.

27. Zach Mettenberger, Tennessee Titans

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

This Week

27

Mettenberger and the Titans headed to Houston to take on the Texans in what turned out to be a high-scoring and painful affair.

The rookie QB tried to sneak away with his first win against the 29th-ranked defense but came up well short. Mettenberger got hurt when J.J. Watt drove him into the ground in the third quarter in the 45-21 loss.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ HOU	L 21-45	13	19	68.4	184	1	1

 

Season Average

28.3

Mettenberger may be a rookie quarterback who has yet to win his first game, but he's shown flashes of potential in each of his five starts, making downfield plays with his strong arm for an average of 8.3 yards per pass on the season.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	@ KC	W 26-10	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	DAL	L 10-26	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	@ CIN	L 7-33	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
4	@ IND	L 17-41	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
5	CLE	L 28-29	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
6	JAX	W 16-14	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
7	@ WSH	L 17-19	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
8	HOU	L 16-30	27	41	65.9	299	2	1	29
9	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	29
10	@ BAL	L 7-21	16	27	59.3	179	1	1	30
11	@ PIT	L 24-27	15	24	62.5	263	2	1	29
12	@ PHI	L 24-43	20	39	51.3	345	2	1	26
13	@ HOU	L 21-45	13	19	68.4	184	1	1	27

 

Next Week's Outlook

Coach Ken Whisenhunt told reporters in Monday’s press conference that the rookie quarterback's shoulder injury is not believed to be serious. Mettenberger should be able to start in Week 14 against the New York Giants.

Though the playoffs may be out of reach, Mettenberger still needs as many opportunities from now till the end of the season to convince Coach Whisenhunt he can be the guy in Tennessee.

If backup Jake Locker has to play against the Giants, he’ll need to fare better than he did coming in as a backup against the Texans. He completed just 50 percent of his passes, threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. 

26. Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns

Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

This Week

26

Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel came on in the fourth quarter of the Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills for the ineffective and turnover-prone QB Brian Hoyer. Manziel put together a quick 80-yard touchdown drive, scoring the touchdown himself on a 10-yard run with nobody open.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ BUF	L 10-26	18	30	60.0	192	0	2

 

Season Average

21.7

Brian Hoyer ranked seventh in the league with 75.4 Total QBR after their Week 6 win. These days he ranks 27th with a 46.7 Total QBR.

Hoyer has thrown six interceptions and one TD pass in the last three games.

With that said, the Browns are still 10-5 with Hoyer as their starting QB over the last two seasons and 1-12 with all other QBs.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	25
1	@ PIT	L 27-30	18	30	60	222	1	0	25
2	NO	W 26-24	24	40	60	204	1	0	24
3	BAL	L 21-23	19	25	76.0	290	1	0	19
4	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	22
5	@ TEN	W 29-28	21	37	56.8	292	3	1	20
6	PIT	W 31-10	8	17	47.1	217	1	0	17
7	@ JAX	L 6-24	16	41	39.0	215	0	1	22
8	OAK	W 23-13	19	28	67.9	275	1	0	24
9	TB	W 22-17	21	34	61.8	300	2	2	22
10	@ CIN	W 24-3	15	23	65.2	198	0	0	16
11	HOU	L 7-23	20	50	40.0	330	1	1	21
12	@ ATL	W 26-24	23	40	57.5	322	0	3	21
13	@ BUF	L 10-26	18	30	60.0	192	0	2	26

 

Next Week's Outlook

Head coach Mike Pettine is going with the QB who gives him the best chance to win against the 8-4 Colts on Sunday. This game could very well decide whether the Browns can sneak into the postseason.

25. Shaun Hill, St. Louis Rams

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

25

Rams quarterback Shaun Hill bounced back from a poor performance in Week 12 with a solid outing in Sunday's rout of the Raiders. He hit 13 of 22 passes for 183 yards and two touchdowns while adding a two-yard touchdown run.

His efficient play led to zero turnovers and just one sack on the day.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
OAK	W 52-0	13	22	59.1	183	2	0

 

Season Average

27.2

The backup quarterback has completed just 59.6 percent of his passes with four TDs and three interceptions for a QBR score of 48.4.

It’s hard to say at this point, but this latest win looks like the Rams have upgraded from Austin Davis.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	32
1	MIN	L 6-34	8	13	61.5	81	0	1	N/A
2	@ TB	W 19-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	DAL	L 31-34	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
4	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
5	@ PHI	L 28-34	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
6	SF	L 17-31	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
7	SEA	W 28-26	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
8	@ KC	L 7-34	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
9	@ SF	W 13-10	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	@ AZ	L 14-31	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
11	DEN	W 22-7	20	29	69.0	220	1	0	24
12	@ SD	L 24-27	18	35	51.4	198	1	2	28
13	OAK	W 52-0	13	22	59.1	183	2	0	25

 

Next Week's Outlook

Shaun Hill and the Rams should be licking their chops in anticipation of their Week 14 matchup against Washington. The Redskins have struggled to stop teams through the air, allowing a league-worst 107.8 passer rating for opposing QBs.

Maybe the Rams will put up another 50 points this week.

24. Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings

Jim Mone/Associated Press

This Week

24

Bridgewater tossed two touchdown passes against the Panthers and completed 15 of his 21 passes for 138 yards to guide the Vikings to an impressive 31-13 win. It was the rookie’s first game throwing multiple touchdown passes without an interception.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
CAR	W 31-13	15	21	71.4	138	2	0

 

Season Average

27.2

According to Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders, Teddy Bridgewater’s passing DVOA was minus-44.3 percent between Weeks 3-7, which has improved to minus-17.2 percent between Weeks 8-13.

Despite being a rookie, Bridgewater is one of just four current starters not to give up a fumble to the opposing team. Joe Flacco, Russell Wilson and Drew Stanton are the others in that group. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	@ STL	W 34-6	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	NE	L 7-30	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	@ NO	L 9-20	12	20	60.0	150	0	0	28
4	ATL	W 41-28	19	30	63.3	317	0	0	23
5	@ GB	L 10-42	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
6	DET	L 3-17	23	37	62.2	188	0	3	30
7	@ BUF	L 16-17	15	26	57.7	157	1	2	30
8	@ TB	W 19-13	24	42	57.1	241	1	0	30
9	WSH	W 29-26	26	42	61.9	268	1	0	27
10	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	27
11	@ CHI	L 13-21	18	28	64.3	158	1	1	28
12	GB	L 21-24	21	37	56.8	210	2	1	25
13	CAR	W 31-13	15	21	71.4	138	2	0	24

 

Next Week's Outlook

Week 14 pits the Vikings up against the New York Jets. This should be a great opportunity for Bridgewater to keep his positive momentum going. The Jets have allowed their opponents a passer rating of 106.6 so far this season.

23. Kyle Orton, Buffalo Bills

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

23

The Browns came to town last Sunday in an exciting battle between two potential playoff teams. The Browns had the 20th-ranked defense, while Orton’s offense was ranked 24th in the league.

On third downs, Orton went 3-of-9 for 47 yards and only one first down, while giving up two interceptions and a sack.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
CLE	W 26-10	17	31	54.8	190	1	2

 

Season Average

22.7

Buffalo’s QB has averaged 6.9 yards per pass this season while completing 64.3 percent of his passes. He has thrown 13 TDs to five interceptions with a passer rating of 92.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	@ CHI	W 23-20	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	MIA	W 29-10	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	SD	L 10-22	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
4	@ HOU	L 17-23	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
5	@ DET	W 17-14	30	43	69.8	308	1	1	24
6	NE	L 22-37	24	38	63.2	299	2	1	25
7	MIN	W 17-16	31	43	72.1	283	2	1	25
8	@ NYJ	W 43-23	10	17	58.8	238	4	0	22
9	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	19
10	KC	L 13-17	29	48	60.4	259	1	0	23
11	@ MIA	L 9-22	22	39	56.4	193	0	0	25
12	NYJ	W 38-3	24	32	75	230	2	0	19
13	CLE	W 26-10	17	31	54.8	190	1	2	23

Next Week's Outlook

The Bills and the Broncos have two of the best pass rushes in the NFL. Orton is not known for his mobility, so he will need to get the ball out quick on the road before Denver’s defense adds to its total of 34 sacks on the season.

22. Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

This Week

22

The Eagles (8-3) traveled to Dallas (8-3) for a Thanksgiving divisional showdown. Both teams were playing well heading into Week 13 and are in a two-way battle for the NFC East title.

Sanchez came out on fire. He led the Eagles to 80- and 88-yard touchdown drives on their first two possessions. He finished 20 of 29 for 217 yards and a touchdown and ran five times for 29 yards and another score.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ DAL	W 33-10	20	29	69.0	217	1	0

 

Season Average

23.8

Sanchez is impressing with his eight yards per pass attempt. He has a QBR of 58.8.

The Eagles offense has already had two games totaling more than 40 points. Foles has not achieved that feat once in 2014. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	JAX	W 34-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	@ IND	W 30-27	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	WSH	W 37-34	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
4	@ SF	L 21-26	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
5	STL	W 34-28	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
6	NYG	W 27-0	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
7	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
8	@ ARI	L 24-20	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
9	@ HOU	W 31-21	15	22	68.2	202	2	2	24
10	CAR	W 45-21	20	37	54.0	332	2	0	24
11	@ GB	L 20-53	26	44	59.1	346	2	2	27
12	TEN	W 43-24	30	43	69.8	307	1	2	22
13	@ DAL	W 33-10	20	29	69.0	217	1	0	22

 

Next Week's Outlook

Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles' broken collarbone is healing but is not ready just yet, according to head coach Chip Kelly via NFL.com. Foles is not cleared to play at this point. When he is ready it’ll be interesting to see who starts for this Eagles team heading into the playoffs.

On Sunday, we will get to see just how effective this offense can be against the No. 1-ranked defense in the NFL. The Seahawks are allowing just 199 passing yards per game this year.

Another thing worth noting: Sanchez will face his former college coach, Pete Carroll. 

21. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

This Week

21

Jay Cutler and the Bears had their work cut out for them last Thursday when they faced the third-ranked defense in the NFL. Detroit has one of the most disciplined secondaries in the NFL. This means Cutler needed to play a smart, calculated game to pull off the upset.

Instead, the QB threw two INTs and attempted 48 passes for 280 yards.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ DET	L 17-34	31	48	64.6	280	2	2

 

Season Average

16.3

So far this season, Jay Cutler has thrown multiple interceptions in six games.

For all intents and purposes, the QB has been performing like an average starter at best. His best ranking came after Week 2, when he was 12th overall. His average ranking this season is 16.3. 

Cutler leads all QBs with six lost fumbles on the season.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	15
1	BUF	L 20-23	34	49	69.4	349	2	2	14
2	@ SF	W 28-20	23	34	67.6	176	4	0	12
3	@ NYJ	W 27-19	23	38	60.5	225	2	0	14
4	G B	L 17-38	22	34	64.7	256	2	2	17
5	@ CAR	L 24-31	28	36	77.8	289	2	2	15
6	@ ATL	W 27-13	26	38	68.4	381	1	0	14
7	MIA	L 14-27	21	34	61.8	190	1	1	15
8	@ NE	L 23-51	20	30	66.7	227	3	1	18
9	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	16
10	@ GB	L 14-55	22	37	59.5	272	1	2	22
11	MIN	W 21-13	31	43	72.1	330	3	2	17
12	TB	W 21-13	17	27	63.0	130	1	0	18
13	@ DET	L 17-34	31	48	64.6	280	2	2	21

 

Next Week's Outlook

Cutler should be able to have some success against the Cowboys’ 22nd-ranked defense on Thursday. One of the best things this struggling QB has to look forward to is a front seven that has only amassed 19 sacks on the season.

20. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Jim Mone/Associated Press

This Week

20

Last weekend, the Panthers took on the Vikings in Minnesota. Both teams had seven losses heading into the game, but the Panthers had the edge on offense, at least on paper.

Rookie Teddy Bridgewater managed to beat Cam Newton in a one-sided victory that saw Newton complete just 51.4 percent of his passes for 194 yards.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ MIN	L 13-31	18	35	51.4	194	1	1

 

Season Average

13.4

Newton is completing 57.9 percent of his passes, which, for those not keeping track of modern passing statistics, is not good. The NFL average this season is around 63 percent.

Newton has thrown 13 TDs and 11 interceptions thus far. This is not surprising given the talent he has to work with up front and on the outside. For the most part, he has done as much as he can with nagging injuries and limited playmakers.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	11
1	@ TB	W 20-14	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	DET	W 24-7	22	34	64.7	281	1	0	10
3	PIT	L 19-37	24	35	68.6	250	1	0	11
4	@ BAL	L 10-38	14	25	56.0	197	1	0	10
5	CHI	W 31-24	19	35	54.3	255	2	1	9
6	@ CIN	Tie 37-37	29	46	63.0	284	2	1	9
7	@ GB	L 17-38	17	31	54.8	205	1	1	11
8	SEA	L 9-13	12	22	54.5	171	0	1	13
9	NO	L 10-28	10	28	35.7	151	0	1	17
10	@ PHI	L 21-45	25	40	62.5	306	2	3	19
11	ATL	L 17-19	23	37	62.2	292	2	2	18
12	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	17
13	@ MIN	L 13-31	18	35	51.4	194	1	1	20

 

Next Week's Outlook

Newton needs to piece together a good game in order to rebuild what seems to be waning confidence. Their Week 14 matchup is a rematch against divisional rivals.

The last time the Saints and Panthers played, New Orleans won 28-10 and Newton had one of his worst games of the season, completing 10 of 28 passes for 151 yards and an interception.

The Saints secondary is vulnerable, as they are just one of five teams allowing at least eight yards per pass attempt.

19. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers

Tony Avelar/Associated Press

This Week

19

On Thanksgiving Day, the 49ers went head-to-head with the Seahawks at Levi's Stadium in one of the most feared rivalries in football. This game had tons of playoff implications, and both teams were fighting for the win.

However, the 49ers didn’t seem quite prepared to compete against one of the best defenses in the NFL, and it showed.

On throws that traveled at least 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, Colin Kaepernick went 0-of-10 with two interceptions. He was also sacked four times in a disappointing all-around performance.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
SEA	L 3-19	16	29	55.2	121	0	2

 

Season Average

14.5

Kaepernick has completed 61.2 percent of his passes while averaging 7.3 yards per pass. He also is one of the most feared runners at the position, averaging 29 yards per game on the ground.

With all of that said, it’s clear to see that Kaepernick is trending downward. The 49ers offense has surpassed 20 points just once in the last six games.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	16
1	@ DAL	W 28-17	16	23	69.6	201	2	0	8
2	CHI	L 20-28	21	34	61.8	248	1	3	13
3	@ AZ	L 14-23	29	37	78.4	245	1	0	12
4	PHI	W 26-21	17	30	56.7	218	2	1	11
5	KC	W 22-17	14	26	53.8	201	1	0	14
6	@ STL	W 31-17	22	36	61.1	343	3	0	15
7	@ DEN	L 17-42	24	39	61.5	263	1	1	14
8	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	14
9	STL	L 10-13	22	33	66.7	237	1	0	21
10	@ NO	W 27-24	14	32	43.8	210	1	0	17
11	@ NYG	W 16-10	15	29	51.7	193	1	0	15
12	WSH	W 17-13	20	29	69.0	256	1	1	15
13	SEA	L 3-19	16	29	55.2	121	0	2	19

  

Next Week's Outlook

Colin Kaepernick needs to turn around an offense that has struggled as of late. Playing against the Raiders in Oakland should present a good opportunity to do just that.

The Raiders are just one of four teams currently allowing their opponents a passer rating over 100, and they have the fewest sacks in the NFL with 13.

18. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

This Week

18

On Thanksgiving Day, the Lions played host to the Chicago Bears in a traditional holiday matchup. Stafford was able to move the ball on the Bears defense, but his 21st-ranked offense won the day against Chicago's 21st-ranked defense. 

Stafford broke his two-game drought of not throwing a TD pass. He also racked up a season-high 390 passing yards.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
CHI	W 34-17	34	45	75.6	390	2	0

 

Season Average

16.8

Stafford followed up his worst completion percentage performance with his best one the week after.

He has not been ranked lower than 18th since Week 5 against Buffalo.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	17
1	NYG	W 35-14	22	32	68.8	346	2	0	9
2	@ CAR	L 7-24	27	48	56.2	291	1	1	14
3	GB	W 19-7	22	34	64.7	246	0	2	16
4	@ NYJ	W 24-17	24	34	70.6	293	2	0	12
5	BUF	L 14-17	18	31	58.1	221	1	1	16
6	@ MIN	W 17-3	19	33	57.6	185	1	0	18
7	NO	W 24-23	27	40	67.5	299	2	2	21
8	@ ATL	W 22-21	24	47	51.1	325	2	1	20
9	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	18
10	MIA	W 20-16	25	40	62.5	280	2	1	18
11	@ ARI	L 6-14	18	30	60.0	183	0	1	19
12	@ NE	L 9-34	18	46	39.1	264	0	1	20
13	CHI	W 34-17	34	45	75.6	390	2	0	18

 

Next Week's Outlook

Stafford seems to have some positive momentum heading into his matchup against the Bucs. He should be able to take advantage of a secondary that’s allowing a completion percentage of 68.2, the second-worst in the NFL. 

17. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

This Week

17

Traveling to Tampa Bay seemed like a good opportunity for the Bengals to get a win and for Dalton to post good numbers. The Bucs were just 2-9 on the season but are better than their record. Dalton looked horrendous in the first half of the game, throwing three interceptions before halftime, but picked things up in the second half. 

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ TB	W 14-13	19	27	70.4	176	1	3

 

Season Average

14

It’s hard to predict which version of Dalton will show up each Sunday. His inconsistency should be starting to worry this coaching staff. Dalton has ranged from ninth on the high end to 25th on the low. His average position in the rankings is 14th.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	10
1	@ BAL	W 23-16	25	38	65.8	301	1	0	11
2	ATL	W 24-10	15	23	65.2	252	1	0	9
3	TEN	W 33-7	15	23	65.2	169	0	1	10
4	Bye	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	13
5	@ NE	L 17-43	15	24	62.5	204	2	0	13
6	CAR	Tie 37-37	33	43	76.7	323	2	2	12
7	@ IND	L 0-27	18	38	47.4	126	0	0	16
8	BAL	W 27-24	21	28	75.0	266	0	1	16
9	JAX	W 33-23	19	31	61.3	233	2	2	14
10	CLE	L 3-24	10	33	30.3	86	0	3	25
11	@ NO	W 27-10	16	22	72.7	220	3	0	14
12	@ HOU	W 22-13	24	35	68.6	233	1	1	16
13	@ TB	W 14-13	19	27	70.4	176	1	3	17

 

Next Week's Outlook

This Sunday, the Bengals host the Steelers in what will be their most important game of the season so far.

Dalton will try to keep pace with the high-powered Steelers offense, but the big wild card for this game will be the Red Rifle.

16. Eli Manning, New York Giants

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

This Week

16

The Giants headed down to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars. Jacksonville’s defense was ranked 30th, which meant there was a big day possible for Manning if he could avoid the costly turnovers.

The good news is that Eli avoided throwing an interception while completing 70 percent of his passes; the bad news is, they lost the game 25-24. 

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ JAX	L 24-25	24	34	70.6	247	1	0

 

Season Average

17.3

Manning has thrown 22 TD passes and 12 interceptions all season while completing 63 percent of his passes. This has been a fairly decent season for the QB despite the lack of team success.

It’s starting to look like there will be some major changes to this franchise this offseason, and the quarterback situation may not be safe.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	27
1	@ DET	L 14-35	18	33	54.5	163	1	2	28
2	ARI	L 14-25	26	39	66.7	277	2	2	26
3	HOU	W 30-17	21	28	75.0	234	2	0	23
4	@ WAS	W 45-14	28	39	71.8	300	4	1	15
5	ATL	W 30-20	19	30	63.3	200	2	0	11
6	@ PHI	L 0-27	13	23	56.5	151	0	0	16
7	@ DAL	L 21-31	21	33	63.6	248	3	0	13
8	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	12
9	IND	L 24-40	27	52	51.9	359	2	0	13
10	@ SEA	L 17-38	29	44	65.9	283	1	1	12
11	SF	L 10-16	22	45	48.9	280	1	5	16
12	DAL	L 28-31	29	40	72.5	338	3	1	14
13	@ JAX	L 24-25	24	34	70.6	247	1	0	16

 

Next Week's Outlook

On Sunday, the Giants travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans in one of the more meaningless games of the season. Neither team has much to gain, and the only excitement to look forward to is the rookie receiver Odell Beckham Jr. for the Giants.

15. Colt McCoy, Washington Redskins

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

This Week

15

Colt McCoy got the start against the Colts on Sunday after Robert Griffin III was benched by Jay Gruden, per The Washington Post's Mike Jones. It’s tough to say whether we’ll see RG3 again this season.

McCoy got off to a rough start. He was sacked six times and fumbled three times, one of them recovered for an Indianapolis touchdown. He would go on to throw for 392 yards and three TDs despite the loss.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ IND	L 27-49	31	47	66.0	392	3	0

 

Season Average

12.5

In just three games, Colt McCoy is averaging 273 passing yards per game while completing 75.3 percent of his passes.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	@ HOU	L 6-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	JAX	W 41-10	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	@ PHI	L 34-37	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
4	NYG	L 14-45	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
5	SEA	L 17-27	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
6	@ ARI	L 20-30	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
7	TEN	W 19-17	11	12	91.7	128	1	0	N/A
8	@ DAL	W 20-17	25	30	83.3	299	0	1	10
9	@ MIN	L 26-29	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
11	TB	L 7-27	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
12	@ SF	L 13-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
13	@ IND	L 27-49	31	47	66.0	392	3	0	15

 

Next Week's Outlook

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Gruden said Sunday, Nov. 30, that McCoy will remain the starting quarterback heading into Week 14.

Hosting the Rams, Colt should be able to find some success if he can stay upright. The Rams are allowing a league-worst 68.8 completion percentage against other teams.

14. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Houston Texans

Bob Levey/Getty Images

This Week

14

Houston Texans QB Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for a career-high and franchise-record six TD passes against the Tennessee Titans. He finished 24-of-33 with 358 yards, the six touchdowns and no interceptions in his return after being benched for QB Ryan Mallett, who suffered a season-ending injury last week.

Fitzpatrick also finished with the best Total QBR of the week among qualified QBs with a 99.6 score. The revived QB was nearly flawless against the Titans defense.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
TEN	W 45-21	24	33	72.7	358	6	0

 

Season Average

19.9

The big performance from Week 13 helped Fitzpatrick to jump all the way up to the 14th spot in the power rankings, which is his highest standing all year. It also likely ensured his status as the starter for at least the remainder of the year.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	24
1	WSH	W 17-6	14	22	63.6	206	1	0	21
2	@ OAK	W 30-14	14	19	73.7	139	2	0	18
3	@ NYG	L 17-30	20	34	58.8	289	1	3	17
4	BUF	W 23-17	25	37	67.6	268	1	2	20
5	@ DAL	L 17-20	16	25	64.0	154	0	1	21
6	IND	L 28-33	15	23	65.2	212	1	0	19
7	@PITT	L 23-30	21	32	65.6	262	2	1	18
8	@ TEN	W 30-16	19	35	54.3	227	1	0	23
9	PHI	L 21-31	13	27	48.1	203	2	1	23
10	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	21
11	@ CLE	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
12	CIN	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
13	TEN	W 45-21	24	33	72.7	358	6	0	14

 

Next Week's Outlook

Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Texans will head to Jacksonville to face the Jags' 24th-ranked defense. This may seem like a relatively easy task, but the Jaguars do have a one of the best pass rushes in football. They are currently third in the league in sacks with 37.

13. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Orlin Wagner/Associated Press

This Week

13

The Chiefs were just one game behind the Broncos for the divisional lead as they looked to even things up in a head-to-head matchup. Denver edged out the Chiefs in the first game, 24-17, and took the second game 29-16.

The Broncos sacked Smith six times, four of them in the fourth quarter. In all, the Chiefs offense finished 1-of-9 on third-down conversions, and Smith passed for just 153 yards on the day.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
DEN	L 16-29	15	23	65.2	153	2	1

 

Season Average

16.8

The good news is that Alex Smith has only thrown five interceptions all season to go with 15 TD passes. However, his longest completion all season was 34 yards, which is the lowest among all QBs to play in every game.

His best passing game in terms of yardage was just 255 yards back in Week 2. That was the only time all season he passed for over 250 yards.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	19
1	TEN	L 10-26	19	35	54.3	202	1	3	24
2	@ DEN	L 17-24	26	42	61.9	255	0	0	22
3	@ MIA	W 34-15	19	25	76.0	186	3	0	18
4	NE	W 41-14	20	26	76.9	248	3	0	16
5	@ SF	L 17-22	17	31	54.8	175	2	1	17
6	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	20
7	@ SD	W 23-20	19	28	67.9	221	1	0	20
8	STL	W 34-7	24	28	85.7	226	0	0	17
9	NYJ	W 24-10	21	31	67.7	199	2	0	11
10	@ BUF	W 17-13	17	29	58.6	177	0	0	13
11	SEA	W 24-20	11	16	68.8	108	0	0	12
12	@ OAK	L 20-24	20	36	55.6	234	2	0	13
13	DEN	L 16-29	15	23	65.2	153	2	1	13

 

Next Week's Outlook

It should be an interesting matchup when the Chiefs travel to the desert to face a talented Cardinals secondary. Alex Smith is a safe, controlled passer who doesn’t throw many interceptions, but the Cardinals are second in the league in that category (16) and will likely shut down what is otherwise an anemic passing game.

12. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Nick Wass/Associated Press

This Week

12

Week 13’s matchup against the 7-4 Chargers was one of the better games of the week. The Chargers had a top-10 defense to go along with one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The Ravens had to keep their high-powered running game, led by Justin Forsett, going to take pressure off Flacco and help control the tempo of the game.

Flacco posted a 93.6 Total QBR with no turnovers yet lost the game in the final minutes of the contest.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
SD	L 33-34	19	31	61.3	225	2	0

 

Season Average

16.5

Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak has done a nice job bringing along this offense, and Joe Flacco seems to be responding well to the new system. He has thrown 20 TD passes and eight interceptions while completing 63.1 percent of his passes.

Flacco is one of just two QBs (Russell Wilson) to play every game this season without losing a fumble to the opposing team.

He has gone three straight games without a turnover, but the loss against the Chargers could end up being this team’s undoing.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	23
1	CIN	L 16-23	35	62	56.5	345	1	1	27
2	PIT	W 26-6	21	29	72.4	166	2	0	20
3	@ CLE	W 23-21	19	31	61.3	217	1	1	20
4	CAR	W 38-10	22	31	71.0	327	3	0	18
5	@ IND	L 13-20	22	38	57.9	235	0	1	19
6	@ TB	W 48-17	21	29	72.4	306	5	0	13
7	ATL	W 29-7	16	25	64.0	258	2	2	10
8	@ CIN	L 24-27	17	34	50.0	195	0	2	15
9	@ PIT	L 23-43	30	45	66.7	303	2	1	15
10	TEN	W 21-7	16	27	59.3	169	1	0	15
11	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	13
12	@ NO	W 34-27	18	24	75	243	1	0	12
13	SD	L 33-34	19	31	61.3	225	2	0	12

 

Next Week's Outlook

Flacco will face one of his greatest challenges of the season when he goes up against the Dolphins defense in Week 14. Miami has allowed 198 yards in the air per game, which is one yard shy of the least amount in the NFL.

11. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

This Week

11

Last Monday night, two top-10 defenses faced each other in New York, and it was reflected in the final score. The Dolphins pulled off the fourth-quarter comeback against a Jets squad that had failed to close out games.

The win snapped a five-game losing streak on Monday Night Football for the Fins.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ NYJ	W 16-13	25	35	71.4	235	0	1

 

Season Average

16.2

According to ESPN Stats and Info, “Ryan Tannehill is the only QB to post both four games with a QBR above 80 and four games with a QBR below 30 this season.”

He has now completed at least 70 percent of his passes in five straight games. That’s impressive.

Tannehill has been ranked 11th in the power rankings for four consecutive games now. He has really shown a lot of improvement in the second half of this season.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	18
1	NE	W 33-20	18	32	56.3	178	2	1	19
2	@ BUF	L 10-29	31	49	63.3	241	1	1	19
3	KC	L 15-34	21	43	48.8	205	1	0	22
4	@ OAK	W 38-14	23	31	74.2	278	2	1	19
5	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	18
6	GB	L 24-27	20	31	64.5	244	2	2	22
7	@ CHI	W 27-14	25	32	78.1	277	2	0	17
8	@ JAX	W 27-13	16	29	55.2	196	1	1	19
9	SD	W 37-0	24	34	70.6	288	3	0	10
10	@ DET	L 16-20	27	38	71.1	207	1	1	11
11	BUF	W 22-9	26	34	76.5	240	2	0	11
12	@ DEN	L 36-39	26	36	72.2	228	3	1	11
13	@ NYJ	W 16-13	25	35	71.4	235	0	1	11

 

Next Week's Outlook

Tannehill and the Dolphins face the Ravens in Week 14. Baltimore has allowed the second-most passing yards per game (274) in the NFL. Clearly the Ravens do not have a lot of talent in their front seven.

10. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

John Bazemore/Associated Press

This Week

10

Considering the Falcons are very much alive in the divisional race, they have been playing highly motivated football, especially in the last four weeks. Against the 9-2 Cardinals, the seeds for an upset were planted.

Matt Ryan blew up the Cardinals with deep passes, going 7-of-7 for 167 yards and a touchdown.’

He finished the day with 361 yards through the air while completing 73.2 percent of his passes.

Week 12 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
ARI	W 29-18	30	41	73.2	361	2	1

 

Season Average

9.3

On the season, Matt Ryan has been one of the more consistent QBs in the NFL. He has hovered around the 8-12 range all season long.

He is currently fifth in the NFL with 3,427 yards passing and has thrown 21 TD passes to go with just 10 interceptions. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	14
1	NO	W 37-34	31	43	72.1	448	3	0	4
2	@ CIN	L 10-24	24	44	54.5	231	1	3	7
3	TB	W 56-14	21	24	87.5	286	3	0	5
4	@ MIN	L 28-41	25	41	61.0	298	3	2	8
5	@ NYG	L 20-30	29	45	64.4	316	1	1	11
6	CHI	L 13-27	19	37	51.4	271	1	1	11
7	@ BAL	L 7-29	29	44	65.9	228	1	0	12
8	DET	L 21-22	20	27	74.1	228	2	1	11
9	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9
10	@ TB	W 27-17	20	31	64.5	219	1	0	9
11	@ CAR	W 19-17	31	45	68.9	268	1	0	9
12	CLE	L 24-26	27	43	62.8	273	2	1	10
13	ARI	W 29-18	30	41	73.2	361	2	1	10

 

Next Week's Outlook

The odds are already stacked against the Falcons for their Monday-night matchup against the Packers in Green Bay, but Matt Ryan has his team poised to take the NFC South division. Green Bay is allowing opposing QBs an impressively low 82.0 passer rating.

9. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

9 

The Seahawks traveled to San Francisco to play the 49ers on Thanksgiving. As expected, the game was a physical battle between eternal enemies. Seattle had the No. 1-ranked defense, while the 49ers ranked second in the league.

On passes that traveled at least 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage, Russell Wilson went 4-of-6 for 131 yards. He was also sacked four times, fumbling once.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ SF	W 19-3	15	22	68.2	236	1	0

 

Season Average

6.9

Wilson is one of just two QBs this season to start in every game and not lose a single fumble to the opposition. That stat is even more impressive when you consider he is averaging 57 rushing yards per game and leads all QBs with four rushing TDs. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	3
1	GB	W 36-16	19	28	67.9	191	2	0	3
2	@ SD	L 21-30	17	25	68	202	2	0	2
3	DEN	W 26-20	24	34	70.6	258	2	1	4
4	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	7
5	@ WSH	W 27-17	18	24	75	201	2	0	5
6	DAL	L 23-30	14	28	50.0	126	0	1	10
7	@ STL	L 26-28	23	36	63.9	313	2	0	8
8	@ CAR	W 13-9	20	32	62.5	199	1	1	9
9	OAK	W 30-24	17	35	48.6	179	0	0	8
10	NYG	W 38-17	10	17	58.8	172	0	2	10
11	@ KC	L 20-24	20	32	62.5	178	2	0	10
12	ARI	W 19-3	17	22	77.3	211	1	0	9
13	@ SF	W 19-3	15	22	68.2	236	1	0	9

 

Next Week's Outlook

Wilson will need to keep his legs warm and loose this Sunday against the Eagles. This defense is second in the league in sacks (42) and is fresh off of a game when they made Tony Romo look like a senior citizen.  The stakes are high for both teams, and this should be one of the better games of the week.

8. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Tim Sharp/Associated Press

This Week

8

The Cowboys faced the high-powered Eagles on Thanksgiving in what should’ve been a close matchup between divisional foes. The Eagles assumed sole possession of first place in the division with the win and got one step closer to locking up a playoff berth.

Romo had one of his worst games of the year in the 33-10 loss.  This was the first game all season when he failed to throw a TD pass.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
PHI	L 10-33	18	29	62.1	199	0	2

 

Season Average

9.1

There are only six qualified QBs who are averaging more than eight yards per pass attempt. Romo is ranked second in the league with an average of 8.39. He is also completing 68.2 percent of his passes.

Romo has had one of his best seasons thus far.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	8
1	SF	L 17-28	23	37	62.2	281	1	3	15
2	@ TEN	W 26-10	19	29	65.5	176	1	0	16
3	@ SL	W 34-31	18	23	78.3	217	2	1	13
4	NO	W 38-17	22	29	75.9	262	3	0	9
5	HOU	W 20-17	28	41	68.3	324	2	1	8
6	@ SEA	W 30-23	21	32	65.6	250	2	0	7
7	NYG	W 31-21	17	23	73.9	279	3	1	5
8	WSH	L 17-20	17	28	60.7	209	1	0	8
9	ARI	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	@ JAX	W 31-17	20	27	74.1	246	3	0	8
11	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	8
12	@ NYG	W 31-28	18	26	69.2	275	4	0	6
13	PHI	L 10-33	18	29	62.1	199	0	2	8

 

Next Week's Outlook

Tony Romo squares off against the Bears in Chicago for the Thursday night game. Chicago has struggled against the pass, allowing 271 receiving yards per game. This could be the perfect game for him to rebound from a poor showing on Thanksgiving.

7. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

This Week

7

Roethlisberger and the Steelers tried to slow down Drew Brees and the Saints last Sunday and failed miserably.

Roethlisberger had a lot garbage-time stats in the game, which really was not close for most of the second half. From the point the Steelers fell behind by 19 points in the fourth quarter, he went 17-of-23 for 196 yards with 12 first downs, including two scores, plus one sack.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
NO	L 32-35	32	58	55.2	435	2	2

 

Season Average

5.6

At one point, Big Ben was ranked second in the power rankings, but he has since thrown five interceptions in three games while his team went 1-2.

Roethlisberger has surpassed 300 passing yards on six occasions this season. He also has an impressive average of 7.87 yards per pass attempt.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9
1	CLE	W 30-27	23	34	67.6	365	1	1	6
2	@ BAL	L 6-26	22	37	59.5	217	0	1	8
3	@ CAR	W 37-19	22	30	73.3	196	2	0	8
4	TB	L 24-27	29	40	72.5	314	3	0	6
5	@ JAX	W 17-9	26	36	72.2	273	1	0	6
6	@ CLE	L 10-31	21	42	50.0	228	1	1	6
7	HOU	W 30-23	23	33	69.7	265	2	0	7
8	IND	W 51-34	40	49	81.6	522	6	0	4
9	BAL	W 43-23	25	37	67.6	340	6	0	2
10	@ NYJ	L 13-20	30	43	69.8	343	1	2	3
11	TEN	W 27-24	21	32	65.6	207	1	1	3
12	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4
13	NO	L 32-35	32	58	55.2	435	2	2	7

 

Next Week Outlook

Big Ben will need to win an important divisional game against the Bengals on Sunday in order to keep his playoff hopes alive. Cincinnati may only have the 21st-ranked defense, but it is second in the league with an opposing passer rating of 75.0, and it has allowed the fewest passing TDs (11) so far this season.

This means the Steelers will have to earn everything they get through the air. 

6. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

This Week

6

Surprisingly, the Redskins had the 10th-ranked defense in the NFL heading into Week 13. This was a good challenge for Andrew Luck and the rest of the Colts offense. Luck leads the top-ranked passing attack in football right now and was able to dismantle the Redskins defense with relative ease.

He threw for 370 yards, five TD passes and completed 70.4 percent of his passes.  

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
WSH	W 49-27	19	27	70.4	370	5	1

 

Season Average

6.4

Luck has now thrown for more than 4,000 yards this season with four more games still to go. He is also second in the NFL in TD passes with 34. Only Peyton Manning has thrown for more TDs.

Out of all qualified QBs, Luck is fourth in yards per pass with an average of 8.17.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	10
1	@ DEN	L 24-31	35	53	66.0	370	2	2	10
2	PHI	L 27-30	20	34	58.8	172	3	1	11
3	@ JAX	W 44-17	31	39	79.5	370	4	0	6
4	TEN	W 41-17	29	41	70.7	393	4	1	3
5	BAL	W 20-13	32	49	65.3	312	1	2	4
6	@ HOU	W 33-28	25	44	56.8	370	3	1	4
7	CIN	W 27-0	27	42	64.3	344	2	0	4
8	@ PIT	L 34-51	26	45	57.8	400	3	2	6
9	@ NYG	W 40-24	25	46	54.4	354	4	0	7
10	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	6
11	NE	L 20-42	23	39	59.0	303	2	1	6
12	JAX	W 23-3	21	32	65.6	253	1	0	7
13	WSH	W 49-27	19	27	70.4	370	5	1	6

 

Next Week's Outlook

Luck will need to bring his “A” game against a motivated Browns team that is allowing opposing QBs a league-low 74.1 passer rating. That Browns secondary also leads the league with 17 interceptions thus far.

5. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

This Week

5

The Ravens played host to Philip Rivers and the Chargers for their Week 13 matchup. Baltimore’s lack of depth in the secondary ended up being exploited by the talented veteran quarterback.

On third downs, Rivers went 8-of-8 for 156 yards with seven first downs. He had a season-high 383 passing yards while completing 75.6 percent of his passes.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ BAL	W 34-33	34	45	75.6	383	3	1

 

Season Average

3.9

Rivers has been among the league leaders in nearly every major QB category this season. He has completed 69.1 percent of his passes while averaging 7.89 yards per pass and has a passer rating of 102.8.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4
1	@ AZ	L 17-18	21	36	58.3	238	1	1	5
2	SEA	W 30-21	28	37	75.7	284	3	0	4
3	@ BUF	W 22-10	18	25	72.0	256	2	0	2
4	JAX	W 33-14	29	39	74.4	377	3	0	2
5	NYJ	W 31-0	20	28	71.4	288	3	1	1
6	@ OAK	W 31-28	22	34	64.7	313	3	0	1
7	KC	L 20-23	17	31	54.8	205	2	1	3
8	@ DEN	L 21-35	30	41	73.2	252	3	2	3
9	@ MIA	L 0-37	12	23	52.2	138	0	3	5
10	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	5
11	OAK	W 13-6	22	34	64.7	193	1	0	7
12	STL	W 27-24	29	35	82.9	291	1	1	8
13	@ BAL	W 34-33	34	45	75.6	383	3	1	5

 

Next Week's Outlook

Rivers is 1-5 against his next opponent, the New England Patriots. But he has been one of the most impressive QBs of 2014, which means he gives the Chargers a chance each and every week. The game is in San Diego, and the Patriots have the 19th-ranked defense in terms of yards allowed.

4. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

This Week

4

Sunday Night Football was fun to watch with the Broncos and the Chiefs squaring off. The last time these two teams met back in September, the Broncos pulled off a close 24-17 victory. Once again, Manning was able to duplicate a similar outcome. However, his stats were down significantly from the first meeting.

This was a rare occasion when Manning was carried by his teammates. After halftime, he went 4-of-14 for 43 yards and only two first downs, with one sack-fumble lost to the other team. That fumble loss was Manning’s first of the season.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ KC	W 29-16	17	34	50.0	179	2	0

 

Season Average

1.8

Manning is ranked eighth on Pro Football Focus but is second among qualifying QBs in Total QBR with a score of 80.6.

He may be old, slow and lacking in arm strength, but his mind is one of the deadliest weapons in the NFL. He currently leads the league with 36 TD passes.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1
1	IND	W 31-24	22	36	61.1	269	3	0	1
2	KC	W 24-17	21	26	80.8	242	3	0	1
3	@ SEA	L 20-26	31	49	63.3	303	2	1	1
4	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	1
5	AZ	W 41-20	31	47	66.0	479	4	2	2
6	@ NYJ	W 31-17	22	33	66.7	237	3	0	2
7	SF	W 42-17	22	26	84.6	318	4	0	1
8	SD	W 35-21	25	35	71.4	286	3	0	1
9	@ NE	L 21-43	34	57	59.6	438	2	2	1
10	@ OAK	W 41-17	31	44	70.5	340	5	2	2
11	@ STL	L 7-22	34	54	63.0	389	1	2	4
12	MIA	W 39-36	28	35	80.0	257	4	0	3
13	@ KC	W 29-16	17	34	50.0	179	2	0	4

 

Next Week's Outlook

Manning faces one of his most dangerous opponents on Sunday when the Broncos take on the relentless pass rush of the Buffalo Bills. The Bills defense is allowing just 216 passing yards per game while leading the league with 48 sacks. The key to this game for Denver will just be keeping its aging QB healthy.

3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

This Week

3

The task at hand was not easy for the Saints as they prepared to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. New Orleans was fighting for its life, while the Steelers needed a victory just as much in order to stay relevant in the AFC North.

Brees managed to find success on the road and outdoors in a big way. Turns out, he had his best performance of the season, throwing for five TDs, and with the postseason hanging in the balance, it could not have come at a better time.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ PIT	W 35-32	19	27	70.4	257	5	0

 

Season Average

5.3

Brees is on pace for 4,997 yards, 36 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and an NFL-best 70.3 completion percentage. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Brees is ranked second in the NFL at the QB position, behind only Aaron Rodgers.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4
1	@ ATL	L 34-37	29	42	69	333	1	1	5
2	@ CLE	L 24-26	27	40	67.5	237	2	1	3
3	MIN	W 20-9	27	35	77.1	293	2	0	3
4	@ DAL	L 17-38	32	44	72.7	340	2	1	5
5	TB	W 37-31	35	57	61.4	371	2	3	7
6	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	5
7	@ DET	L 23-24	28	45	62.2	342	2	1	9
8	GB	W 44-23	27	32	84.4	311	3	0	7
9	@ CAR	W 28-10	24	34	70.6	297	1	1	6
10	SF	L 24-27	28	47	59.6	292	3	2	7
11	CIN	L 10-27	33	41	80.5	255	1	0	5
12	BAL	L 27-34	35	45	69.5	420	3	1	5
13	@ PIT	W 35-32	19	27	70.4	257	5	0	3

 

Next Week's Outlook

Brees is one of the most accurate QBs in the NFL, and this week he faces the Carolina Panthers in a divisional rematch. The Panthers are allowing 67.9 percent of their opponents' passes to be completed on the season. This could end up a high-scoring affair for New Orleans at home.

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

This Week

2

According to ESPN Stats and Info, Brady should have expected to see a lot of blitzing from the Packers defense, which has blitzed on 178 opposing quarterback dropbacks (fifth-most in the NFL). Brady’s QBR against the blitz was 93.1, which was the best in the league.

On the day, Brady was shaken by the blitz more than usual, as he struggled at points throughout the game. Overall, he threw for 245 yards and two scores, and he was also without a pick in the painful loss.  

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ GB	L 21-26	22	35	62.9	245	2	0

 

Season Average

6.5

Brady is among the league leaders in Total QBR with score of 78.3. He is completing 64.8 percent of his passes and has thrown 28 TDs compared to just six INTs.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	5
1	@ MIA	L 20-33	29	56	51.8	249	1	0	12
2	@ MIN	W 30-7	14	21	66.7	149	1	0	6
3	OAK	W 16-9	24	37	64.9	234	1	0	9
4	@ KC	L 14-41	14	23	60.9	159	1	2	14
5	CIN	W 43-17	23	35	65.7	292	2	0	12
6	@ BUF	W 37-22	27	37	73.0	361	4	0	8
7	NYJ	W 27-25	20	37	54.1	261	3	0	6
8	CHI	W 51-23	30	35	85.7	354	5	0	5
9	DEN	W 43-21	33	53	62.3	333	4	1	4
10	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4
11	@ IND	W 42-20	19	30	63.3	257	2	2	2
12	DET	W 34-9	38	53	71.7	349	2	1	2
13	@ GB	L 21-26	22	35	62.9	245	2	0	2

 

Next Week's Outlook

Sunday Night Football should be an exciting game this week, as Tom Brady and the Patriots head to San Diego to take on the Chargers' eighth-ranked defense. Though formidable, the Chargers do have a weakness that plays right into the hands of Brady’s strengths. San Diego has only 18 sacks on the season, which means Brady will have plenty of time to pick apart this secondary.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Mike Roemer/Associated Press

This Week

1

The Patriots vs. Packers matchup last Sunday marked the first time Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers ever started against each other. This made the stakes of the game even higher than they already were.

Rodgers' offense generated 347 total yards in the first half alone. He finished 24-of-38 for 368 yards and two passing touchdowns. He didn't throw an interception and also rushed for 22 yards. 

A good day overall for Rodgers in a win, but a terrible day in the red zone, where he went 2-of-9 for 17 yards, one first down and zero touchdowns.

Week 13 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
NE	W 26-21	24	38	63.2	368	2	0

 

Season Average

3.3

This season, at home, Rodgers has 20 touchdown passes and no interceptions. 20-0. For the season, he has 32 TDs and three interceptions, which is by far the best differential in the league. He also leads all qualifying QBs with a Total QBR of 86.4.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	6
1	@ SEA	L 16-36	23	33	69.7	189	1	1	7
2	NYJ	W 31-24	25	42	59.5	346	3	0	5
3	@ DET	L 7-19	16	27	59.3	162	1	0	7
4	@ CHI	W 38-17	22	28	78.6	302	4	0	4
5	MIN	W 42-10	12	17	70.6	156	3	0	3
6	@ MIA	W 27-24	24	42	57.1	264	3	0	3
7	CAR	W 38-17	19	22	86.4	255	3	0	2
8	@ NO	L 23-44	28	39	71.8	418	1	2	2
9	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	3
10	CHI	W 55-14	18	27	66.7	315	6	0	1
11	PHI	W 53-20	22	36	61.1	341	3	0	1
12	@ MIN	W 24-21	19	29	65.5	209	2	0	1
13	NE	W 26-21	24	38	63.2	368	2	0	1

 

Next Week Outlook

Monday Night Football should be an interesting matchup that features the league’s top-rated QB vs. the worst pass defense in the NFL. The Falcons are allowing 292 receiving yards per game.

Could this be a record-setting night for Rodgers and the Packers in Lambeau Field?

 

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

Follow him on Twitter.