NFL Quarterback Power Rankings, Post Week 16

For the 2014 NFL regular season, it looks like at least 10 different quarterbacks will throw over 4,000 yards. There are currently eight quarterbacks who have thrown at least 30 touchdowns.

The Chicago Bears' Jay Cutler may have been benched last week, but if he throws two TD passes this week, he would hit the 30-touchdown mark as well. You know the position is being revolutionized when teams are benching guys who can rack up that many passing scores.

This week’s QB power rankings saw a lot of shifting, although the top three—Ben Roethlisberger, Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady—may have already cemented their place among the elite few.

Let’s find out who the best and worst QBs are as we gear up for the NFL’s postseason.

Methodology

USA TODAY Sports

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 forms a foundation, but these quarterbacks' most recent performances is what really sends them flying up and down the rankings each week.

Wins also give signal-callers 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 is 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. 

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 Ranked Last Week Not Listed This Week

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Tom Savage, Houston Texans

Ranked: 30th

Drew Stanton, Arizona Cardinals

Ranked: 26th

Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

Ranked: 19th

Derek Anderson, Carolina Panthers

Ranked: 17th

Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Browns

Ranked: 31st

32. Ryan Lindley, Arizona Cardinals

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

This Week

32

Against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday night, Ryan Lindley showed very little ability to accurately place the ball in his receivers’ hands throughout the game.

His highlight play was a nice lob down the sideline, where Michael Floyd outjumped Richard Sherman for the catch while the game was still in reach.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
SEA	L 6-35	18	44	40.9	216	0	1

 

Season Average

32

In Lindley’s career as a pro, he has thrown 225 balls while completing just 49.3 percent of his passes. He's tossed eight interceptions and has never thrown a TD pass. He may never get another chance to rectify that.

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	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	SF	W 23-14	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
4	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
5	@ DEN	L 20-41	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
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	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
12	@ SEA	L 3-19	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
13	@ ATL	L 18-29	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
14	KC	W 17-14	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
15	@ STL	W 12-6	4	10	40.0	30	0	0	N/A
16	SEA	L 6-35	18	44	40.9	216	0	1	32

 

Next Week's Outlook

Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com reports that Arizona Cardinals QB Drew Stanton will not be ready to start in Week 17 against the San Francisco 49ers as he continues to recover from a knee injury, according to head coach Bruce Arians. Instead, Logan Thomas will likely get the start.

The 6'6", 250-pound Thomas is an impressive physical specimen at the QB position, but don’t expect him to be efficient. His accuracy and decision-making were not even very good at the college level.

Arizona needs a viable QB if it's to have any chance once the playoffs begin. Right now, it doesn’t look like the team has one.

31. Blake Bortles, Jacksonville Jaguars

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

This Week

31

Blake Bortles was dealing with a midfoot sprain and was questionable for the team's relatively meaningless Week 16 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. 

Bortles and the Jacksonville Jaguars won for the second time in four weeks. More importantly, the rookie managed to avoid throwing an interception in the game.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
TEN	W 21-13	13	26	50.0	115	1	0

 

Season Average

30.3

Bortles has won three games this year. He has also had just two appearances without an interception, and both of those contests ended in victories.

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
14	HOU	L 13-27	20	39	51.3	205	1	1	32
15	@ BAL	L 12-20	21	37	56.8	210	0	1	32
16	TEN	W 21-13	13	26	50.0	115	1	0	31

 

Next Week's Outlook

The 3-12 Jaguars have a good chance to carve out one more victory this season when they travel to Houston.

Bortles is starting to understand the importance of taking care of the football, and it has translated into success.

30. Geno Smith, New York Jets

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This Week

30

When the New York Jets and New England Patriots squared off in October, Geno Smith had one of his most promising performances. In the rematch, hatred for the Patriots apparently ran deep enough to serve as the Jets' primary motivation.

The 63 percent passing for Smith on the day was his third-best percentage of the season.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
NE	L 16-17	17	27	63.0	210	1	1

 

Season Average

29.8

Smith is ranked 30th of 31 qualified QBs in Total QBR (29.7), ahead of only Bortles. In terms of passer rating, his 70.9 ranks 30th out of 32. 

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
14	@ MIN	L 24-30	18	29	62.1	254	1	1	31
15	@ TEN	W 16-11	16	28	57.1	179	1	0	29
16	NE	L 16-17	17	27	63.0	210	1	1	30

Next Week's Outlook

Smith will need to focus in order to move the ball through the air against the Miami Dolphins' eighth-ranked defense. Perhaps the Jets will put enough fight into the game to send off head coach Rex Ryan on a positive note. 

29. Josh McCown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cliff McBride/Getty Images

This Week

29

Josh McCown was taken down seven times against the Green Bay Packers and held to just six first downs. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers scored just three points and had only 109 total yards of offense on the day.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
GB	L 3-20	12	26	46.2	147	0	1

 

Season Average

23.4

McCown has the lowest passer rating (70.5) among qualified QBs in the NFL. He is completing only 55.9 percent of his passes and has thrown more interceptions (13) than touchdowns (10) so far.

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
14	@ DET	L 17-34	20	39	51.3	250	2	2	30
15	@ CAR	L 17-19	13	28	46.4	154	1	1	28
16	GB	L 3-20	12	26	46.2	147	0	1	29

Next Week's Outlook

It’s perplexing to think head coach Lovie Smith continues to start McCown when Mike Glennon is the guy who needs to be evaluated for the future.

Whoever plays at QB, the New Orleans Saints defense has been one of the worst in the league, and the Bucs get to finish off the season at home.

28. Case Keenum, Houston Texans

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This Week

28

Rookie QB Tom Savage injured his knee and was not available this week against the Baltimore Ravens. Case Keenum took his place.

The game seemed to be a lock for the Houston Texans to lose, yet they somehow found a way to win, and Keenum did just enough to secure the victory.

The most surprising part of Houston’s game plan was that it threw the ball 43 times.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
BAL	W 25-13	20	42	47.6	185	0	1

 

Season Average

28

Keenum started eight games last year for the Texans as a rookie, yet this was his first victory as a pro.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	WSH	W 17-6	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	@ OAK	W 30-14	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	@ NYG	L 17-30	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
4	BUF	W 23-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
5	@ DAL	L 17-20	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
6	IND	L 28-33	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
7	@PITT	L 23-30	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
8	@ TEN	W 30-16	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
9	PHI	L 21-31	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
11	@ CLE	W 23-7	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
12	CIN	L 22-13	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
13	TEN	W 45-21	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
14	@ JAX	W 27-13	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
15	@ IND	L 10-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
16	BAL	W 25-13	20	42	47.6	185	0	1	28

 

Next Week's Outlook

Keenum will be looking to keep the 8-7 Texans’ playoff hopes alive when his team hosts the Jaguars.

Houston is ranked 17th on offense, and the Jags have the 27th-ranked defense.

27. Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders

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This Week

27

Last Sunday, we got to see just how poised Derek Carr can be in the pocket against the most destructive pass rush in the NFL. The Buffalo Bills needed this win to stay alive in the playoff hunt, but Carr's Oakland Raiders were intent on playing the role of spoiler.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
BUF	W 26-24	17	34	50.0	214	2	0

 

Season Average

29.3

Carr and the Raiders are 3-2 in their last five games after starting off 0-10. He has shown a lot of promise throughout his rookie season, with only two interceptions in his last six games.

He ranks 28th among qualified QBs with a passer rating of 77.7, and his 5.53 yards per pass is perhaps his worst individual stat.

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
14	SF	W 24-13	22	28	78.6	254	3	0	27
15	@ KC	L 13-31	27	56	48.2	222	1	0	27
16	BUF	W 26-24	17	34	50.0	214	2	0	27

 

Next Week's Outlook

Carr and the Raiders were blown out of their own house 41-17 back in November by the Denver Broncos. But this team seems to have found its mojo.

Denver is ranked third in total defense, so the rookie will need to play one of his best games just to keep the ball moving in this contest.

26. Jimmy Clausen, Chicago Bears

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

This Week

26

In November, the Detroit Lions trounced the Chicago Bears 34-17. In Week 16, the second-ranked defense in the NFL came into Chicago, and backup QB Jimmy Clausen was the man under center after he replaced the benched Jay Cutler. 

Clausen had a decent game but was let down by his receivers, who dropped seven passes on the day.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
DET	L 14-20	23	39	59.0	181	2	1

 

Season Average

26

Clausen showed enough in his one start to earn another look, but he suffered a concussion against the Lions and will miss the final game of the season.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
1	BUF	L 20-23	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
2	@ SF	W 28-20	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
3	@ NYJ	W 27-19	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
4	GB	L 17-38	1	1	100.0	9	0	0	N/A
5	@ CAR	L 24-31	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
6	@ ATL	W 27-13	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
7	MIA	L 14-27	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
8	@ NE	L 23-51	1	5	20.0	22	0	0	N/A
9	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	@ GB	L 14-55	1	3	33.3	11	0	0	N/A
11	MIN	W 21-13	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
12	TB	W 21-13	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
13	@ DET	L 17-34	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
14	DAL	L 28-41	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
15	NO	L 15-31	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
16	DET	L 14-20	23	39	59.0	181	2	1	26

 

Next Week's Outlook

A week after getting benched, Cutler will get back into action because of Clausen's concussion, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Cutler has struggled for most of this season but could regain the faith of the Bears faithful if he plays well against the Vikings in Minnesota this Sunday. Neither team will finish the season with a winning record as the Bears are currently 5-10 and the Vikings sit at 6-9.

25. Brian Hoyer, Cleveland Browns

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

This Week

25

The Cleveland Browns offense gained over 35 percent of its yards on just one play Sunday, the long Brian Hoyer-to-Jordan Cameron TD pass that gave the team a temporary fourth-quarter lead.

Hoyer and Johnny Manziel combined to put up just 13 points in the loss to the Carolina Panthers, and Hoyer eventually proved to be the same guy we saw before he was replaced.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ CAR	L 13-17	7	13	53.8	134	1	1

 

Season Average

22.4

Hoyer started Cleveland's first 14 games before he was benched in favor of Manziel prior to the Week 15 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

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	290	1	0	19
4	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	22
5	@ TEN	W 29-28	21	37	56.8	291	3	1	20
6	PIT	W 31-10	8	17	47.1	217	1	0	17
7	@ JAX	L 6-24	16	41	39	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	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	192	0	2	26
14	IND	L 24-25	13	30	43.3	136	0	2	29
15	CIN	L 0-30	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
16	@ CAR	L 13-17	7	13	53.8	134	1	1	25

 

Next Week's Outlook

With Manziel ruled out due to an injured hamstring and Hoyer "very sore," rookie Connor Shaw could start vs. the Ravens, per Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer.

When Baltimore and Cleveland met back in December, the Ravens won 23-21. This will be a tough game for the Browns to win on the road with all of their QB troubles and nothing much to play for.  

24. Kyle Orton, Buffalo Bills

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

This Week

24

Kyle Orton was fairly comfortable in the pocket against the Raiders last week. Coming into the game, Oakland ranked 30th in the league with just 19 sacks. When it comes to interceptions, the Raiders ranked 27th with seven picks all year.

Despite this, Orton threw two interceptions in the game for only the third time all season.

This was a game the Bills absolutely needed to win to stay alive in the playoff race, and they just didn’t come out looking very inspired.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ OAK	L 24-26	32	49	65.3	329	3	2

 

Season Average

23.1

Per Pro Football Focus, Orton is the lowest-graded non-rookie QB in the NFL this year.

He now has seven picks and five TD passes in his last four contests.

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
14	@ DEN	L 17-24	38	57	66.7	355	1	2	25
15	GB	W 21-13	14	27	51.9	158	0	1	23
16	@ OAK	L 24-26	32	49	65.3	329	3	2	24

Next Week's Outlook

Now that the Bills are eliminated from the playoffs, will second-year QB EJ Manuel make his first appearance since Week 4? This would be a smart move if the Bills have any interest in figuring out what the young QB can do moving forward.

The Bills travel to Foxborough this Sunday to face the Patriots' 13th-ranked defense.

23. Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins

Mark Tenally/Associated Press

This Week

23

Last Saturday, Robert Griffin III found a way to execute head coach Jay Gruden’s game plan effectively enough to take advantage of a very bad Eagles secondary.

Wideout DeSean Jackson exacted revenge on former coach Chip Kelly, as the recipient of some nice deep balls helped the Redskins upset the Eagles and end Philadelphia's postseason chances.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
PHI	W 27-24	16	23	69.6	220	0	1

 

Season Average

22.6

Griffin continues to complete a high rate of his passes while failing to keep drives alive or find the end zone. He has seen significant playing time in six games yet has thrown only three TD passes on the year. No matter how you slice it, this is a problem.

Even Griffin’s incredible speed wasn’t much of a factor during his struggles. He's averaged only 19.6 rushing yards per game in 2014. 

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	26
1	@ HOU	L 6-17	29	37	78.4	267	0	0	22
2	JAX	W 41-10	2	3	66.7	37	0	0	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	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
8	@ DAL	W 20-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
9	@ MIN	L 26-29	18	28	64.3	251	1	1	20
10	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	20
11	TB	L 7-27	23	32	71.9	207	1	2	22
12	@ SF	L 13-17	11	19	57.9	106	0	0	24
13	@ IND	L 27-49	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
14	STL	L 0-24	3	4	75.0	33	0	0	N/A
15	@ NYG	L 13-24	18	27	66.7	236	1	0	24
16	PHI	W 27-24	16	23	69.6	220	0	1	23

 

Next Week's Outlook

At 4-11, there isn’t much for Washington to play for. The Dallas Cowboys come to town in Week 17, and Griffin can use the opportunity to continue to improve his craft against the 16th-ranked defense.

22. Shaun Hill, St. Louis Rams

Tom Gannam/Associated Press

This Week

22

Shaun Hill was unable to beat the New York Giants last weekend, but he still played a solid game, completing 75 percent of his passes for 290 yards, two TDs and one interception.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
NYG	L 27-37	24	32	75.0	290	2	1

 

Season Average

25.7

Hill is currently ranked 22nd overall in the power rankings, the highest he’s been since taking over for Austin Davis back in Week 11.

On the season, Hill has a passer rating of 87.5 with eight TDs and five interceptions.

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
14	@ WSH	W 24-0	16	22	72.7	213	2	0	24
15	ARI	L 6-12	20	39	51.3	229	0	1	25
16	NYG	L 27-37	24	32	75.0	290	2	1	22

 

Next Week's Outlook

Hill has the odds stacked against him this Sunday, as the St. Louis Rams finish off an up-and-down season against the Seahawks in Seattle.

There’s little doubt St. Louis will face an inspired performance from its divisional foes, who are still hoping for a first-round bye and to get revenge for the upset the Rams pulled back in October.

21. Mark Sanchez, Philadelphia Eagles

Patrick Smith/Getty Images

This Week

21

Nick Foles once again was not the starter for the Eagles' Week 16 matchup against the Redskins last Saturday.

Mark Sanchez played pretty well this week in terms of numbers, but he continues to leave big plays on the field and failed to generate a win that would have kept his team’s playoff hopes alive.

His 374 yards passing was a career high.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ WSH	L 24-27	37	50	74.0	374	2	1

 

Season Average

23

Since taking over as the Eagles starter, Sanchez has surpassed 300 yards passing in half of his contests.

His 7.79-yards-per-pass-average ranks him sixth in the NFL.

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
14	SEA	L 14-24	10	20	50.0	96	2	1	23
15	DAL	L 27-38	17	28	60.7	252	0	2	21
16	@ WSH	L 24-27	37	50	74.0	374	2	1	21

 

Next Week's Outlook

Despite the team's upcoming game against the 6-9 Giants having no playoff implications, head coach Chip Kelly has elected to start Sanchez for the final game. This move is perhaps to get a better understanding of whether Sanchez is worth bringing back next season.

20. Charlie Whitehurst, Tennessee Titans

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

This Week

20

Last Thursday night, the Titans took on the Jaguars in a battle of 2-12 squads. This matchup actually turned out to be rather exciting.

The Titans won the two teams' earlier matchup, 16-14, in October, but this time they couldn’t repeat the feat.

Charlie Whitehurst threw for a season-high 287 yards and one TD, yet the Titans managed to rack up only 13 points.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ JAX	L 13-21	24	35	68.6	287	1	0

 

Season Average

25.2

The backup has a 92.2 passer rating on the season and has completed 7.99 yards per pass.

Of the two games the Titans have won this season, one came with Whitehurst as the starter (Week 6 vs. Jacksonville).

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	12	23	52.2	177	1	1	30
5	CLE	L 28-29	13	21	61.9	194	2	0	27
6	JAX	W 16-14	17	28	60.7	233	0	0	26
7	@ WSH	L 17-19	17	26	65.4	160	2	1	26
8	HOU	L 16-30	6	12	50.0	91	1	2	N/A
9	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
10	@ BAL	L 7-21	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
11	@ PIT	L 24-27	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
12	@ PHI	L 24-43	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
13	@ HOU	L 21-45	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
14	NYG	L 7-36	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
15	NYJ	L 11-16	10	24	41.7	203	0	0	22
16	@ JAX	L 13-21	24	35	68.6	287	1	0	20

 

Next Week's Outlook

Whitehurst and the Titans host the 10-5 Colts in a game that shouldn’t be close. Andrew Luck will be looking to bounce back from a terrible performance in Week 16, and the Titans just can’t seem to do a whole lot right.

19. Colin Kaepernick, San Francisco 49ers

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

This Week

19

The San Francisco 49ers are currently out of the playoffs, which puts them in unfamiliar territory this time of year. This made trying to figure out how they would perform against the San Diego Chargers last Saturday unpredictable.

Colin Kaepernick needed to prove that he could play QB in the NFL when his legs and the running game are not available to bail him out. He didn’t really do that in this contest, and some poor game-management decisions allowed the Chargers to pull off an improbable comeback.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
SD	L 35-38	15	24	62.5	114	1	0

 

Season Average

15.6

Of all QBs in the NFL with at least 400 pass attempts, Tony Romo's passes have been dropped the fewest times (11), per PFF. Russell Wilson is next with 17. Kaepernick's receivers have 31 drops thus far.

Kaep has failed to throw for at least 200 yards in five of his last six outings.  

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
14	@ OAK	L 13-24	18	33	54.5	174	1	2	22
15	@ SEA	L 7-17	11	19	57.9	141	0	0	20
16	SD	L 35-38	15	24	62.5	114	1	0	19

  

Next Week's Outlook

The 49ers passing game has been stagnant with Kaepernick at the helm. The Arizona Cardinals come to town Sunday, and San Francisco needs to embrace the role of spoiler, as its divisional opponent is still vying for the NFC West title.

18. Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

This Week

18

Last Sunday, Teddy Bridgewater faced perhaps his greatest challenge of the season when he headed to Miami to play the seventh-ranked defense in the NFL.

The Dolphins have allowed opposing QBs a 62.2 percent completion rate. The rookie completed 73.1 percent of his passes while throwing two TDs and just one interception in the gutsy loss.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ MIA	L 35-37	19	26	73.1	259	2	1

 

Season Average

25.3

Bridgewater is climbing up the charts and showing everyone why he was such a highly touted prospect coming out of Louisville. He has already racked up three games with at least 300 passing yards and has completed over 70 percent of his passes the last four weeks.

There’s a lot to be impressed about with the rookie, but perhaps the most impressive—and most overlooked—aspect of his game is that he is the only first-year player and one of just three QBs to play at least 25 percent of the offensive snaps and not lose a fumble to the opponent.

For a rookie to accomplish that feat is pretty incredible.

I guess all that talk about him having small hands was overblown—at least if the fear was related to turnovers.

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
14	NYJ	W 30-24	19	27	70.4	309	2	1	21
15	@ DET	L 14-16	31	41	75.6	315	1	2	18
16	@ MIA	L 35-37	19	26	73.1	259	2	1	18

 

Next Week's Outlook

The Minnesota Vikings host the Chicago Bears on Sunday in a divisional rematch. The Bears defense has been terrible all year, and Bridgewater should be able to take advantage. 

17. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

This Week

17

Against the Bears, Matthew Stafford threw two interceptions in the red zone and made some very poor decisions. This is the type of play that’s keeping the QB from ascending up the rankings even with his team’s success.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ CHI	W 20-14	22	39	56.4	243	0	2

 

Season Average

16.7

Stafford started the season off as the 17th-ranked QB after the preseason. Through 16 weeks of action, the former No. 1 draft pick has been ranked between the ninth overall spot and the 21st spot. Now, with just one game remaining, he’s right back where he started.

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
14	TB	W 34-17	26	34	76.5	311	3	0	16
15	MIN	W 16-14	17	28	60.7	153	1	0	15
16	@ CHI	W 20-14	22	39	56.4	243	0	2	17

 

Next Week's Outlook

Stafford and the Lions will be heading to the Frozen Tundra this Sunday in one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the week.

Can this up-and-down QB have a good game on the road in the cold with the division on the line?

16. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Mike McCarn/Associated Press

This Week

16

Cam Newton started in Week 16 against the Browns despite missing Week 15’s contest after he sustained two transverse process fractures in a car accident. 

Derek Anderson has done a fine job in Newton’s absence, but a matchup between Newton and Johnny Manziel certainly had more entertainment value. Too bad Manziel only made a cameo appearance.

Newton didn’t light up the scoreboard, but he looked healthy—which is more important—while carving out another victory.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
CLE	W 17-13	18	31	58.1	201	1	1

 

Season Average

13.9

Newton's play has not been the same since his Week 9 debacle against the Saints. The good news is that his team is still in postseason contention despite losing six games in a row earlier this season. The Panthers are currently on a three-game winning streak.

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	54.6	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
14	@ NO	W 41-10	21	33	63.6	226	3	0	18
15	TB	W 19-17	-	-	-	-	-	-	N/A
16	CLE	W 17-13	18	31	58.1	201	1	1	16

 

Next Week's Outlook

In Week 17 the Panthers travel to Atlanta, where the Falcons are 3-4 on the year. Newton will try to be the first NFC South QB to beat the Falcons in 2014.

Atlanta’s defense looked improved against the Saints, but this still could be a huge opportunity for Newton to put up big stats while earning a playoff bid.

15. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

USA TODAY Sports

This Week

15

Andy Dalton was 0-4 in his last four prime-time games coming into Monday night. In those contests, he threw four TDs and six interceptions and had a 62.1 passer rating.

The Red Rifle only needed to throw for 146 yards in order to beat Peyton Manning and the Broncos on this night.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
DEN	W 37-28	17	26	65.4	146	2	1

 

Season Average

14.2

This QB is ranked 24th with a passer rating of 83.3 and has thrown only two more TDs (17) than he has interceptions (15) so far.

Dalton has fluctuated between 25th and ninth overall in the power rankings this year.

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	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	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
14	PIT	L 21-42	21	29	72.4	302	2	0	15
15	@ CLE	W 30-0	14	24	58.3	117	0	1	16
16	DEN	W 37-28	17	26	65.4	146	2	1	15

 

Next Week's Outlook

Sunday Night Football will feature the Bengals and the Steelers in a game to determine the AFC North champion. Pittsburgh will host, and Dalton will do whatever he can to summon the best version of himself.

14. Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Don Wright/Associated Press

This Week

14

Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs faced Pittsburgh and its No. 1-ranked offense last week in a hard-fought battle.

For the first time all season, the Chiefs QB surpassed the 300-yard mark in passing. Unfortunately, that level of output manifested into only 12 points.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ PIT	L 12-20	31	45	68.9	311	0	0

 

Season Average

16.2

Smith is ranked 23rd in Total QBR (49.4) and 14th in passer rating (93.4).

Since the Chiefs' Week 6 bye, he has thrown only two interceptions compared to 10 TD passes.

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	16	30	53.3	158	1	1	17
6	Bye	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	20
7	@ SD	W 23-20	19	28	67.9	221	1	0	20
8	STL	W 34-7	25	29	86.2	223	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
14	@ ARI	L 14-17	26	39	66.7	293	1	1	14
15	OAK	W 31-13	18	30	60.0	297	2	0	13
16	@ PIT	L 12-20	31	45	68.9	311	0	0	14

 

Next Week's Outlook

Smith and the Chiefs will play host to the San Diego Chargers in their final game of the season. The Chiefs need lots of help to make the playoffs, starting by beating the Chargers.

13. Eli Manning, New York Giants

Tom Gannam/Associated Press

This Week

13

Eli Manning headed to St. Louis for a Week 16 battle between two teams playing only for pride. The Rams had the 11th-ranked defense and were tied for 10th in sacks (36) going into the game. Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald combined for zero sacks on Manning on the day, as the offensive line did a great job protecting against one of the best pass rushes in the NFL.

Rookie Odell Beckham Jr. had another outstanding performance at receiver, helping Manning to one of his best games of the season.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ STL	W 37-27	25	32	78.1	391	3	0

 

Season Average

16.8

Manning is pretty close to passing Joe Flacco on this list, but his four lost fumbles and inability to pull out more victories hurt his cause.

Peyton’s younger brother has played well this season, especially in the last five games. A top-10 finish is not out of reach if he can keep up the impressive play.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	27
1	@ DET	L 14-35	18	33	54.6	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
14	@ TEN	W 36-7	26	42	61.9	260	1	1	17
15	WSH	W 24-13	23	34	67.7	250	3	0	14
16	@ STL	W 37-27	25	32	78.1	391	3	0	13

 

Next Week's Outlook

The last time the Giants played the Eagles, back in October, they were shut out in a 27-0 loss. But Manning has been rolling now that Beckham has emerged as one of the NFL’s best new weapons.

The Giants will finish off the season at home and try to take down the 25th-ranked defense of the Eagles.

12. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

This Week

12

Joe Flacco started the game against the Raiders with perhaps the worst half of football in his entire career, completing three of 18 passes with two interceptions.

For the game, he completed less than 50 percent of his passes for the first time since 2012, and most of those throws were just poorly placed, inaccurate balls.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ HOU	L 13-25	21	50	42.0	195	2	3

 

Season Average

15.5

After ending Week 1 ranked 27th overall in the power rankings, Flacco has steadily ascended upward—up to ninth—while enjoying perhaps the best regular season of his career. Even with last week’s terrible outing, he has a better Total QBR (67.8) than Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson and Andrew Luck.

Flacco has yet to give up a fumble to the opponent.

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	75.0	243	1	0	12
13	SD	L 33-34	19	31	61.3	225	2	0	12
14	@ MIA	W 28-13	25	33	75.8	269	2	1	11
15	JAX	W 20-12	20	30	66.7	221	1	0	9
16	@ HOU	L 13-25	21	50	42.0	195	2	3	12

 

Next Week's Outlook

The Ravens need to win in Week 17 against Cleveland and still must rely on other teams to lose to squeeze into the postseason. Baltimore could potentially end the season with games against Blake Bortles, Case Keenum and Connor Shaw and still not make the playoffs.

11. Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press

This Week

11

Ryan Tannehill played host to the 6-8 Vikings last Sunday in what turned out to be one of the best games of the week. Minnesota has a formidable defense and a rookie QB who's playing pretty impressively.

Tannehill completed 74.5 percent of his throws and put Miami in good position to win the game—which ultimately came down to the wire. He threw four TD passes for the first time in his NFL career to propel the Dolphins to an exciting win over the Vikings.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
MIN	W 37-35	35	47	74.5	396	4	1

 

Season Average

15.4

This emerging QB has completed over 70 percent of his passes in eight out of the last 12 games played, and he has thrown multiple interceptions in just two games all season. This consistency has kept Tannehill ranked between 10th and 12th in the power rankings for the entire second half of the 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
14	BAL	L 13-28	23	33	69.7	227	1	0	12
15	@ NE	L 13-41	29	47	61.7	346	1	2	12
16	MIN	W 37-35	35	47	74.5	396	4	1	11

 

Next Week's Outlook

The Dolphins need a win in Week 17 against the Jets to secure a winning season. The Jets have the sixth-ranked defense and held the Dolphins to just 16 points the last time they played earlier this month.

10. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

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This Week

10

Philip Rivers was on fire in Week 16’s improbable comeback against the 49ers to keep the Chargers' playoff hopes alive. His second-half performance was especially impressive.

According to ESPN Stats & Information, via ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert, “He attempted 20 passes of at least 11 yards downfield, giving him 23 for the game and tying him for the second most for a quarterback this season. He also completed seven passes of at least 15 yards downfield after halftime, tying his season high.”

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ SF	W 38-35	33	54	61.1	356	4	3

 

Season Average

4.7

Rivers has been one of the most impressive quarterbacks of 2014, but his first half of the season had him in the MVP conversation. He even found his way to the top of the power rankings for a couple weeks. His 4.7 season average in the rankings shows that he is at the very least an elite QB.

Last week, Rivers was tied for his lowest ranking of the season (9) but now he’s dropped to a new low, which is still relatively good.

 

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
14	NE	L 14-23	20	33	60.6	189	1	1	7
15	DEN	L 10-22	24	41	58.5	232	1	2	8
16	@ SF	W 38-35	33	54	61.1	356	4	3	10

Next Week's Outlook

Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com reports that Rivers is expected to play in Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs, but he may sit out of practice. Wide receiver Keenan Allen (shoulder, ankle) and running back Ryan Mathews (ankle) could return to the lineup as well, which would give the Chargers a much-needed boost.

Week 17’s matchup is a division rivalry game with heavy playoff implications on the line. Rivers will need to play well and be mobile enough to evade a ruthless Chiefs pass rush.

9. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

This Week

9

On Sunday, the Falcons headed to New Orleans for a critical showdown and a last chance to take the division, despite a 5-9 record. The Saints defense had been vulnerable all season, ranking 31st overall.

Matt Ryan brought his A-game in a must-win contest. He completed 30 of 40 passes for 322 yards, one touchdown and a passer rating of 106.5. 

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ NO	W 30-14	30	40	75.0	322	1	0

 

Season Average

9.3

Ryan’s Total QBR of 70 ranks eighth in the NFL, and his 96.7 passer rating is ranked seventh.

His range in the rankings has been from ninth to 11th since Week 5. 

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	54.6	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
14	@ GB	L 37-43	24	39	61.5	375	4	1	9
15	PIT	L 20-27	26	37	70.3	310	2	1	10
16	@ NO	W 30-14	30	40	75.0	322	1	0	9

 

Next Week's Outlook

The Falcons will face the Panthers in a matchup to determine the champion of the NFC South.

The Panthers are ranked 10th in defense and have won their last three games. Ryan has also played like one of the best QBs in the NFL. One team will move on, and the other will go home.

8. Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

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This Week

8

Week 16 paired two of the league’s most impressive QBs. Andrew Luck should have been able to find success against the Cowboys defense, but instead he ended up with his worst game of the season. Tony Romo, on the other hand, had an amazing day.

Luck's best throws against the Cowboys were either dropped or negated by penalties. The whole team was a disaster from the start. The score was so out of hand that the Colts benched Luck in the third quarter.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ DAL	L 7-42	15	22	68.2	109	0	2

 

Season Average

6.5

Luck has been asked to carry his team more than any other QB in the NFL.

His MVP campaign now comes to an inglorious end. Basically, the Colts have not looked that great since their Week 10 bye.

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
14	@ CLE	W 25-24	24	53	45.3	294	2	2	6
15	HOU	W 17-10	18	34	52.9	187	2	1	6
16	@ DAL	L 7-42	15	22	68.2	109	0	2	8

 

Next Week's Outlook

This Sunday, the third-ranked offense will travel to Tennessee to play the 29th-ranked defense of the Titans. Expect Luck to have an amazing game in this one as he looks to redeem himself after a terrible game against the Cowboys.

7. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

This Week

7

At times, Russell Wilson struggled to find open receivers against a talented Cardinals secondary—at least in the first half. However, he did complete a career-long 80-yard TD pass. In order to open up passing lanes and have success down the field, Wilson used his legs to create offense masterfully.

He finished with an impressive career-high 339 passing yards.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ ARI	W 35-6	20	31	64.5	339	2	0

 

Season Average

7.3

Wilson is a Super Bowl-winning QB and one of the better starters in the NFL. But he is not good at completing passes in tight windows. His best two games have come in prime time this season against Washington and in the most recent win against the Cardinals.

This is the highest he has been ranked in the power rankings since Week 5.

Wilson's ideal is Drew Brees, but at some point this season, he became more like a super-safe Michael Vick who really understands situational football.

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	68.0	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	75.0	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
14	@ PHI	W 24-14	22	37	59.5	263	2	0	10
15	SF	W 17-7	12	24	50.0	168	1	1	11
16	@ ARI	W 35-6	20	31	64.5	339	2	0	7

 

Next Week's Outlook

It’s a good thing Wilson has been one of the best scrambling QBs all year, because when the Rams come into town, they’ll bring a dangerous pass rush with them.

Last time these teams met, the Rams pulled off an incredible upset. The Seahawks have a divisional title on the line and will do what they can to make sure they come away with a win.

6. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos

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This Week

6

Denver has been committed to its running game as of late, and perhaps not coincidentally, Peyton Manning has struggled some relative to his normal dominance. The Cincinnati Bengals were tied for fourth in the NFL with 6.4 yards per attempt allowed heading into the game.

Manning had his sixth career game with four interceptions and the first of its kind since 2010.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ CIN	L 28-37	28	44	63.6	311	2	4

 

Season Average

2.4

Manning might be in a bit of a slump in the final quarter of the season, but he is still one of just four QBs to have a passer rating over 100 (102.9).

He is one of just six QBs with a TD-interception differential over 20 and is the only one of the group to have just one fumble lost this season.

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	59.7	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
14	BUF	W 24-17	14	20	70.0	173	0	2	5
15	@ SD	W 22-10	14	20	70.0	233	1	0	5
16	@ CIN	L 28-37	28	44	63.6	311	2	4	6

 

Next Week's Outlook

Manning gets to finish off the regular season at home against the Raiders. Considering he has played so poorly lately, look for him to have laser-like focus vs. Oakland’s 17th-ranked defense.

5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

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This Week

5

The only defense worse than the one Drew Brees faces every day at practice is the one he went up against this past Sunday. Atlanta won 37-34 in Week 1 and did an even better job against the Saints this time around.

Brees did not have one of his finer outings. He threw just one TD pass but two interceptions.

After suffering their fifth home loss of the season to the Falcons on Sunday, Brees and Co. are now officially eliminated from the playoffs.  

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
ATL	L 14-30	30	47	63.8	313	1	2

 

Season Average

5.1

There’s been a lot of talk about Brees underperforming this year given the Saints' struggles. However, he leads the NFL in passing yards (4,671), is second in completion percentage (69.6), ranks fifth in passing TDs (32) and passer rating (99.2) and sits seventh in Total QBR (72.2).

According to Steve Palazzolo of Pro Football Focus, Brees has the “lowest percentage of negative throws, but the misses have been costly.”

I’d say he’s done pretty darn well for himself in 2014 minus the 6-9 record.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	4
1	@ ATL	L 34-37	29	42	69.1	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	77.8	420	3	1	5
13	@ PIT	W 35-32	19	27	70.4	257	5	0	3
14	CAR	L 10-41	29	49	59.2	235	1	1	4
15	@ CHI	W 31-15	29	36	80.6	375	3	0	4
16	ATL	L 14-30	30	47	63.8	313	1	2	5

Next Week's Outlook

Back in October, the Saints beat the Bucs in New Orleans, 37-31. Now, Brees and Co. will look to finish the season with a win when they travel to Tampa Bay in Week 17.

Brees should have success against the Bucs' 26th-ranked defense.

4. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Brandon Wade/Associated Press

This Week

4

Either the Colts have a lot to be worried about, or the Cowboys are growing into one of the league’s most dangerous teams.

Romo was nearly flawless, finishing the game 18-of-20 (90 percent) for 218 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions before letting Brandon Weeden clean up. He also completed his first 15 passes of the game.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
IND	W 42-7	18	20	90.0	218	4	0

 

Season Average

8.6

Romo is on pace to set the single-season completion percentage record. Brees holds it at 71.2 percent.

He is currently ranked higher than he has been all year long in the power rankings—rightly so after a fantastic showing down the stretch. In December, he is now 3-0 with 10 pass TDs and no interceptions.

He leads the NFL in yards per pass (8.49), Total QBR (82.3) and passer rating (114.4).

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	@ STL	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
14	@ CHI	W 41-28	21	26	80.8	205	3	0	8
15	@ PHI	W 38-27	22	31	71.0	265	3	0	7
16	IND	W 42-7	18	20	90.0	218	4	0	4

 

Next Week's Outlook

When Washington and the Cowboys squared off back in October, the Redskins won the game 20-17. Since then, the Cowboys have transformed into one of the hottest teams in the league.

Surprisingly, for a team that’s 4-11, Washington is ranked in the top half of the league in both offense and defense. Dallas needs this road win to position itself better in the playoffs.

3. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

Don Wright/Associated Press

This Week

3

In Week 16, Ben Roethlisberger led his No. 1-ranked offense against an 8-6 Chiefs team making a last stand to stay alive in the playoff hunt. Big Ben played well in the game.

The Steelers simply had too many weapons on offense, and Roethlisberger was efficient while remaining turnover-free.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
KC	W 20-12	18	25	72.0	220	1	0

 

Season Average

5.2

Roethlisberger is just one of four starting QBs averaging over eight yards per pass play (8.13). He is also third in completion percentage (67.4), behind only Romo and Brees.

The element in Big Ben’s game that puts him above the rest, including Romo, is the unique way he’s able to create offense with his size, strength and athleticism. Many of his big plays have come because he evaded pressure or shed a would-be sack and launched the ball perfectly to a receiver downfield.

This ability is reflected in him being ranked third overall by Pro Football Focus, where he has nearly twice the score Romo does.

Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week	Opp	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT	Rank
PS	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	9
1	CLE	W 30-27	23	34	67.7	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
14	@ CIN	W 42-21	25	39	64.1	350	3	0	3
15	@ ATL	W 27-20	27	35	77.1	360	0	0	3
16	KC	W 20-12	18	25	72.0	220	1	0	3

 

Next Week Outlook

One of the best games of the week will be Sunday night when the Steelers host the Bengals. Big Ben will attempt to rehash the same magic that led the Steelers to their 42-21 victory over Cincinnati earlier in the month.

Divisional championships, playoff seeding and all of that will be on the line in this exciting matchup.

2. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

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This Week

2

It’s no secret the New England Patriots and New York Jets hate each other. Such hate was enough for the 3-11 Jets to keep the game close against New England.

Relative to most teams, the Jets’ sixth-ranked defense heading into the game did well in its attempt to stop Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. Brady was under duress the entire game and never got comfortable; he was hurried often and sacked on four occasions. 

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ NYJ	W 17-16	23	35	65.7	182	1	1

 

Season Average

5.7

When it comes to stats, Brady is behind Romo in most of the major categories, but he gets the nod here because of what he’s done with so little around him. For something more quantifiable, Brady is ranked significantly higher Romo using the grading system at Pro Football Focus.

This system looks beyond stats and grades every play a QB participates in without factoring in the contributions of the players around him.

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
14	@ SD	W 23-14	28	44	63.6	317	2	1	2
15	MIA	W 41-13	21	35	60.0	287	2	1	2
16	@ NYJ	W 17-16	23	35	65.7	182	1	1	2

 

Next Week's Outlook

Brady and the Patriots put up 37 points on the Bills' dominant defense earlier in the season. For their sake, the Patriots should roll with the same game plan while keeping away from the Bills' elite pass rush.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

This Week

1

In Week 16, Green Bay traveled to Tampa Bay to pit its sixth-ranked offense against the 25th-ranked defense of the Bucs. Aaron Rodgers was fighting the flu days before he pulled a calf muscle against the Buccaneers.

Surprisingly, he entered the game 0-2 with a 35.6 Total QBR at Tampa Bay in his career. He threw three interceptions in each of those games, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

This time around, he wasn’t flashy—he was efficient and professional and did enough to secure a victory on the road.

Week 16 Performance

Opponent	Outcome	Comp	Att	PCT	Yards	TD	INT
@ TB	W 20-3	31	40	77.5	318	1	0

 

Season Average

2.9

Though Rodgers’ play has slowed down some in the past two games, there is still no quarterback in the NFL who has been more consistent, more valuable or more dynamic than Mr. Rodgers has in 2014. 

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
14	ATL	W 43-37	24	36	66.7	327	3	0	1
15	BUF	L 13-21	17	42	40.5	185	0	2	1
16	@ TB	W 20-3	31	40	77.5	318	1	0	1

 

Next Week Outlook

Next Sunday’s Packers vs. Lions game at Lambeau Field will determine the NFC North champion. The winner will also get a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs. The loser will be in the playoffs as a wild card.

Rodgers will get a chance to redeem himself against the defense that led to his now-famous quote about relaxing.

 

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

Follow him on Twitter.