Play Action: Ranking Each Division's Quarterbacks

We all know the breakdown of the most important position in all of sports. There are four or five elite quarterbacks, another nine or ten pretty good quarterbacks, four or five decent starters, and then the rest.

Let's take a look at who is the king of the position in each division.

There were some surprises, and some obvious choices, but these are just my opinions. If you think another player is more worthy of the number one spot, tell us why.

AFC East: Tom Brady

AFC North: Carson Palmer

Palmer hasn't really blown the other guys out of the water in recent years, but he hasn't been healthy. I'm not ready to give this one to Flacco yet, but he will probably be on top within the next couple of years. The Browns are a mess right now (like always) and Big Ben had his off-the-field issues, which could really hurt the Steelers' chance of getting back into the playoffs this year.

AFC South: Peyton Manning

Not as easy as you might think. Matt Schaub is worthy of being up there with number 18 right now. Peyton has more years under his belt, and better accomplishments but Matt has the weapons to get the job done in Houston. David Garrard and Vince Young's careers have been well documented. Neither of them are what you would call great, let alone in the same class as Manning or Schaub.

AFC West: Phillip Rivers

I have no problem in saying I dislike Mr. Rivers more than anyone in the league. I also must admit he is a very good quarterback. His numbers would end any argument saying otherwise. With a division with guys like Matt Cassell, Kyle Orton, and Jason Campbell, Rivers is the obvious choice here.

NFC East: Eli Manning

I'm sure many people would be expecting to see Romo or McNabb here, but I give Eli the slight edge because he has experience in something that nobody else in the division has; winning a Super Bowl. I think Romo may have reached his potential, this is his sixth year in the league already, just one playoff win to show for it? McNabb is one of the most underrated/under appreciated players the league has ever seen, but I would be stunned if he were to lead the Redskins into the playoffs this year. Kolb hasn't looked good this preseason, but he has some potential.

NFC North: Aaron Rodgers

After Rodgers carved up my Colts a few days ago, I feel a lot better about this pick. Sure Favre is Favre, but Aaron is one of the five best quarterbacks in the NFL in my opinion. His pocket presense and leadership are extraordinary. Cutler struggled in his first year with the Bears, and has lost more games in his career than he has won (surprising stat). Stafford has looked better than I thought he would, but his situation is far from where Rodgers is.

NFC South: Drew Brees

Probably the best quarterback in the league. I have no problem saying that, even as a Colts fan. That being said, there is uncertainty in Carolina. Matt Ryan is a very good quarterback, but he isn't in Brees' class yet. Tampa Bay has some pretty obvious quarterback problems, among other things.

NFC West: Matt Hasselbeck

Wow, slim pickens here. I would feel weird picking Alex Smith, when he is on the verge of becoming a huge bust. Matt Leinart would be an even worse pick. Sam Bradford is a rookie, and even though he looked good the other night, no way I could put him number one here. What does that leave us with? Veteran Matt Hasselbeck. Not really among the same class as the other quarterbacks on this list, but not exactly a bad option either. Matt has been a very good quarterback during his career, and I feel good about this pick.