NFL QB Power Rankings: The Five Best Playcallers of 2010

With the playoffs winding down, and many teams in off-season mode, it is time to look back at the best quarterbacks of 2010. These are men who were the captain of their team--men who called the shots day in and day out. These quarterbacks led their team to impressive win streaks, faced injuries to their best receivers, maintained their composure through disappointing games, earned and maintained respect from their city, and just outgunned the competition.

5. Aaron Rodgers

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 28: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers rushes upfield away from Corey Peters #91 of the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on November 28, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

After beginning the season with a 3-3 record, Aaron Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to 10 wins, and their second consecutive playoff appearance. He is one win away from leading the Packers to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1997. Rodgers took over the starting position in 2008, after three years as back-up to Brett Favre. He finished the season with a 101.2 passer rating, 3rd in the NFL, and is quickly becoming an NFL superstar.

4. Philip Rivers

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers calls out a play against the Oakland Raiders at Qualcomm Stadium on December 5, 2010 in San Diego, California. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 28-13. (Photo by Jeff Gross

Despite starting the season 2-5, Philip Rivers led San Diego to a 9-7 record. He finished the season first in passing yards (4,710), and second in passer rating (101.8). He will be a strong candidate for Most Valuable Player.

3. Drew Brees

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CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 05: Dree Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints gives instructions to his team during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Saints won 34-30. (Photo by Andy

Drew Brees is "Sports Illustrated's Sportsman of the Year" for 2010. He finished the season second in completions (448), second in touchdowns (33), and third in yards (4,670). He led the Saints to an 11-5 record, before losing in the NFL Wild-Card game to Seattle, despite passing for over 400 yards. Recently, Brees was named the 2011 recipient of the Bart Starr Award for outstanding character and community leadership.

2. Peyton Manning

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts looks to pass against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets won 17

Peyton Manning has been the most dominant player from the last decade, earning four MVP awards. However, due to injuries to several of his key receivers, Manning was forced to work with what was given him this year--that is third and fourth string players. Despite losing three games in a row during the middle of the season, Manning led his team to four consecutive wins, earning the Colts a playoff appearance for the ninth consecutive year.

Being without his Pro-Bowl tight end Dallas Clark, Manning struggled during the Colts' three consecutive losses, but he maintained his composure and led the Colts to the AFC South championship. he made a star out of back-up tight end Jacob Tamme, who previously had only caught six passes in the NFL.

Manning finished the 2010 season first in completions (450), second in passing yards (4,700), and second in touchdowns (33).

1. Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws the ball against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Ima

The highest paid player in the NFL earned his paycheck this season. He earned his 100th regular season win on October 4 against the Dolphins. He also broke Brett Favre's record for consecutive home wins at 26, in a 45-3 win over the Jets on December 6.

Brady threw for 36 touchdowns, with just 4 interceptions. He led the NFL in touchdowns and passer rating (111.0).

Although he is most likely to earn his second MVP award, Brady will not earn his fourth Super Bowl ring. His patriots were upset in the AFC Divisional game by the New York Jets.