NFL Power Rankings: Mark Sanchez and the Top 15 Quarterbacks Heading Into 2011

Even though the Packers just took home the Super Bowl last Sunday, it's that time again to start looking toward next year.

This last season had its ups and downs for quarterbacks, with some teams finding new franchise players, and others watching their QB lead them to the promised land.

Who will be the top quarterbacks for their teams next year?

15. Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during their game at Qwest Field on January 2, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Bradford turned the Rams from a horrible team into a good one almost all by himself.

He was drafted number one overall by the Rams in 2010, and both sides are probably very happy with the decision.

Bradford almost lead the Rams to a playoff spot, which would have sent the city into pandemonium.

14. Mark Sanchez, New York Jets

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets calls a play during their 19 to 24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Marti

After taking the Jets to the AFC championship game two years in a row, Sanchez is becoming a top-notch quarterback.

The Jets defense has the ability to make other defenses tired by keeping them on the field all the time, and Mark Sanchez has learned to take advantage of this.

13. Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks on while taking on the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

After the controversy surrounding the NFC championship game involving Jay Cutlers hurt knee, he may have some people breathing down his neck next season.

Cutler still has the capability to be a dominant quarterback, and it's a question of whether or not he shows them.

12. Matt Schaub, Houston Texans

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DENVER - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texas looks on against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on December 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Texans 24-23. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Image

After a promising 2009-2010 season, Schaub's statistics were a bit low this last season.

This could be attributed to the injuries of his wide receivers, including Andre Johnson, who some consider as the top receiver in the league.

The emergence of star running back Arian Foster took away many of Schaub's opportunities as well, but look for him to come back strong next year.

11. Eli Manning, New York Giants

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GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

After leading the Giants to a Super Bowl victory, Manning has struggled.

Failing to make the playoffs two seasons in a row, Manning needs to come back with a strong season next year.

Playing in the shadow of his brother Peyton, Eli is still a fantastic quarterback, but he doesn't deserve the elite status.

10. Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Gett

Joe Flacco has proved he's a great playoff quarterback, and he almost lead the Ravens to a AFC championship appearance last season.

Next season will be his fourth in the league, and he has gotten better each of his previous three.

He isn't an elite quarterback yet, but he has the capability.

9. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 talks with Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys on the sidelines during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Get

The huge question surrounding Romo is how well he will play coming off of a broken collarbone.

He has probably played as well as ever in his last couple seasons, but the injury left him ineffective and incapable of keeping in football shape.

If he can come back healthy and prepared, he will be a dangerous quarterback in 2011.

8. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Roethlisberger was close to grabbing his third Super Bowl ring, but fell just short.

After missing the first four games due to a suspension, he came back strong and almost lead the Steelers all the way.

Next season, he gets those four games back, and will be looking to get back to the Super Bowl.

7. Phillip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers takes the field against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo by Doug Pensing

Rivers played tremendously in the first half of last season.

His second-half statistics were a little worse, but that could be attributed to the many injuries that plagued the Chargers.

If San Diego can get top wide receiver Vincent Jackson back, then the Chargers will probably look like their dominant selves.

6. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons rolls out to pass against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21. (Phot

Matt Ryan lead the Falcons to a number one seed in the NFC last season and probably would have gone to the Super Bowl if it weren't for the Green Bay Packers.

Ryan has one of the best home records percentage wise of all time. The Falcons aren't going to lose any big names and Ryan should be able to duplicate the season he had this year.

5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Imag

Drew Brees has been one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL for the past few years.

There isn't much else he can do performance-wise.

There are just too many other dynamic quarterbacks in the league for him to be any higher.

4. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

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

After coming off a unanimous MVP award, Brady might be looked at as the best quarterback in football.

He has proved he can be consistently good, but not consistently great. In the past few years Brady has played phenomenal most of the time, but there are still stretches that show nothing special.

If he plays like he did this year, then, of course, he will be the best quarterback, but I just do not see him doing that.

3. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

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HONOLULU - JANUARY 30: Peyton Manning, #18 of the Indianapolis Colts, looks for an open reciever during the 2011 NFL Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium on January 30, 2011 in Honolulu, Hawaii. NFC won 55-41 over the AFC. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

Peyton Manning is definitely the best quarterback in some aspects of the game.

He audibles during plays like nobody else, and he has one of the most accurate arms in the league.

Unfortunately, the Colts have been filled with injuries over the last couple seasons, and there is just no way he can keep up with other quarterbacks when that happens.

2. Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs down field against Jarius Wynn #94 of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylva

Michael Vick may be the most exciting player to watch in the NFL.

Everyone always knew he could run, but Vick showed the league how much better his arm has gotten.

Vick and Desean Jackson should be a force to be reckoned with next year because of the combined pure speed and athleticism of both.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - FEBRUARY 08: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hoists the Lombardi Trophy during the Packers victory ceremony at Lambeau Field on February 8, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matt Ludtke/Getty Images)

Coming off the best year of his career, Aaron Rodgers finally left the shadow of Brett Favre and claimed a Super Bowl title for himself.

Rodgers finally got into a good rhythm with his wide receivers this year, and if he can play at that level next year, then the Packers have a great shot at contending for the championship once again.