NFL Power Rankings: The Top 50 Quarterbacks in the Game Today

A quarterback needs to be a leader both on and off the field. A quarterback needs to have in-depth knowledge of his offense and the opposing defense. A quarterback is concerned with every player on the field every single play.

There is no questioning the importance of the quarterback position.

With that said, here are the top 50 quarterbacks in the NFL.

50-46: The Rookies

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Cam Newton, #1 overall pick by the Carolina Panthers holds up a jersey on stage after he was picked during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

50. Christian Ponder, Vikings

49. Andy Dalton, Bengals

48. Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars

47. Jake Locker, Titans

46. Cam Newton, Panthers

While some of these quarterbacks are probably already better than some higher up on the list, it is hard to rank someone who hasn't played in the NFL higher than someone who has.

Some of these rookies might be much higher on next year's list. Some, however, may not appear on the list at all.

45-40: The "Should-Be" Third-Stringers

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LANDOVER, MD - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Rex Grossman #8 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at FedEx Field on January 2, 2011 in Landover, Maryland. The Giants won the game 17-14. (Photo by

45. Jimmy Clausen, Panthers

44. Derek Anderson, Cardinals

43. John Skelton, Cardinals

42. Alex Smith, 49ers

41. Rex Grossman, Redskins

40. Troy Smith, 49ers

When your team has two quarterbacks ranked this low on the list (49ers and Cardinals), it is time for a change. The scariest part of this group of quarterbacks is that they have all been starting quarterbacks for their respective teams.

I'm sorry to say it, but none of these quarterbacks should be seeing any playing time.

39-33: The Capable Replacements

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DENVER - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos looks on against the San Diego Chargers at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

39. Tyler Thigpen, Dolphins

38. Sage Rosenfels, Giants

37. Trent Edwards, Jaguars

36. Donovan McNabb, Redskins

35. Tim Tebow, Broncos

34. Marc Bulger, Ravens

33. Byron Leftwich, Steelers

With the exception of Tim Tebow (how he is a starting quarterback in the NFL still amazes me), members of this group of quarterbacks can step in and be serviceable short-term replacements. They are veterans, and they have had plenty of playing time.

If your starting quarterback gets injured or suspended, your team could certainly do worse than these quarterbacks.

32-27: The Best of the Backups

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Dallas Cowboys on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

32. Shaun Hill, Lions

31. Bruce Gradkowski, Raiders

30. Jon Kitna, Cowboys

29. Matt Flynn, Packers

28. Kevin Kolb, Eagles

27. Vince Young, Titans

All of these players saw some playing time last year. Whether the opening day starter or an injury replacement, each of these quarterbacks is a fantastic backup.

Some of these players could be starting with a new team next year (Kolb and Young). Some of these players will only see the field due to an injury (Flynn, Kitna and Hill).

Whatever teams are lucky to have these quarterbacks have the best backups in the business.

26-21: The Worst of the Starters

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PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks on 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 Martinez/

26. Chad Henne, Dolphins

25. Colt McCoy, Browns

24. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks

23. Mark Sanchez, Jets

22. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Bills

21. Carson Palmer, Bengals

It may surprise some that Mark Sanchez is this low on the list, but his statistics prove that he is not a very talented quarterback.

McCoy has the brightest future out of any of these starters. Hasselbeck and Palmer appear to be on their way out. Henne has struggled mightily during his tenure as Dolphins quarterback. Fitzpatrick is a journeyman who either broke out last season or had one lucky year.

For some of these starters, they will only get better. For others, they will only get worse. The rest will just keep on being mediocre.

20. Jason Campbell, Raiders

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass in a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

Career Stats: 82.6 QB Rating, 13,247 yards, 68 touchdowns, 46 interceptions

The move to Oakland did Jason Campbell some good last year. He revitalized a struggling franchise, leading the Raiders to their best record in years.

He isn't the flashiest quarterback, but he is accurate and can get the job done. He is a fierce competitor who still has a few years of quality play left.

19. David Garrard, Jaguars

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback David Garrard #9 of the Jacksonville Jaguars attempts a pass during the game against the Washington Redskins at EverBank Field on December 26, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Image

Career Stats: 85.8 QB Rating, 16,003 yards, 89 touchdowns, 54 interceptions, 17 rushing touchdowns

You've got to feel bad for David Garrard. He had one of his best statistical seasons last year while almost leading his team to the playoffs. Then the draft rolls around, and the Jaguars trade up to snatch Blaine Gabbert. What is that all about?

Garrard plays a steady game and rarely makes mistakes. He works well with short to intermediate passes. He can also make plays with his feet.

18. Kyle Orton, Broncos

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 12: Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos runs out onto the field before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 12, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated

Career Stats: 79.6 QB Rating, 12,774 yards, 71 touchdowns, 48 interceptions

In my opinion, Kyle Orton is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the NFL. He gets traded like a giant piece of meat that is passed around the dinner table. Once one team is done with him, they just pass him on to the next hungry team.

Orton was having a fantastic season last year when out of nowhere he was benched for rookie Tim Tebow. He is still a young quarterback, so you know a team is going to figure out how to trade for him. He is a proven winner who gets the most out of his players.

17. Matthew Stafford, Lions

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 07: Detroit Lions team doctor Kyle Anderson checks the right shoulder of Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions after leaving the game during the third quarter of the game at Ford Field on November 7, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. The Je

Career Stats: 67.1 QB Rating, 2,802 yards, 19 touchdowns, 21 interceptions

Don't let the above statistics fool you. Matthew Stafford has all the tools to become a great quarterback. Of course, he needs to stay healthy for the majority of a season first.

Stafford has only played in 13 games in his first two seasons. The start to his sophomore season showed that he will be one of the better quarterbacks in the league very soon. He can make every throw you could ever dream of and is incredibly tough. Hopefully his career isn't riddled with injuries because Stafford could be special.

16. Sam Bradford, Rams

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 05: Quarterback Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams warms up before the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Rams defeated the Cardinals 19-6.

Career Stats: 76.5 QB Rating, 3,512 yards, 18 touchdowns, 15 interceptions

The 2010 Offensive Rookie of the Year proved worthy of his top overall pick. He nearly led the Rams to a surprise playoff appearance, and that was with hardly any offensive weapons. He should drastically improve during his second season.

There were worries about Bradford's durability coming out of college, but he silenced his critics during his first season. He has the intangibles to succeed in the NFL for many more years.

15. Jay Cutler, 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)

Career Stats: 84.3 QB Rating, 15,964 yards, 104 touchdowns, 79 interceptions

Most people will only remember Jay Cutler for his unfortunate exit from last year's NFC Championship Game. That is a shame because Cutler is a very talented quarterback.

He has been labeled as a "diva" for demanding a trade out of Denver, but Cutler is a true competitor at heart. He plays with great intensity and should thrive in Mike Martz's offense.

14. Matt Cassel, Chiefs

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KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 09: Quarterback Matt Cassel #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs fakes a hand-offagainst the Baltimore Ravens in their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 9, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vi

Career Stats: 83.6 QB Rating, 9,986 yards, 66 touchdowns, 36 interceptions

Not bad for a player who spent his entire college career as a backup. Cassel had a superb season last year on his way to his first Pro Bowl appearance.

Matt Cassel is an extremely efficient passer. He plays for a run-oriented team, which helps, but he can make plays with his arm when needed. He doesn't make bad passes and is an expert at moving the chains.

13. Eli Manning, Giants

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes against the Philadelphia Eagles at New Meadowlands Stadium on December 19, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Career Stats: 80.2 QB Rating, 22,646 yards, 156 touchdowns, 113 interceptions

Eli is no Peyton, but he isn't a slouch either. He certainly hasn't had the type of weapons that his older brother has had in Indianapolis, but he does have just as many Super Bowl rings.

Eli is coming off back-to-back 4,000-yard passing seasons and appears to have found his groove in the Giants offense. He is a true leader on the field and doesn't fluster easily. He also knows how to win the big game.

12. Joe Flacco, 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 Nick Laham/Getty Im

Career Stats: 87.9 QB Rating, 10,206 yards, 60 touchdowns, 34 interceptions

Flacco, a small-school prospect, burst onto the scene during the 2008-2009 season when he led the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game during his rookie year.

Flacco has continued to improve in each of his three seasons. He has a huge arm and completes over 60 percent of his passes. He has lacked elite talent at the receiver position but has made due with what talent he does have.

Flacco and Ray Rice appear to be the bright future for the Baltimore Ravens offense.

11. Tony Romo, Cowboys

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys drops back to pass against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Career Stats: 95.5 QB Rating, 16,650 yards, 118 touchdowns, 62 interceptions

Romo is coming back from an injury that kept him sidelined for the last 10 games of last season. His offensive line has improved, so don't expect to see Romo on his back so often.

Romo came out of nowhere and has been putting up consistent numbers ever since.

The main reason Romo ranks so low on this list is due to his lack of winning a big game. He has struggled during the playoffs.

10. Michael Vick, Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Trotma

Career Stats: 80.2 QB Rating, 14,609 yards, 93 touchdowns, 58 interceptions, 4,630 rushing yards, 32 rushing touchdowns

If Michael Vick has another season like he did last year, he will be considered a top-five quarterback in the NFL. Right now, Vick holds down the 10th spot.

We all know the story of Michael Vick and his incredible comeback to football. When you get past that, Vick has a rare blend of athleticism and talent for someone playing quarterback. There isn't a better quarterback at making plays with his feet, and Vick has a cannon for an arm. He appeared to correct some of his accuracy issues last season, as he only threw six interceptions.

9. Josh Freeman, Buccaneers

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws the ball during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty

Career Stats: 82.2 QB Rating, 5,308 yards, 35 touchdowns, 24 interceptions

The Buccaneers went 10-6 and barely missed the playoffs last year. That incredible feat was mainly accomplished because of the improved play of Josh Freeman.

Coming out of college, Freeman was expected to be a project quarterback. He is a giant of a man and has incredible arm strength. He was thrown into the starting lineup his rookie season, and he hasn't looked back since. If Freeman continues to improve at his current rate, he could be very good, very soon.

8. Matt Schaub, Texans

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HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans during warm ups before playing Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Career Stats: 91.5 QB Rating, 15,457 yards, 83 touchdowns, 52 interceptions

How thankful do you think the Texans are that Matt Schaub is their quarterback and not David Carr? After sitting on the bench for a few seasons in Atlanta, Schaub has solidified his spot as a premier quarterback in Houston.

Schaub is a constant threat to lead the league in passing yards. Of course, having Andre Johnson helps, but Schaub's receiving group has been hindered with injuries as well. The Texans always look like a team ready to finally get into the playoffs, and Schaub is the main reason for getting them this far.

7. Matt Ryan, Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Career Stats: 86.9 QB Rating, 10,061 yards, 66 touchdowns, 34 interceptions

Matt Ryan has changed the Atlanta Falcons franchise. As a rookie out of Boston College, Ryan led the Falcons to the playoffs and erased the ugly memory of Michael Vick from the mind of Falcons fans.

Ryan proved to be extremely clutch last year and even earned the nickname "Matty Ice." He led the Falcons to an NFC-best 13-3 record but came up short against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs.

The Falcons drafted Julio Jones, so look for Ryan's numbers to increase with an added playmaker to throw to.

6. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers

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

Career Stats: 92.5 QB Rating, 22,502 yards, 144 touchdowns, 86 interceptions

I actually considered placing Roethlisberger quite a bit lower on this list, but I can't argue with his Super Bowl rings. There is no questioning his ability to do what it takes to help his team win games.

Roethlisberger is the definition of a "big" quarterback, as there is no one more difficult to bring down in the backfield. Roethlisberger is smart, mobile and tough. He plays with the game with great passion and has an intense desire to win.

5. Philip Rivers, 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

Career Stats: 97.2 QB Rating, 19,661 yards, 136 touchdowns, 58 interceptions

When Philip Rivers came into the NFL, he was known for having a goofy throwing motion. When Drew Brees left, Rivers showed everyone that it doesn't matter how you throw the ball as long as you have the ability to throw the ball wherever you want to. Philip Rivers has that ability.

Rivers is an extremely accurate quarterback who excels with the intermediate passes. He is a fierce competitor, sometimes too fierce, but there is no questioning his love for football. He led the NFL in passing yards last year, and that was without a healthy Antonio Gates and a missing Vincent Jackson. He might throw for 5,000 yards next season.

4. Peyton Manning, Colts

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

Career Stats: 94.9 QB Rating, 54,828 yards, 399 touchdowns, 198 interceptions

Peyton Manning might be the greatest quarterback to ever play, but today, Manning is only fourth-best.

There isn't a quarterback in the league that understands the game as well as Manning. He appeared to struggle at times last year but still put up impressive statistics. It should also be mentioned that he threw 679 passes last year, nearly 100 more than he had ever thrown in a single season.

Peyton Manning will always be the face of the Colts franchise.

3. Drew Brees, Saints

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SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints scrambles 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 Ima

Career Stats: 91.7 QB Rating, 35,266 yards, 235 touchdowns, 132 interceptions

Since his relocation to New Orleans, Drew Brees has been a top-three quarterback in the NFL. He finally led the Saints to a Super Bowl in 2009.

Brees will always be in the hunt to lead the league in passing yards. He completes nearly 65 percent of his passes and has great field vision. He has been key to the community in New Orleans and has one of the best personalities in the NFL.

2. Aaron Rodgers, Packers

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks on while the Packers take on the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Career Stats: 98.4 QB Rating, 12,723 yards, 87 touchdowns, 32 interceptions

Last year's Super Bowl MVP has separated himself as a top-tier quarterback. Replacing a legend is never easy, but Rodgers has performed beautifully in replacing Brett Favre.

Rodgers can elude the rush with the best of them and is one of the most accurate quarterbacks while on the move. He can throw the ball 70 yards off his back foot and place the throw wherever he wants. Rodgers plays his best in the red zone and on third downs, proving how clutch he truly is.

1. Tom Brady, Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots signals 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 Image

Career Stats: 95.2 QB Rating, 34,744 yards, 261 touchdowns, 103 interceptions

Don't act surprised. There is no one that plays the position better than Tom Brady right now.

Brady has won three Super Bowls and two MVPs, been to six Pro Bowls and been a member of three All-Pro teams. He holds the NFL record for most passing touchdowns in a season with 50. As long as he is quarterbacking the Patriots, they will always be a Super Bowl contender.

Brady is the definition of a quarterback and is the best quarterback in the NFL today.