Matt Cassel, Donovan McNabb and the 5 Worst NFL Starting Quarterbacks

If you like talking about how great Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Philip Rivers and Drew Brees are, this slideshow is not for you.

Here, we are going to examine the exact opposite end of the spectrum: the five worst NFL starting quarterbacks.

For the record, I'm not putting any rookies on the list because it's too early to tell how successful they will be. Cam Newton looks good, but the juries are still out on Blaine Gabbert, Andy Dalton and others.

So, here's a list of the five worst quarterbacks in the NFL today.

5. Kerry Collins/Curtis Painter, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts miss Peyton Manning.

That's probably the understatement of the year, but it's true.

Curtis Painter had an opportunity to give the Colts the lead late in the fourth quarter of Sunday night's game, but missed a wide open receiver.

He then floundered away for the rest of the game and the Colts fell to 0-3.

Collins hasn't been much better. He's ranked 29th in passing yards and has only thrown two touchdown passes.

The Colts might go 0-16 this year with these two guys under center.

4. Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Smith has at least been limiting his mistakes this season.

He's only thrown one interception and has only fumbled once.

But, he's not really helping the 49ers win.

Sure, the team is 2-1, but it's mostly because of their defense and special teams. Smith isn't scaring anyone on offense.

If he's still the starter in San Francisco in 2012, I'll be shocked.

3. Tarvaris Jackson, Seattle Seahawks

When there's a legitimate debate about whether or not Charlie Whitehurst should get a chance to start ahead of you, you are not a good quarterback.

Jackson currently ranks 27th in the league in passing yards and has only thrown two touchdowns.

He's also thrown two interceptions and fumbled three times.

He's just not getting the job done in Seattle, but I don't think Charlie Whitehurst would do any better.

The Seahawks probably have the most to gain from tanking this season to get Andrew Luck.

2. Donovan McNabb, Minnesota Vikings

Donovan McNabb is ranked 30th in the NFL in passing yards.

That's simply unacceptable with Adrian Peterson in the backfield.

Defenses are lining up in the box to stop the run, meaning McNabb should have plenty of open passing lanes.

But, he's not finding them. He's only thrown two touchdowns all year and has been utterly ineffective.

The Vikings should give Christian Ponder a shot soon.

1. Matt Cassel, Kansas City Chiefs

Cassel has been horrendous this season for the Chiefs.

I understand that Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki are gone for the year, but Cassel's play has still been unacceptable.

He's 31st in the NFL in passing yards and tied for second with five interceptions.

He also has only three touchdown passes. With the running game missing an important piece, Cassel needs to step up and be more productive.

He simply doesn't have it in him though, and that's why he's currently the worst quarterback in the NFL.