NFL Week 6 Rankings: Who's Hot, Who's Not at the QB Position

With the Era of the Quarterback in its heyday, owning a franchise QB has become tantamount to long-term success. 

Which is why it isn’t shocking to see such an assortment of signal-callers. Few times in the history of the NFL has there been such disparity between quarterbacks.

In one corner, there are the quarterbacks who have taken the league by storm and are on pace to shatter Dan Marino’s single-season record of 5,084 yards.

And in the other, you have a mishmash of wannabes, has-beens and underachievers. 

As the league finishes up the first third of the season, let us take a look at those quarterbacks who are on fire and those who appear to have their candles snuffed out.

Hot: Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions

After decisively beating the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football and becoming 5-0 for the first time since 1956, it is safe to say that these are not your dad’s Detroit Lions.

And the answer as to why that is lies in the arm of young quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Now the owner of an impressive 101.4 QB rating, Stafford is leading the next generation of elite quarterbacks.  And while his 13:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio is among the best in the league, it is his ability to come through when it counts that sets him apart.

He has the weapons and talent.  Now that he is healthy, he is proving to fans why he was the first overall selection in the 2009 draft.

Not: Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles

There are a multitude of problems facing the Philadelphia Eagles this season. 

And although head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Juan Castillo deserve much of the blame, Michael Vick has certainly not been a part of the solution.

Ten turnovers.  That is how many Vick has committed in five games this season.  And that stat alone is all you really need to know when trying to pinpoint the reason for the Eagles’ woes.

The team that wins the turnover battle is the team that wins the game.  That has certainly not been the case for Vick and his Eagles.  In fact, Vick has thrown more interceptions than all of last season. 

Not good.

Fans can point to offensive line troubles as the main culprit for Vick’s shortcomings.  But ultimately, No. 7 needs to find a better way to protect the ball.

Because so far, he has not lived up to his recently acquired contract.

Hot: Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

First, he drew criticism for being drafted too high.  Then, he became a savior for a struggling Denver Broncos offense.  Then, he was demoted to third string quarterback.  And now he is a starting QB again?

I gotta tell ya, I don’t know how Tim Tebow stays sane.

But one thing I do know:  the kid is a player.

After watching the Kyle Orton-led Broncos get dominated by the San Diego Chargers, head coach John Fox decided to call Tebow’s number in the third quarter.  In order to show his gratitude, Tebow threw for one touchdown and ran for another as he attempted to pull off the comeback.

And while he may not have been able to bring his team all the way back, he got close.  More importantly, he gave fans a reason to hope.

He may not be the most accurate quarterback to ever set foot on the field, but this Bible-hugging gunslinger knows how to win a game.

Not: Donovan McNabb, Minnesota Vikings

Oh, to be young and in a midnight green uniform again.

Ever since being traded by the Philadelphia Eagles following the 2009 season, Donovan McNabb has been nothing short of a disappointment. 

Granted, when he came to the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, no one expected him to find the fountain of youth.  But 31^st in pass offense?  Fans had to be expecting a little bit more than that.

Whether it is because he was a product of Andy Reid’s offensive mind or simply that he is on a bad team, McNabb has shown that he is merely a shadow of the quarterback he use to be.

Head coach Leslie Frazier may not want to admit it, but it may be time for the team to move on from the aging veteran and onto Christian Ponder.