NFL QB Power Rankings: Ranking The Starters Through Week 9

No. 16-13

16. Alex Smith – Kansas City Chiefs (+1)

I recently signed up for a 403b plan through my work. When doing so you get to choose from different options. Some are “safe” options in that they likely won’t lose money, but they also don’t have the potential for big gains. The more “aggressive” options give you potential to see greater gains, but they also are a bigger risk because they are more likely to lose money. Alex Smith is the “safe” option of NFL QBs. He plugs away always making some progress and never putting the game at risk, but those safe choices also limit his upside. Consequently, you’ll see other QBs that are more risk adverse either fall behind him or jump ahead of him depending on if their gambles paid off that past week.

15. Joe Flacco – Baltimore Ravens (-2)

Joe Flacco is down a couple of spots this week coming off of Baltimore’s blow out loss to the Steelers. Flacco is capable of playing lights out and carrying a team at times but also has games where he looks like he’s clearly out classed like he was against Big Ben last week.

14. Cam Newton – Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton holds steady at number 14 with the Panthers coming off their bye week. I still believe that a fully healthy Newton with a good supporting cast around him could be a top five QB, but right now he’s closer to “middle of the road” than the best of the best.

13. Colin Kaepernick – San Francisco 49ers (-1)

Kaepernick is down a spot coming off of the 49ers disappointing loss to the Rams last week. Kaepernick still possesses the physical gifts to be the best QB in the NFL, but he hasn’t been able to put it all together yet and at some point SF has to wonder if he ever will.