Fansided

NFL power rankings: Starting quarterbacks from best to worst

By John Buhler

Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter in the 2017 NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tyrod Taylor

Quarterback, Buffalo Bills

Thankfully the Buffalo Bills did the right thing and decided to go with a third year of Tyrod Taylor under center. He’s not great, but the dual-threat skill set he brings to the quarterback position will again make Buffalo a playoff contender in the AFC.

After backing up Joe Flacco for the Baltimore Ravens his first four years in the league, Taylor has been a .500 quarterback (14-14) in his two years in Orchard Park. He has completed 62.6 percent of his passes for 6,058 yards, 37 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions as the Bills starter.

Taylor is also nimble afoot, with 199 carries for 1,148 yards and 10 rushing touchdowns for Buffalo. In short, it is hard to invest long-term in a shifty, dual-threat quarterback with questionable pocket presence. However, Taylor seems to be an adult and knows what it takes to win after playing for Baltimore previously.

This is a formula to regular season and some playoff success with a quarterback of Taylor’s caliber. He would need a strong defense backing him up and it is absolutely paramount that he has a strong running back with him in the backfield. Buffalo’s defense will get better with former Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott running the show. As long as LeSean McCoy is healthy, Buffalo will have one of the better running games in football.

Taylor has emerged as a fringe franchise quarterback He’s one of the 25 best at what he does. If surrounded by an overall good team, Taylor has what it takes to win at a high level for the Bills. However, he is about at his ceiling as an NFL passer: average to slightly above-average from week-to-week.

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