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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
21 of 32
Next
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
12

Matthew Stafford

Quarterback, Detroit Lions

It was a long time coming, but we finally saw it happen. For a brief moment, Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was a serious NFL MVP candidate. He was electric late in fourth quarters of tight ball games. 2016 was a transitional season for Lions football, but Stafford was able to still carry Detroit to the playoffs.

Detroit was actually in position to win the NFC North before Stafford suffered ligament damage to his middle finger on his throwing hand late in the season. He powered through obvious pain, but Detroit couldn’t hang tough without its start quarterback at 100 percent.

Stafford has benefited tremendously since his quarterbacks coach Jim Bob Cooter was promoted to offensive coordinator mid-season 2015. Together, they have unlocked most of the potential from what made Stafford the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia.

In 2016, Stafford completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 4,327 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. That stat line has become the new normal for Stafford. Keep in mind that he did this with a botched finger for the last few games.

Detroit could be one of the most dangerous teams in the NFC this season. The Lions arrived a year early. General manager Bob Quinn is carefully building what should be a top-six team in the NFC this year. Stafford is totally capable of playing at an MVP level again and helping the Lions win their first playoff game in decades.

Home/NFL