NFL quarterback rankings: Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady lead way
Brad Johnson Division
20. Joe Flacco
Flacco finished last year ranked seventh in passing yards (4,317) but 27th in YPA (6.42). He also threw 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, continuing his career-long trend of a bad ratio in that department. He’s a Super Bowl champ, but a declining one.
19. Sam Bradford
Bradford might be the most accurate passer in the game, evidenced by his 70 percent completion rate a year ago. The problem, though, is that he’s neither surrounded by top talent in Minnesota, and he doesn’t throw the ball down the field. In other words, he’s limited.
18. Alex Smith
Smith is much like Bradford. He’s accurate but unwilling to go down the field. So why does he get the nod? Smith has Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid to work with, while also being more mobile. This will be his last year in Kansas City, with Patrick Mahomes waiting in the wings.
17. Andy Dalton
Dalton threw for over 4,200 yards last season while amassing 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Nothing about him is great, but Dalton is a proven regular-season winner.
16. Eli Manning
Manning is on the way down, something to be expected of a 36-year-old quarterback. Still, he has great receivers in Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall, and a history that includes two Super Bowl rings and six 4,000-yard seasons.
Roman Gabriel Division
15. Cam Newton
What to make of Newton? Two years ago, he leads the Carolina Panthers to a 15-1 mark and wins the NFL MVP award, scoring 45 touchdowns (including 10 rushing). Last year, he completed 52.9 percent of his throws while totaling 3,509 yards with 19 scores and 14 interceptions. The talent is there, but he must be better.
14. Carson Palmer
At 37, Palmer is nearing the end of the line. The former first-overall pick in 2003 can still throw the ball, racking up over 4,000 yards in four of his last five seasons. The glory days are past him, but Palmer remains a solid quarterback.
13. Marcus Mariota
Mariota is one of the rising stars in the game. Last year, the Hawaiian threw for 3,426 yards and 26 touchdowns in 15 games. Now, the third-year pro gets Corey Davis and Eric Decker to compliment his talents. Could be a breakout season.
12. Kirk Cousins
Cousins struggled mightily in the preseason without offensive coordinator Sean McVay to guide him, but the numbers speak for themselves. The former Michigan State star ha thrown for over 9,000 combined years in the past two seasons. When he hits free agency, he’ll become the highest-paid NFL player of all time.