NFL quarterback rankings, Week 3: Trevor Siemian shines, Carson Palmer stinks

Billy Kilmer Division

18. Kirk Cousins (Prev: 17)

Cousins continues to look a bit out of sync against the Rams, completing 18-of-27 for 179 yards and a touchdown. Still, he remains a solid quarterback who can throw the deep ball. Once he gets comfortable with his new coordinator and receivers, look for Cousins to take off.

17. Cam Newton (Prev: 16)

Newton has precious little help in Carolina. Tight end Greg Olsen is hurt, Christian McCaffrey has been ineffective and the offensive line is terrible. On Sunday, Newton was briefly knocked out of the game and into the medical tent following six sacks. Still, Newton must be better than 399 yards and a 56.9 complete percentage over two games.

16. Jay Cutler (Prev: 20)

Smokin’ Jay Cutler got the job done in Los Angeles, getting his inaugural win with the Dolphins. Cutler threw for 230 yards and a touchdown, making some challenging throws across and down the field. Of course with Cutler, he’ll give and he’ll take away over the course of 16 games.

15. Eli Manning (Prev: 18)

Manning is impossible to understand. The 36-year-old threw an asinine interception in the second quarter against the Lions, something that shouldn’t happen at this stage of his career. So why did Manning move up? The presence of so much mediocrity/horridness behind him.

14. Carson Wentz (Prev: 15)

Wentz has ons of potential, and he’s already strung together a pair of 300-yard games on the road. Still, there are questions about his pocket presence and decision-making. Went was sacked six times by the Chiefs and threw one pick, while two other passes were dropped by defenders. The North Dakota product is young, though, so time is on his side.