NFL quarterback rankings, Week 17: Russell Wilson, Philip Rivers do job

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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Alex Smith /

Norm Van Brocklin Division

8. Matt Ryan (Prev: 8)

Ryan had to play a great game for the Falcons to beat the Saints on Sunday, and it didn’t happen. Atlanta has not gotten a great year out of the MVP, throwing for 3,778 yards with 19 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

7. Alex Smith (Prev: 9)

Smith went over 4,000 yards passing for the first time in his career. He’s averaging a cool 8.00 YPA with 26 touchdowns against five interceptions. I’ve alternatively praised and bashed Smith throughout his turbulent year (he was A.W.F.U.L. for a month-long stretch) but overall, he’s been very good.

6. Matthew Stafford (Prev: 6)

Stafford often gets very preferential treatment in these rankings for two reasons. He has no coach, and no running game. Still, he has to beat the Bengals. It doesn’t matter if that means throwing for 400 yards. If that’s what it takes, get the job done.

5. Philip Rivers (Prev: 7)

Rivers was able to deliver a win in Gotham over the Jets. Now, can Rivers and the Chargers find a way into the playoffs with a win and some help in Week 17? If Los Angeles earns that ticket, Rivers makes it extremely dangerous.