NFL quarterback rankings, Week 12: Drew Brees is the MVP

NEW ORLEANS, LA. - DECEMBER 24: New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) points out Atlanta Falcons middle linebacker Deion Jones (45) during the first quarter on December 24, 2017 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. New Orleans Saints defeated Atlanta Falcons 23-13. (Photo by Stephen Lew/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 09: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans runs with the ball as Malcom Brown #90 of the New England Patriots attempts to tackle him during the second half at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

John Brodie Division

12. Deshaun Watson (LW: 12)

Watson’s only concern should be cutting down on his interceptions, of which he threw two on Dunday in a narrow win over Washington. The Texans, however, are rolling at 7-3 with a seven-game winning streak. Look at the upcoming schedule, and it’s plausible that they run the table against weak competition.

11. Cam Newton (LW: 13)

The Panthers need Newton to convert at the end of that Lions game. The throw was open, and Newton missed it, dropping Carolina to 6-4. Still, he’s been rock solid for most of the season, racking up 20 touchdowns against six interceptions. Most important, Newton is completing 68.4 percent of his throws for 7.43 yards per attempt.

10. Matt Ryan (LW: 8)

Ryan must want to rip his hair out. The Falcons are 4-6 and hanging by a proverbial thread in the NFC playoff race, and here’s Ryan with 3,306 yards (third-best in the NFL) with 22 touchdowns and four interceptions. He’s not been great the past two weeks, but he’s about the only reason Atlanta even has its four wins.

9. Ben Roethlisberger (LW: 10)

Roethlisberger had the ultimate box score game on Sunday. He didn’t play well for three quarters and then went nuts in the fourth, giving him a line of 314 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. The Steelers need Big Ben to be consistent away from Heinz Field come playoff time, but for now, it’s been both entertaining and effective.