NFL quarterback rankings, Week 17: Russell Wilson shines

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 9: Russell Wilson (3) of the Seattle Seahawks before the third quarter against the Denver Broncos. The Denver Broncos hosted the Seattle Seahawks at Broncos Stadium at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, September 9, 2018. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

4 of 8

KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 9: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs out of the pocket with Anthony Hitchens #53 and teammate Justin Houston #50 of the Kansas City Chiefs in pursuit during the second quarter of the game at Arrowhead Stadium on December 9, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Jim Zorn Division

20. Lamar Jackson (LW: 20)

Jackson is a fascinating player. His athleticism is off the charts and the deep ball has been showcased a few times. The question is whether he can consistently fit throws into tight spots, and if his unorthodox arm angle will cause problems.

19. Jameis Winston (LW: 19)

Winston will be back in Tampa Bay in 2019 barring a gigantic shift in thinking. If the Buccaneers want to take the leap alongside their embattled quarterback, it starts with Winston avoiding the killer turnovers that have defined his career to this point.

18. Sam Darnold (LW: 25)

Nobody took a bigger jump in the rankings this week. After struggling mightily in the middle of the season, the rookie has taken major strides in December. The Jets lost to the Packers on Sunday, but Darnold was brilliant, helping New York score 38 points.

17. Matthew Stafford (LW: 16)

It’s time to wonder about whether Stafford is ever going to make his impression in Detroit. For years, the rhetoric has been about the Lions needing to improve around him. While that point still stands, it’s also fair to wonder if Stafford simply puts up a ton of empty stats.