NFL quarterback power rankings: Patrick Mahomes takes No. 1

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 30: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts prepares to throw a pass against the Tennessee Titans for a touchdown during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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ENGLEWOOD, CO – MAY 13: Denver Broncos quarterback Joe Flacco #5 throwing from the line on the first day of practice at UCHealth Training Center on May 13, 2019 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Joe Amon/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

25. Joe Flacco, Denver Broncos

Even after the Ravens drafted Lamar Jackson, Joe Flacco was still the team’s starter coming into the 2018 season. After 11 years in Baltimore, and one Super Bowl win, it was his job until proven otherwise.

In nine games, Flacco was playing some great football. Even though the Ravens were one game under .500 at 4-5, he had 2,465 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions. It didn’t look like he was going anywhere, until he suffered an injury that left the door open for Jackson to take over.

Jackson played well and sequentially made Flacco expendable. John Elway decided to take a shot on Flacco, and he traded for the veteran this offseason.

Yes, Elway did draft Drew Lock, which has led to a quarterback battle. However, Flacco will probably get the nod to begin the season after his strong play last season, and because he’s getting paid so much.

Elway trading for Flacco seems to be one last attempt at trying to catch lighting in a bottle and winning another Super Bowl. At the same time, Lock gets to sit behind and learn from a proven-signal caller like Flacco.

If Flacco can stay healthy in 2019, the Broncos can be a competitive team. He still has football left in him, even at age 34.

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