NFL quarterback rankings, Week 8: Tom Brady is an MVP candidate
After seven games, it’s clear 43-year-old Tom Brady is still elite. Following a rousing win over the Las Vegas Raiders, he’s in the MVP conversation.
In the 2020 FanSided NFL quarterback rankings — which go live here every Tuesday morning throughout the regular season — we use a weighted average of current and past performances, with the former meaning more than the latter.
Here we go!
32. player. 30. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. New York Jets. Sam Darnold
2020 stats: 912 yards | 58.4 completion % | 3 TDs | 6 INTs | 5.7 YPA | 41.2 QBR
Last Week: NA
Darnold and the Jets looked terrific in the first half against Buffalo. Then, Darnold went 1-of-8 for 4 yards and an interception while being sacked four times in the second half. It’s been a brutal, brutal year for all involved with Gang Green.
123. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Dallas Cowboys. Andy Dalton. player. QB. 31
2020 stats: 452 yards | 61.2 completion % | 1 TDs | 3 INTs | 5.3 YPA | 18.7 QBR
Last Week: 30
Dalton and the Cowboys were miserable on Sunday. Unfortunately, Dalton’s day ended early with a cheap shot from Washington linebacker Jon Bostic, resulting in a concussion. With a bad offensive line in front of him, Dalton has little chance at success.
Pick Analysis. 30. player. 31. Scouting Report. QB. New York Giants. Daniel Jones
2020 stats: 1,410 yards | 61.9 completion % | 5 TDs | 7 INTs | 6.1 YPA | 60.6 QBR
Last Week: 29
This is simple. The turnovers are out of control. It has to stop. The interceptions and fumbles are crushing both Jones’ potential and the Giants’ hopes of winning.
Pick Analysis. QB. Kyle Allen. player. 58. Scouting Report. Washington Football Team. 29
2020 stats: 548 yards | 68.8 completion % | 4 TDs | 1 INTs | 6.8 YPA | 70.6 QBR
Last Week: 31
Allen is far from special, but he’s done a nice job of not making major mistakes. However, the ceiling is incredibly low with Allen, who rarely tries to throw for any real yardage. With Terry McLaurin, though, Allen might start taking a few shots after hitting on a 52-yard touchdown against Dallas on Sunday.
QB. 45. Scouting Report. Denver Broncos. Drew Lock. 28. player. Pick Analysis
2020 stats: 679 yards | 55.9 completion % | 1 TDs | 4 INTs | 6.7 YPA | 29.0 QBR
Last Week: 26
Lock has a few problems he likely won’t be able to fix. He processes the field slowly, so if his first read is taken away, he’s sunk. Additionally, the accuracy is poor. Against Kansas City, Lock held the ball and still threw a pair off interceptions including a pick-six.
Scouting Report. Miami Dolphins. Tua Tagovailoa. 27. player. Pick Analysis. QB. 59
2020 stats: 0 yards | 0.0 completion % | 0 TDs | 0 INTs | 0.0 YPA | 0.0 QBR
Last Week: NA
Tua Time! The Dolphins are making the move to their prized rookie despite being in the playoff mix with a 3-3 record. Let’s see what you’ve got, kid.
Pick Analysis. QB. Chicago Bears. Nick Foles. 26. player. Scouting Report. 57
2020 stats: 1,139 yards | 62.5 completion % | 6 TDs | 6 INTs | 5.8 YPA | 55.4 QBR
Last Week: 27
Foles is moving up a spot simply because we haven’t seen Tagovailoa, and Foles is the definition of mediocre. On Monday night, he threw a hideous interception in the end zone (and then another) and made no real splash plays. It was ugly and predictable.
25. Pick Analysis. QB. Kirk Cousins. Minnesota Vikings. player. 60. Scouting Report
2020 stats: 1,475 yards | 64.6 completion % | 11 TDs | 10 INTs | 8.4 YPA | 46.8 QBR
Last Week: 25
Cousins comes off the bye week and heads to Lambeau Field for a date with the Green Bay Packers. While hopes of turning around Minnesota’s season are remote, Cousins must limit his mistakes if there is any chance.