What a week to be a quarterback. Tom Brady throws four touchdowns and no interceptions in a 29-point win and he doesn’t even have the best performance Sunday.
Drew Brees tied an NFL record, Eli Manning was not too far behind. Philip Rivers continues to do his job, while the Chargers fail him. And Derek Carr is making his claim to being the next big-time young QB.
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1. Tom Brady, Patriots (1)
Another game, another 350-yard passing performance by Brady. I don’t believe any defense outside of Denver has a chance at slowing him down.
2. Philip Rivers, Chargers (4)
No penalties for a team that stinks in my rankings. Rivers has played as well as any QB in the league this season not named Brady. He’s the NFL’s leading passer by more than 300 yards and has completed nearly 70 percent of passes on the season.
3. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (3)
A-Rod go ahead and burn that Denver film. Don’t even look at it. He had easily his worst game of the season, but his overall success this season keeps him near the top.
4. Drew Brees, Saints (6)
Career game for Brees, who tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes. Brees also threw for 505 yards and completed 78 percent of his passes.
5. Andy Dalton, Bengals (2)
Even in his worst game of the season, Dalton led a the Bengals to a comeback victory. He’s been a baller all year with an impressive 15:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
6. Carson Palmer, Cardinals (5)
Palmer led the Cardinals’ offensive onslaught in which they scored 27 straight after falling behind early. The veteran gunslinger has thrown for more than 500 yards in five of his eight games this season.
7. Derek Carr, Raiders (7)
Don’t let Carr’s ranking remaining status quo fool you — he is at peak of his game. Carr has 15 touchdowns, four of them Sunday, and only three interceptions.
8. Eli Manning, Giants (NR)
Little brother Manning was the tough luck loser Sunday. He threw six touchdowns, no interceptions, but came away with a loss. I’d be having a strong discussion with some defensive folks.
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons (9)
Matty Ice completed over 82 percent of his passes and fell just 3 yards shy of 400 yards passing Sunday.
10. Cam Newton, Panthers (8)
It’s not about the stats for Newton. It’s about what’s inside, guts. Fourth-quarter comebacks and timely plays when the Panthers need it the most have made Newton one of the best late-game QBs in the NFL.
Peyton Manning Watch (16)
There’s the Sheriff. Manning just needed the undefeated Packers to come out to get his juices flowing again. Manning looked at ease all game throwing for 340 yards Sunday.
Caught my eye: Joe Flacco, Ravens
This has been a terrible year for Flacco and the Ravens, but Sunday was a good day. Flacco completed a pass to nine different receivers and threw for more than 300 yards in a comeback victory over the Chargers.
Bringing up the rear: Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
You get benched in favor of Blaine Gabbert, this spot is almost guaranteed. Kaepernick completed less than 50 percent of his passes Sunday in a 21-point loss.
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Fell out of the rankings: Ryan Tannehill (10)
Cameron Wolfe: cwolfe@denverpost.com or @CameronWolfe
