We take a stab at ranking the top 10 quarterbacks in the NFL based on their production this season and updated by their weekly play. Wins and losses, stats and overall stature don’t reflect rankings as much as how each QB plays.
Outside of the top 10, there will also be a section that examines the ranking of the Broncos’ starting quarterback — currently Brock Osweiler — one QB that caught my eye for his recent performance, and the QB that is No. 32 or brings up the rear.
Tier I
1. Cam Newton, Panthers (1)
Newton became the first player in NFL history to throw for five passing touchdowns and rush for 100 yards in a game Sunday.
2. Tom Brady, Patriots (2)
If Newton wasn’t having the year he is, Brady would be a shoo-in for MVP. He leads the NFL in passing and has a remarkable 35 TDs to only six interceptions.
3. Carson Palmer, Cardinals (3)
Palmer is having the best season of his career on the back of big plays. His 8.82 yards per attempt is the highest in the NFL.
Tier II
4. Russell Wilson, Seahawks (4)
In the month of December, Wilson has completed 73 percent of his passes for TDs 11 touchdowns and no interceptions.
5. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (6)
Roethlisberger threw two bad picks, but he torched an elite Denver secondary for 380 passing yards and 34 points. The Broncos hadn’t given up 300-plus passing yards or 30-plus points all season.
6. Aaron Rodgers, Packers (5)
Rodgers has been delegated to short dink and dunk routes all year. The Packers just don’t have the same juice on offense, but they’ll still be dangerous.
Tier III
7. Eli Manning, Giants (7)
Manning threw four TD passes against a really good Panthers defense, bringing his team all the way back from a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit.
8. Drew Brees, Saints (8)
Brees crossed the 300-yard passing mark for the eighth time this season. Too bad he can’t play corner.
9. Tyrod Taylor, Bills (9)
Taylor has the making of being the Bills’ franchise quarterback. He has 23 total TDs to only five interceptions and is a real threat with his legs.
10. Philip Rivers, Chargers (NR)
Rivers came alive in what could have been his last game in San Diego throwing for more than 300 yards and three TDs.
Osweiler Watch (18)
First half Osweiler was a top 10 QB with four total TDs, displaying precision passing and pocket presence. Second half Osweiler looked like a bottom feeder going just 7-of-26 and an interception. His overall game is somewhere in the middle.
Caught my eye: Kirk Cousins, Washington (14)
This guy might just be the real deal. Cousins had nearly a perfect passing rating throwing for more than 300 yards, four TDs and no interceptions against the Bills.
Bringing up the rear: Matt Cassel/Kellen Moore, Cowboys
Dual award for Dallas’ starting QBs. Moore threw for only 158 yards and three interceptions Sunday, but the argument can be made he played better out of the two.
Fell out of the rankings: Blake Bortles (10)
Cameron Wolfe: cwolfe@denverpost.com or
