TOP 10 NFL QUARTERBACKS FOR 2019

#10 PHILIP RIVERS

Yes, I said Philip Rivers. Now in his 16th season has the best chance of reaching a Super Bowl with the talented roster around him. A (12-4) record a season ago before losing to the Patriots in the divisional round, Rivers has not tasted a Super Bowl appearance let alone held the Lombardi Trophy as he knows father time is not on his side. Rivers threw for (4,308) yards with (32 TDs / 12 INTs). The Chargers offense was top (10) in both passing yards and touchdowns. They were (6th) in scoring as Keenan Allen put up consecutive (1,000) yard seasons receiving. Mike Williams had (10) touchdowns to lead all Chargers in his third season out of Clemson. TE Hunter Henry should return off an (ACL) injury that kept him sidelined all last season. Since 2016, Rivers and Hunter are 2nd in the NFL as QB/TE combo with (12) red zone touchdowns. Hunter should plug in where former future HOF Antonio Gates once resided. Rivers has the weapons downfield. Melvin Gordon negotiations still linger, however the Chargers can go 3 deep at running back by committee if need be. One thing about Philip Rivers is he is tough. Since taking over as a starter in 2006; Rivers has started and played in (219) straight games. Last season he showed his durability and resilience going (8-2) on the road which also included the postseason throwing for (19 TDs / 7 INTs). Wins at Seattle, Baltimore, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and KC. All the accolades to show but no bling for the results.

#9 MATT RYAN

Speaking of some bling. Matty Ice and the Falcons know where their window is now as well in seizing a championship. Fresh off the 2016 collapse in the Super Bowl vs yet no other, the Patriots; Ryan produced similar numbers to that 2016 MVP season in 2018. 2018 - (35 TDs / 7 INTs / 108.1 QBR / 69.4% COMP). Where in 2016 - (38 TDs / 7 INTs / 117.1 QBR / 69.9% COMP). Very identical. Another thing looking the same was the sack totals. Atlanta allowed Matt Ryan to be sacked (42) times the second most in his career. They looked to solve those issues by drafting (2) offensive lineman in the first round of the NFL Draft while adding (2) veterans to solidify their offensive front. However even with a banged up offensive line, no Devonta Freeman, and the injury bug that plagued the defense Ryan still had the Falcons as a top (5) offense all season. Then rookie Calvin Ridley found the endzone (10) times while all pro Julio Jones racked up (1,677) yards receiving (led NFL) and (113) receptions; his most since 2015. Ryan also had a six week stretch where he threw (17 TDs / INT) averaging (360.3) pass yards per game. Health bodies, revamped offensive line, Dirk Koetter back at OC. Matt Ryan still has the power and the horses but the stable won't be open forever.


#8 BEN ROTHLISBERGER

Coming in at #8 is Big Ben Rothlisberger. The 2-time Super Bowl champ threw for a league high (5,129) passing yards but also had a league high (16) interceptions to go with it. Pittsburgh missed the playoffs for the first time since 2013. More bad signs happened with LeVeon "No show" and disgruntles between Ben and Antonio Brown. Now LeVeon is with the Jets and AB now in Oakland. Ben/AB in (9) NFL seasons produced over (11,000) yards and (74) touchdowns. But the triple B's; Ben, Brown, and Bell could never deliver a title with all that talent. Being said, the Steelers have been a top (10) offense the last (5) seasons. JuJu Smith-Schuster now in his 3rd season will be the #1 receiver for the silver and black. Ben and JuJu seem to have a connection with Schuster totaling over (1,000) yards in each of his first (2) seasons and totaling (14) touchdowns from Big Ben. He also caught (111) receptions from Ben in 2018. Pittsburgh was 31st in rushing something if Ben doesn't want to admit but it will be missed. Does this put more pressure on Rothlisberger? James Conner isn't the same workload back that LeVeon possesses. When JuJu is getting doubled, will Ben still have faith in him to get open, other receivers such as newly added Donte Moncrief ability to assist the new #1 receiver? Ben has shown over the years he still can sling that football. Led the NFL in attempts, completions, and passing yards per game. Leadership and accountability will be needed more than ever from Big Ben. While (9) times this past season he threw the ball more than (45) times in a game; not a recipe for success with an aging QB. 


#7 ANDREW LUCK

Andrew Luck comes in 7th on my list. If he was "lucky" enough he would have been higher. Except the dude can't stay healthy long enough to be on the field. Luck helped lead the Colts to a (10-6) record and a playoff berth for the first time since he last led them there in 2014. His (39) touchdowns was just 2nd to Patrick Mahomes and Luck's most since that same 2014 season. Andrew did have (15) picks but he has only had one season where he threw less than (10) INTs in a single season. Luck now going into his 7th NFL season also had a career high in completions (67.3%). A lot of that could be contributed to his head coach Frank Reich. Reich bought his offensive minded philosophy to Indy and has helped groom the young QB. After years of having a horrific offensive line, the front office of the Colts have been rebuilding and retooling. Through the draft and free agency the Colts have been hitting on all cylinders. Luck was sacked (100) times in his first (3) seasons. (41) times in 2017 alone, compared to 2018 where he was only sacked (18) times. That has allowed time for the QB to flourish. Eric Ebron came over from Detroit and all he did was put up career highs (66 rec / 750 yards / 13 TDs). TY Hilton put together his fifth (1,000) yard receiving season. Adding Devin Funchess from Carolina gives them a threat opposite of Hilton. If the running game can stay middle of the pack to go alongside their rising defense they should remain competitive in a tough AFC south. However this lingering strained calf is ongoing as Luck has missed (26) games since 2015

#6 JARED GOFF

Fresh off his first Super Bowl appearance, Jared Goff is #6. Each of the last (3) seasons Jared Goff has improved statistically offensively in just about every category. In 2016 under then head coach Mr. (8-8) himself, Jeff Fisher; the Rams were dead last in offense, scoring, and 1st down efficiency. Since Sean McVay took over in 2017, Goff completion percentage went from 2016 (54%) to 2017 (62%) to in 2018 (64%). (28 TDs / 7 INTs / 3,800 pass yards) in 2017 compared to this past season (32 TDs / 12 INTs / 4,700 pass yards). Each of the last two seasons they have ranked top (10) in touchdowns and yards while ranking 1st and 2nd in points per game (2017 - 29.9 ppg / 2018 - 32.9 ppg). Goff and problems getting first downs went from dead last in 2016 to being cut in half just about at (15th) before ranking first in 2018 in getting first downs. The #2 overall offense started off (8-0) to begin the season. We can't forget the shootout Jared Goff won between he and Patrick Mahomes on Monday Night Football. A (54-51) win where Goff threw for (413) yards and totaled (5 TDs - 4 pass / 1 rush). Hopefully a healthy and ready to go Todd Gurley at Goff's disposal. Both Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods combined to go for over (1,200) receiving yards and (80) plus receptions each this past season. Not to mention Cooper Kupp returning off injury. Kupp had (6 TDs) in just (8) games and always found a way to get open in this Rams offense. Goff who started his career (0-7) since then has gone (26-9) including the postseason. Besides depth at RB and protecting Goff consistently as well as Goff holding on to the ball better as he led the NFL with (12) fumbles a season ago; the Rams should be in the driver seat for a third straight NFC west crown. 


#5 RUSSELL WILSON

Since being drafted in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft all Russell Wilson does is win. That's why he is at #5 on my list of Top 10 QBs for the 2019 NFL season. Wilson somehow propelled the Seahawks into the playoffs behind a (10-6) record and the number one ranked rushing offense in the league averaging (160) rush yards per. Wilson finished the 2018 season with (35 TDs / 7 INTs). He led the NFL in passing touchdowns in 2017.  His (7) picks were his fewest since 2014. But being sacked (51) times was not ideal as the quote on quote "better" offensive line gave up the most sacks on Wilson in 2018 than any in his entire career. Wilson signed a (4 year - $140 million) dollar contract extension in April; so protecting the franchise QB will be a must in 2019. He will also not have a familiar face in his receiving core with Doug Baldwin retiring. Baldwin had been with Wilson his entire career now will depend upon Tyler Lockett to lead the way. Jaron Brown comes over in free agency and Seattle drafted wide receiver DK Metcalf out of Ole Miss. Will Dissly returns off injury. Remember the name, if he is healthy he should answer any questions at tight end for Wilson and the Seahawks. No matter the player, situation, scenario; Russ goes out and plays. As reliable and clutch as they come when it is said to be a starting quarterback in the national football league. Russell has now been to the playoffs (6 of 7) years, posted double-digit win seasons (6 of 7) times including last year where he helped them by throwing for (14 TDs / just 2 INTs an a QBR 105.4) to finish the season winning you guessed it (6 of 7) games pushing them into the playoffs. 


#4 DREW BREES

At 4 another warrior in the trenches is Drew Brees. Brees who will be (40) years old this upcoming season is just (19) touchdowns away from breaking Peyton Manning's all time record of (539) passing touchdowns. Brees did take a decline in some areas. Just (3,992) passing yards which was his lowest since joining the Saints in 2006. His (489) passing attempts, lowest since 09. Some could say this could be good with an aging Brees. Production came in volumes from their backfield. Alvin Kamara returns and will be their feature back moving forward. Kamara has averaged over (1,500) yards from scrimmage each of his first (2) seasons. He is dual threat receiving and rushing. Losing Ingram was bad but Latavius Murray is a proven back. Someone else proven is WR Michael Thomas. Thomas got his big pay day this off season coming off a NFL high (125) receptions; his (321) receptions over his first (3) seasons is NFL record. Thomas gives Brees a legit threat in the passing game. Brees even after all these seasons and younger QBs taking over the league, led the NFL in completion percentage (74%) while he completed (72%) of his passes in 2017. New Orleans ranked 3rd in points per game averaging (31.5). The Saints seem to be as potent once again this season offensively. Not to mention Brees had (32 TDs / 5 INTs). He has taken care of the football much better over the past several seasons. His (5) interceptions was his fewest amount of picks in a season. Jared Cook provides a relief at tight end. Also gives Brees another option outside of Thomas. New Orleans has been a top (10) offense each of the last (8) seasons. 


#3 TOM BRADY

6-time Super Bowl champ Tom Brady now (42) years young it seems coming off another Super Bowl title, he and the Patriots third straight appearance and winners of (2 of 3). Brady finished with (29 TDs / 11 INTs). His (11) interceptions, the most since 2013. Brady still is reliable at this age, only missing a total of (4) games since 2009. Those games due missed in 2016 because of suspension by the clown of the NFL; commissioner Rodger Goodell. However also since 2016, Brady has (35) wins and the highest QBR amongst starting quarterbacks, both tops in the NFL in that span. He went (5-0) vs the likes of Mahomes, Rodgers, and Rivers in 2018. Brady will rely heavy on his run game this season. Second year back Sony Michel and all purpose back James White will look to be the catalyst to lead the way. Julian Edelman returns alongside Brady but new cast of members in the receiving core. Demaryius Thomas and Ben Watson come over while the Patriots drafted a wide receiver in the first round, N'Keal Harry. A (6'4 / 225lb) receiver who may be the future for the Pats. Possibilities of Gronk returning mid season or postseason will be heard all season. Brady may be getting older but he is getting wiser. Ability to dissect defenses at will, get open receivers that are not open and directing an offense is second nature to Brady. Playing in the AFC east will help long term in a rigorous NFL schedule. In 2019 Tom Brady may not be the best quarterback, however, he is still the GOAT.


#2 AARON RODGERS

Talk is Aaron Rodgers ain't the same Aaron Rodgers; however looking at his numbers I wouldn't say that so fast. Granite no playoffs yet again nor since 2016, Rodgers still managed (25 TDs / 2 INTs). Over the last 5 seasons Rodgers has accumulated (150 TDs / 28 INTs), LAST (5) SEASONS folks. As he enters season (15) the face on the sidelines will be different. Out goes Mike McCarthy, same head coach that helped lead Rodgers to his first Super Bowl title in comes Matt LaFleur. LaFleur has never been a head coach in the NFL but time as an OC with the Rams and Titans. 2017 he helped the Rams own the #1 scoring offense while last season contributing to QB Marcus Mariota's best completion percentage. Rodgers doesn't need any help in those categories, just a head coach and coordinator that see's eye to eye with him. As the franchise revolves around this #12 they will need to put better pieces around him if they want him to survive let alone succeed. Consistent offensive line play and establishing this young defense to start. Suspect running game a lot due to injuries and health concerns however Aaron Jones averaged (5.5) yards per carry in 2018 which ranked first in the NFL. Finding answers for departures over the years of Jordy Nelson and now Randall Cobb. Davantae Adams (111 rec / 1,386 yards / 13 TDs) coming off his first (1,000) yard season will once again be Rodgers main and favorite target. However Jimmy Graham and the rest of his supporting cast will need to find ways to be more productive in bulk this season. Rodgers has at least thrown for (4,300) yards in (3 of the last 4) seasons when healthy. Keeping him upright is a must and the only thing that will keep the Packers even relevant. He was sacked (49) times last year and has been injury prone of late. Rodgers knows he must improve from that (1-4-1) record in division last season. The NFC north only got tougher. See the thing is with Rodgers you have a chance to win every game your in. This relationship between he and his new head coach will determine if they win championships not just games.



#1 PATRICK MAHOMES

So you already know who #1 has to be. Sir Patrick Mahomes. Coming off an MVP season where he posted (50) touchdowns in his first full season as starting QB, something not done since 2007 (Brady) and only done better by the Peyton Manning. Just (22) years old he led the Chiefs to an AFC west crown a (12-4) record and home field throughout the postseason. Mahomes followed up his regular season performance throwing (3 TDs / 0 INTs) in two games before (Dee Ford) jumped offsides costing Kansas City a trip to the Super Bowl losing to the Patriots for a second time in one season. That's in the past now as Mahomes and company look forward to another dominant season. Tougher schedule this season but a much improved and better defense that will hopefully set them up for more success on offense. Last season Kansas City ranked 1st in points (35.3), 1st in yards per game (425.6) and of course 1st in passing touchdowns (50). They were #2 in red zone efficiency and #2 in converting 3rd downs. Remember the kid started the season throwing for (18 TDs / 4 INTs) in the first (6) weeks of the season before falling to the Pats the first time around. No Kareem Hunt but the services of Damien Williams and Carlos Hyde will suffice. Williams had (4 TDs) in the playoffs; two rushing, two receiving. Regardless you still have Tyreke Hill and Travis Kelce. Kelce (103 rec / 1,336 yards / 10 TDs) while Hill (1,479 yards / 12 TDs) were huge pieces not only to the success of the Chiefs but the success, development, and confidence that helped fuel Patrick Mahomes MVP season. The weapons he had on offense sometimes seemed unfair with him at the helm at quarterback. Sammy Watkins (519 yards) in just 10 games. As they drafted Mecole Hardman out of Georgia, they have depth on both sides of the ball this upcoming season. Not to mention Mahomes dominance in his own division as he and the Chiefs went (5-1) vs the AFC west and Mahomes posted numbers of (17 TDs / INT) with a QBR of (113.8). Either a sophomore slump for the sensational QB or another polished and flourished offense in store which means problems for the rest of the NFL.

******** HONORABLE MENTION ************

CARSON WENTZ
BAKER MAYFIELD