NFL QB Rankings #14-10: The Post-Season Hopefuls

This group of Quarterbacks is very interesting to me.  We have Manning who's trying to get some last-minute post-season successes.  We have a couple of gunslingers who can't seem to catch a break with their rosters. We have a redemption story, finally going to a team where the scheme works with his skill set.  And we have a 3rd year starter whose season was cut short due to injury.  Any one of these QB's could have deep post-season success if a couple of things swing the right way.  

14.  Eli Manning – The under-appreciated Manning brother.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m 100% sure that Giant’s fans are forever grateful for 2 Super Bowls over the ever-hated Patriots.  But even after 2 Super Bowl victories there is still dissention among many whether Manning will receive a gold jacket and a bust in Canton.  This year with receivers galore, Manning should put up impressive numbers in 2017.  The only downside at all for this Giant’s offense is the lack of a sustainable running game.  If they can get yards from the list of relative no-names at RB, I see Manning leading the Giants into the playoffs in 2017.

13.  Marcus Mariota – The “Exotic Smashmouth” offense worked about as well as could be expected for the Titans in 2017.  This year we get to see what Mariota can do with a veteran WR in Eric Decker and their highly anticipated rookie Corey Davis.  With Mariota coming off an injury, it will be interesting to watch is he’s hesitant to leave the pocket.  Personally, I think that he’s young and talented enough that it won’t affect his play.  And if Derrick Henry can take another step as a power back, the Titans will do a lot of damage in a weak AFC South.  (Author’s note:  This year will be particularly interesting in the Mariota vs. Winston debate.  With both QBs gaining some significant talent on offense, you can be sure that we’ll be keeping close tabs on them.)     

12.  Sam Bradford – Let me stop you there.  “Sam Bradford” you’re saying in disbelief “in the top 15 of a QB rankings list?” Yep.  Let me point you to the first half of the Vikings season, before their defense let them down repeatedly.  They started 5-0, with Bradford throwing a league high completion percentage.  A league high completion percentage with Asiata and McKinnon as his running backs.  In 2017 they added Latavius Murray (which I’m not real excited about) who should give them some extra depth.  Stefon Diggs has been spectacular for the Vikings, and with a full offseason under their belt, Bradford could have some serious chemistry with his up and coming wideout.  

11.  Matt Stafford – If you listen to our Podcast, you’ll know that I’m high on Matt Stafford this year.  Another QB that was comfortable in his offensive scheme, and able to perform under pressure. While I agree with most that the Lion’s chances at a playoff berth is very slim, it won’t be Stafford’s doing.  He’s more than competent, and the only this stopping this Lion’s offense from being very good is their roster of running backs.  Even if they can get mediocre play from their RB’s, 9 or 10 wins would not surprise.

10.  Andrew Luck – There’s a lot of meat left on the bone here.  Between Luck’s injuries and the Colt’s inability to construct a decent roster around him, Indianapolis desperately needs a successful season.  While nothing would surprise me with this team, if Andrew Luck starts 16 games, the Colts will make the playoffs.  They may have to score 35 points a game to do it, but I think if there’s an offense in the league that can, this is it.