What we have seen in the second half of the 2020 NFL regular season is that the position of quarterback remains more important than ever. In an era in which rules are written to produce points (in terms of defensive contact, defensive holding, pass interference and roughing the passer), the team that has the better signal-caller is going to win the game. There was some talk that the “bus driver” approach might work just as well, as quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill and Ben Roethlisberger have prospered, but Big Ben’s rings came earlier in his career, when he was more of a gunslinger, and Tannehill and the Titans have run into trouble when playing from behind. The Indianapolis Colts have tried a similar approach, building a conservative approach around Philip Rivers, but they have paid the price in many of their matchups with the league’s best.
Let’s look at the latest power rankings at the quarterback position as you plan your NFL betting.
NFL News: QB Power Rankings after Week 14
#1 Patrick Mahomes (KC)
He’s still on top, even after three interceptions against Miami. Why? Because he’s the guy you want leading your team when you need to get down the field in a minute or two to win the game.
#2 Aaron Rodgers (GB)
He’s just as much of a gunslinger as Mahomes, but the talent around him is slightly inferior, and he’s not as mobile.
#3 Russell Wilson (SEA)
Wilson had a great game on Sunday…against the Jets. Can he get the Seahawks back to the top of the NFC West?
#4 Josh Allen (BUF)
His accuracy and decision-making have taken a huge step forward this year.
#5 Deshaun Watson (HOU)
If he had talent around him, he would probably be even higher on this list.
#6 Kyler Murray (ARI)
He’s an electrifying two-threat quarterback, and even when you think you have him figured out, as the Giants may have, he surprises you again.
#7 Lamar Jackson (BAL)
He showed his MVP leadership stuff against Cleveland, and he’s rushing toward another 1,000 yard campaign.
#8 Ryan Tannehill (TEN)
Can Tannehill pull off another deep playoff run? The Titans need a few more big wins to get there.
#9 Tom Brady (TB)
The consistency is a bit off, but Tampa Bay is still in the playoff hunt, and when Brady is on, he’s an assassin.
#10 Justin Herbert (LAC)
He’s putting up eye-popping numbers for a rookie. Now it’s time to add some talent around him.
#11 Ben Roethlisberger (PIT)
It’s time to stretch the field, Ben.
#12 Kirk Cousins (MIN)
When will Kirk Cousins deliver consistently in the clutch?
#13 Derek Carr (LV)
He gives up on downfield routes too quickly, instead settling for the checkdown. That makes it easy for teams to bottle up the Raiders’ offense.
#14 Teddy Bridgewater (CAR)
He’s slowly improved this season, and he needs to get back to that clutch level where he was in Minnesota.
#15 Baker Mayfield (CLE)
There are times when Mayfield throws the ball with too much authority, and it clanks off the hands of receivers a few yards away. But he is delivering right now.
#16 Jared Goff (LAR)
Sean McVay’s system is paying off for Goff. He needs to be a little better with ball security when under pressure.
#17 Philip Rivers (IND)
He’s driven the bus well this year, but it’s hard to take a bus to the top of a mountain.
#18 Matthew Stafford (DET)
This is a fun quarterback to watch, but he needs a fresh start somewhere else in 2021.
#19 Matt Ryan (ATL)
Ryan goes through stretches of mediocre play, occasionally interrupted by flashes of greatness.
#20 Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)
His mobility is something that the Dolphins need to start including in their game planning.
#21 Jalen Hurts (PHI)
It didn’t look like the Saints thought Hurts could carry the ball on Sunday. Other teams won’t make that mistake.
#22 Mitch Trubisky (CHI)
He hasn’t looked bac since that debacle against Green Bay.
#23 Daniel Jones (NYG)
Is Jones really a starter-level quarterback so long as his hamstring isn’t healthy? Those 84-yard scrambles aren’t going to happen until he’s better.
#24 Drew Lock (DEN)
Last week — four touchdown passes. If he can go two weeks without an awful turnover, that will be progress.
#25 Taysom Hill (NO)
The Swiss Army knife has done adequately leading the Saints’ offense, although it would have been nice to be able to sling the ball down the field late against the Eagles.
#26 Cam Newton (NE)
Do the Patriots want Newton back in 2021? Post-COVID-19, Newton has looked lost.
#27 Andy Dalton (DAL)
Solid games against the Vikings and the Bengals. Against everyone else, he’s looked stiff and elderly.
#28 Gardner Minshew (JAC)
Minshew will be back this week. Can he lead the Jaguars to that second win of the season?
#29 Nick Mullens (SF)
The ball security is a major issue.
#30 Alex Smith (WAS)
The statistics are not matching the hype.
#31 Brandon Allen (CIN)
If Allen can plant that back foot this week, can he deliver another blow to the reeling Steelers?
#32 Sam Darnold (NYJ)
Going to the Jets has kept Darnold from progressing as a quarterback. What will he do in 2021?
