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The only way he can’t make 40 touchdown passes is if the Chiefs are resting starters at the end of the year. Of course, the Bengals remain a problem for his team. But Mahomes is the most reliable and savvy playmaker in the position. Even if the guy behind him is catching up fast in the MVP race… |
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If you wanted to give him the MVP over Mahomes, you’d be totally justified. He doesn’t always throw it as much as the Chiefs superstar, but when he does, he’s been just as precise, dynamic and efficient this year. And then it’s just a compact, nimble bulldozer on the ground. |
3 |
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He’s Kryptonite for the Chiefs, which is saying a lot. If it hadn’t been for Hurts’ double-threat explosion, he’d also be a good 1B for Mahomes in the MVP race. There may not be another QB right now who has a better idea of ​​where the ball needs to go, especially on the sidelines. |
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Recklessness has always been part of his game; it’s just more evident this year, as the turnovers have piled up. With curses come blessings, however, and he’s still one of the most gifted snipers around. Without his cannon, they don’t cruise past the Patriots to stay on top of the East. |
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If you’re still sleeping on it, it’s time to wake up. Seattle’s defense is so problematic that it has to make big plays every week, and it continues to deliver. The Returning Player of the Year award should be his to lose. Now let’s see a little joker race. (+1) |
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Imagine if he played for the Chiefs or the Dolphins or the Seahawks, where even though the “D” can’t stop, the offensive weaponry is sound or the strategy is creative. Herbert’s laser arm and pocket balance helped him avoid sloppy, if sometimes ineffective, numbers for a .500 team. (+5) |
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All the boxes are checked in Dallas, where he’s enjoyed a fit supporting cast and could have Tyron Smith’s protection on the way. In seven games, he almost had more touchdowns than Russell Wilson and Mac Jones combined. Can it deliver when the lights are brightest? (+1) |
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Nervousness was in the spotlight against a real defense in San Francisco. Tua is definitely a resilient guy, and when his timing is right, he and their WR body are dangerous. But now that a team has finally capitalized on the hasty decisions, how will they react? (-1) |
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Despite all of Vikings’ success, Cousins ​​has been pretty inconsistent; his nine picks are fifth in the NFL, and he averages fewer yards per attempt than Zach Wilson, Daniel Jones and Mac Jones. The other side of the coin: it has often been the silver when it is most important for a complete team. (+1) |
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With a bad thumb and bruised ribs, Rodgers certainly has plenty of juice in that arm, especially when Christian Watson is on the other end of his throws. Constantly working with moving parts, the typical efficiency just isn’t there. But how can we count him now that he has a large? (+2) |
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The Bucs’ Monday night win over the Saints was such a microcosm of the season: Struggling with ugly, slow game planning, Brady wasn’t as effective at pushing the ball down. Touch and clutch precision remain in his repertoire, however, keeping the whole ship afloat. (+2) |
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Jaguars fans should still breathe sighs of relief after Lawrence avoided serious injury despite an awkward sack against the Lions. Drops killed his chance to keep up the offensive pace in Detroit. Overall he’s really improved situationally and the arm stays active until the buzzer. (+2) |
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A tough assessment, Fields has been a glorious revelation on the court, where he’s still able to carry the Bears on his back, all the way to the end zone. And while he took action as a passer in a shorthanded offense, he also struggled to protect the ball on the stretch. |
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Carr’s position is inflated by recent injuries to top 15 QBs like Lamar Jackson and Jimmy Garoppolo. He was streaked under Josh McDaniels. But his second half was much more promising. Gritty until the end, his connection with Davante Adams certainly works. (+3) |
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There may not be a more underrated QB in terms of 2022 production. Goff has his limits when under pressure, but he’s been a deal-breaker for their assortment of weapons, namely Amon- Ra St. Brown. There are shades of Chiefs-era Alex Smith here, for a spicy team. (+3) |
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His reliance on Derrick Henry and lack of extra help up front or out was exacerbated by AJ Brown’s monstrous display for the Eagles in the Week 13 beating. can play. But everything indicates he needs a 49ers-level setup to justify January’s confidence. |
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Two things may be true: 1.) Jones is much improved and a proven threat with his legs; 2.) Jones doesn’t have the staff confidence or the right staff to win in the air. In other words, we don’t envy the Giants having to make a long-term decision on the old first round. (+2) |
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What can the Cardinals do to maximize Murray’s athletic gifts? Unfortunately, that probably can’t be answered until the offseason, when big decisions can come up at the head coach, general manager, and the like. But Murray can do his part by proving to be a more balanced leader down the stretch. (+2) |
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Two years away from the game will give you some rust, and boy did he get it on his return to Houston, which was only picked up by the Browns defense. More reps will inevitably unlock some of Watson’s old pocket presence, but that’s a work in progress. (-4) |
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Ardent. Without fear. Fiery. All good words to describe the QB Commander, who officially won the QB1 indefinite gig over Carson Wentz. There’s just no dancing around the fact that he’s also relatively spread out as a setter. He’s joker caliber, that’s for sure. But beyond that? Not clear. (+2) |
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The numbers weren’t pretty in the Jets’ tight loss to the Vikings, but his arm skill and confidence were still apparent, which is a big plus in this QB room. The execution from the red zone needs to be better, but in two starts he has proven he has the authority to guide a potential team into the playoffs. (+3) |
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With Lamar Jackson sidelined for one to three weeks, it’s Huntley’s time. He tends to be a bit more effective, if not spectacular, as a pitcher. But his real impact, much like Jackson, should come on the court, where he can use his speed. |
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Maybe the Thanksgiving night escape was a mirage. Probably the biggest problem is its staff, which has been disjointed and underprepared since the jump. Jones can still put balls on the money, but his inability to create on his own is much more apparent in their old-school system. (-1) |
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Arthur Smith is finally considering moving on to Desmond Ridder, who is testament to Mariota’s season-long struggle to find a rhythm in the air. Ridder, to be clear, wouldn’t necessarily be a major upgrade, as Mariota at least offers the scrambling ability to expand otherwise boring drives. (-3) |
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Progress. That’s all they’re looking for in Pittsburgh, and Pickett provided that. The bar is low for scoring production, in part because he’s been so erratic in their conservative offense, but the guy holds his ground even when the circumstances aren’t ideal, and his touch is pretty at times. (+3) |
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If you watched the Saints take on the Bucs on Monday, you might have convinced yourself that it was former Tom Brady. The guy is still capable of a few genuine pennies. The problem is, he’s just as likely to get cold and put the ball in danger, and his coaches aren’t helping him. (+3) |
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With Baker Mayfield officially gone from the QB room, Darnold only has PJ Walker on his shoulder after a promising 2022 debut. His arm certainly gives DJ Moore better chances. But can he take care of the ball when the going gets tough in back-to-back matches? (-1) |
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It’s telling that his “good days” this season are still something like 180 passing yards and maybe a touchdown. What are the 1940s? Nothing against Russ, who is surely committed to righting the ship, but a real step forward doesn’t seem possible in Denver until bigger changes come along. (-1) |
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Give him credit for putting his 37-year-old self on the line for an organization that desperately needs new life under center and on the sidelines. But at this point, with the way he’s become turnover-prone (13 INTs in 11 games), there’s no good reason Nick Foles shouldn’t start in Indy. (-4) |
30 |
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Mr. Irrelevant stepped in as an unannounced replacement for Jimmy Garoppolo, taking what the Dolphins gave him to secure an important home win. Purdy doesn’t seem like the QB who will kill a “D” with splatter plays, but as a point guard for Kyle Shanahan there is a path to success. |
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Baker Mayfield is now in town as a likely successor, with Matthew Stafford almost put on ice for the year. But neither he, nor Wolford, nor Bryce Perkins have the wherewithal to elevate an absolutely injury-torn roster. |
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Let it keep rolling or go back to Davis Mills. Either way, Houston is more focused — or should be — on what it plans to do at QB, and head coach, and everywhere else, in 2023. |