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Quarterback play continues to be down as a whole in 2023 with all of the injuries at the position, but the cream of the crop continues to produce. Two of the league's top signal-callers in 2023, Brock Purdy and Lamar Jackson, will be going head-to-head in Week 16 after both put on impressive shows in Week 15.
Aside from the potential Super Bowl preview on Christmas night, a number of teams have opted to make quarterback changes. Pittsburgh is rolling with Mason Rudolph over Mitch Trubisky, Atlanta has swapped out Desmond Ridder in favor of Taylor Heinicke, and the New York Jets are proceeding forward with Trevor Siemian as Zach Wilson recovers from a head injury.
With the playoff race heating up significantly over the last three weeks of the season, every game matters. Let's dig into the ever-changing quarterback landscape as we go into Week 16.
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1. Brock Purdy - San Francisco 49ers
The Brock Purdy MVP case intensified on Sunday as the 49ers coasted to a 45-29 road win over the Arizona Cardinals. Purdy was flawless, completing 16-of-25 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old quarterback has been scrutinized as a system quarterback, but there is no denying that he is putting up the most consistently strong play at the position this season and with the MVP being a quarterback-focused award, he is a deserving candidate. This marks Purdy’s debut at the top of the RotoBaller quarterback power rankings.
#49ers legend Jerry Rice says that Brock Purdy reminds him of Joe Montana 👀
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) December 19, 2023
2. Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys
While Purdy’s case for MVP continued to build on Sunday, Dak Prescott’s was nullified with a bad blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo dominated on both sides of the ball and the Cowboys really could not get much going offenisvely. Prescott finished 21-of-34 for 134 yards with an interception and scrambled for 27 yards on four carries. While the loss dropped Dallas to 10-4, they did officially clinch a playoff spot with Green Bay and Atlanta losing. There is no doubt that Prescott has had a great season, but his MVP case took a toll with the late-season blowout.
3. Lamar Jackson - Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson continued to cook on Sunday night in another dominant Baltimore win as the Ravens extended their lead in the AFC. Baltimore has quietly been one of the NFL’s most consistent teams and what Jackson does for their offense could not fly more under the radar. He doesn’t light stat sheets up through the air, but he uses his legs to maintain long, sustained drives and piles up points on opponents. With no frontrunner for the MVP, Jackson very well could sneak into the race. He has 453 more rushing yards than the next quarterback (Justin Fields) while also passing for 221.8 yards per game.
Lamar Jackson For MVP is a no brainer pic.twitter.com/IOh5XF58oH
— Coach Mitch 🏀 (@WorldwideHaven) December 19, 2023
4. Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs were back in the win column on Sunday after enduring a two-game skid against Green Bay and Buffalo. The win over the Patriots was not pretty, but a win is a win. Mahomes surpassed 300 passing yards for the fourth time on the season but also tossed two interceptions. This season is undoubtedly a down year for Mahomes, but he and Kansas City will be threatening nonetheless come playoff time.
5. Tua Tagovailoa - Miami Dolphins
“Tua can’t do it without Tyreek Hill.” Tagovailoa heard the haters and showed out on Sunday, leading the Dolphins to a 30-0 shutout win over the New York Jets despite Hill missing the game. Tua completed 21-of-24 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown, heavily targeting star receiver Jaylen Waddle in the dominant win. Tagovailoa’s MVP case remains alive, as he remains the NFL’s leading passer with 3,921 yards through the air.
6. Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen threw a career-low 15 passes in the dominant win over Dallas in Week 15, but he simply did not need to pass as the Bills were unstoppable on the ground. He noted in his postgame press conference that he felt like the kid who did nothing in the class project but still got an A. While his part in the win was not as significant as it typically is, the 27-year-old quarterback did what he needed to do to deliver a huge win. Allen and the Bills now have back-to-back impressive wins over Kansas City and Dallas and sit in the thick of the tight AFC playoff race after a slow start to the season. It’s been an up-and-down season for Allen, but he is finding his groove at the right time.
7. Matthew Stafford - Los Angeles Rams
Since returning from injury in Week 11, Matthew Stafford has been one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. Stafford has the Rams right in the thick of the playoff picture at 7-7 and has been able to keep them in any given game. Thursday night’s home game against the New Orleans Saints has massive implications for the NFC playoff race and all eyes should be on the Super Bowl-winning quarterback as he looks to beat the odds and get the Rams back into the postseason.
8. Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts threw two late interceptions in Philadelphia’s Monday night loss to Seattle. While he was productive for fantasy purposes with his 82 rushing touchdowns and two rushing scores, Hurts struggled through the air. The young quarterback went 17-for-31 for 143 yards with the two interceptions in the loss, dropping the Eagles’ chances to ride into the playoffs with a bye. Hurts has struggled with turnovers lately and will look to clean up the mistakes against the Giants on Christmas.
Jalen Hurts missed a WIDE open check-down to Kenneth Gainwell on the game-losing interception play. No one in front of him for 20+ yards. #Eagles pic.twitter.com/O6v3jRi82k
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) December 19, 2023
9. C.J. Stroud - Houston Texans
The Houston Texans missed C.J. Stroud’s services on Sunday, but backup quarterback Case Keenum was still able to deliver a thrilling overtime win over the Tennessee Titans. Stroud missed the game due to a concussion but will likely be back under center for Week 16’s big matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Both teams got much-needed wins in Week 15, but both teams need the trajectory to continue in a very tight AFC playoff race.
10. Jared Goff - Detroit Lions
Jared Goff had a career night on Saturday, passing for 278 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-17 win over the Denver Broncos. Goff bounced back from a poor showing against the Bears in Week 14, showing that he is deserving to be in the conversation amongst the league’s top signal callers. Goff and the Lions are now 10-4 going into a big Christmas Eve divisional matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
11. Trevor Lawrence - Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence struggled to get going in a big Sunday night game where Jacksonville fell 23-7 to Baltimore. Lawrence completed 25-of-43 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown on a night where the run game could not get moving. The Jaguars are now in a three-way tie on top of the AFC South with the Colts and Texans. They close the season out with Tampa, Carolina, and Tennessee in hopes of solidifying a spot in the tight AFC playoff race.
12. Justin Fields - Chicago Bears
Justin Fields nearly pulled off an insane last-second upset over the Cleveland Browns, but the Hail Mary attempt bounced off of the hands of Darnell Mooney. Fields had multiple instances in the loss in which his receivers did him no favors. What Chicago does with their quarterback situation this offseason remains to be seen, but Fields has undoubtedly shown flashes of brilliance and should excel if surrounded by a stronger team.
OH MY GOD. The #Bears ALMOST had the Hail Mary for the win.pic.twitter.com/0kvzbsiCQ7
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 17, 2023
13. Baker Mayfield - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
He’s bounced around the NFL over the past few years, but has Baker Mayfield found a home in Tampa Bay as Tom Brady’s successor? After throwing for 381 yards and four touchdowns in a 34-20 win in Lambeau, Mayfield and the Buccaneers lead the NFC South at 7-7. The former number-one overall draft pick has a critical final three games against Jacksonville, New Orleans, and Carolina as he looks to not only get to the playoffs but also solidify himself as the long-term fix at quarterback in Tampa.
Baker Mayfield leads the passing game in week 15! 🏈 pic.twitter.com/GjqntHCD1A
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 19, 2023
14. Russell Wilson - Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson’s play tabled off on Saturday night in a blowout 42-17 loss to Detroit. Wilson completed 18-of-32 passes for 223 yards and a touchdown but could not keep pace with the seemingly unstoppable Lions’ offense. Wilson has bounced back this season after a disastrous first season in Denver, but playoff hopes are now hanging by a thread following Saturday’s loss.
15. Jordan Love - Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love looked comfortable under center on Sunday, but the Packers ultimately fell to Tampa 34-20. Love completed 29-of-39 passes for 284 yards and two touchdowns in the loss as Green Bay fell to 6-8. Love has been a streaky player this season, leading the Packers to be an unpredictable squad. In the past four weeks they have beaten Detroit and Kansas City while losing to the New York Giants and Tampa Bay. Love has grown with his young receiving corps this season and likely has done enough to earn another season as Green Bay’s QB1.
16. Jake Browning - Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow’s backup has made a name for himself over the past few weeks, rattling off three straight wins to keep Cincinnati in the playoff hunt despite losing their star quarterback for the season. Jake Browning led a thrilling overtime win on Saturday in which he completed 29-of-42 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns. Next up, he gets the opportunity to knock off a flailing Steelers team that handed him his only loss as an NFL starter. Josh Dobbs was the backup quarterback story of the NFL for a few weeks, but why not shift all eyes to Browning now?
“YOU SHOULD HAVE NEVER F—KING CUT ME”
OKAY JAKE BROWNING TELL EM
pic.twitter.com/8GVpDNRzeE— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 17, 2023
17. Sam Howell - Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell was benched in Sunday’s 28-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams after completing 11-of-26 passes for 102 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Howell was replaced by Jacoby Brissett, who threw for 124 yards and two scores in a late comeback attempt that fell short. Despite pulling Howell, Ron Rivera stated that he is committed to the second-year signal caller as his quarterback. Howell will be back under center against the Jets next Sunday.
18. Kyler Murray - Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray and the Cardinals never really had a chance against the 49ers on Sunday, as they fell 45-29. Murray threw for 211 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, adding 49 rushing yards. Arizona is far from competing and will no doubt be continually evaluating Murray’s play for the rest of the season, although they did lock him into a 4-year deal last season.
19. Derek Carr - New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr played his best game of the season on Sunday in a conservative, game-manager role in a dominant win over the New York Giants. Carr threw for three touchdowns, his first time surpassing two passing touchdowns in a game this season. If the veteran can continue to excel in a dink-and-dunk role, he may lead New Orleans to a postseason berth. The next three games are crucial: LAR, TB, and ATL.
20. Joe Flacco - Cleveland Browns
Former elite quarterback Joe Flacco has revitalized himself in threads that Baltimore fans still cannot fathom. Since becoming the QB1 in Cleveland, Flacco has averaged 313 passing yards and 2.3 passing touchdowns a game. The 38-year-old has not only been a stat sheet stuffer but has kept Cleveland in the thick of the AFC playoff hunt with two straight wins over Jacksonville and Chicago. Flacco and the Browns take on Houston next weekend in a game with massive playoff implications.
21. Geno Smith - Seattle Seahawks
Geno Smith was active on Monday night against the Eagles while dealing with a groin injury, but Drew Lock drew the start with Smith unable to go aside from an emergency situation. No Geno, no problem for Seattle, who rode a big game from Lock to an upset win. Smith should return this week in a big road matchup with the Tennessee Titans as the Seahawks fight to stay alive in the NFC playoff race.
#Seahawks coach Pete Carroll explains tonight’s Geno Smith active / Drew Lock starter decision
pretty straightforward pic.twitter.com/tnw8CsAVK2
— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) December 19, 2023
22. Gardner Minshew - Indianapolis Colts
Minshew mania was in full effect on Saturday as the Colts flew to a 30-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Minshew passed for 215 yards and three touchdowns in the dominant game, keeping the Colts alive in the AFC playoff hunt. The remaining games are all winnable for Minshew and company: Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Houston.
23. Will Levis - Tennessee Titans
Will Levis kept the Titans afloat in a divisional matchup against Houston on Sunday but ultimately fell 19-16 in overtime. Levis was shaky all day, throwing for 199 yards and a pick, and took seven sacks in the loss. He also suffered a late-game injury that looked bad but appears to be not as bad as it seemed on the field. Levis’s status for next week’s matchup with Seattle will be worth monitoring.
24. Aidan O'Connell - Las Vegas Raiders
Aidan O’Connell had the best game of his young career on Thursday night in a 63-21 blowout win over the Chargers. O’Connell passed for 248 yards and four touchdowns in what was his first multi-touchdown game. The young passer out of Purdue is likely not the long-term fix under center in Las Vegas, but he sure showed a lot of promise in the historic Thursday night rout.
25. Tommy Devito - New York Giants
Tommy Devito came crashing back down to Earth in the 24-6 loss to the Saints. DeVito briefly left the game with an injury but later returned, although he struggled to get anything going. He took seven sacks but did not commit any turnovers on a day where he completed 20-of-34 passes for 177 yards. DeVito will be back under center on Christmas against the Philadelphia Eagles.
26. Bryce Young - Carolina Panthers
Carolina’s Bryce Young earned his second career win on Sunday, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 9-7 on a day where the Panthers did not find the endzone once. Young’s play was far from perfect, but his 167 passing yards were enough for Carolina to pull off the home upset. The Panthers take on the Packers next Sunday.
27. Nick Mullens - Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s presumed signal caller for the rest of the season looked better than Josh Dobbs has over the past few weeks, but Nick Mullens and the Vikings ultimately fell to the Bengals in overtime. Mullens completed 26-of-33 passes for 303 yards and two touchdowns along with two interceptions. The veteran journeyman’s attempt to guide Minnesota to the postseason continues with a matchup against a red-hot Detroit team next Sunday.
28. Taylor Heinicke - Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta’s NFC South title hopes took a significant hit on Sunday as they fell 9-7 to the Carolina Panthers. Desmond Ridder struggled, completing 12-of-20 passes for 152 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the loss. Arthur Smith opted to switch back to Taylor Heinicke for the upcoming game against the Indianapolis Colts. Heinicke has thrown for 498 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception on the season and has not won a game when under center.
Another QB change in Atlanta… Taylor Heinicke takes over. https://t.co/wHqaUn8fJ7
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 19, 2023
29. Bailey Zappe - New England Patriots
Zappe hour came to a quick close on Sunday. The Patriots had a glimmer of hope as they led Kansas City 10-7 in the second quarter, but they ended up falling 27-17. Bailey Zappe looked more comfortable under center than Mac Jones has all season, but his 23-for-31 day with 180 yards and a touchdown and interception was not enough to pull off a win. Zappe and the Patriots will be in prime time on Christmas Eve against the Denver Broncos.
30. Mason Rudolph - Pittsburgh Steelers
Mitch Trubisky struggled against the Colts on Saturday, completing 16-of-23 passes for 169 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. The Steelers fell to 7-7 on the season and now face a must-win situation against the Bengals next Saturday. With Kenny Pickett unable to return from his ankle injury, Pittsburgh has turned to Mason Rudolph to start the pivotal Week 16 matchup. Best known for the Myles Garrett helmet fiasco, Rudolph has not started an NFL game since Week 10 of 2021. He will be the third starting quarterback for the Steelers this season.
QB Mason Rudolph spoke to the media about the offense, Week 16 and more. @edgarsnyder pic.twitter.com/HCHk1I0dJb
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 19, 2023
31. Easton Stick - Los Angeles Chargers
In his first career NFL start, Easton Stick’s Chargers were blown out 63-21. Stick completed 23-of-32 passes for 257 yards with three touchdowns, an interception, and two fumbles. Along with Stick’s three turnovers, Joshua Kelley and Derius Davis also lost fumbles to total five offensive turnovers. Stick is likely to remain under center for the rest of the season for the tanking Chargers, who are looking ahead to next season.
32. Trevor Siemian - New York Jets
Trevor Siemian replaced an injured Zach Wilson (head) against the Miami Dolphins but struggled in the shutout loss. Siemian completed 14-of-26 passes for 110 yards and two interceptions. If Zach Wilson is unable to return for Week 16’s matchup with the Commanders, the veteran will likely be back under center for his first start of the season. Since the Jets are no longer in playoff contention, Aaron Rodgers will likely postpone his return until next season.
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