Along with turkeys, menorahs and Christmas trees, the holidays also bring my controversial yearly quarterback power rankings. Shout to my buddy DJ Toby (@mrmaritime) on Twitter, who always claims this is his favorite time of the year. I think he's asked me for this list a handful of times, already. Here are the recent years:
Frascella's 2019 QB Power Rankings
I say this every time, but... I hate intros. You'll figure out what I'm doing as you read along. The main note is this: these rankings aren't ONLY based on this season. Logic must be used, and overall context must be considered. All right, let's roll...
** KEY: "N/A" = Not Available or not enough information to date. **
-For context, a B- would basically be an "average" NFL quarterback.
(EDITOR'S NOTE: I started this piece the morning of Sunday, November 22 and continued on the 25th, 26th and 27th. Some things have changed, quickly.)
TIER 9: BAD STUDENTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THEIR CLASS
86. Chris Streveler, Arizona Cardinals
Current status: Backup (Ourlads says No. 2 QB, but I'm not sure I agree)
Season stats (includes rushing): N/A
Ability to dominate on his own (not system-related): N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: Streveler beat out Jacob Eason and Kurt Benkert for my final spot because Ourlads listed him as the Cardinals' No. 2 QB over Brett Hundley, who is more established.
UPDATE: Streveler was originally my QB85, but Brandon Allen's promotion over Ryan Finley has earned the former an official spot on my list.
85. Nate Sudfeld, Philadelphia Eagles
Current status: Backup (Ourlads says No. 2 QB, but again I'm not sure I agree)
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: At least I've heard of him. He might actually be better than this next guy...
84. Ben DiNucci, Dallas Cowboys
Current status: 3rd string (with Dak, he'd be out of a job)
Season stats: D-
Ability to dominate on his own: D-
Decision-making + talent: F
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: F
Frascella's overall grade: F
The bottom line: I watched his entire start - he should have been picked about 4-5 times. He doesn't have the mental clock for the speed of NFL defenses.
83. James Morgan, New York Jets
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: Rumor has it that New York's GM Joe Douglas drafted Morgan to keep him away from Belichick, McDaniels and the Patriots. Maybe they liked his film? That's enough for me.
82. Easton Stick, Los Angeles Chargers
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: 1-for-1 for 4 yards, lol
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: That one pass resulted in an 83.3 QB rating. Kid is a beast.
81. Ryan Griffin, Tampa Bay Bucs
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: He seems to be able to keep a professional job. I remember him from Hard Knocks that one year.
80. John Wolford, Los Angeles Rams
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: Sean McVay knows what he is doing, and he's only carrying 2 QBs here. Wolford must be good enough, in the event Goff goes down.
79. Brett Hundley, Arizona Cardinals
Current status: Backup
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: D
Decision-making + talent: D
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: D-
Frascella's overall grade: D
The bottom line: He wasn't good when he filled in for Aaron Rodgers in the past, but at least you didn't lose your game automatically with him under center.
78. Trevor Siemian, New Orleans Saints
Current status: 3rd string (probably jobless if Brees is healthy)
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: D+
Decision-making + talent: D+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: D
Frascella's overall grade: D+
The bottom line: He went down quickly when he played briefly for my Jets, but in that short stint he looked mentally gone. Too much stress and disappointment from his time with the Broncos.
77. Tim Boyle, Green Bay Packers
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: When the Packers blew out the 49ers on national television, Boyle entered the game before Jordan Love. I guess that's a compliment of sorts.
76. Logan Woodside, Tennessee Titans
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: Similar situation to John Wolford, here; like McVay, Mike Vrabel knows what he is doing. The Titans only carry 2 active QBs, despite the fact that Tannehill can be injury-prone. This says enough about Woodside.
75. Ryan Finley, Cincinnati Bengals
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: F
Ability to dominate on his own: D-
Decision-making + talent: D
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: D-
Frascella's overall grade: D-
The bottom line: Yes, I gave Siemian a higher grade (D+), but he'd probably still be jobless if Brees didn't get hurt. We have to at least consider the player's overall status in the league; Finley is the only backup to Joe Burrow.
UPDATE: Finley has been immediately benched in favor of Brandon Allen, who was promoted from the practice squad.
74. Jake Fromm, Buffalo Bills
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: The Bills kept him despite his unacceptable racist remarks/comments. He must be pretty decent.
73. Josh Dobbs, Pittsburgh Steelers
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: D-
Decision-making + talent: D-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: D-
The bottom line: Devlin Hodges beat him out last season; he can't be particularly good.
TIER 8: D-PLUSES, C-MINUSES & C'S...OH MY
72. Jarrett Stidham, New England Patriots
Current status: Backup (nip-and-tuck with Hoyer)
Season stats: F
Ability to dominate on his own: D-
Decision-making + talent: D
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: D+
The bottom line: His 23 passes have not been pretty this season. In an eye-blink performance last year, he was also terrible. Seems a bit overmatched.
71. Nathan Peterman, Las Vegas Raiders
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: D+
Decision-making + talent: C-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: D-
Frascella's overall grade: D+
The bottom line: Sean McDermott and Jon Gruden both know what they are doing, and they both see/saw something in this kid. Gruden is a QB guru of sorts - Peterman looked much sharper in last year's preseason. Maybe coach has coached him up a bit.
70. Sean Mannion, Minnesota Vikings
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: Another Hard Knocks memory. Kid has a very strong arm but never gets an opportunity to play; Goff and Cousins are both durable.
69. Brandon Allen, Cincinnati Bengals
Current status: Starter (would be No. 2 to Burrow)
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: Finley barely played after Burrow went down, and he already got benched. I'm comfortable trusting Zac Taylor in the sense that Allen immediately gives them a better opportunity to be competitive.
68. Brian Hoyer, New England Patriots
Current status: Backup
Season stats: D-
Ability to dominate on his own: D+
Decision-making + talent: C
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C-
Frascella's overall grade: C-
The bottom line: He's not gonna kill you as much as Stidham will, in my opinion. Hoyer certainly isn't what he used to be, though.
67. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C-
Decision-making + talent: C-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: D+
Frascella's overall grade: C-
The bottom line: Being the only backup to the great Russell Wilson is an important job. Pete Carroll must still have a bit of faith in Geno, the former Jets' starting QB.
66. David Blough, Detroit Lions
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C-
Decision-making + talent: C
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: D+
Frascella's overall grade: C-
The bottom line: I liked what I saw from him last Thanksgiving. He doesn't have a strong arm in the slightest, but he has guts and is a good leader for a backup. Teammates will rally behind him.
65. Will Grier, Carolina Panthers
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C-
Decision-making + talent: D+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: C-
The bottom line: He showed some flashes in limited playing time last season, but ultimately he lacks the polish and awareness necessary to be a full-time starter at this level.
64. Brett Rypien, Denver Broncos
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: D
Ability to dominate on his own: C-
Decision-making + talent: D+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: D+
The bottom line: He showed grit and moxie during his stint as Denver's starting quarterback, but he also showcased a foolhardy spirit prone to careless throws unworthy of an NFL QB.
63. Josh McCown, Houston Texans
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: D+
Decision-making + talent: C+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C
Frascella's overall grade: C
The bottom line: Did a pretty decent job filling in for Carson Wentz in last year's Philly playoff loss to the Seahawks. Was also pretty solid with my Jets, considering his advanced years.
62. Mike Glennon, Jacksonville Jaguars
Current status: Starter (would be backup to Minshew)
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: D+
Decision-making + talent: C-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: D+
Frascella's overall grade: C-
The bottom line: Couldn't beat out Jake Luton for playing time, so I can't really say anything too nice, here.
UPDATE: Doug Marrone has inexplicably switched to Glennon. I already had a dream that Glennon threw a pick six on his first attempt.
61. Colt McCoy, New York Giants
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C-
Decision-making + talent: C
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C+
Frascella's overall grade: C
The bottom line: A battler. A gamer. Always a popular teammate.
TIER 7: A C+? MOM AND DAD THINK YOU CAN DO BETTER
60. Robert Griffin III, Baltimore Ravens
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C+
Decision-making + talent: C+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C+
Frascella's overall grade: C+
The bottom line: Was a star for one, singular healthy season... I guess that's enough to stay ahead of the likes of McCoy and Glennon.
59. Blaine Gabbert, Tampa Bay Bucs
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C+
Decision-making + talent: C+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C
Frascella's overall grade: C+
The bottom line: When he got relatively significant playing time with San Fran in '15 and '16, he was better than I thought. He's nothing to write home about, but he's athletic and seems to extend plays in beneficial ways.
58. A.J. McCarron, Houston Texans
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C+
Frascella's overall grade: C+
The bottom line: Certainly known better for his college days than the pros; hasn't gotten many full-time opportunities at this level.
57. Matt Schaub, Atlanta Falcons
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: C+
The bottom line: Originally I had him in the low 70s or high 60s, but his pocket awareness alone makes him more valuable than some of these other, younger backups. Schaub's experience renders him a puppeteer at the line of scrimmage.
56. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Current status: No. 3 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: If LaFleur and the Packers were willing to piss Aaron Rodgers off, Love must really have some potential. Sure this is a "spec" ranking, but I gotta rank him somewhere reasonable.
55. Jake Luton, Jacksonville Jaguars
Current status: No. 2 QB (would be 3rd string with Minshew)
Season stats: D+
Ability to dominate on his own: C
Decision-making + talent: C
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C
Frascella's overall grade: C
The bottom line: Maybe some of these preceding guys are safer than Luton, but the kid showed moxie against the Packers in his opening start. I think the Jags should still be starting him in Minshew's absence. Can't judge Luton off a bad performance against the No. 1 rated Steelers' D.
54. Chad Henne, Kansas City Chiefs
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: 5 of 6 for 30 yards, lol
Ability to dominate on his own: C
Decision-making + talent: C+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C+
Frascella's overall grade: C+
The bottom line: Gets a bump in the rankings because of something were to happen to Mahomes, Henne would step into the best situation in the league considering Andy Reid, Eric Bienemy, Travis Kelce, Tyreek Hill, CEH, etc. Improves an average quarterback's chances of succeeding.
53. Chase Daniel, Detroit Lions
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: 8 of 13 for 94 yards
Ability to dominate on his own: C
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C
Frascella's overall grade: C+
The bottom line: I think people think he's better than he actually is. He's made some good money at the NFL level, but I can't exactly say he's earned it. I actually think he is an overrated backup, all aspects considered (not an accurate thrower).
TIER 6: A B- IS BARELY GETTING BY
52. Matt Barkley, Buffalo Bills
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: C+
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C+
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: I've always been impressed by Barkley in his limited opportunities. He has a good understanding at the line of scrimmage and doesn't overestimate his own ability. He plays within himself in a positive way.
51. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Current status: Backup
Season stats: 2 of 2 for 27 yards
Ability to dominate on his own: N/A
Decision-making + talent: N/A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: N/A
The bottom line: Another "spec" ranking by default - his opportunity to start has to be coming soon, right?
50. Tyrod Taylor, Los Angeles Chargers
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: 8 of 13 for 94 yards
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: C+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: Hasn't been good since his brief stint in Cleveland. Was at the height of his limited powers during his Buffalo days.
49. Marcus Mariota, Las Vegas Raiders
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: Got injured; hasn't had to do anything for the Raiders yet. Started off as a personal favorite of mine, but completely fell off the map due to nagging injuries, indecision and so-so all-around talent.
48. Garrett Gilbert, Dallas Cowboys
Current status: No. 2 QB (would be 3rd string w/Dak)
Season stats: B-
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: Well... look at how young Luton played against the Steelers - Gilbert looked a helluva lot better! I thought he actually showed some real potential. He'd still be my QB, if I were Dallas' decision-makers.
47. Jeff Driskel, Denver Broncos
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: B-
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: Not sure why he falls out of favor so quickly... I think he's much better than Brett Rypien and was surprised the latter passed him on Denver's depth chart in a bizarre blink of an eye... Driskel has actually racked up some quite strong fantasy games in the past. He has a bit of a run-pass option out there; he's not afraid.
46. C.J. Beathard, San Francisco 49ers
Current status: 3rd string
Season stats: B
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: The first time Jimmy G got hurt this season, Shanahan went to Mullens first; he faltered, then C.J. came in and provided a real spark. Jimmy G goes down again... and Shanahan goes back to Mullens. It's as if Beathard's good performance was completely ignored or removed from memory.
45. P.J. Walker, Carolina Panthers
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: B-
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: This kid has something. Give him 5-6 games and he'll really start to figure things out at the NFL level. He's confident and gives you the run-pass flexibility under center.
44. Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: In my opinion, he did an admirable job filling in for Ben Roethlisberger last season. I know others don't agree, but I felt he did a solid job of NOT losing games. That's what you wanna do as a backup on a team with a tier-1 defensive unit.
43. Dwayne Haskins, Washington Redskins
Current status: No. 2 QB (would be 3rd string w/Allen healthy)
Season stats: B-
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C+
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: I saw some positive flashes in two seasons of in-and-out play, but he's clearly not Ron Rivera's guy. Look, both Kyle Allen and Alex Smith are better than him, but I don't think Haskins is terrible. I do think, given more opportunities, he could move up to the 29-36 range on my list in the future.
42. Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: B
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: It's still funny how quickly Nagy gave up on him this season... 6/3 in TD to INT with an 87.4 QB rating (Foles is just 81.0 as a frame of reference). We know Trubisky isn't great, but right now he gives you more potential than Foles, who has become entirely limited.
41. Sam Darnold, New York Jets
Current status: Starter (week-to-week injury)
Season stats: D-
Ability to dominate on his own: B+
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C-
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: The poster boy for inconsistency. Always hurt, or only "flashing" greatness. Never puts it all together with any sort of consistency or toughness. I think he's soft as hell.
40. Joe Flacco, New York Jets
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: B
Ability to dominate on his own: C+
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B+
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: Has truly outplayed his QB teammate this season. Flacco started slow, but showed really good things vs. both the Patriots and Chargers.
39. Drew Lock, Denver Broncos
Current status: Starter
Season stats: D+
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C+
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: Very Trubisky/Darnold esque. I don't see the all-around "it" factor from Lock. He strikes me as more of a backup, long-term.
38. Jacoby Brissett, Indianapolis Colts
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: N/A
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: A tough kid. A well-respected leader. Like a better, younger, more usable version of Colt McCoy at this point. Brissett did a lot of productive things as a starting quarterback.
37. Nick Mullens, San Francisco 49ers
Current status: Starter (would be No. 2 w/Jimmy G)
Season stats: B
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B-
The bottom line: I think his numbers are better than his ability (credit Shanahan's coaching, probably). He's flashing an 89.1 QB rating with 79-like talent.
TIER 5: VARYING DEGREES OF "B" - IT'S A WIDE-RANGING TIER
36. Case Keenum, Cleveland Browns
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: 5 of 10 for 46 yards
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: One of the saddest stories in the league. The Vikings really screwed him over after the best season of his NFL career, and the Broncos weren't very patient with him, either. He rests now as one of the better backups in the game.
35. Andy Dalton, Dallas Cowboys
Current status: Starter (would be No. 2 w/Dak)
Season stats: C
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: The definition of average. We all know who "The Red Rocket" is at this point in his lengthy career. Not really gonna kill ya, not gonna win ya titles.
34. Jameis Winston, New Orleans Saints
Current status: No. 2 QB (would be 3rd string w/Brees)
Season stats: 7 of 11 for 75 yards
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C+
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: Was surprised that Taysom Hill basically beat him out for playing time. On the bright side, I'm pretty sure Winston led the entire NFL in passing yards last season.
33. Nick Foles, Chicago Bears
Current status: Starter
Season stats: B-
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A-
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: One of my favorite players of all time - because of "The Philly Special" and what he did to the Patriots in that epic Super Bowl - but he simply doesn't have much left. We like his experience and know-how, but he has zero mobility and his arm strength is slowly but surely fading away.
32. Alex Smith, Washington Football Team
Current status: Starter (would be No. 2 w/Allen)
Season stats: B-
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: Bumped him up a few spots after Thursday's shellacking of the division-rival Cowboys. Things are really starting to come back for Alex; what a wonderful story, indeed. If he improves his TD/INT ratio he will likely jump into my top 30 before season's end.
31. Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints
Current status: Starter (would be No. 2 w/Brees)
Season stats: B+
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: You could go in a lot of different directions with this kid - he's probably worth a shot as a starter for someone. Why not? We know about his speed, toughness and athleticism, and he's been training as a QB under Sean Payton and Drew Brees. If you are an organization in no man's land at the QB position... why not try something wacky, here? The Bills did the same thing when they initially acquired Tyrod Taylor as a starter...
30. Kyle Allen, Washington Redskins
Current status: Dislocated ankle, out for season (would be starter)
Season stats: B+
Ability to dominate on his own: B-
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: That devastating injury was a real bummer. He looked nice and comfortable back there for Ron Rivera's Football Team. He knows the offense and was getting the ball out quickly to his playmakers, letting them do their thing in space.
29. Daniel Jones, New York Giants
Current status: Starter
Season stats: C+
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: One of the most polarizing QBs in the game - my instinct is to put him in a group with Darnold, Trubisky and Lock. Just feels like "his" peeps, right? DJ is probably the best of the bunch right now, but 8 touchdowns to 9 interceptions is an unacceptable ratio. He's clearly too confident in his own ability at many different junctures.
28. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
Current status: Starter
Season stats: C-
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: Yikes, yikes, yikes - the talk of the league, and not in a good way. The kid seems to have completely lost it. Obviously he has the potential to be a top-15 QB in the game, but will he "find" it again, eventually?
27. Cam Newton, New England Patriots
Current status: Starter
Season stats: C+
Ability to dominate on his own: B+
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: The Patriots are "hanging around, hanging around"...and it hasn't exactly been pretty. But Cam gives the run/pass option and New England's "weapons" are laughable, so we have to cut him just a little bit of slack. In the grand scheme, No. 27 seems appropriate to me.
26. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Current status: Starter
Season stats: B+
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: He's already become a polarizing figure in his short stint as the Dolphins' starter; will Flores ultimately go back to Fitz? Time will tell. In the meantime, Tua's QB rating is over 100 and he hasn't thrown a single pick. I know he can't really stretch the field, but he isn't killin' ya out there, either.
25. Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Current status: Thumb injury, week-to-week (would be starter)
Season stats: B+
Ability to dominate on his own: B+
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: We all know about his moustache, moxie and bravado, but his actual stats are better than I thought this year. 13/5 is a really good ratio when you play for the lowly Jacksonville Jaguars, and 94.4 is a plenty solid QB rating. A very appropriate combination of confidence and stats for my No. 25 spot, a no man's land of sorts.
24. Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina Panthers
Current status: Starter
Season stats: B+
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: He is what he is - a solid game manager. Not gonna win games for ya, not gonna lose 'em either. Love his toughness and ability to bounce back from major injury.
23. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins
Current status: No. 2 QB
Season stats: B+
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: Was playing some of the best ball of his entertaining career this season; "FitzMagic" is a real thing, but he's also never reached the playoffs in his long career. He's the best backup quarterback in football right now.
22. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns
Current status: Starter
Season stats: B+
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B
The bottom line: Not seeing anything special, but the Browns are winning games and Baker isn't getting in the way of their progress as a team. Credit Stefanski more than Baker, for sure.
TIER 4: A B+ AIN'T HALF BAD
21. Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers
Current status: On IR with a high ankle sprain
Season stats: B
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B+
Frascella's overall grade: B+
The bottom line: You see the dropoff in the 49ers when he isn't out there - from near-Super Bowl champ to non-playoff contender. Of course, we also have to factor the injuries to Kittle, Bosa, Samuel, etc...
20. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Current status: Out for the season with a torn ACL
Season stats: A-
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: A-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: B+
The bottom line: Damn it, man! What a terrible injury. Burrow has been a lot of fun to watch, in spite of Cincinnati's bad record and even worse defense. Burrow is smart, decisive and determined to succeed. He could have been a bit higher if not for the injury.
19. Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A-
Ability to dominate on his own: B
Decision-making + talent: B+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B+
Frascella's overall grade: B+
The bottom line: A mystery man, of sorts. Ya never quite know what you are gonna get, but his stats are still good enough and his Rams are an NFC Championship contender. Like Mayfield, he isn't getting in the way of his team's positive progress.
18. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A-
Ability to dominate on his own: B+
Decision-making + talent: B+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B+
The bottom line: Always ends up with very respectable stats. Still has the strong arm and really understands his position back there. He's a solid, safe B+ to me. Did a good job taking down the Saints in the playoffs at crunch time last season.
17. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A-
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: A-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: B+
The bottom line: Simply isn't as good when Kenny Golladay is out. Has clearly become dependent upon him in a lot of different ways. Stafford's demeanor reminds me of Darnold's these days - losing seems like an inevitability to him. He's just out there playing, not expecting anything great of himself nor his teammates.
TIER 3: AN A- IS ROCK SOLID
16. Philip Rivers, Indianapolis Colts
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A-
Ability to dominate on his own: B+
Decision-making + talent: A-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B+
Frascella's overall grade: A-
The bottom line: So what if he has a noodle arm? Rivers controls the game at the line of scrimmage. His years of experience have made him a savant under center. He has everything trending in the right direction for Frank Reich's feisty Colts.
15. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A
Decision-making + talent: A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: A-
The bottom line: Up there with the best rookie play I have ever seen out of the quarterback position. Great mechanics, strong arm, timely throws with tremendous accuracy. His numbers are simply out of this world, and that must have been awfully hard to achieve during a COVID year with limited reps coming in. He's been fantastic, and that's the bottom line.
14. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: A-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B+
Frascella's overall grade: A-
The bottom line: These Raiders are sneaky. Jon Gruden is a real Coach of the Year candidate. He and Carr are on the same page, and the latter is doing an excellent job protecting possessions in their playoff pursuit. 19 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions while completing nearly 70 percent of his attempts. Las Vegas has a good thing goin'.
13. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A-
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: A-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A-
Frascella's overall grade: A-
The bottom line: Still Steady Eddy - I'd trust him more than most. He does everything pretty well and No. 13 seems right on the nose, to me. He's not an A or A+ guy, but he's whip smart and knows exactly what to do with the rock. A real student of the game.
12. Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A-
Decision-making + talent: A-
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B+
Frascella's overall grade: A-
The bottom line: Led the NFL in QB rating last season, and this year he is staying relatively consistent at 106.6 (7th-best this year). Mike Vrabel and Derrick Henry have worked wonders for his once-stumbling career.
TIER 2: "STRAIGHT A'S" - SO CLOSE TO THE TOP
11. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Current status: Compound fracture and dislocation of ankle, out for season
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A
Decision-making + talent: A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B
Frascella's overall grade: A
The bottom line: Would probably be No. 4 or 5 if healthy. This is such a devastating injury that we have to see him come back strong, before we can believe it. Wishing him a speedy and full recovery!
10. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A+
Decision-making + talent: B+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: C
Frascella's overall grade: A
The bottom line: A "down" year with a 93.4 QB rating, 15/6 and 575 rushing yards (second-most to Kyler). The Ravens are still in this thing and Lamar is the reigning MVP of the league. I can't give up on him as quickly as others have.
9. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints
Current status: Fractured ribs and collapsed lung, out indefinitely
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A
Decision-making + talent: A+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A
Frascella's overall grade: A
The bottom line: Would be No. 7 if healthy. These are scary injuries for a wily old vet. Hope he comes back looking like himself. Otherwise, his career could be in a bit of jeopardy.
8. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Bucs
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A
Decision-making + talent: A+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A+
Frascella's overall grade: A
The bottom line: Something doesn't look exactly right, and I think it's this Tampa offensive line. In Tommy's advanced years, he really doesn't wanna be taking any vicious hits, and this has led to some uncharacteristic turnovers in big spots. He needs better protection to make a serious playoff run with this squad.
7. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A
Decision-making + talent: A+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A
Frascella's overall grade: A
The bottom line: Has bounced back incredibly from injury, with strong stats and an undefeated record. Not much else you could ask from Big Ben this season.
6. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A+
Decision-making + talent: A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: N/A
Frascella's overall grade: A
The bottom line: An MVP candidate who is currently dealing with a (somewhat) concerning shoulder injury. I hope he comes back strong this week, but I worry about future shots to his throwing arm. He's not a big guy, as we know.
5. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A
Ability to dominate on his own: A+
Decision-making + talent: A
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: B-
Frascella's overall grade: A
The bottom line: Kid just continues to improve every, single year. Has put a lot of the haters to sleep. His awareness of the position has improved exponentially, along with his accuracy and protection of valuable possessions. Don't forget about his productive rushing in the redzone, either.
4. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A+
Ability to dominate on his own: A+
Decision-making + talent: A+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A-
Frascella's overall grade: A
The bottom line: Seems totally locked in in every aspect of the game right now. Too bad their defense mostly sucks and they don't have DeAndre Hopkins anymore. I very nearly put Deshaun into this next class...
TIER 1: ONLY 3 AT THE TOP OF THEIR CLASS
3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A+
Ability to dominate on his own: A+
Decision-making + talent: A+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A
Frascella's overall grade: A+
The bottom line: We start the same top 3 as my preseason rankings! I had Rodgers as the third-best player in the NFL heading into this season, and mostly everyone disagreed with me. I knew not to give up on him. Others were crediting LaFleur and Aaron Jones for the Packers' success last season - and I happen to like both guys a lot - but Rodgers' all-around mastery of the quarterback position should always be the greatest consideration. He still has a gun... meanwhile he has 29 touchdowns to just 4 interceptions!
2. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A+
Ability to dominate on his own: A+
Decision-making + talent: A+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A+
Frascella's overall grade: A+
The bottom line: If not for the careless interceptions of late, he might have claimed the No. 1 spot. I'm sure he will button things up down the stretch. He was a runaway MVP through 4-5 games, but now he's dropped off just a bit. Still, he's as amazing as it gets at his position. A true megastar.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Current status: Starter
Season stats: A+
Ability to dominate on his own: A+
Decision-making + talent: A+
Crunch time/playoff/Super Bowl pedigree: A+
Frascella's overall grade: A+
The bottom line: "The best of the best of the best...sir!" - Men In Black
That's Pat Mahomes. I think we all know it. Need I say more?
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