Like last year, my selections will be ranked based on three criteria: last year’s performance, win/loss record, and overall importance to their team. This list can be pretty fluid. Not every quarterback on this list played all sixteen games in 2018. The rookies like Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins haven’t taken an NFL snap so for them, they will be placed at the bottom out of respect to the quarterbacks that have played in the NFL.
1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
2018 Regular Season stats: 5,097 yards passing, 50 TDs, 12 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,900 yards passing, 40 TDs, 10 INTs; 300 yards rushing, 3 TDs
Chiefs 2018 Record: 12-4
Last year’s ranking: 30
Why he is at #1: 2018 NFL MVP. Madden cover winner. Master of the “no look pass?” That’s Patrick Mahomes all right. There is little doubt in my mind that Mahomes is in line to be the next great quarterback for the next decade or two. Without Kareem Hunt, there are concerns that KC could become one-dimensional on the offensive side of the ball. However, with the arm talent of Mahomes, I don’t see it mattering too much. If the Chiefs can lock down a decent defense to help get a few stops for the offense, Mahomes should continue to flourish and be in contention to win the Super Bowl.
2. Tom Brady, Patriots
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,355 yards passing, 29 TDs, 11 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,200 yards passing, 28 TDs, 12 INTs
Patriots 2018 Record: 11-5
Last year’s ranking: 1
Why he is at #2: While people keep on doubting, Brady and the Pats keep on winning. He has been a model of consistency as he has shown little signs of slowing down. The most important part is that he continues to win at the highest level. Despite Super Bowl 53 not being particularly entertaining, Brady made the plays necessary to come out victorious. It’s hard to see the sixth rounder out of Michigan slowing down as the offense uses a mix of short routes and play action passes to get high percentage plays and move the sticks. Until he retires, Brady will be a top 5 QB on this list.
3. Drew Brees, Saints
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,992 yards passing, 32 TDs, 5 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,900 yards passing, 27 TDs, 7 INTs
Saints 2018 Record: 13-3
Last year’s ranking: 3
Why he is at #3: A truly remarkable season for Drew Brees and the Saints ended once again in heartbreak. The “coulda” or “shoulda” won’t make a difference anymore. The 40 year old quarterback out of Purdue has broken pretty much every passing record there is in the league. Now, he tries perhaps for his last time at a second ring. It was concerning that following the Saints loss to Dallas in Week 13, the offense really took a stumble. They didn’t look amazing in the playoffs so it wouldn’t shock me if Brees begins declining in 2019. However, with Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas as weapons for Brees, the Saints should be favored to at least claim the NFC South for another season.
4. Andrew Luck, Colts
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,593 yards passing, 39 TDs, 15 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,600 yards passing, 35 TDs, 14 INTs
Colts 2018 Record: 10-6
Last year’s ranking: 13
Why he is at #4: Coming into the 2018, there was a lot of uncertainty about Andrew Luck and whether or not he could return to form. I was definitely skeptical about not only Luck but the team as a whole. I had the Colts pegged for 5-11 but boy was I wrong. Luck, T.Y. Hilton, and DROY linebacker Darius Leonard brought this team to new heights after a 1-5 start to the year. He was an MVP candidate all season long and even won a playoff game. Luck, Mahomes, Deshaun Watson, and Baker Mayfield are definitely the future of the AFC and should have plenty of entertaining battles for years to come. It’s only a matter of time before the Colts wind up in the Super Bowl once again.
5. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,442 yards passing, 25 TDs, 2 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,500 yards passing, 30 TDs, 4 INTs
Packers 2018 Record: 6-9-1
Last year’s ranking: 2
Why he is at #5: All the hype of Rodgers being the “best quarterback of all-time” is simply unwarranted. However, he is still a fantastic quarterback. He had dealt with several injuries the past two seasons which has affected his effectiveness. 2019 commences a new era for Rodgers and Co as Davante Adams and Marquez Valdez-Scantling lead the receiving core. This will be a very telling season for Green Bay. With new life invigorated into this team, it’s hard to envision the 2X NFL MVP missing the playoffs for three straight seasons.
6. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,448 yards passing, 35 TDs, 7 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,300 yards passing, 32 TDs, 10 INTs; 440 yards rushing, 3 TDs
Seahawks 2018 Record: 10-6
Last year’s ranking: 4
Why he is at #6: Russell Wilson is the sole reason why the Seahawks have been able to be relevant in the past couple of seasons. The core that got them to the Super Bowl has nearly evaporated. Seattle has exceeded expectations last season, going 10-6 when many, including myself, thought they didn’t have much of a prayer. In his career, the worst record that Seattle has achieved was 9-7. It won’t be easy to make a return to the postseason in a loaded NFC but I would never discount Wilson as he has consistently shown he can win in the biggest moments, despite all odds against him.
7. Philip Rivers, Chargers
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,308 yards passing, 32 TDs, 12 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,400 yards passing, 30 TDs, 11 INTs
Chargers 2018 Record: 12-4
Last year’s ranking: 9
Why he is at #7: It was apparent that the Chargers were on the upswing and another trademark season by Philip Rivers is the reason why this team is among contenders for the Super Bowl. The improvement of the Chargers defense is a reason why the offense is effective. Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Tyrell Williams, Melvin Gordon...wow, what a team. Rivers needs to have a season where he takes over despite how great the AFC is in its current state. He’s already a Hall of Famer but if he can take down Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and/or Andrew Luck in this year’s playoffs and get to his first Super Bowl, he will cement his legacy as one of the greatest ever.
8. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
2018 Regular Season stats: 5,129 yards passing, 34 TDs, 16 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,800 yards passing, 30 TDs, 15 INTs
Steelers 2018 Record: 8-7-1
Last year’s ranking: 6
Why he is at #8: Big Ben had a “quiet” 5,000 yards last year. Undoubtedly, it was masked by the Le’Veon Bell holdout, the Antonio Brown fiasco, and the increasing dysfunction of the entire team. With this being said, I believe the Steelers are in a position to at least make the playoffs next season. They still have a solid young roster and Big Ben hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. With the expectations super low for this team, it should set up for a nice bounce-back record wise.
9. Matt Ryan, Falcons
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,924 yards passing, 35 TDs, 7 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,600 yards passing, 29 TDs, 9 INTs
Falcons 2018 Record: 7-9
Last year’s ranking: 7
Why he is at #9: 2018 was another stellar season for Ryan. This has been the norm for him. Unfortunately for Atlanta, it didn’t translate into wins due to a rash of injuries on both sides of the ball. The offense lost Tevin Coleman but backup RB Ito Smith is more than capable of balancing the offense alongside Devonta Freeman. Ryan will have perennial All-Pro Julio Jones, touchdown-machine Calvin Ridley, and Mohamed Sanu to keep the offense flying high. No excuses in 2019. It’s “playoffs or bust” for ATL this season.
10. Jared Goff, Rams
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,668 yards passing, 32 TDs, 12 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,400 yds passing; 27 TDs, 13 INTs
Rams 2018 Record: 13-3
Last year’s ranking: 11
Why he is at #10: Besides laying an egg in Super Bowl 53, Jared Goff had the season that most fans were dreaming of when he was drafted three years ago out of Cal. The jury is still out if he is a “system QB” or not. I’ll lean towards “no” for now. After OC Matt LaFleur left to coach the Packers, it will be interesting to see how this new three-man show at OC (Aaron Kromer & Shane Waldron) along with Sean McVay will help keep this offense among the league’s best. RB Todd Gurley NEEDS to be healthy for this team to maintain form especially since C.J. Anderson is no longer on the team. It will be tough for Goff to have another picture-perfect season such as this one but the offense will still be top notch regardless.
11. Cam Newton, Panthers
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,395 yards passing, 24 TDs, 13 INTs (14 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,700 yds passing; 24 TDs, 11 INTs; 526 yards rushing; 6 TDs; (15 games)
Panthers 2018 Record: 7-9
Last year’s ranking: 8
Why he is at #11: Here we are. The enigma that is Cam Newton. When he’s on fire, he’s an MVP candidate as we saw in the first half of 2018. When he’s injured or in a funk, Carolina doesn’t have much of a prayer as we saw in the second half of 2018. The recovery of Newton’s throwing shoulder is key. He is the difference between 12-4 or 4-12 for this team. Christian McCaffrey and Luke Kuechly are elite players as well but no one can truly change a franchise quite like Newton can. If the 2015 NFL MVP can stay healthy for a full season, expect the Panthers to rise into contention once again. If not, third-round pick Will Grier may be warming up on the sidelines for 2020.
12. Carson Wentz, Eagles
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,074 yards passing, 21 TDs, 7 INTs (11 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,800 yds passing; 31 TDs, 11 INTs
Eagles 2018 Record: 9-7
Last year’s ranking: 5
Why he is at #12: The Eagles have locked up their quarterback to a four year, $128 million contract. I am very high on Wentz and I believe that the Eagles made the right decision in signing Wentz to a fresh new deal. However, I do have a few concerns. First off, following his MVP-type season in 2017, he was 5-6 as a starter in 2018. The “spark” just wasn’t there compared to when Nick Foles took the helm. Secondly, he hasn’t played a full 16 game season in his career so far. However, the Eagles made sure Wentz will be protected as they invested in LT Andre Dillard in the draft. With DeSean Jackson returning along with acquiring running back Jordan Howard via trade and Miles Sanders (draft), the Eagles have no excuse not to soar high and be in the Super Bowl conversation once again.
13. Deshaun Watson, Texans
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,165 yards passing, 26 TDs, 9 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,000 yds passing; 26 TDs, 11 INTs; 620 yards rushing; 6 TDs
Texans 2018 Record: 11-5
Last year’s ranking: 12
Why he is at #13: Deshaun Watson is a heck of a quarterback and one of my favorite ones to watch. The Texans need to do their part and get him more help. Watson was sacked over SIXTY times last year and close to 140 quarterback hits. The offensive line was atrocious but they did address the need with OL Tytus Howard out of Alabama State. Lamar Miller and DeAndre Hopkins are great offensive weapons but players such as Will Fuller, Dont’a Foreman, and Keke Coutee haven’t been healthy so they will need someone to step up and help Watson succeed this season. If so, a divisional round appearance isn’t out of the question.
14. Baker Mayfield, Browns
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,395 yards passing, 27 TDs, 14 INTs (14 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,600 yds passing; 30 TDs, 13 INTs
Browns 2018 Record: 7-8-1
Last year’s ranking: 31
Why he is at #14: It’s about time the Browns got a competent quarterback. The hype regarding Baker Mayfield is real. He’s not MVP caliber right now like some people are anointing him but he has the potential to be a really stellar quarterback. With Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, and David Njoku at his disposal, Mayfield should only continue to excel. He’s “confidently cocky” if that makes any sense. It’s exactly what this team needs to get back to the postseason and beyond.
15. Kirk Cousins, Vikings
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,298 yards passing, 30 TDs, 10 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,100 yards passing, 28 TDs, 11 INT’s
Vikings 2018 Record: 8-7-1
Last year’s ranking: 16
Why he is at #15: Cousins has the talent to be a top ten quarterback. The big problem is that throughout his career, he has been unable to win the big games. Last season, all the Vikings had to do is beat a Bears team at home where they had nothing to play for, having already locked up a playoff spot. The result was a 24-10 loss, putting the Eagles in and leaving Minnesota out. To be a top quarterback, you have to elevate your team and Cousins has failed to do that. Stats don’t mean everything. Wins do. Every quarterback in the top 12 has at least made it to the NFC/AFC Championship game. Until Cousins has success in the postseason, he’ll only be viewed as an above average quarterback, not an elite one.
16. Nick Foles, Jaguars
2018 Regular Season stats: 1,413 yards passing, 7 TDs, 4 INTs (5 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,100 yards passing, 28 TDs, 13 INTs
Jaguars 2018 Record: 5-11
Last year’s ranking: NR
Why he is at #16: Foles has been a below average quarterback except when he’s been under center in Philly. The Super Bowl 52 MVP looks to ignite a franchise that hasn’t had a solid quarterback since the days of David Garrard a decade ago. I think we won’t necessarily see a season like he played in 2017 but he won’t be terrible like he was with the Rams or Chiefs. An above average performance is all the Jags need to be relevant in the AFC. Time will tell if Foles can be the answer.
17. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,885 yards passing, 22 TDs, 8 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,700 yards passing, 23 TDs, 7 INTs
Cowboys 2018 Record: 10-6
Last year’s ranking: 20
Why he is at #17: I’ll give it to Dak. I’ve always been the biggest critics of Prescott and I probably always will be. He was certainly clutch down the stretch. His game-winning drive against the Seahawks showed me he may have what it takes to be the franchise quarterback for Dallas. The way things are developing, Prescott should be in line for a hot, new deal. However, I’m not sure if he deserves $34 million a year like rumors have suggested he could get.
18. Mitchell Trubisky, Bears
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,223 yards passing, 24 TDs, 12 INTs (14 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,650 yards passing, 26 TDs, 12 INTs
Bears 2018 Record: 12-4
Last year’s ranking: 28
Why he is at #18: Based on what I’ve seen, I doubt Mitchell Trubisky will ever become an “elite” quarterback but he can certainly be a Super Bowl quarterback. OC Mark Helfrich and HC Matt Nagy have built an offense that is optimal for Trubisky to thrive in. He elevated his game in Year Two and with another year for this offensive core to mesh, the former Tar Heel should only get better. With Allen Robinson, Tarik Cohen, Anthony Miller, and Trey Burton in the fold, a thirty touchdown season isn’t impossible for Mitch and the Bears.
19. Matthew Stafford, Lions
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,777 yards passing, 21 TDs, 11 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,100 yards passing, 24 TDs, 10 INTs
Lions 2018 Record: 6-10
Last year’s ranking: 10
Why he is at #19: Stafford has been an interesting case to me. The Lions really haven’t done much to support him and the team hasn’t been in the playoffs since 2016. Detroit has improved but so has the rest of the division. He’s a solid quarterback but a tad bit overrated in my mind. He’s 0-3 in the playoffs and he has a horrendous record against winning teams. At some point, to be considered a great quarterback like some consider him, you have to win and he simply hasn’t done that. If Tim Tebow can win a playoff game, Stafford has little excuse.
20. Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers
2018 Regular Season stats: 718 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs (3 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,800 yards passing, 26 TDs, 10 INTs
49ers 2018 Record: 4-12
Last year’s ranking: 15
Why he is at #20: It’s time to see what Jimmy G is made of in 2019. Assuming he can return at full strength following an ACL tear, the 49ers should be in contention for a playoff spot this season. It’s truly tough to analyze him since he hasn’t played a full 16 game season so far in his young career. The end of his 2017 campaign was great but the beginning of his 2018 season wasn’t as strong. With the best supporting cast that the Niners have had in years, I fully expect Garoppolo to push his way towards the upper tier of passers.
21. Marcus Mariota, Titans
2018 Regular Season stats: 2,528 yards passing, 11 TDs, 8 INTs (14 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,400 yards passing, 19 TDs, 9 INTs (15 games); 340 yards rushing, 3 TDs
Titans 2018 Record: 9-7
Last year’s ranking: 14
Why he is at #21: It’s put up or shut up time for Marcus Mariota in his fifth season out of Oregon. If Mariota doesn’t perform well this year, the Titans will likely move on from him and either hand the reins to backup Ryan Tannehill, draft a quarterback, or acquire one via free agency in 2020. New receiver Adam Humphries should be a great complement to help take the load off of number one receiver Corey Davis. If Tennessee’s pieces can mesh on the offensive side of the ball, there’s no reason why the Titans shouldn’t be able to return to the postseason.
22. Derek Carr, Raiders
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,049 yards passing, 19 TDs, 10 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,100 yards passing, 23 TDs, 12 INTs
Raiders 2018 Record: 4-12
Last year’s ranking: 18
Why he is at #22: Watch out Carr! If you fail to perform, you may be jettisoned just like other stars Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper. I would say I’m joking but these trades sounded like a joke when they were made. Back to Carr, WR Antonio Brown should help this offense a big boost and some attitude as well. In my opinion, Carr isn’t the problem in Oakland. It’s the team composition. I believe Jon Gruden isn’t setting his team up for success. The defense is horrendous, leaving the offense in impossible situations. My hope is that they realize Carr is still a Pro Bowl level talent but the rest of the roster isn’t good enough for a playoff berth yet.
23. Andy Dalton, Bengals
2018 Regular Season stats: 2,566 yards passing, 21 TDs, 11 INTs (11 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,800 yards passing, 26 TDs, 12 INTs
Bengals 2018 Record: 6-10
Last year’s ranking: 22
Why he is at #23: Dalton is who he is. An average quarterback. He’s been to the playoffs (no wins) and has put up a pair of 4,000 yard seasons so he has had some success. At the end of the day, this Bengals team is stuck in the worst place you can be...mediocrity. That’s really all
I can say.
24. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers
2018 Regular Season stats: 2,992 yards passing, 19 TDs, 14 INTs (11 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 4,000 yards passing, 25 TDs, 17 INTs
Buccaneers 2018 Record: 5-11
Last year’s ranking: 24
Why he is at #24: This is it for Winston in Tampa Bay. Considering he has never been to the playoffs or finished with double digit wins, he may be replaced come 2020. He desperately needs to lower his turnover ratio to elevate his team to new heights. The Buccaneers could make some noise under Bruce Arians if they can develop a rushing attack that ranked near the bottom of the league. Their roster is full of young talent but it would take a minor miracle for the Bucs to be a real threat in the uber-competitive NFC South division.
25. Sam Darnold, Jets
2018 Regular Season stats: 2,865 yards passing, 17 TDs, 15 INTs (13 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,600 yards passing, 23 TDs, 16 INTs
Jets 2018 Record: 4-12
Last year’s ranking: 29
Why he is at #25: After a decent rookie season for Sam Darnold, the Jets have done their part to make their investment successful. Free-agent acquisitions Le’Veon Bell and Jamison Crowder should help this offense flourish. Darnold’s TD-INT ratio will need to improve for the Jets to be a serious threat. It’s only Year Two and I believe the USC product is right where he needs to be in his development. Assuming he can progress, Darnold should have a higher spot on this list in a year’s time.
26. Josh Allen, Bills
2018 Regular Season stats: 2,074 yards passing, 10 TDs, 12 INTs (12 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,400 yards passing, 20 TDs, 16 INTs
Bills 2018 Record: 6-10
Last year’s ranking: 32
Why he is at #26: Josh Allen shouldn’t have played last season. However, when the “GOAT” Nathan Peterman starts Week One and completely implodes, it’s only a matter of time before you see the field. Allen had great moments such as his impressive win over the Vikings in Week 3. He also had some terrible moments such as a three turnover shutout against the Packers. Sometimes a team has to throw someone in the fire and sacrifice a year to help the team progress. We saw mixed results but I saw more positives than negatives overall. With a full year under his belt and a better supporting cast, expect a more efficient passer, happier coach, and a better record as a result.
27. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
2018 Regular Season stats: 1,201 yards passing, 6 TDs, 3 INTs (7 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,200 yards passing, 18 TDs, 10 INTs; 820 yards rushing, 7 TDs
Ravens 2018 Record: 10-6
Last year’s ranking: NR
Why he is at #27: Jackson will need to improve his passing abilities in Year 2 if the Ravens plan to make it back to the playoffs next season. What he did last year was enough to will his team into the playoffs so clearly something is working. A lot of that had to do with his rushing abilities instead of his passing abilities. After an entire offseason, teams will prepare themselves for this unique offense so it will be up to Jackson to adjust to the game or be thrown to the curb.
28. Eli Manning, Giants
2018 Regular Season stats: 4,299 yards passing, 22 TDs, 11 INTs
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 2,900 yards passing, 23 TDs, 13 INTs (10 games)
Giants 2018 Record: 5-11
Last year’s ranking: 27
Why he is at #28: When your team drafts a quarterback sixth overall, you likely know that your days as the starter are numbered. Eli isn’t getting any younger or better so that prompted New York to draft Daniel Jones out of Duke. Without an elite receiver like Odell Beckham Jr, it will be tough for Manning to be effective this year. My prediction is that following the Giants Week 11 bye week, Manning will be benched as the Daniel Jones era will commence for the foreseeable future.
29. Joe Flacco, Broncos
2018 Regular Season stats: 2,465 yards passing, 12 TDs, 6 INTs (9 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,300 yards passing, 19 TDs, 11 INTs (13 games)
Broncos 2018 Record: 6-10
Last year’s ranking: 23
Why he is at #29: Since his remarkable run to the Lombardi in the 2012 season, Flacco just hasn’t been “elite.” When the Broncos draft a quarterback in the second round, the incumbent probably can see the proverbial “writing on the wall.” Since winning Super Bowl 50, Denver hasn’t made the playoffs and neither has Flacco as a starting quarterback. I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The only thing that should be changing in Denver is a new starting quarterback...perhaps sooner rather than later.
30. Ryan Fitzpatrick/Josh Rosen, Dolphins
Fitzpatrick’s 2018 Regular Season stats: 2,366 yds passing; 17 TDs, 12 INTs (8 games)
Rosen’s 2018 Regular Season stats: 2,278 yards passing, 11 TDs, 14 INTs (14 games)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: Fitzpatrick: 2,050 yds passing; 15 TDs, 10 INTs (8 games) Rosen: 1,700 yards passing, 12 TDs, 9 INTs (8 games)
Dolphins 2018 Record: 7-9
Last year’s ranking: Rosen 25; Fitzpatrick NR
Why they are at #30: What happens when a young buck meets a journeyman? We’re about to find out on the battlegrounds of South Beach. Fitzpatrick will likely start off the season as the starting quarterback but “how long can he keep his job” is the bigger question.
After Fitzmagic implodes on a Monday Night against the Steelers on the road, Rosen will take the helm and be given an opportunity to prove his worth. If Josh Rosen shows he can be a competent quarterback, maybe the Dolphins bypass a quarterback in the 2020 Draft. I feel like that’s a good bet because if they hand Rosen the keys in 2020 and he bombs out, surefire star Trevor Lawrence will be there in the 2021 NFL Draft. If Fins fans can look that far, light is at the end of the tunnel one way or another.
31. Kyler Murray, Cardinals
2018 Regular Season stats: N/A
2019 Regular Season Prediction: 3,600 yards passing, 23 TDs, 14 INTs; 390 yards rushing, 4 TDs
Cardinals 2018 Record: 3-13
Last year’s ranking: NR
Why he is at #31: The number one pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is ready to take flight in Glendale and try to elevate the Cardinals out of purgatory. Despite his lack of prototypical size, Murray makes up for that with his athleticism. I think he is in a near perfect situation with Kliff Kingsbury’s air raid offense. A solid mix of young and old receivers with the ageless wonder Larry Fitzgerald catching passes alongside rookie Andy Isabela and second-year Christian Kirk. I don’t think the Cardinals record will be that great but six or seven wins and a ROY award for Murray is certainly attainable.
32. Dwayne Haskins/Case Keenum, Redskins
2018 Regular Season stats: 3,890 yards passing, 18 TDs, 15 INTs (Keenum)
2019 Regular Season Prediction: Keenum: 2,100 yards passing, 15 TDs, 11 INTs (9 games); Haskins: 2,100 yards passing, 14 TDs, 7 INTs (7 games)
Redskins 2018 Record: 7-9
Last year’s ranking: Keenum: 21; Haskins: NR
Why they are at #32: After a tough season in Denver, it is apparent that Case Keenum was a one year wonder in Minnesota. He didn’t come to Washington to be a permanent solution but instead, a stopgap to pave the way for Haskins. Lost in the fold is Alex Smith who suffered a horrific leg injury and is learning how to walk again before he even thinks about stepping on an NFL field again. I’m not sure if Dwayne Haskins is the answer but under the right circumstances, he can get this team to the postseason in a year or two.
Following their bye week, I project that the Skins’ will turn the reins over from Keenum to Haskins. He will win his first two starts at home against the Jets and Lions giving hope to a franchise that has struggled to find a consistently reliable quarterback.
Conference Breakdown
NFC:
Drew Brees- Saints
Aaron Rodgers- Packers
Russell Wilson- Seahawks
Matt Ryan- Falcons
Jared Goff- Rams
Cam Newton- Panthers
Carson Wentz- Eagles
Kirk Cousins- Vikings
Dak Prescott- Cowboys
Mitchell Trubisky- Bears
Matthew Stafford- Lions
Jimmy Garoppolo- 49ers
Jameis Winston- Buccaneers
Eli Manning- Giants
Kyler Murray- Cardinals
Dwayne Haskins/Case Keenum- Redskins
AFC:
Patrick Mahomes- Chiefs
Tom Brady- Patriots
Andrew Luck- Colts
Philip Rivers- Chargers
Ben Roethlisberger- Steelers
Deshaun Watson- Texans
Baker Mayfield- Browns
Nick Foles- Jaguars
Marcus Mariota- Titans
Derek Carr- Raiders
Andy Dalton- Bengals
Sam Darnold- Jets
Josh Allen- Bills
Lamar Jackson- Ravens
Joe Flacco- Broncos
Ryan Fitzpatrick/Josh Rosen, Dolphins
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