Top 10 QBs Heading into 2020

Former NFL QB and Redskins legend Joe Theismann gave his remarks recently regarding the current contract negotiations between Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have reported that they have offered Prescott a contract extension that would be higher than the extension that Jared Goff signed with the Rams, making him the 4th highest paid QB in the league going into 2020. “Take the money,” Theismann said.

However, what Theismann said directly following his advice is what raised eyebrows. “You’re not a top-five quarterback in the National Football League,” Theismann said. “You’re a good football player. You have the potential to be better, but what have you done?”

This quickly sparked debate on who are the top raked Quarterbacks in the National Football League. We polled our NFL writers to see how they view the QB power rankings heading to the 2020 season.

*Each writer was asked to give their personal top 10. This is a joint list. Points given based on each selection (#1 = 10 points, #7= 4 points).

Just Missed the Cut: (Points)

13. Matt Stafford (3)

T-11. Jimmy Garoppolo (4)

T-11. Ryan Tannehill (4)

Top 10 QBs Heading into 2020:

10. Kirk Cousins (5)

The Vikings signal-caller barely cracks our top 10. However, Cousins will try to ride the momentum of the road victory over the Saints in the playoffs through a pretty tough 2020 schedule. Kirk will also have to figure out how to distribute more across the board without the production of Stefon Diggs in the new year.

9. Carson Wentz (10)

One of the biggest things for Wentz has been health. Period. Three seasons ago, he was an ACL tear away from the MVP and had Philly at an 11-2 record. There is still room left to grow for Carson and if he can stay on the field, he might be able to show he belongs higher on this list.

8. Dak Prescott (15)

According to our panel of writers, Prescott is not a top 5 QB, just like Theismann has implied, but he sure is close even though no one ranked him higher than 6th. What I will say about Prescott is that he has the potential to be #1-3 on this list, especially with all the weapons that Cowboys have put around him this season, he just needs to be consistent.

7. Tom Brady (20)

Only one of our writers did not have Tampa Tom on their list (Max Harvey). A lot of the sentiments from the panel showed that they were unwilling to take Brady out of the top 10 since he did not have adequate weapons to produce in 2019 (even though they were the 3rd seed in the AFC). Since that has changed in 2020, we will see if Brady still has the goods.

6. Deshaun Watson (31)

Losing DeAndre Hopkins hurts. However, this gives a chance for Deshaun to grow as a passer with his progressions and being able to distribute the ball at all levels of the field. I think Bill O’Brien has one more year to try to make it work in Houston, but the Texans cannot afford to waste another year of Watson’s career.

5. Aaron Rodgers (36)

Say what you want about Aaron Rodgers. The dude can still sling the rock. He also took his team to the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, he fell into the buzz saw that was the San Francisco 49ers. I would have loved if the Packers had gone after a receiver in the first round, but planning for the future is important too, I guess.

4. Drew Brees (38)

Drew Brees has (most likely) signed his last contract as an NFL Quarterback. It’s a 2-year deal with the Saints and he also has a plan for after football lined up with NBC. As far as his play, the Saints should be right back in the mix of things at the top of the NFC. There might be some questions as to how much Brees has left in the tank moving forward, but until they stop winning games, we all should keep our mouths shut.

3. Lamar Jackson (49)

The reigning MVP should not have any reason to slow down from the tear that he was on in most of 2019. NFL defenses looked completely baffled and confused all season. With Jackson, he is the only one that can stop himself from moving to a higher place on this list. Limited losses on offense should put the Ravens in similar situation as they were last season as long as Lamar continues to bring it every single game (which he will).

2. Russell Wilson (50)

In my estimation, Russell Wilson is underappreciated immensely. In fact, there has never been a vote cast for him in the NFL MVP race. Seattle has had many up and downs over Wilson’s tenure, but he seems to always make it work and get in his team in position to win. 2020 could become Russell’s year to finally silence the irrelevant critics that are always on his case.

1. Patrick Mahomes (60 *unanimous #1)

What we have seen from Mr. Mahomes in his first two years in the league has been astounding. After leading the Super Bowl champions to the promised land, Mahomes would love to repeat his efforts with Kansas City. Would he be as highly rated on this list if he was on a different team? Maybe, maybe not. What we do know is that Patrick is the best QB heading into 2020 and there isn’t much to debate otherwise.

What did we miss? Who is too high, too low? Let us know in the comments!

Author: Jordan Riddick

Contributions by the TWOG NFL Staff