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| At this point, Jackson would have to try not to win a second straight MVP. He’s essentially uncontainable on the move, and his flick-of-the-wrist accuracy is at an all-time high, producing 24 touchdowns to just two interceptions through 10 games. |
| 2 |
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| The AFC North has two legitimate MVP candidates, it seems. While Burrow’s still not getting adequate defensive support, he’s been rifling it while on the move as well as anyone. In fact, his gunslinging alone might still drive the Bengals into the playoff picture down the stretch. (+1) |
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| A remade and now banged-up supporting cast has forced him to fight through some uglier days through the air. Fortunately, Allen’s still a tank on the ground, averaging almost 5 yards per run. (-1) |
| 4 |
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| The Pittsburgh Steelers put some actual heat on him in a Week 10 defeat, but the rookie has maintained elite chemistry with Terry McLaurin , offering one of the liveliest arms in the league. |
| 5 |
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| How can a guy throw five picks in one game (!) and still be considered a top-five passer? Just look at the way Goff finished against the Houston Texans . On the rare times he’s not sharp for Detroit, he’s been very composed and resilient. It’s a far cry from his time with the Los Angeles Rams . |
| 6 |
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| Gradually, quietly, Hurts has reclaimed his elite form. Loose ball control reared its head against the Dallas Cowboys , but he’s been on-target and in control for five straight decisive wins. (+1) |
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| Jim Harbaugh has coined him “Beast Herbert,” even though he’s largely been tasked with “guarding victories” rather than slinging it all over the yard. Still, his downfield precision has been a plus. (-1) |
| 8 |
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| What an odd year for he and the 49ers . His numbers are easily the iffiest of his young career, yet he’s remained a game-changer for Kyle Shanahan thanks to his play-extending footwork. |
| 9 |
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| Speaking of odd years, Mahomes is almost exclusively winning on the margins, leaning on the Chiefs defense to start 9-0. Like early-stage Tom Brady , his best current trait is … inevitability. |
| 10 |
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| His confidence and decisiveness in the pocket are both way up, and he’s been as good as ever on the move, averaging more than 8 yards per carry. It’s no wonder the Cardinals are in the mix. (+6) |
| 11 |
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| The notoriously gutsy thrower still ranks among NFL leaders in accuracy (70.6%), but it’s fair to wonder how long he can withstand such a battered setup, now down lineman Tristan Wirfs . (-1) |
| 12 |
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| A week of rest surely did this young man some good. Not only has he played through multiple injuries, but the Packers need him to settle in rather than try for home runs on every drive. (+2) |
| 13 |
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| The 2024 Falcons have basically gone as Cousins has gone, which is to say wow-worthy one week and head-scratching the next. If he’s well-protected, he can still guide Atlanta to the dance. (-2) |
| 14 |
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| Let’s give a warm welcome back to Seattle Seahawks-era Russell Wilson . Not all of his bombs are on-target, but his 3-0 start as QB1 has showcased renewed zeal as a play-action shot-taker. (+4) |
| 15 |
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| His bumpy Week 10 against the Detroit Lions was a microcosm of the Texans’ season, including impressive tight-window bullets as well as untimely turnovers. His offensive help is quite unsteady. |
| 16 |
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| The Vikings have yet to lose a game because of Darnold, but their early-season hero has tried to change that in recent weeks, forcing way too many balls into traffic. He owes the defense. (-4) |
| 17 |
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| The Rams are under .500 in part because of an early-year inability to stay healthy around Stafford. The big-armed vet hasn’t helped steady the ship, though, with seven picks in nine games. (-4) |
| 18 |
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| Tagovailoa’s trademark accuracy has mostly been on display since his return from injury, restoring Miami to a level of general competence. He’s still battling stretches of trying to do too much. (-1) |
| 19 |
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| As you can see, this whole area of the ranking is occupied by talented, if overzealous, risk-takers. Smith remains a tough out late in games, but he also digs his own holes behind an always-iffy line. |
| 20 |
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| Who knew that axing Dennis Allen and picking up Marquez Valdes-Scantling would revive Carr’s deep ball? The Saints are still just trying to play spoiler, but he at least showed life in Week 10. (+2) |
| 21 |
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| If not for the Kansas City Chiefs blocking a walk-off field goal try, Nix would’ve beaten — and outplayed — Patrick Mahomes on the road. His poise and athleticism are both impressive. (+4) |
| 22 |
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| Like fellow rookie Bo Nix , the first-rounder isn’t a remarkably polished decision-maker through the air, but his natural mobility and feel for the moment prove he belongs. He’s on the rise. (+1) |
| 23 |
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| Tom Brady defied Father Time when he switched teams at the end of his career. Rodgers is most definitely not following suit. He fully looks 40, struggling to stay nimble for the sinking Jets . (-3) |
| 24 |
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| Winston will retain the Browns ‘ starting gig coming out of the bye despite a three-pick showing beforehand. No matter what, Cleveland is in shambles. At least he offers a big-play arm. (+3) |
| 25 |
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| His return to the lineup after injury was bittersweet: His pocket presence left something to be desired against a busy Los Angeles Chargers front, but he got Calvin Ridley involved deep. (+4) |
| 26 |
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| The Raiders didn’t commit to a quarterback going into their Week 10 bye, but the journeyman is now back in the saddle after multiple demotions. Desmond Ridder awaits another turn. |
| 27 |
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| It took all of two weeks for head coach Shane Steichen to reverse course on his plan to start Joe Flacco indefinitely. Richardson is far more dynamic, but can he finally settle in as an on-target thrower? |
| 28 |
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| Another year, another quarterback, but same issues in Chicago. Williams may not help the Bears ‘ cause with frenetic movement and hesitant passing, but his staff just got a major shakeup. (-4) |
| 29 |
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| The bar’s been lowered so much that if he merely doesn’t turn the ball over multiple times, it’s a win. Still, two straight victories as the shepherd of a run-first attack should help his confidence. (+3) |
| 30 |
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| Forced into action against the Minnesota Vikings with Trevor Lawrence nursing a bad shoulder, the former first-rounder got greedy to lose an ugly game. He will remain in place for an ailing team. |
| 31 |
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| All signs point to the flailing Giants finally pulling the plug on Jones’ athletic but wholly inconsistent run as the starter. Drew Lock is the next man up in New York; he at least whips it downfield. (-3) |
| 32 |
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| Dak Prescott is done for the year due to a hamstring injury, and Rush is coming off a listless start in his place. It’s very possible No. 3 Trey Lance will seize the role for the Cowboys in short order. (-1) |
