Power Ranking the NFL’s 10 Best Quarterbacks

1. Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos 

There are no quarterbacks that are as smart and as accurate as Peyton Manning. Period.

Manning has reached a lot of milestones in his career, including winning Super Bowl MVP and winning four NFL MVP awards. Manning was tied with Ryan in completion percentage, completing 68.6 percent of his passes. In addition, Manning threw 37 touchdowns and 11 interceptions while finishing second in MVP voting.

Rodgers had a better passer rating, but a 105.8 passer rating (which placed Manning second in the league) is nothing to be ashamed of. Manning also averaged about eight yards per passing attempt, second among qualifying starters and much better than the marks of Rodgers and Brady.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Denver went 13-3 in 2012, largely due to Manning. Manning threw for 290 yards and three touchdowns in Denver’s playoff loss to the Ravens, but an interception due to a missed pass interference call and another one in overtime cost Denver. However, it’s worth noting the game shouldn’t have gone to overtime. Jacoby Jones miraculously caught a 70-yard touchdown pass in the closing seconds, which cost Denver a win.

Manning did his job for the Broncos, but the team struggled to support him in the playoffs. During the regular season, however, Manning and his receivers developed incredible chemistry, and Manning was a great guy to have in the Denver locker room. His intelligence also played a huge part in Denver’s success, as he confused defenses and made them pay. Whenever a guy was open, Manning would throw the ball and throw it perfectly.

You will be hard-pressed to find a more accurate quarterback, because there are none. Why? Because of throws like this. Manning will put the ball in a window as big as the ball, because he’s incredibly accurate. All of these things make Manning the best quarterback in the league, even though he is nearing the end of his career. Manning has a lot in him, and he proved that in 2012.

And if he keeps up this level of play, Manning will take the Broncos to the promised land.