NFL Week 9 QB Power Rankings: Justin Fields makes major leap, Patrick Mahomes falls to bottom of top 10

Ranking every starting quarterback, from 1-32

As goes the quarterback, so goes the team. It's not always true in the NFL, but it usually is. And it makes sense: In a passing league, the passers are like royalty -- the biggest influences on whether a team is destined more for a Super Bowl title or a No. 1 draft pick.

It's with that in mind that we come to you with the most important pecking order outside of traditional team power rankings: QB Power Rankings. Consider this your cut-and-dry guide to the best and worst of the NFL's signal-callers -- a weekly 1-to-32 rundown of every starter under center.

How are the QBs ranked? We try to factor in both current standing and future upside. So a long resume doesn't always guarantee an edge over untapped potential, just as a cold streak doesn't always erase a history of success. At the end of the day, we're simply trying to sort the QBs based on 2021 value, both now and in the near future.

Riser of the Week: Justin Fields

Fields has shown glimpses of his first-round talent this year, but never more clearly than in Week 8 against the 49ers, when he used both his arm and legs to nearly spoil San Francisco's day. Ironically, the rookie's breakout came with Matt Nagy sidelined due to COVID-19, but either way, it's a big step in the right direction for a signal-caller still trying to find his footing.

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Now, without further ado, let's get to the rest of our Week 9 rankings:

Week 9 QB Power Rankings

1	Tom Brady Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB
The Saints continue to be his Kryptonite in Tampa Bay, but the numbers prove he's still slinging it more (and often better) than anyone. We're definitely taking his effortless aerial production for granted.
2	Kyler Murray Arizona Cardinals QB
Let's keep an eye on his ankle injury. The Cards fell off in 2020 when he got hurt. He's the engine that drives their offense. (+1)
3	Dak Prescott Dallas Cowboys QB
The Cowboys probably won't (and shouldn't) rush him back, but he brings so much cohesion to their offensive attack. (+2)
4	Josh Allen Buffalo Bills QB
Let's hope the ManningCast Curse doesn't get to him. He's quietly been maybe the game's best deep-ball thrower. (+2)
5	Matthew Stafford Los Angeles Rams QB
Statistically, he belongs even higher. The athleticism and proven poise of other elite QBs is the only reason he's not inside the top five here. (+3)
6	Lamar Jackson Baltimore Ravens QB
He's been MVP-caliber for the Ravens with both his arm and legs, but there are too many other dangerous passers lighting up the league to have him any higher. (-2)
7	Joe Burrow Cincinnati Bengals QB
Losing to the Jets is no fun, but he's been a rock star. The smooth operator is now on pace for 40+ TD passes. (+3)
8	Justin Herbert Los Angeles Chargers QB
He and the Chargers have slipped up more than expected, but you're not doubting his arm talent in key games. (+1)
9	Patrick Mahomes Kansas City Chiefs QB
The play-making ability is obviously still there, but nothing looks routine or on-script with this guy. That works when the rest of your team does, as we've seen aplenty in the past, but right now it's a frenetic mess. (-2)
10	Derek Carr Las Vegas Raiders QB
Losing Henry Ruggs may take a deep-ball element out of his approach. Something to keep an eye on. (+1)
11	Ryan Tannehill Tennessee Titans QB
The pressure is on now, with Derrick Henry sidelined. But he's done well guiding wins in two straight crucial games. (+3)
12	Baker Mayfield Cleveland Browns QB
This is a contract year, remember. The moxie is always there, but he's struggled to stand out as the Browns battle injuries and the Odell Beckham Jr. drama stays in the headlines.
13	Kirk Cousins Minnesota Vikings QB
He's not a bad QB, but how much longer will he and Mike Zimmer be calling Minnesota home? (-1)
14	Carson Wentz Indianapolis Colts QB
It's a constant mixed bag with Wentz, who both shines and stumbles for his refusal to give up on plays. (+1)
15	Matt Ryan Atlanta Falcons QB
Against a solid defense, he finally came back to Earth in Week 8. Calvin Ridley's absence doesn't help. (-2)
16	Jimmy Garoppolo San Francisco 49ers QB
His strong finish against the Bears represented some of his best football of the year. (+4)
17	Mac Jones New England Patriots QB
The numbers weren't pretty against the Chargers, but he still got the "W." Still exceeding expectations here.
18	Teddy Bridgewater Denver Broncos QB
Same old, same old: Teddy got the Broncos the win in Week 8, but we all know the overhaul is coming.
19	Justin Fields Chicago Bears QB
Our biggest riser of the week, Fields finally looked like a complete package against the 49ers, extending crunch-time plays with his legs and consistently making the routine throws. The arrow is pointing up. (+9)
20	Trevor Lawrence Jacksonville Jaguars QB
Where is the chemistry with anyone on the Jags offense? It's just not there. The tools are still salvageable, though. (-1)
21	Jordan Love Green Bay Packers QB
With A-Rod abruptly sidelined with COVID, the big-armed youngster will get his first real crack at action against a porous Chiefs defense.
22	Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers QB
Big Ben is quietly faring quite well since a rough start to the year. The Steelers are looking at a feasible path to 6-3. (+2)
23	Daniel Jones New York Giants QB
He wasn't perfect against the Chiefs, but he also got almost no help from his O-line, receivers and coaching staff. Sound familiar? (-2)
24	Jalen Hurts Philadelphia Eagles QB
The Eagles finally used him better in a blowout win over Detroit, but it should tell you something about his limitations, considering how often Philly preferred he hand it off rather than throw it. (-2)
25	Tyrod Taylor Houston Texans QB
Whether it's Taylor or Davis Mills at QB moving forward, the Texans are desperate to fast-forward to 2022.
26	Tua Tagovailoa Miami Dolphins QB
He hasn't necessarily been given a fair shake by the media, but he's still underwhelming on a bad offense. (-3)
27	Trevor Siemian New Orleans Saints QB
This is a big drop-off from Jameis Winston in terms of arm talent. But maybe Siemian can be a safe point guard for Sean Payton? That's the best-case scenario.
28	Geno Smith Seattle Seahawks QB
Russell Wilson finally appears ready to return after their bye. Good for Geno taking advantage of the Jags in the meantime. (+3)
29	Mike White New York Jets QB
Watch your back, Zach Wilson! White's limitations will be more apparent as time goes on, surely, but boy did he deliver more juice throwing it around than the Jets have seen since Week 1. (+3)
30	Jared Goff Detroit Lions QB
At this point, both he and the Lions must be counting down the days until their inevitable quick breakup, no? (-1)
31	Taylor Heinicke Washington Football Team QB
More mistake machine than big-play threat, Heinicke is just barely keeping Washington competitive. (-1)
32	P.J. Walker Carolina Panthers QB
With Sam Darnold banged up, he could stay in the lineup for Week 9. His mobility is exciting, but we have very little evidence he can consistently throw the ball well at the NFL level.

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