The AFC West is a lot more competitive than people give it credit for and in 2015, the growth of the Oakland Raiders just might make it the deepest division in the NFL. That might be a slight reach, but the rise of Derek Carr could come this season after the former Fresno State product made solid strides as a rookie in 2014. Of course, Carr still can’t hold a candle to the legendary Peyton Manning, who is back yet again to make one last Super Bowl run with the Denver Broncos.
In a division that clearly has the old and young at the quarterback position, something may have to break eventually. Manning and Carr aren’t the only two signal callers in the AFC West, though, so let’s get to know the division a little bit better by ranking the four starters at arguably the most important position in the AFC West:
4. Derek Carr (Oakland Raiders)
One could make a case for Carr to be pushed one spot higher in these AFC West quarterback rankings, but that ultimately would have more to do with pure talent and upside than what he’s done in the NFL to this point. Carr definitely had real flashes of greatness in his rookie season, when he put up 21 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions. Carr didn’t hurt himself in year one and wasn’t really the main reason Oakland failed in 2014, but he also wasn’t the reason they succeeded often enough, either. Carr has good size, great arm strength and better pocket presence than advertised, so the sky appears to be the limit for him as he gets ready for his second year in the league. While his talent and potential are exciting, we still need to see more. For now, he’s stuck at the four spot behind three more proven passers.
3. Alex Smith (Kansas City Chiefs)
Smith has maximized his ability under Andy Reid in Kansas City, as he lacks major arm strength but in this system can roam free and kill defenses with his accuracy and athleticism. Smith has been at his best with the Chiefs and in two seasons has proven that his game managing style is plenty good enough to lead a franchise. That being said, Smith has only moderate high level success in his career and has major physical limitations in the passing game. He could prove some doubters wrong now that he has Jeremy Maclin at his disposal, but for now he doesn’t touch what Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning bring to the table.
2. Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers)
Rivers proved yet again in 2014 that he’s a total baller that can beat anyone in any given week. Rivers helped the Chargers to a hot start early in the year and even played a flawless game in a big win over the Seattle Seahawks. Rivers has always been held back by mediocre talent around him, but gives it everything he has on a weekly basis. Turnovers ended up being a big issue for him again in 2014, but he’ll head into 2015 looking to get the Bolts back into the playoffs. He’s far and away the second best passer inside this division, but he still doesn’t quite hold a candle to the great one – Peyton Manning.
1. Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos)
Manning has only one Super Bowl win under his belt, but he has all of the important records and is easily the most prolific and most cerebral passer the game has ever seen. Longevity and effectiveness continue to go hand in hand for the 39-year old quarterback, as he enters 2015 as good as ever between the ears. Manning suffered through a leg injury that hindered his performance down the stretch late last year, but was otherwise his normal elite self through the first 12 weeks. He’s lost some bite on his deep ball, but the placement, timing and accuracy are all still there. As long as he’s healthy going into 2015, this isn’t a close call. He’s still king of the AFC West and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, in general.
Think we got the order wrong? Let us hear who should be #1 in the comments below!
