If you had Matthew Stafford jumping eight spots to snag the throne in the middle of November, you're either a prophet or a die-hard Rams fan. Honestly, the way this season has flipped on its head is staggering. We came into the year obsessed with the young guns, yet here we are in qb rankings week 10 looking at a 37-year-old veteran playing the most clinical football of his life.
Stafford isn't just "managing" games. He's dissecting them. Through nine games, he's sitting on 21 touchdowns and a microscopic two interceptions. That’s basically unheard of for a guy who’s historically been a bit of a gunslinger.
The Shocking Shakeup at the Top
The logic for Stafford at No. 1 is pretty simple: he's doing more with a fluctuating roster than anyone else. While the Rams offense has dealt with the usual injury bug, Stafford’s efficiency has spiked. We're talking about a 67.2% completion rate and nearly 8 yards per attempt. He’s found his Fountain of Youth in Los Angeles, and the rest of the league is paying the price.
Patrick Mahomes is still right there, obviously. He's at No. 2, but it’s been a weird year for the three-time champ. He’s pressing. You can see it in the five interceptions and the way he’s trying to manufacture splash plays that just aren't there sometimes. Still, 2,349 passing yards and 17 touchdowns through nine games is "struggling" by only his standards.
Then you have Baker Mayfield. What a story. He was the No. 1 guy just a couple of weeks ago, and even though he’s slipped to No. 3, he’s still the heartbeat of that Bucs team. He’s thrown 13 touchdowns against just two picks. He’s playing smart, gritty football that has Tampa Bay relevant way longer than the "experts" predicted back in August.
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The Drake Maye Era Has Arrived
Seriously, New England found him. Drake Maye isn't just a "promising rookie" anymore; he's a top-five quarterback in the NFL right now.
Look at the numbers:
- 74.1% completion rate (leading the elite tier)
- 2,285 passing yards
- 17 touchdowns to 4 interceptions
- 270 rushing yards
He’s averaging 9.0 yards per attempt. That is a monstrous number for a second-year player. He’s the MVP favorite for a reason. He’s carrying a Patriots team that, on paper, shouldn't be this good. If he maintains this pace, we aren't just talking about a Pro Bowl; we're talking about a historic season.
Mid-Tier Risers and Falling Stars
Josh Allen is hanging tough at No. 4, though he isn't quite as "automatic" as he was earlier in the season. He’s got 13 passing touchdowns and seven rushing touchdowns, keeping that dual-threat nightmare alive for defensive coordinators. But the turnovers have crept back in—four interceptions and four fumbles. It’s the Josh Allen experience: you take the brilliance with the occasional "what was he thinking?" moment.
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Then there's the Seattle revitalization. Sam Darnold has been a revelation for the Seahawks. He absolutely shredded the Commanders on Sunday Night Football recently, starting the game with four straight touchdown drives. He’s at No. 6 in our qb rankings week 10 list, and honestly, if he keeps throwing for 9.6 yards per attempt, he's going to crack the top three by Thanksgiving.
The Injury Ward
It’s not all sunshine. The Texans are in a dark spot because C.J. Stroud is officially out for Week 10 with a concussion. He took a nasty hit against the Broncos, and he hasn't progressed through the protocol. Davis Mills gets the start against Jacksonville, which feels like a massive step back for a Houston team that was starting to find its rhythm.
The Giants are also holding their breath. Jaxson Dart has been a bright spot—tough as nails, according to everyone in that locker room—but he’s also dealing with concussion concerns after the Chicago game. If he can't go, New York's offense might just grind to a halt.
What to Watch for in the Second Half
The MVP race is basically a four-man sprint right now between Stafford, Maye, Mayfield, and maybe Jonathan Taylor if you're a "running backs matter" person. But for the quarterbacks, it’s all about consistency.
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Lamar Jackson is the wild card. He missed time but came back and immediately looked like his old self, torched the Dolphins for four scores. He’s only played five games this year, which is why he’s sitting at No. 7, but his 9.1 yards per attempt suggests he’s going to skyrocket if he stays healthy.
Actionable Insights for Week 10:
- Monitor the Concussion Protocol: If you're a fantasy manager or just a bettor, the status of C.J. Stroud and Jaxson Dart is everything. Check the Saturday morning reports before locking anything in.
- Watch the Rams vs. Seahawks Matchup: This is the Stafford vs. Darnold showdown. It’s a battle for NFC West supremacy and a direct fight for the No. 1 spot in next week's rankings.
- Draft Maye Stocks: If you're in a keeper league, do whatever it takes to get Maye. His efficiency isn't a fluke; it's the result of a high-IQ player in a system that finally fits.
- Respect the Vets: Don't bet against Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford right now. Rodgers is quietly elevating a Steelers team that everyone thought was dead, and Stafford is the best pure passer in the game at 37.
The second half of the season is usually where the pretenders fall off. We’ve seen Bo Nix have "firecracker" moments for Denver, helping them to a 7-2 record, but he needs to find a level of consistency that doesn't rely on 4th quarter miracles. Same goes for Caleb Williams in Chicago. The flashes are there, but the "rookie mistakes" are still derailing too many drives. Week 10 is where the elite separate themselves from the merely good.