Week 16 featured standout performances from several quarterbacks, contributing to their teams’ success and playoff aspirations: Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Joe Flacco, and Baker Mayfield all played key roles in leading their respective teams toward the promise-land of the NFL playoffs and securing the top playoff seeds with only two weeks left. On the flip side, some quarterbacks may have struggled in Week 16, facing challenges as they try to salvage wins and keep their playoff hopes alive. The competitive nature of the NFL means that every game is vital, especially in the closing two weeks of the regular season.
Here is where all 32 NFL Teams quarterbacks look after week 16 games:
Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray: C (Last week D)
It was a good day, statistically, for Kyler Murray, but the Cardinals fell to the Chicago Bears 16-27. Murray completed 24 passes for 230 yards, threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions, and rushed for 32 yards on five carries but was sacked twice. Murray needs to avoid throwing incompletions as he threw 14 incompletions in the game. However, Murray needs more offensive weapons at his disposal if the Cardinals are going to be relevant in the 2024 season.
Atlanta Falcons: Taylor Heinicke: B- (Last week D)
Desmond Ridder was benched, for a second time, for Taylor Heinicke. Heinicke led the Falcons to a surprise 29-10 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Heinicke completed 23 passes for 229 yards, threw a touchdown against no interceptions, and rushed for 10 yards on two carries but was sacked once and lost a fumble but recovered it. Heinicke needs to be the starting quarterback moving forward for the Falcons’ final two games, instead of Ridder, if they want to finish the season on a positive note and potentially find a way to the playoffs- even though the odds are very much against them.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson: A (Last week B-)
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Lamar Jackson continued to shine as the Ravens swarmed the San Francisco 49ers in 33-19 decisive victory. Jackson completed 23 passes for 252 yards, threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions, and rushed for 45 yards on seven carries but was sacked twice. Jackson played at a very elite level and looks to strike fear in opposing defenses for the upcoming playoffs.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen: C+ (Last week B)
Josh Allen played averagely against the Los Angeles Chargers, as he led the Bills to a 24-22 victory. Allen completed 15 passes for 237 yards, threw a touchdown against an interception, rushed for 15 yards on five carries, and scored two rushing touchdowns but was sacked once. Not Josh Allen’s best performance, but he did a solid job keeping the offense in check as they celebrated Christmas early with a victory and look to secure a playoff spot once the regular season concludes.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young: C+ (Last week D+)
Bryce Young played well in week 16’s very close 30-33 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Young completed 23 passes for 312 yards, threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, and rushed for 17 yards on four carries, but was sacked twice and lost a fumble, but recovered it. Young still has a lot of learning to do in the NFL, as well as needs more offensive line protection and some stronger offensive weapons moving forward in the 2024 season.
Chicago Bears: Justin Fields: C- (Last week D+)
It was an average performance for Justin Fields as he and the Bears defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-16. Fields completed 15 passes for 170 yards, threw a touchdown against an interception, rushed for 97 yards on nine carries, and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked once. Fields needs to step it up and avoid throwing turnovers, but the Bears won and live to fight another week, with two more weeks left in the regular season.
Cincinnati Bengals: Jake Browning: D- (Last week B-)
Jake Browning had a very off afternoon as he and the Bengals fell in humiliating fashion to the Pittsburgh Steelers in an 11-34 loss. Browning completed 28 passes for 335 yards, threw one touchdown against three interceptions, was sacked three times, and fumbled the ball but had a teammate recover the fumble. It was a very tough day for Browning, but he needs to put this awful performance behind him and focus on winning out with the Bengals- if they want to secure a playoff spot.
Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco: B- (Last week C-)
Joe Flacco continues to play reminiscent of his Baltimore Ravens days, as the Browns secured a 36-22 statement win over the Houston Texans. Flacco completed 27 passes for 368 yards, threw three touchdowns against two interceptions, rushed for one yard on two carries, and wasn’t sacked at all. It was a good performance for Flacco as he, Amari Cooper, and David Njoku continue to impress and make the Browns look similar to the 2012 Baltimore Ravens team that won the Super Bowl. We may be saying, “Watch out Ravens, Flacco is back in town!”
Dallas Cowboys: Dak Prescott: B- (Last week D-)
Dak Prescott played well but the Cowboys’ came short 20-22 against the Miami Dolphins on Christmas Eve. Prescott completed 20 passes for 253 yards, threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, and rushed for 25 yards on five yards but was sacked four times and lost a fumble. Despite losing a fumble and getting sacked four times, Prescott played well. He didn’t throw any interceptions, and should rebound with two weeks left in the regular season.
Denver Broncos: Russell Wilson: B- (Last week C-)
Russell Wilson played decently well against the New England Patriots despite losing 23-26 on a failed comeback attempt. Wilson completed 25 passes for 238 yards, threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions, and rushed for 20 yards on four carries but was sacked five times and lost two fumbles but recovered one of them. Wilson did everything that he could to help the Broncos, but the effort was thwarted by the Patriots in the very end, as the Broncos look to finish the 2023 on a positive note.
Detroit Lions: Jared Goff: B (Last week A-)
Jared Goff played a solid game on the road as he led the Lions to a 30-24 victory in Minnesota. This was the team’s first division title since 1993. Goff completed 30 passes for 257 yards, threw a touchdown against no interceptions, and rushed for zero yards on three carries but was sacked once. A good performance from Goff as he and the Lions look to win out for the remainder of the 2023 regular season and then focus on the upcoming playoffs.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love: B (Last week C)
Jordan Loved played a good game against the Carolina Panthers in the team’s 33-30 victory. Love completed 17 passes for 219 yards, threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions, rushed for 12 yards on two carries, and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked once. Love played well and needs to focus on finishing the remainder of the 2023 season as well as getting stronger weapons around him for the 2024 season.
Houston Texans: Case Keenum: F (Last week C-)
It was a rough home outing for Case Keenum as he and the Texans fell to the Cleveland Browns 22-36. Keenum completed 11 passes for 62 yards, threw two interceptions against zero touchdowns, and was sacked three times before getting benched for Davis Mills who completed 15 passes for 149 yards and threw two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. It was not a great afternoon for Keenum as the Texans needed to roll with Mills for the time being until C.J. Stroud recovers from his concussion and resumes play before the regular season ends.
Indianapolis Colts: Gardner Minshew: F (Last week B)
What a difference a week makes. Gardner Minshew had a very rough time on the road as the Colts lost 10-29 to the Atlanta Falcons. Minshew completed 20 passes for 201 yards, threw an interception against no touchdowns, and rushed for 31 yards on four carries but was sacked six times. A shocking and painful road loss for Minshew as he needs to put this one behind him and focus on winning the Colts’ last two games of the season to possibly secure the team’s playoff spot.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence: D (Last week C-)
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars have been on a four-game losing streak and the 12-30 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was one of the more painful ones for Lawrence and the Jags. Lawrence completed 17 passes for 211 yards, threw one touchdown to Calvin Ridley against two interceptions, and rushed for 29 yards on four carries but was sacked three times, lost a fumble, and left the game with a shoulder injury as C.J. Beathard took over. Beathard completed 11 passes for 94 yards and scored a touchdown, but was sacked once. If Lawrence is out for the last two weeks of the regular season, Beathard must be prepared to start and snap the Jaguars losing streak, potentially returning them to the win column, and securing the AFC South.
Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes: D+ (Last week C)
Patrick Mahomes and company have been struggling as of late, and were stunned at home to the Las Vegas Raiders in a 14-20 loss on Christmas Day. Mahomes completed 27 passes for 235 yards, threw a touchdown against an interception, and rushed for 53 yards on 10 carries but was sacked four times. Mahomes and the Chiefs’ receivers’ struggles have hurt the team’s Super Bowl odds as the Chiefs try and secure the AFC West crown and a playoff spot despite the Raiders playing well lately, and the Denver Broncos still alive in the playoff hunt.
Las Vegas Raiders: Aidan O’Connell: C- (Last week A-)
Aidan O’Connell didn’t make any scoring play happen on Christmas Day against the Kansas City Chiefs in their 20-14 upset victory, but he was a decent game manager. O’Connell completed nine passes for 62 yards, threw no touchdowns or interceptions, and was sacked twice. O’Connell will throw more touchdown passes to his receivers and tight ends with two more weeks left in the regular season as the Raiders look to possibly make a hunt for the playoffs, even though the odds are against them.
Los Angeles Chargers: Easton Stick: D (Last week C)
It was not a great night for Easton Stick as he and the Chargers fell to the Buffalo Bills 22-24 at home. Stick completed 23 passes for 215 yards, threw no touchdowns or interceptions, rushed for 25 yards on seven carries, and scored a rushing touchdown, but was sacked five times. A tough night for the Chargers as they look to do whatever they can to finish the 2023 season on a positive note and turn the page for the 2024 season.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford: B (Last week B-)
Matthew Stafford continues to have a good rebound season with a good but close victory at home against the New Orleans Saints. Stafford completed 24 passes for 328 yards and threw two touchdowns against no interceptions but was sacked once. This was a solid performance by Stafford even though he is considered by many to be in his twilight years in the game. He continues to be a great and effective offensive leader the Rams need- if they want to secure a playoff spot.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa: B+ (Last week B-)
Tua Tagovailoa played well in the Dolphins’ 22-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Eve. Tagovailoa completed 24 yards on 293 yards and threw a touchdown to Raheem Mostert against zero interceptions but was sacked once and lost a fumble but recovered it. Tagovailoa played very well and needs to help the Dolphins win out with two weeks left in the regular season to further secure the AFC East title and possibly the one seed in the playoffs.
Minnesota Vikings: Nick Mullen: D (Last week C)
Nick Mullen did not play his best game as he and the Vikings lost at home, 24-30. Mullens completed 22 passes for 411 yards, threw two touchdowns against four interceptions and rushed for one yard on one carry but was sacked four times. Mullens and the Vikings need to regroup as they look to finish the 2023 season on a positive note or lose out if they want to get a higher draft pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
New England Patriots: Bailey Zappe: B (Last week D)
Bailey Zappe played well as the Patriots spoiled the Denver Broncos Christmas Eve with a 26-23 potential playoff-spoiling win. Zappe completed 25 passes for 256 yards, threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, and rushed for two yards on one carry but was sacked twice and lost a fumble. A good performance from Zappe as he and the Patriots look to play playoff spoiler with two weeks to go in the regular season.
New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr: B- (Last week A)
Despite Derek Carr’s above-average statistical performance on Thursday Night Football, it wasn’t enough to get the Saints a win as they lost to the Los Angeles Rams 22-30. Carr completed 27 passes for 319 yards, threw three touchdowns against one interception, and rushed for two yards on two carries but was sacked twice. A good effort from Carr, but it wasn’t enough for the Saints as they try to figure out what to do next to keep their playoff hopes alive.
New York Giants: Tyrod Taylor: C- (Last week F)
After Tommy DeVito was benched in the second half for a lackluster first half, Tyrod Taylor did everything he could to help the Giants pull off a Christmas miracle, only to fall short in a 25-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Taylor completed seven passes for 133 yards, threw a touchdown against the game-ending interception, rushed for 21 yards on two carries, and wasn’t sacked at all. Taylor should start the remaining two games of the season and only put DeVito back in if Taylor struggles and focus on keeping both DeVito and Taylor around for the 2024 season.
New York Jets: Trevor Siemian: C (Last week F)
Trevor Siemian may not be counted amongst the greatest quarterbacks, by any stretch, but he did lead the Jets to a 30-28 victory over the Washington Commanders. Siemian completed 27 passes for 217 yards, threw a touchdown against an interception, rushed for 18 yards on four carries, and wasn’t sacked at all. Siemian fulfilled his role as a backup by being the replacement game manager as Zach Wilson was out due to a concussion. Siemans must be prepared to start in weeks 17 and 18, respectively, if Wilson is out long term.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Hurts: B- (Last week C-)
Jalen Hurts slowly returned to form as he and the Eagles defeated the New York Giants 33-25 on Christmas Day. Hurts completed 24 passes for 301 yards, threw a touchdown against an interception, rushed for 34 yards on eight carries, and scored a rushing touchdown but was sacked once and lost a fumble but recovered it. With Hurts helping the Eagles snap a three-game losing streak, Hurts needs to focus on securing the NFC East and possibly the one-seed from the San Francisco 49ers if they end up imploding in their last two games of the regular season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason Rudolph: C+ (Last week D)
Mason Rudolph took control of the Steelers’ sleigh as they defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 34-11. Rudolph completed 17 passes for 290 yards, threw two touchdowns to George Pickens against zero interceptions, and rushed for four yards on two carries but was sacked once. Rudolph played very well, but in reality, helping the Steelers return to the playoffs is a bit of a tough task with their remaining opponents the Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, respectively.
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy: F (Last week A)
Brock Purdy struggled against a very physical Baltimore Ravens defense as they defeated the 49ers, 19-33. Purdy completed 18 passes for 255 yards, threw four interceptions against zero touchdowns, and rushed for two yards on one carry but was sacked twice. Purdy was benched for Sam Darnold who completed eight passes for 81 yards, threw a touchdown against an interception, and rushed for nine yards on one carry but was also sacked twice. This game raises eyebrows of concern for Purdy as questions arise on whether he can be reliable in the upcoming playoffs moving forward. He truly needs to bounce back from this painful loss with two weeks left in the regular season.
Seattle Seahawks: Geno Smith: B- (Last week B-)
Geno Smith returned to action as he and the Seahawks took down the Tennessee Titans in a 20-17 victory. Smith completed 25 passes for 227 yards, threw two touchdowns against zero interceptions, and rushed for two yards on one carry but was sacked three times and lost a fumble but recovered it. Smith played well as he and the Seahawks hung on to the seventh spot of the NFC playoff picture with their competition eying to take them down.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Baker Mayfield: B+ (Last week B-)
Baker Mayfield played a very good game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the Bucs’ 30-12 victory. Mayfield completed 26 passes for 283 yards, threw two touchdowns against no interceptions, and rushed for five yards on five carries but was sacked twice. Mayfield is proving he belongs in the league and has done a great job helping the Buccaneers stay in first place in the NFC South this season, as they look to lock the division up and secure a playoff spot.
Tennessee Titans: Ryan Tannehill: D+ (Last week D-)
Ryan Tannehill made his return to the football field for the first time since the Titans vs Baltimore Ravens game back in week six where he left with an injured foot. Tannehill completed 18 passes for 152 yards, didn’t throw a touchdown or interception but was sacked six times. It was a tough welcome back to on-field action for Tannehill. He may need to realize that his time with the Titans is potentially up after the 2023 season concludes, as the team should consider a move forward with Will Levis in 2024.
Washington Commanders: Sam Howell: F (Last week D-)
It was another terrible performance for Sam Howell as he and the Commanders lost 28-30. Howell completed six passes for 56 yards, threw two interceptions against no touchdowns, and was sacked once. Howell would get benched in the second half for Jacoby Brissett who completed 10 passes for 100 yards, threw a touchdown against zero interceptions, and wasn’t sacked at all. The Commanders need to roll with Brissett for the remainder of the season and potentially draft a new number-one quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.
