The quarterback position was launched into a new stratosphere in the 2010s, and having an elite one became crucial to team success. Here are my top 10 QBs from the 2010s decade.
10. Eli Manning, NYG
Manning is the least impressive player on this list statistically – he completed just over 60% of his passes and threw at least 15 interceptions in eight different seasons. But he made three Pro Bowls in the 2010s and won his second Super Bowl in 2012.
9. Russell Wilson, SEA
Wilson’s career may have taken a downturn since leaving Seattle, but in the 2010s, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more consistent quarterback. He won a Super Bowl in 2014, made seven Pro Bowls, and tossed a career-high 40 TDs in 2020.
8. Matthew Stafford, DET
Stafford began his NFL career as a perennial loser and turnover-prone player in Detroit, but his game aged quite well. Although he only made two Pro Bowls in his career, Stafford now ranks in the top 10 all-time in yards passing, touchdown passes, and fourth-quarter comebacks.
7. Philip Rivers, SD
Rivers was a rock for the Chargers throughout the 2010s. Although he had some turnover problems, he was accurate (64.9% career completion percentage) and productive (tossed at least 25 TDs 11 times).
6. Matt Ryan, ATL
Ryan may have been underappreciated in Atlanta, but he left behind an outstanding legacy. His 65.6% career completion percentage and 381-183 TD-INT ratio are exceptional, and his 2016 NFL MVP season – 38 TDs, 7 INTs – was magnificent.
5. Ben Roethlisberger, PIT
Big Ben was great in the 2000s, but hit his statistical peak in the 2010s. He became consistently accurate and better at finding the end zone, too. His best year was in 2014, when he nearly reached 5,000 yards passing while tossing 32 TDs to nine INTs.
4. Peyton Manning, IND/DEN
Manning is only fourth on this list due to his lack of time played in the 2010s decade. But his greatness still cannot be questioned. Although he only played four 16-game seasons in the 2010s, he threw for at least 33 TDs all four years and made two Super Bowls, winning the big game in 2016.
3. Drew Brees, NO
One of the NFL’s statistical kings, Brees has more yards and 4,000-yard seasons than any other QB in history. His career completion percentage of 67.7% is also a league record. He even managed to throw a TD in 45 consecutive games, a feat that may never be topped.
2. Aaron Rodgers, GB
A-Rod was unquestionably one of the best quarterbacks ever at his peak – his 45-TD, 6-int season in 2011 is about as good as it gets. He’s also the only QB in NFL history with a passer rating of at least 100 who has thrown over 400 TDs.
1. Tom Brady, NE
Of course, the greatest quarterback of all time would be at this spot. The ageless Brady continued to excel deep into the 2010s, becoming a true mastermind at the QB position. The 15-time Pro Bowler and 7-time Super Bowl champ has a resume that may never be matched.
