- - NFL's Christmas Day schedule lacks juice despite best-laid plans

Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAYDecember 25, 2025 at 3:04 AM

0

No presents under the tree for the NFL schedule makers this year – not that it’s necessarily their fault the trio of 2025 Christmas Day games scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 25, lack significant juice.

Instead of trinkets in stockings, we’ll all have to settle for a healthy helping of Chris Oladokun – the Kansas City Chiefs’ starting quarterback in the nightcap against the Denver Broncos – with a side of egg nog (or coquito, if you really know what’s up).

Might as well be coal.

The NFL took the NBA’s lunch money by commandeering Christmas Day. “The Association” had dominated the sports programming on the holiday day until the league realized its position as a ratings juggernaut could drub any entity in its path. The NFL received $150 million from Netflix to stream the first two games of the day, before the third airs on the traditional Thursday night streamer of Prime Video. But the matchups look less appealing than the lumpy casserole the in-laws brought for dinner.

In May, when the NFL released its schedule, all three matchups imbued intrigue. But 16 weeks of ball and platitudes such as “best laid plans…” later, that’s simply not the case entering Week 17. Not even the NFL is immune to bad luck, apparently.

25. Andrew Luck There's a tinge of football tragedy to his story of the can't-miss guy from Stanford charged with the impossible task of replacing Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and without a sufficient level of support around him. Yet Luck seemed on his way to doing exactly that before he made the equally courageous and controversial decision to retire amid injuries and his own mental health demons in 2019 after just seven seasons. Named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2018, shoulder issues cost Luck all of 2017, he threw 39 TD passes in his last hurrah and notched a playoff victory. The Colts haven't won one since.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>25. Andrew Luck There's a tinge of football tragedy to his story of the can't-miss guy from Stanford charged with the impossible task of replacing Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and without a sufficient level of support around him. Yet Luck seemed on his way to doing exactly that before he made the equally courageous and controversial decision to retire amid injuries and his own mental health demons in 2019 after just seven seasons. Named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2018, shoulder issues cost Luck all of 2017, he threw 39 TD passes in his last hurrah and notched a playoff victory. The Colts haven't won one since.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Yadt3mJd02gGatLWQBm9Ew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/629bb18d1d41dd38d69fd1312822fd2f class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

25. Andrew Luck There's a tinge of football tragedy to his story of the can't-miss guy from Stanford charged with the impossible task of replacing Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and without a sufficient level of support around him. Yet Luck seemed on his way to doing exactly that before he made the equally courageous and controversial decision to retire amid injuries and his own mental health demons in 2019 after just seven seasons. Named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2018, shoulder issues cost Luck all of 2017, he threw 39 TD passes in his last hurrah and notched a playoff victory. The Colts haven't won one since.

">25. Andrew Luck There's a tinge of football tragedy to his story of the can't-miss guy from Stanford charged with the impossible task of replacing Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and without a sufficient level of support around him. Yet Luck seemed on his way to doing exactly that before he made the equally courageous and controversial decision to retire amid injuries and his own mental health demons in 2019 after just seven seasons. Named the Comeback Player of the Year in 2018, shoulder issues cost Luck all of 2017, he threw 39 TD passes in his last hurrah and notched a playoff victory. The Colts haven't won one since.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Yadt3mJd02gGatLWQBm9Ew--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/629bb18d1d41dd38d69fd1312822fd2f class=caas-img>24. Matt Hasselbeck A three-time Pro Bowler with a solid game and some awesome one-liners, he probably didn’t get his just due while spending the bulk of his career in Seattle. But while quarterbacking the precursors to the Legion of Boom years, Hasselbeck led the Seahawks to the playoffs six times, including their first Super Sunday appearance – and those ‘Hawks might have been the franchise’s first champions had the officials not assisted the Steelers in Super Bowl 40.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>24. Matt Hasselbeck A three-time Pro Bowler with a solid game and some awesome one-liners, he probably didn’t get his just due while spending the bulk of his career in Seattle. But while quarterbacking the precursors to the Legion of Boom years, Hasselbeck led the Seahawks to the playoffs six times, including their first Super Sunday appearance – and those ‘Hawks might have been the franchise’s first champions had the officials not assisted the Steelers in Super Bowl 40.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JXa7aBH6gYcCojInoFLtDA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/080f164c3df40083050e0c6baf53736e class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

24. Matt Hasselbeck A three-time Pro Bowler with a solid game and some awesome one-liners, he probably didn’t get his just due while spending the bulk of his career in Seattle. But while quarterbacking the precursors to the Legion of Boom years, Hasselbeck led the Seahawks to the playoffs six times, including their first Super Sunday appearance – and those ‘Hawks might have been the franchise’s first champions had the officials not assisted the Steelers in Super Bowl 40.

">24. Matt Hasselbeck A three-time Pro Bowler with a solid game and some awesome one-liners, he probably didn’t get his just due while spending the bulk of his career in Seattle. But while quarterbacking the precursors to the Legion of Boom years, Hasselbeck led the Seahawks to the playoffs six times, including their first Super Sunday appearance – and those ‘Hawks might have been the franchise’s first champions had the officials not assisted the Steelers in Super Bowl 40.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JXa7aBH6gYcCojInoFLtDA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MzE-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/080f164c3df40083050e0c6baf53736e class=caas-img>23. Dak Prescott He hasn’t managed to end the Dallas Cowboys’ three-decade championship drought … but he probably doesn’t deserve all that much blame, either. Prescott broke the all-time passing yardage record for “America’s Team” earlier this season and needs eight more TD passes to take the club record (248) currently held by Tony Romo. And say this for Prescott: He’s been a classy ambassador for an organization that always has a sideshow element.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>23. Dak Prescott He hasn’t managed to end the Dallas Cowboys’ three-decade championship drought … but he probably doesn’t deserve all that much blame, either. Prescott broke the all-time passing yardage record for “America’s Team” earlier this season and needs eight more TD passes to take the club record (248) currently held by Tony Romo. And say this for Prescott: He’s been a classy ambassador for an organization that always has a sideshow element.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ydWvNc44eSfzUk3p4NqPyw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c918bd560ae97f9d8723a846dafde6eb class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

23. Dak Prescott He hasn’t managed to end the Dallas Cowboys’ three-decade championship drought … but he probably doesn’t deserve all that much blame, either. Prescott broke the all-time passing yardage record for “America’s Team” earlier this season and needs eight more TD passes to take the club record (248) currently held by Tony Romo. And say this for Prescott: He’s been a classy ambassador for an organization that always has a sideshow element.

">23. Dak Prescott He hasn’t managed to end the Dallas Cowboys’ three-decade championship drought … but he probably doesn’t deserve all that much blame, either. Prescott broke the all-time passing yardage record for “America’s Team” earlier this season and needs eight more TD passes to take the club record (248) currently held by Tony Romo. And say this for Prescott: He’s been a classy ambassador for an organization that always has a sideshow element.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/ydWvNc44eSfzUk3p4NqPyw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c918bd560ae97f9d8723a846dafde6eb class=caas-img>22. Joe Burrow He took the Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl and pair of AFC title games ... meaning Burrow’s probably ranked too low. But, in all seriousness, he’s been MVP-caliber pretty much since coming back from the knee injury that prematurely ended his rookie season in 2020.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>22. Joe Burrow He took the Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl and pair of AFC title games ... meaning Burrow’s probably ranked too low. But, in all seriousness, he’s been MVP-caliber pretty much since coming back from the knee injury that prematurely ended his rookie season in 2020.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/34IO4zqu4IPzw3SQS_Kflw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/578b207451b014dfd6dd46ee5f5b9834 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

22. Joe Burrow He took the Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl and pair of AFC title games ... meaning Burrow’s probably ranked too low. But, in all seriousness, he’s been MVP-caliber pretty much since coming back from the knee injury that prematurely ended his rookie season in 2020.

">22. Joe Burrow He took the Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl and pair of AFC title games ... meaning Burrow’s probably ranked too low. But, in all seriousness, he’s been MVP-caliber pretty much since coming back from the knee injury that prematurely ended his rookie season in 2020.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/34IO4zqu4IPzw3SQS_Kflw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/578b207451b014dfd6dd46ee5f5b9834 class=caas-img>21. Carson Palmer He took the Bengals to the playoffs twice – not quite Burrow but not bad, either. (And it will always be a shame that Palmer’s first career postseason pass, a 66-yard completion, ended with him crumpled in the pocket, knee torn up. That 2005 Bengals team seemed like one that could have made a Lombardi run of its own.) Not only that, Palmer’s 38-21-1 regular-season mark with the Cardinals is easily the best in the century-old club’s history among QBs who started at least 15 games.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>21. Carson Palmer He took the Bengals to the playoffs twice – not quite Burrow but not bad, either. (And it will always be a shame that Palmer’s first career postseason pass, a 66-yard completion, ended with him crumpled in the pocket, knee torn up. That 2005 Bengals team seemed like one that could have made a Lombardi run of its own.) Not only that, Palmer’s 38-21-1 regular-season mark with the Cardinals is easily the best in the century-old club’s history among QBs who started at least 15 games.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MLGtmTqCR4a_.FVEnyAtvA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/445d81aa6b72193e4b5cd5a6d2918fa9 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

21. Carson Palmer He took the Bengals to the playoffs twice – not quite Burrow but not bad, either. (And it will always be a shame that Palmer’s first career postseason pass, a 66-yard completion, ended with him crumpled in the pocket, knee torn up. That 2005 Bengals team seemed like one that could have made a Lombardi run of its own.) Not only that, Palmer’s 38-21-1 regular-season mark with the Cardinals is easily the best in the century-old club’s history among QBs who started at least 15 games.

">21. Carson Palmer He took the Bengals to the playoffs twice – not quite Burrow but not bad, either. (And it will always be a shame that Palmer’s first career postseason pass, a 66-yard completion, ended with him crumpled in the pocket, knee torn up. That 2005 Bengals team seemed like one that could have made a Lombardi run of its own.) Not only that, Palmer’s 38-21-1 regular-season mark with the Cardinals is easily the best in the century-old club’s history among QBs who started at least 15 games.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MLGtmTqCR4a_.FVEnyAtvA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/445d81aa6b72193e4b5cd5a6d2918fa9 class=caas-img>20. Kirk Cousins Granted, maybe he’s a better businessman than quarterback – but that’s mostly a nod to his negotiating chops. While postseason and prime-time success eluded Cousins while he was in Washington and with the Minnesota Vikings, his 44,394 career passing yards and 296 TDs both rank within the top 20 in league history.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>20. Kirk Cousins Granted, maybe he’s a better businessman than quarterback – but that’s mostly a nod to his negotiating chops. While postseason and prime-time success eluded Cousins while he was in Washington and with the Minnesota Vikings, his 44,394 career passing yards and 296 TDs both rank within the top 20 in league history.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.ST8fjmvdjPUXU7AfPfyAA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d337c5689757d6da9f7e1f4259801b32 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

20. Kirk Cousins Granted, maybe he’s a better businessman than quarterback – but that’s mostly a nod to his negotiating chops. While postseason and prime-time success eluded Cousins while he was in Washington and with the Minnesota Vikings, his 44,394 career passing yards and 296 TDs both rank within the top 20 in league history.

">20. Kirk Cousins Granted, maybe he’s a better businessman than quarterback – but that’s mostly a nod to his negotiating chops. While postseason and prime-time success eluded Cousins while he was in Washington and with the Minnesota Vikings, his 44,394 career passing yards and 296 TDs both rank within the top 20 in league history.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.ST8fjmvdjPUXU7AfPfyAA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d337c5689757d6da9f7e1f4259801b32 class=caas-img>19. Jared Goff The No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft has had two distinct career chapters with the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions. You almost forget the four-time Pro Bowler led LA to Super Bowl 53 – maybe because that loss to the New England Patriots was so forgettable and foretold Goff’s trade to Detroit. But while he seemed like a consolation prize – at best – in the Matthew Stafford swap, Goff has quarterbacked the best Lions teams of the Super Bowl era (since 1966), even if he hasn’t yet gotten them to their first Super Sunday. By the time this season wraps, he should have four straight with at least 29 TD passes and 4,400 yards in Motown.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>19. Jared Goff The No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft has had two distinct career chapters with the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions. You almost forget the four-time Pro Bowler led LA to Super Bowl 53 – maybe because that loss to the New England Patriots was so forgettable and foretold Goff’s trade to Detroit. But while he seemed like a consolation prize – at best – in the Matthew Stafford swap, Goff has quarterbacked the best Lions teams of the Super Bowl era (since 1966), even if he hasn’t yet gotten them to their first Super Sunday. By the time this season wraps, he should have four straight with at least 29 TD passes and 4,400 yards in Motown.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HdRBJ2YmPp8eJLY_gqBe6A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4a1ab97ceb57e70ec761f4f1e9767b49 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

19. Jared Goff The No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft has had two distinct career chapters with the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions. You almost forget the four-time Pro Bowler led LA to Super Bowl 53 – maybe because that loss to the New England Patriots was so forgettable and foretold Goff’s trade to Detroit. But while he seemed like a consolation prize – at best – in the Matthew Stafford swap, Goff has quarterbacked the best Lions teams of the Super Bowl era (since 1966), even if he hasn’t yet gotten them to their first Super Sunday. By the time this season wraps, he should have four straight with at least 29 TD passes and 4,400 yards in Motown.

">19. Jared Goff The No. 1 pick of the 2016 draft has had two distinct career chapters with the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions. You almost forget the four-time Pro Bowler led LA to Super Bowl 53 – maybe because that loss to the New England Patriots was so forgettable and foretold Goff’s trade to Detroit. But while he seemed like a consolation prize – at best – in the Matthew Stafford swap, Goff has quarterbacked the best Lions teams of the Super Bowl era (since 1966), even if he hasn’t yet gotten them to their first Super Sunday. By the time this season wraps, he should have four straight with at least 29 TD passes and 4,400 yards in Motown.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/HdRBJ2YmPp8eJLY_gqBe6A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4a1ab97ceb57e70ec761f4f1e9767b49 class=caas-img>18. Cam Newton At 6-5, 245 pounds, he was a unicorn among dual-threat quarterbacks. He accounted for 45 touchdowns during his 2015 MVP season, which culminated in a Super Bowl 50 berth for Newton’s Carolina Panthers following a 15-1 regular season. He still holds most of the franchise’s career passing records.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>18. Cam Newton At 6-5, 245 pounds, he was a unicorn among dual-threat quarterbacks. He accounted for 45 touchdowns during his 2015 MVP season, which culminated in a Super Bowl 50 berth for Newton’s Carolina Panthers following a 15-1 regular season. He still holds most of the franchise’s career passing records.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.lpeBWybIWXqYJoDTnwwkQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b3b8a82a13cbcac4e010c08a16e910de class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

18. Cam Newton At 6-5, 245 pounds, he was a unicorn among dual-threat quarterbacks. He accounted for 45 touchdowns during his 2015 MVP season, which culminated in a Super Bowl 50 berth for Newton’s Carolina Panthers following a 15-1 regular season. He still holds most of the franchise’s career passing records.

">18. Cam Newton At 6-5, 245 pounds, he was a unicorn among dual-threat quarterbacks. He accounted for 45 touchdowns during his 2015 MVP season, which culminated in a Super Bowl 50 berth for Newton’s Carolina Panthers following a 15-1 regular season. He still holds most of the franchise’s career passing records.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.lpeBWybIWXqYJoDTnwwkQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b3b8a82a13cbcac4e010c08a16e910de class=caas-img>17. Donovan McNabb He had a love-hate relationship with the locals – some of the critiques self-inflicted – but he remains the Philadelphia Eagles' all-time leader in passing yards (32,873) and TDs (216). And while McNabb wasn’t the guy who finally got Philly its first Lombardi Trophy, he did take the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>17. Donovan McNabb He had a love-hate relationship with the locals – some of the critiques self-inflicted – but he remains the Philadelphia Eagles' all-time leader in passing yards (32,873) and TDs (216). And while McNabb wasn’t the guy who finally got Philly its first Lombardi Trophy, he did take the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/efKWQeilxG.Vt.jlTR86NA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDg4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7ae83ffda2dfdc37332372a90321637c class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

17. Donovan McNabb He had a love-hate relationship with the locals – some of the critiques self-inflicted – but he remains the Philadelphia Eagles' all-time leader in passing yards (32,873) and TDs (216). And while McNabb wasn’t the guy who finally got Philly its first Lombardi Trophy, he did take the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.

">17. Donovan McNabb He had a love-hate relationship with the locals – some of the critiques self-inflicted – but he remains the Philadelphia Eagles' all-time leader in passing yards (32,873) and TDs (216). And while McNabb wasn’t the guy who finally got Philly its first Lombardi Trophy, he did take the Eagles to five NFC championship games and one Super Bowl appearance.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/efKWQeilxG.Vt.jlTR86NA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDg4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7ae83ffda2dfdc37332372a90321637c class=caas-img>16. Michael Vick He never played in a Super Bowl nor earned a league MVP trophy – or even All-Pro honors. But there’s no denying Vick’s cultural impact or his electric play – perhaps the most incomparable dual-threat talent ever given his breakaway speed and cuts, plus a left arm that could rifle a ball to any part of the field. Let’s also give Vick a tip of the cap for being unfailingly accountable for the mistakes he made off the field following his two-season suspension for dogfighting – and his good-faith efforts on that front have continued even though he knows some will never forgive him.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>16. Michael Vick He never played in a Super Bowl nor earned a league MVP trophy – or even All-Pro honors. But there’s no denying Vick’s cultural impact or his electric play – perhaps the most incomparable dual-threat talent ever given his breakaway speed and cuts, plus a left arm that could rifle a ball to any part of the field. Let’s also give Vick a tip of the cap for being unfailingly accountable for the mistakes he made off the field following his two-season suspension for dogfighting – and his good-faith efforts on that front have continued even though he knows some will never forgive him.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/eECNGM_A2MnEEQCSjokRpA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/83010b8fdb1f5834c70818756b0e815e class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

16. Michael Vick He never played in a Super Bowl nor earned a league MVP trophy – or even All-Pro honors. But there’s no denying Vick’s cultural impact or his electric play – perhaps the most incomparable dual-threat talent ever given his breakaway speed and cuts, plus a left arm that could rifle a ball to any part of the field. Let’s also give Vick a tip of the cap for being unfailingly accountable for the mistakes he made off the field following his two-season suspension for dogfighting – and his good-faith efforts on that front have continued even though he knows some will never forgive him.

">16. Michael Vick He never played in a Super Bowl nor earned a league MVP trophy – or even All-Pro honors. But there’s no denying Vick’s cultural impact or his electric play – perhaps the most incomparable dual-threat talent ever given his breakaway speed and cuts, plus a left arm that could rifle a ball to any part of the field. Let’s also give Vick a tip of the cap for being unfailingly accountable for the mistakes he made off the field following his two-season suspension for dogfighting – and his good-faith efforts on that front have continued even though he knows some will never forgive him.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/eECNGM_A2MnEEQCSjokRpA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NjQ-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/83010b8fdb1f5834c70818756b0e815e class=caas-img>15. Joe Flacco You’ll never meet a more down-to-earth quarterback … to the degree you meet quarterbacks … and to the degree that matters. But this guy’s a real one. He’ll be 41 next month yet can still effortlessly launch a beautiful spiral 50 yards downrange. And while Flacco might seem like a vagabond at this point, let’s not forget he went 10-5 in the playoffs with the Baltimore Ravens – including that sublime four-game run in 2012 that concluded with Super Bowl 47 MVP honors. If Flacco can find one more temporary QB1 gig before he quits, he should get to 50,000 career passing yards … maybe even 300 TDs.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>15. Joe Flacco You’ll never meet a more down-to-earth quarterback … to the degree you meet quarterbacks … and to the degree that matters. But this guy’s a real one. He’ll be 41 next month yet can still effortlessly launch a beautiful spiral 50 yards downrange. And while Flacco might seem like a vagabond at this point, let’s not forget he went 10-5 in the playoffs with the Baltimore Ravens – including that sublime four-game run in 2012 that concluded with Super Bowl 47 MVP honors. If Flacco can find one more temporary QB1 gig before he quits, he should get to 50,000 career passing yards … maybe even 300 TDs.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mHRFE8c5zCFRhuhp.Ynnag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Nzg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d09fa14b70f4d05dc7aab268645bcf41 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

15. Joe Flacco You’ll never meet a more down-to-earth quarterback … to the degree you meet quarterbacks … and to the degree that matters. But this guy’s a real one. He’ll be 41 next month yet can still effortlessly launch a beautiful spiral 50 yards downrange. And while Flacco might seem like a vagabond at this point, let’s not forget he went 10-5 in the playoffs with the Baltimore Ravens – including that sublime four-game run in 2012 that concluded with Super Bowl 47 MVP honors. If Flacco can find one more temporary QB1 gig before he quits, he should get to 50,000 career passing yards … maybe even 300 TDs.

">15. Joe Flacco You’ll never meet a more down-to-earth quarterback … to the degree you meet quarterbacks … and to the degree that matters. But this guy’s a real one. He’ll be 41 next month yet can still effortlessly launch a beautiful spiral 50 yards downrange. And while Flacco might seem like a vagabond at this point, let’s not forget he went 10-5 in the playoffs with the Baltimore Ravens – including that sublime four-game run in 2012 that concluded with Super Bowl 47 MVP honors. If Flacco can find one more temporary QB1 gig before he quits, he should get to 50,000 career passing yards … maybe even 300 TDs.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/mHRFE8c5zCFRhuhp.Ynnag--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Nzg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d09fa14b70f4d05dc7aab268645bcf41 class=caas-img>14. Brett Favre His trifecta of MVP awards and good guy image are residuals from the 1990s. But Favre remained a captivating player in his final 11 seasons, retiring after the 2010 campaign with most of the league’s major passing marks and in possession of his signature Ironman streak (321 consecutive starts, truly Gehrig-esque). And Favre was splendid – on the field anyway – right to the end, reaching the NFC championship game twice in his final four seasons, once with the Green Bay Packers and also with the Vikings.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>14. Brett Favre His trifecta of MVP awards and good guy image are residuals from the 1990s. But Favre remained a captivating player in his final 11 seasons, retiring after the 2010 campaign with most of the league’s major passing marks and in possession of his signature Ironman streak (321 consecutive starts, truly Gehrig-esque). And Favre was splendid – on the field anyway – right to the end, reaching the NFC championship game twice in his final four seasons, once with the Green Bay Packers and also with the Vikings.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Br8EyznOtv_ydyOMhFewcQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDE4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/77b9514fb9e7ac0d27f5d1fb8d39c048 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

14. Brett Favre His trifecta of MVP awards and good guy image are residuals from the 1990s. But Favre remained a captivating player in his final 11 seasons, retiring after the 2010 campaign with most of the league’s major passing marks and in possession of his signature Ironman streak (321 consecutive starts, truly Gehrig-esque). And Favre was splendid – on the field anyway – right to the end, reaching the NFC championship game twice in his final four seasons, once with the Green Bay Packers and also with the Vikings.

">14. Brett Favre His trifecta of MVP awards and good guy image are residuals from the 1990s. But Favre remained a captivating player in his final 11 seasons, retiring after the 2010 campaign with most of the league’s major passing marks and in possession of his signature Ironman streak (321 consecutive starts, truly Gehrig-esque). And Favre was splendid – on the field anyway – right to the end, reaching the NFC championship game twice in his final four seasons, once with the Green Bay Packers and also with the Vikings.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Br8EyznOtv_ydyOMhFewcQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDE4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/77b9514fb9e7ac0d27f5d1fb8d39c048 class=caas-img>13. Russell Wilson Hard to say if any player has ever had more shifting narratives around him. Did Wilson drive the Seahawks to all that success they had during the 2010s, or was he mostly a passenger? And there’s no doubt his post-Seattle years have been even less kind to his legacy, wherever it lands. But there’s no denying his numbers (121 career wins, nearly 47,000 passing yards, and almost 400 combined passing/rushing TDs). And no one can take away Wilson’s Super Bowl 48 ring, still the only one in Seahawks history … even if he probably should have a Super Bowl 49 ring, too.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>13. Russell Wilson Hard to say if any player has ever had more shifting narratives around him. Did Wilson drive the Seahawks to all that success they had during the 2010s, or was he mostly a passenger? And there’s no doubt his post-Seattle years have been even less kind to his legacy, wherever it lands. But there’s no denying his numbers (121 career wins, nearly 47,000 passing yards, and almost 400 combined passing/rushing TDs). And no one can take away Wilson’s Super Bowl 48 ring, still the only one in Seahawks history … even if he probably should have a Super Bowl 49 ring, too.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Zop5c04jyd0Kq0ngrg6MVg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f8e915f3bf4dc3148e2d93f985b73780 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

13. Russell Wilson Hard to say if any player has ever had more shifting narratives around him. Did Wilson drive the Seahawks to all that success they had during the 2010s, or was he mostly a passenger? And there’s no doubt his post-Seattle years have been even less kind to his legacy, wherever it lands. But there’s no denying his numbers (121 career wins, nearly 47,000 passing yards, and almost 400 combined passing/rushing TDs). And no one can take away Wilson’s Super Bowl 48 ring, still the only one in Seahawks history … even if he probably should have a Super Bowl 49 ring, too.

">13. Russell Wilson Hard to say if any player has ever had more shifting narratives around him. Did Wilson drive the Seahawks to all that success they had during the 2010s, or was he mostly a passenger? And there’s no doubt his post-Seattle years have been even less kind to his legacy, wherever it lands. But there’s no denying his numbers (121 career wins, nearly 47,000 passing yards, and almost 400 combined passing/rushing TDs). And no one can take away Wilson’s Super Bowl 48 ring, still the only one in Seahawks history … even if he probably should have a Super Bowl 49 ring, too.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Zop5c04jyd0Kq0ngrg6MVg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f8e915f3bf4dc3148e2d93f985b73780 class=caas-img>12. Philip Rivers So what if he was the third-best quarterback of the 2004 draft after Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger? So what if Rivers never played in a Super Bowl? So what if he’s spent nearly his entire career playing in ideal passing conditions with teams built to score … and Hall of Famers like LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates helping him? You don’t throw for more than 63,000 yards and 422 TDs because you’re a spoke and not a hub – also a durable one (241 career starts). And the Rivers era was one of the few times the Chargers remained consistently relevant. Physically, he was never impressive. His ability to spew an endless stream of clean trash talk? So impressive.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>12. Philip Rivers So what if he was the third-best quarterback of the 2004 draft after Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger? So what if Rivers never played in a Super Bowl? So what if he’s spent nearly his entire career playing in ideal passing conditions with teams built to score … and Hall of Famers like LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates helping him? You don’t throw for more than 63,000 yards and 422 TDs because you’re a spoke and not a hub – also a durable one (241 career starts). And the Rivers era was one of the few times the Chargers remained consistently relevant. Physically, he was never impressive. His ability to spew an endless stream of clean trash talk? So impressive.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u0aQUZf3hqTdk2l5D27bIw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/220c47b019d707f7e9d16001fa1c4b79 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

12. Philip Rivers So what if he was the third-best quarterback of the 2004 draft after Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger? So what if Rivers never played in a Super Bowl? So what if he’s spent nearly his entire career playing in ideal passing conditions with teams built to score … and Hall of Famers like LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates helping him? You don’t throw for more than 63,000 yards and 422 TDs because you’re a spoke and not a hub – also a durable one (241 career starts). And the Rivers era was one of the few times the Chargers remained consistently relevant. Physically, he was never impressive. His ability to spew an endless stream of clean trash talk? So impressive.

">12. Philip Rivers So what if he was the third-best quarterback of the 2004 draft after Eli Manning and Ben Roethlisberger? So what if Rivers never played in a Super Bowl? So what if he’s spent nearly his entire career playing in ideal passing conditions with teams built to score … and Hall of Famers like LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates helping him? You don’t throw for more than 63,000 yards and 422 TDs because you’re a spoke and not a hub – also a durable one (241 career starts). And the Rivers era was one of the few times the Chargers remained consistently relevant. Physically, he was never impressive. His ability to spew an endless stream of clean trash talk? So impressive.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/u0aQUZf3hqTdk2l5D27bIw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/220c47b019d707f7e9d16001fa1c4b79 class=caas-img>11. Josh Allen The 2024 league MVP amazingly reinvented himself into a deadly accurate, multi-threat quarterback coming out of Wyoming in 2018 – essentially a better version of Newton. Allen’s 77 career rushing touchdowns are already a record among quarterbacks. He’ll likely continue to climb this list – let’s just hope he’s able to fully certify his career at some point with the Lombardi Trophy that’s proven so elusive in the Patrick Mahomes era.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>11. Josh Allen The 2024 league MVP amazingly reinvented himself into a deadly accurate, multi-threat quarterback coming out of Wyoming in 2018 – essentially a better version of Newton. Allen’s 77 career rushing touchdowns are already a record among quarterbacks. He’ll likely continue to climb this list – let’s just hope he’s able to fully certify his career at some point with the Lombardi Trophy that’s proven so elusive in the Patrick Mahomes era.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vKAS02M9l4qF8h0bV6aCCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b13785bb550a7d8274007786448b4f44 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

11. Josh Allen The 2024 league MVP amazingly reinvented himself into a deadly accurate, multi-threat quarterback coming out of Wyoming in 2018 – essentially a better version of Newton. Allen’s 77 career rushing touchdowns are already a record among quarterbacks. He’ll likely continue to climb this list – let’s just hope he’s able to fully certify his career at some point with the Lombardi Trophy that’s proven so elusive in the Patrick Mahomes era.

">11. Josh Allen The 2024 league MVP amazingly reinvented himself into a deadly accurate, multi-threat quarterback coming out of Wyoming in 2018 – essentially a better version of Newton. Allen’s 77 career rushing touchdowns are already a record among quarterbacks. He’ll likely continue to climb this list – let’s just hope he’s able to fully certify his career at some point with the Lombardi Trophy that’s proven so elusive in the Patrick Mahomes era.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vKAS02M9l4qF8h0bV6aCCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b13785bb550a7d8274007786448b4f44 class=caas-img>10. Lamar Jackson He’s a two-time NFL MVP … and arguably should have three. Jackson broke Vick’s record for career rushing yards by a quarterback and now has 6,513 – and he’s the only one to accrue 1,000 in a season twice. Yet Jackson is probably underrated as a passer – he’s a far better one than Vick ever was – and he seemed to improve annually prior to his frustrating 2025. He’ll likely continue to climb this list – let’s just hope he’s able to fully certify his career at some point with the Lombardi Trophy that’s proven so elusive in the Patrick Mahomes era.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>10. Lamar Jackson He’s a two-time NFL MVP … and arguably should have three. Jackson broke Vick’s record for career rushing yards by a quarterback and now has 6,513 – and he’s the only one to accrue 1,000 in a season twice. Yet Jackson is probably underrated as a passer – he’s a far better one than Vick ever was – and he seemed to improve annually prior to his frustrating 2025. He’ll likely continue to climb this list – let’s just hope he’s able to fully certify his career at some point with the Lombardi Trophy that’s proven so elusive in the Patrick Mahomes era.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hzjfJynxKH5nOPWr0VQ3JQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e8ed173ce53104e4d12838ed4e842e55 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

10. Lamar Jackson He’s a two-time NFL MVP … and arguably should have three. Jackson broke Vick’s record for career rushing yards by a quarterback and now has 6,513 – and he’s the only one to accrue 1,000 in a season twice. Yet Jackson is probably underrated as a passer – he’s a far better one than Vick ever was – and he seemed to improve annually prior to his frustrating 2025. He’ll likely continue to climb this list – let’s just hope he’s able to fully certify his career at some point with the Lombardi Trophy that’s proven so elusive in the Patrick Mahomes era.

">10. Lamar Jackson He’s a two-time NFL MVP … and arguably should have three. Jackson broke Vick’s record for career rushing yards by a quarterback and now has 6,513 – and he’s the only one to accrue 1,000 in a season twice. Yet Jackson is probably underrated as a passer – he’s a far better one than Vick ever was – and he seemed to improve annually prior to his frustrating 2025. He’ll likely continue to climb this list – let’s just hope he’s able to fully certify his career at some point with the Lombardi Trophy that’s proven so elusive in the Patrick Mahomes era.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/hzjfJynxKH5nOPWr0VQ3JQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e8ed173ce53104e4d12838ed4e842e55 class=caas-img>9. Matt Ryan You probably forgot that he was the league MVP in 2016 … mostly because you remember his Atlanta Falcons fell apart in Super Bowl 51, really through no fault of Ryan’s. Given the contrasts in their games and personalities, following Vick in Atlanta wasn’t an enviable role for Ryan, either. But in many ways, his career mimics Rivers’ – nice guys with very similar career numbers but a close-but-no-cigar asterisk attached to their championship quests. (But Matty Ice’s in-game verbiage was definitely more colorful than Rivers’.)

" style=padding-bottom:56%>9. Matt Ryan You probably forgot that he was the league MVP in 2016 … mostly because you remember his Atlanta Falcons fell apart in Super Bowl 51, really through no fault of Ryan’s. Given the contrasts in their games and personalities, following Vick in Atlanta wasn’t an enviable role for Ryan, either. But in many ways, his career mimics Rivers’ – nice guys with very similar career numbers but a close-but-no-cigar asterisk attached to their championship quests. (But Matty Ice’s in-game verbiage was definitely more colorful than Rivers’.)

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oFudSeto9FiGqUEH4qLSCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/19428a9b16c9f76a10e3c9fc28fe2440 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

9. Matt Ryan You probably forgot that he was the league MVP in 2016 … mostly because you remember his Atlanta Falcons fell apart in Super Bowl 51, really through no fault of Ryan’s. Given the contrasts in their games and personalities, following Vick in Atlanta wasn’t an enviable role for Ryan, either. But in many ways, his career mimics Rivers’ – nice guys with very similar career numbers but a close-but-no-cigar asterisk attached to their championship quests. (But Matty Ice’s in-game verbiage was definitely more colorful than Rivers’.)

">9. Matt Ryan You probably forgot that he was the league MVP in 2016 … mostly because you remember his Atlanta Falcons fell apart in Super Bowl 51, really through no fault of Ryan’s. Given the contrasts in their games and personalities, following Vick in Atlanta wasn’t an enviable role for Ryan, either. But in many ways, his career mimics Rivers’ – nice guys with very similar career numbers but a close-but-no-cigar asterisk attached to their championship quests. (But Matty Ice’s in-game verbiage was definitely more colorful than Rivers’.)

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oFudSeto9FiGqUEH4qLSCA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTI-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/19428a9b16c9f76a10e3c9fc28fe2440 class=caas-img>8. Eli Manning His 117-117 record in the regular season probably prevented him from being a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But two Super Bowl MVPs, 57,000 passing yards and the ability to successfully navigate the New York market for 16 seasons should land him in Canton eventually.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>8. Eli Manning His 117-117 record in the regular season probably prevented him from being a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But two Super Bowl MVPs, 57,000 passing yards and the ability to successfully navigate the New York market for 16 seasons should land him in Canton eventually.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2_YOjqoqXwu7r12p1FMMkQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/044dfdcd9e17933e0f41dbfddce52e4f class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

8. Eli Manning His 117-117 record in the regular season probably prevented him from being a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But two Super Bowl MVPs, 57,000 passing yards and the ability to successfully navigate the New York market for 16 seasons should land him in Canton eventually.

">8. Eli Manning His 117-117 record in the regular season probably prevented him from being a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But two Super Bowl MVPs, 57,000 passing yards and the ability to successfully navigate the New York market for 16 seasons should land him in Canton eventually.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/2_YOjqoqXwu7r12p1FMMkQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/044dfdcd9e17933e0f41dbfddce52e4f class=caas-img>7. Matthew Stafford Underrated and undervalued during his 12 years in Detroit – and Stafford was most definitely elite with the Lions, despite a shortfall of help on the roster and in management – his belated renaissance with the Rams is making up for those dark days. At this point, it would be a shock if Stafford doesn’t cap this season with his first MVP trophy. It wouldn’t be surprising either if he wins his second Super Bowl with the Rams. And if his 37-year-old body holds up for just another two or three good seasons, he should be the rare player with 70,000 career passing yards and 500 TDs by the time he’s done.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>7. Matthew Stafford Underrated and undervalued during his 12 years in Detroit – and Stafford was most definitely elite with the Lions, despite a shortfall of help on the roster and in management – his belated renaissance with the Rams is making up for those dark days. At this point, it would be a shock if Stafford doesn’t cap this season with his first MVP trophy. It wouldn’t be surprising either if he wins his second Super Bowl with the Rams. And if his 37-year-old body holds up for just another two or three good seasons, he should be the rare player with 70,000 career passing yards and 500 TDs by the time he’s done.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/REN4z6hXwr9FXpUwV6mSeA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/88d1e92a5a8213a2edc74f63a4cde205 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

7. Matthew Stafford Underrated and undervalued during his 12 years in Detroit – and Stafford was most definitely elite with the Lions, despite a shortfall of help on the roster and in management – his belated renaissance with the Rams is making up for those dark days. At this point, it would be a shock if Stafford doesn’t cap this season with his first MVP trophy. It wouldn’t be surprising either if he wins his second Super Bowl with the Rams. And if his 37-year-old body holds up for just another two or three good seasons, he should be the rare player with 70,000 career passing yards and 500 TDs by the time he’s done.

">7. Matthew Stafford Underrated and undervalued during his 12 years in Detroit – and Stafford was most definitely elite with the Lions, despite a shortfall of help on the roster and in management – his belated renaissance with the Rams is making up for those dark days. At this point, it would be a shock if Stafford doesn’t cap this season with his first MVP trophy. It wouldn’t be surprising either if he wins his second Super Bowl with the Rams. And if his 37-year-old body holds up for just another two or three good seasons, he should be the rare player with 70,000 career passing yards and 500 TDs by the time he’s done.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/REN4z6hXwr9FXpUwV6mSeA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/88d1e92a5a8213a2edc74f63a4cde205 class=caas-img>6. Ben Roethlisberger “Big Ben” was awesome between the lines from Day 1, a mountain of a man who could shed tacklers with ease while slinging the rock to all parts of the gridiron. He earned two rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers – and probably should have been Super 43’s MVP given his legendary, title-winning throw to Santonio Holmes through triple coverage and into the back corner of the end zone as time wound down. Roethlisberger’s 64,000+ passing yards and 418 career TD passes are all the more impressive given so much of it was done in the Steel City’s often unforgiving conditions. He never played for a team with a losing record, his final ledger 165-81-1.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>6. Ben Roethlisberger “Big Ben” was awesome between the lines from Day 1, a mountain of a man who could shed tacklers with ease while slinging the rock to all parts of the gridiron. He earned two rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers – and probably should have been Super 43’s MVP given his legendary, title-winning throw to Santonio Holmes through triple coverage and into the back corner of the end zone as time wound down. Roethlisberger’s 64,000+ passing yards and 418 career TD passes are all the more impressive given so much of it was done in the Steel City’s often unforgiving conditions. He never played for a team with a losing record, his final ledger 165-81-1.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gjr19mPhhZMwblmkqkxgww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a1a8d3dd4706fcf2327e8841ed39dd0b class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

6. Ben Roethlisberger “Big Ben” was awesome between the lines from Day 1, a mountain of a man who could shed tacklers with ease while slinging the rock to all parts of the gridiron. He earned two rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers – and probably should have been Super 43’s MVP given his legendary, title-winning throw to Santonio Holmes through triple coverage and into the back corner of the end zone as time wound down. Roethlisberger’s 64,000+ passing yards and 418 career TD passes are all the more impressive given so much of it was done in the Steel City’s often unforgiving conditions. He never played for a team with a losing record, his final ledger 165-81-1.

">6. Ben Roethlisberger “Big Ben” was awesome between the lines from Day 1, a mountain of a man who could shed tacklers with ease while slinging the rock to all parts of the gridiron. He earned two rings with the Pittsburgh Steelers – and probably should have been Super 43’s MVP given his legendary, title-winning throw to Santonio Holmes through triple coverage and into the back corner of the end zone as time wound down. Roethlisberger’s 64,000+ passing yards and 418 career TD passes are all the more impressive given so much of it was done in the Steel City’s often unforgiving conditions. He never played for a team with a losing record, his final ledger 165-81-1.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gjr19mPhhZMwblmkqkxgww--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a1a8d3dd4706fcf2327e8841ed39dd0b class=caas-img>5. Drew Brees His 80,358 passing yards and 571 TD passes rank second only to Tom Brady in NFL annals. But perhaps the most important part of Brees’ legacy was helping to save pro football in New Orleans following the wrath of Hurricane Katrina while leading the Saints to their first – and still only – Super Bowl win in the 2009 season (Lombardi Gras). GPS-level accurate – Brees completed at least 70% of his passes in seven different seasons – the league has rarely seen as good a leader, either.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>5. Drew Brees His 80,358 passing yards and 571 TD passes rank second only to Tom Brady in NFL annals. But perhaps the most important part of Brees’ legacy was helping to save pro football in New Orleans following the wrath of Hurricane Katrina while leading the Saints to their first – and still only – Super Bowl win in the 2009 season (Lombardi Gras). GPS-level accurate – Brees completed at least 70% of his passes in seven different seasons – the league has rarely seen as good a leader, either.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0Xa1UWVOOxN46gwL0QeQlg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NTA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/33b264fd815e3906ab58890ad5715bac class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

5. Drew Brees His 80,358 passing yards and 571 TD passes rank second only to Tom Brady in NFL annals. But perhaps the most important part of Brees’ legacy was helping to save pro football in New Orleans following the wrath of Hurricane Katrina while leading the Saints to their first – and still only – Super Bowl win in the 2009 season (Lombardi Gras). GPS-level accurate – Brees completed at least 70% of his passes in seven different seasons – the league has rarely seen as good a leader, either.

">5. Drew Brees His 80,358 passing yards and 571 TD passes rank second only to Tom Brady in NFL annals. But perhaps the most important part of Brees’ legacy was helping to save pro football in New Orleans following the wrath of Hurricane Katrina while leading the Saints to their first – and still only – Super Bowl win in the 2009 season (Lombardi Gras). GPS-level accurate – Brees completed at least 70% of his passes in seven different seasons – the league has rarely seen as good a leader, either.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0Xa1UWVOOxN46gwL0QeQlg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NTA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/33b264fd815e3906ab58890ad5715bac class=caas-img>4. Aaron Rodgers During his prime, his combination of accuracy, mobility, moxie, arm strength, competitiveness and extreme football intelligence made him something of a template for the modern quarterback – and maybe no one has ever had the ability to make the pinpoint throws he could, whether from the pocket or on the move. Only one player has more MVP trophies than Rodgers’ four, though his detractors (and Brees’) will say one Super Bowl is insufficient. Rodgers’ 102.4 career passer rating is currently the highest in NFL history.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>4. Aaron Rodgers During his prime, his combination of accuracy, mobility, moxie, arm strength, competitiveness and extreme football intelligence made him something of a template for the modern quarterback – and maybe no one has ever had the ability to make the pinpoint throws he could, whether from the pocket or on the move. Only one player has more MVP trophies than Rodgers’ four, though his detractors (and Brees’) will say one Super Bowl is insufficient. Rodgers’ 102.4 career passer rating is currently the highest in NFL history.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RVvnOCh_JiCNsPQm3GI67w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/42c7b565edc8d40d570d9369b88f4e14 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

4. Aaron Rodgers During his prime, his combination of accuracy, mobility, moxie, arm strength, competitiveness and extreme football intelligence made him something of a template for the modern quarterback – and maybe no one has ever had the ability to make the pinpoint throws he could, whether from the pocket or on the move. Only one player has more MVP trophies than Rodgers’ four, though his detractors (and Brees’) will say one Super Bowl is insufficient. Rodgers’ 102.4 career passer rating is currently the highest in NFL history.

">4. Aaron Rodgers During his prime, his combination of accuracy, mobility, moxie, arm strength, competitiveness and extreme football intelligence made him something of a template for the modern quarterback – and maybe no one has ever had the ability to make the pinpoint throws he could, whether from the pocket or on the move. Only one player has more MVP trophies than Rodgers’ four, though his detractors (and Brees’) will say one Super Bowl is insufficient. Rodgers’ 102.4 career passer rating is currently the highest in NFL history.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RVvnOCh_JiCNsPQm3GI67w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/42c7b565edc8d40d570d9369b88f4e14 class=caas-img>3. Peyton Manning A record five league MVP awards. Four Super Bowl trips and two wins. Holder of most of the league’s major passing standards when he retired following the 2015 season. But perhaps the defining part of the Manning legend was his will and ability to manipulate games with his mind – the most important component for a player with an above-average arm but no wheels.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>3. Peyton Manning A record five league MVP awards. Four Super Bowl trips and two wins. Holder of most of the league’s major passing standards when he retired following the 2015 season. But perhaps the defining part of the Manning legend was his will and ability to manipulate games with his mind – the most important component for a player with an above-average arm but no wheels.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/d.7FSwHetSzX3XNnE7cUkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bce445422a606bfe0fd0c0e040ef680c class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

3. Peyton Manning A record five league MVP awards. Four Super Bowl trips and two wins. Holder of most of the league’s major passing standards when he retired following the 2015 season. But perhaps the defining part of the Manning legend was his will and ability to manipulate games with his mind – the most important component for a player with an above-average arm but no wheels.

">3. Peyton Manning A record five league MVP awards. Four Super Bowl trips and two wins. Holder of most of the league’s major passing standards when he retired following the 2015 season. But perhaps the defining part of the Manning legend was his will and ability to manipulate games with his mind – the most important component for a player with an above-average arm but no wheels.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/d.7FSwHetSzX3XNnE7cUkg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/bce445422a606bfe0fd0c0e040ef680c class=caas-img>2. Patrick Mahomes We’re not even 10 years into his career, and he’s already got three Super Bowl MVPs – only Brady has more – two league MVPs and had started seven consecutive AFC championship games, a streak that will end in an unfortunate 2025 season that hasn’t been kind to Mahomes or his Kansas City Chiefs. But there are more chapters to be written in what’s already the sterling career of a player who relentlessly wins and has provided some of the most impressive individuals plays and efforts on his team’s dynastic road. Still a legit shot Mahomes could be regarded as the best to ever do it by the time he retires …

" style=padding-bottom:56%>2. Patrick Mahomes We’re not even 10 years into his career, and he’s already got three Super Bowl MVPs – only Brady has more – two league MVPs and had started seven consecutive AFC championship games, a streak that will end in an unfortunate 2025 season that hasn’t been kind to Mahomes or his Kansas City Chiefs. But there are more chapters to be written in what’s already the sterling career of a player who relentlessly wins and has provided some of the most impressive individuals plays and efforts on his team’s dynastic road. Still a legit shot Mahomes could be regarded as the best to ever do it by the time he retires …

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EGb5wPLwHsj2FVWkCoBiXQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/47615c69aadf535a8d1a045990b5aea2 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

2. Patrick Mahomes We’re not even 10 years into his career, and he’s already got three Super Bowl MVPs – only Brady has more – two league MVPs and had started seven consecutive AFC championship games, a streak that will end in an unfortunate 2025 season that hasn’t been kind to Mahomes or his Kansas City Chiefs. But there are more chapters to be written in what’s already the sterling career of a player who relentlessly wins and has provided some of the most impressive individuals plays and efforts on his team’s dynastic road. Still a legit shot Mahomes could be regarded as the best to ever do it by the time he retires …

">2. Patrick Mahomes We’re not even 10 years into his career, and he’s already got three Super Bowl MVPs – only Brady has more – two league MVPs and had started seven consecutive AFC championship games, a streak that will end in an unfortunate 2025 season that hasn’t been kind to Mahomes or his Kansas City Chiefs. But there are more chapters to be written in what’s already the sterling career of a player who relentlessly wins and has provided some of the most impressive individuals plays and efforts on his team’s dynastic road. Still a legit shot Mahomes could be regarded as the best to ever do it by the time he retires …

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/EGb5wPLwHsj2FVWkCoBiXQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/47615c69aadf535a8d1a045990b5aea2 class=caas-img>1. Tom Brady … But, for now, GOAT status most definitely remains with TB12, whose seven Super Bowl rings are still more than any NFL franchise possesses on its own. He’s got the jewelry, nearly all of the league’s notable passing marks and a record five Super Bowl MVPs. There’s so much more to an unparalleled NFL journey that began as an unheralded sixth-round pick of the Patriots. But you know the story. And you know there’s no debate here. At least not yet.

" style=padding-bottom:56%>1. Tom Brady … But, for now, GOAT status most definitely remains with TB12, whose seven Super Bowl rings are still more than any NFL franchise possesses on its own. He’s got the jewelry, nearly all of the league’s notable passing marks and a record five Super Bowl MVPs. There’s so much more to an unparalleled NFL journey that began as an unheralded sixth-round pick of the Patriots. But you know the story. And you know there’s no debate here. At least not yet.

" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RMx19g44IK_P9BygDJjklQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NzY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/02f098c85dbb4a27eece399301194601 class=caas-img data-headline="See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 years" data-caption="

1. Tom Brady … But, for now, GOAT status most definitely remains with TB12, whose seven Super Bowl rings are still more than any NFL franchise possesses on its own. He’s got the jewelry, nearly all of the league’s notable passing marks and a record five Super Bowl MVPs. There’s so much more to an unparalleled NFL journey that began as an unheralded sixth-round pick of the Patriots. But you know the story. And you know there’s no debate here. At least not yet.

">1. Tom Brady … But, for now, GOAT status most definitely remains with TB12, whose seven Super Bowl rings are still more than any NFL franchise possesses on its own. He’s got the jewelry, nearly all of the league’s notable passing marks and a record five Super Bowl MVPs. There’s so much more to an unparalleled NFL journey that began as an unheralded sixth-round pick of the Patriots. But you know the story. And you know there’s no debate here. At least not yet.

" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/RMx19g44IK_P9BygDJjklQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD03NzY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/02f098c85dbb4a27eece399301194601 class=caas-img>

1 / 26See the top 25 NFL quarterbacks of past 25 yearsPhilip Rivers’ return to the NFL this season is undoubtedly one of the wildest, most unexpected turns the league’s, ahem, script has taken in years. The entire country watched him play Monday night, his second start of the 2025 campaign after a hiatus of nearly five years, as his Indianapolis Colts host the San Francisco 49ers in a game with playoff implications for both squads. Yet the stage is also a perfect time to take stock of the stellar career Rivers had already had – he was a semifinalist to join the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class − until his return forced a HOF clock rest until at least 2031. But where does Philly Riv rank in the bigger picture? We thought the best context was to slot him among the NFL quarterbacks who have played in the 21st century. (So while former MVPs like Kurt Warner and Steve McNair were eligible, for example, they might not have made the list based on their excluded accomplishments from the 1990s.) With that in mind, here are your top 25 passers from the past 25 years – and, dadgummit, we know you won’t disagree with a single aspect of this ranking!

Editor's note: This is a part of an occasional USA TODAY Sports series on the best moments, teams, players and figures in sports over the last 25 years.

Oladokun isn’t the only third-stringer pressed into action on Christmas. In the first game (1 p.m. ET), the Dallas Cowboys – already eliminated from the playoffs – will face Josh Johnson and the Washington Commanders, with quarterbacks Jayden Daniels shut down for the season and Marcus Mariota unavailable. This Commanders team playing one last standalone game is a win for all NFL fans.

In the second game between the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, not much is at stake. The Lions can keep their slim postseason hopes alive with a win. Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie who’s had mixed results through two extended appearances (including that disastrous 26-0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in his first career start), gets another start at quarterback for the Vikings against a Lions’ defense that has regressed while constantly losing players to injuries.

The Broncos are in pursuit of the AFC’s No. 1 seed, and a victory would go a long way in that endeavor, along with putting them one step closer to winning the AFC West (they would need a Los Angeles Chargers’ loss on Dec. 27 to complete that task). That Denver defense against a third-string QB? With a fanbase that probably doesn’t take too kindly to the recent news of the stadium move from Missouri to Kansas? Yikes.

Oladokun, a seventh-round pick in 2022 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, will make his first NFL start. The 22-year-old is next man up after Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending knee injury and backup Gardner Minshew leaving the Chiefs’ loss to the lowly Tennessee Titans on Dec. 21 as well.

A classic Christmas Miracle isn’t out of the realm of possibility, but miracles are deemed such for a reason. They’re unlikely.

Both games on Netflix in 2024 averaged 30 million viewers, with action peaking around Beyonce’s halftime performance of the second game between the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans (the first featured the Steelers and Chiefs).

The Thanksgiving Day viewership victory, with Chiefs-Cowboys pulling in a record 57 million viewers, will soothe any potential shortcomings. Both teams playing on the next major holiday is no accident.

For the NFL, not every holiday weekend can be as fortuitous as this past Thanksgiving. The bottom line, the main priority always, won’t be affected. But maybe our viewing habits at home will be this Christmas.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL's Christmas Day schedule missing intrigue, matchups, stars

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”