Top 5 QB, hum. Let me see.

I guess you could argue with Aaron Rogers being #1 based on the solid defense and good to excellent talent he gets to play with each week. But I would have to say he is #1. Then you have:
1. Rogers
2. Brady
3. Roethlisberger
4. Breese
5. Flacco
 
Assuming we are talking about active this year, otherwise we have to include Payton. You could put Eli in the 5 slot and move Flacco to 6, Ben to #2 and Brady to #3. Now I know Eli has won a SB and that is his claim to fame but somehow I don't equate him as top 5 even with Payton on the sidelines this year.

But you could make your case, but I think you have to work at it.

It's the age old debate: Are we evaluating QB's on wins and championships or are we evaluating QB's on throwing ability and statistics. Its Troy Aikman v. Dan Marino or Terry Bradshaw v. Dan Fouts or Bart Starr v. Fran Tarkenton. Are you looking at the QB in terms of their ability to lead their team to an NFL Championship or are you ranking your QB's based on their stats? What criteria you use may dictate how you formulate your list.  

I think the majority consensus in today's NFL is that the top 4 QB's, in no particular order, are: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees. All four our prolific passers, make quick/accurate decisions with the football and have all won a Super Bowl (or three in Brady's case)  

Now we get into the QB's who either have the gaudy stats or have the championship rings. The next tier usually includes the threesome of Rivers, Roethlisberger and Eli Manning (not a bad 2004 draft class!). Rivers has the stats, Big Ben has the rings (hopefully # 3 for him this year, but I digress). I agree that based on his play this season, Eli has definitely moved up the pecking order. He is the main reason the Giants are in playoff contention. I would then put a healthy Michael Vick on the list. He is a dynamic QB who has greatly improved his passing since he returned to the league (and we forget that he did have some postseason success in Atlanta). There are next a whole group of younger passers (around 4 years in the league): Flacco, Ryan, Sanchez that have had success in guiding their teams into the playoffs. Their not proflic passers yet, but team wins should count for something. Tony Romo remains an enigma. He has top tier ability, but his 1 playoff win in 6 seasons keeps him lower down on the list. I agree that Mathew Stafford, when healthy, has shown ability, but there is not enough body of work on him to evaluate.

Then you can jump down my throat with both feet.

Hardy has a good point. It depends on the criteria you judge the QB. Our real problem with picking the top 5 QB in the NFL is the data we judge them by. If we pick rings it's Brady. To make the list they need playoff wins, rings but is that really the whole story.

I watched the games and every play on the field there is  22 players (except for the occasional 23 player downs). You see I had Rogers as #1, but in reality I think it's probably Brady. Rogers gets to play with a lot more talent on the field than Brady. Plus he has a defense to back him up.

Yea, so why did you pick Falcco over Eli, you ask. Based on talent both QB have on the field Falco keeps his team in the hunt.  Just ask Hardy about that. Eli, not so much. Falcco has to win in a more completive division.  

Now if we have to include Payton, although he didn't play this year that would knock out both Falcco and Eli in the top 5. But don't worry Stillers, Eli would make the top ten. LOL

Stepping up and playing at the top of one's ability in the big game is the real measure. Regular seaon; not so much. We'll have some current data soon.

Hard to measure a QB who doesn't play against the AFC hard hitting defense. Offensive line plays a large part too.  It's easy to stand in the pocket and pass when you are protected -- So many variables.  Put whoever you pick for the best QB on a bad team and make your top 5 list again.

Brett Farve runs for a first down and Saints don't go to the Superbowl -- no glory for Brees. Pittsburg protects the football and the Packers lose the Superbowl -- no glory for Rodgers. Flacco protects the football and the Steels lose the AFC Championship game -- who knows, Flacco leads Ravens to title.  

QB is very important, but we all know in championship games the differnece is: penalties, turn overs, and special teams.

Post season should be a lot of fun this year.

For far too long he threw too many interceptions and no one had more delay-of-game penalties.  His streak of wins in the playoffs leading to the Super Bowl win was outstanding.  But he has never put together a season like this one.  Even when they've lost, Eli has kept them in the game.  His play calling has been outstanding and his touch on passes amazing.  He has come of age and belongs in the Top Five...at #5.  He's the only reason the Jints are in contention.  Too bad he's not surrounded by a team like the one that won the Super Bowl.  I'll be shocked if they last beyond the second round.