8. Buffalo Bills
Two of our panelists said Josh Allen is the most underrated of the new wave of quarterbacks. He’s efficient as a passer, dangerous as a runner and has the Bills in playoff contention. In just his second season, Allen, 23, has thrown for 2,175 yards and 13 touchdowns and rushed for 331 yards and seven touchdowns. Allen already is a solid quarterback. But all four of our panelists agreed he could become elite within a couple of years.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars signed Nick Foles to a four-year, $88 million deal in the offseason and then saw what looked like a disaster when Foles went down with a broken collarbone in the opener. They had to turn to rookie Gardner Minshew, a sixth-round pick, who threw for 2,285 yards with 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions in nine games. Foles returned as the starter in Week 11, bumping Minshew back to the bench. Both Foles and Minshew are under contract through 2022. There also is the possibility that some team desperate for a starter could trade for Minshew in the offseason. Our panelists agree Minshew has shown enough to be a solid starter somewhere.
6. Houston Texans
The Texans undoubtedly will exercise Deshaun Watson’s fifth-year option for 2021, but they also will be looking to sign him to a long-term extension. At 24, Watson already has shown he’s a franchise quarterback. This season, he has thrown for 2,601 yards and 18 touchdowns while also rushing for 291 yards and five touchdowns. A.J. McCarron is the backup, but the Texans hope Watson never has to leave the field. “Watson already is approaching elite status,” a panelist said. “In two or three years, he’ll be one of the best in the league.”
5. Atlanta Falcons
At 34, Matt Ryan is still going strong. Ryan never has suffered a major injury and has kept himself in good shape. With quarterbacks such as Tom Brady and Drew Brees playing into their 40s, Ryan, who is under contract through 2023, still should be good for at least another four years, although the Falcons might want to find a long-term successor toward the end of that timetable. Current backup Matt Schaub is 38, has limited mobility and not a lot of arm strength. The Falcons should upgrade at backup in the offseason.