Its Week 13. Do you know where your quarterback is?Whether your team is playoff-bound or out of the running, its always worth taking its temperature at the most important position. How confident is your team about its quarterback situation? Is the starter good enough to win you a title? Is the backup good enough to keep hope alive if the starter gets hurt? How are you set up for next year and beyond?Welcome to our quarterly check of the NFLs QB Confidence Index, where we rank each team based on how confident it is right now in its overall quarterback situation. This is not simply a ranking of starters, though starters (especially those who never miss games) obviously make up the bulk of the formula. Nor is it a pure comparison of quarterbacks accomplishments to date. Its a rating of each team based on the confidence it currently should carry about the position. And its time to get to it.Previous versions: November | October | September1. New England PatriotsQB Confidence Index: 10.0 | November rating: 10.0No reason to change anything here. Tom Brady?is?playing quarterback better than anyone in the league, shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, and the 3-1 record the Patriots posted during his suspension shows theyre well positioned if something should happen to him. What happens with backup Jimmy Garoppolo is an interesting offseason story to watch.2. New Orleans SaintsQB Confidence Index: 9.9 | November rating: 9.5Drew Brees is leading the league in passing yards -- something he has done each of the past two seasons and six of the past 10. He turns 38 in January but looks like the same guy he has always been. And the rotating cast of receivers and backs around him works because of the justified confidence his team has in him.3. Atlanta FalconsQB Confidence Index: 9.7 | November rating: 9.3Matt Ryan is one of those guys in the never-misses-a-game category, so the fact of?Matt Schaub as his backup is incidental. Ryan is putting up MVP numbers for a team that allows 27.5 points per game on defense.4. Oakland RaidersQB Confidence Index: 9.6 | November rating: 9.2Derek Carr is still young, but he doesnt look it when the fourth quarter starts -- and his teams confidence in him is growing with every heart-pounding comeback victory. The mark of a quarterback who has made it -- from a confidence-index standpoint -- is the panic Raiders fans felt when Carr left the game Sunday for a few minutes with a hand injury.5. Green Bay PackersQB Confidence Index: 9.5 | November rating: 9.0Aaron Rodgers early-season accuracy struggles are well behind him at this point, and hes coming off two of his best games of the season. Rodgers doesnt appear to be the problem in Green Bay, where scheme issues and the total lack of a running game are proving difficult to overcome.6. Dallas CowboysQB Confidence Index: 9.4 | November rating: 9.2Dak Prescott is a rookie, which makes the confidence his team has in him simply incredible. It also gives you at least a little bit of pause when you project how the rest of the year will go for him. But Prescott has done nothing whatsoever to indicate a drop-off or rookie wall is coming, and whatever you think of Tony Romo, its impossible to argue that hes not the best backup in the league.7. Seattle SeahawksQB Confidence Index: 9.1 | November rating: 8.9A week ago, it looked safe to rocket Russell Wilson and the Seahawks into the top two or three here. But Wilsons two-pick mess in Tampa Bay (and yes, we know all about the offensive line) keeps him at this still-high-but-not-what-hes-used-to spot in the rankings. Seattle has great confidence in Wilson as a player, but from week to week its impossible to be confident in what this offense will deliver.8. Detroit LionsQB Confidence Index: 9.0 | November rating: 8.9Not much has changed since four weeks ago except that Matthew Stafford keeps executing comeback wins. Staffords own confidence in Jim Bob Cooters offense is evident, and the Lions confidence in Stafford is likely to be reflected in a record-breaking quarterback contract extension this coming offseason.9. Pittsburgh SteelersQB Confidence Index: 8.9 | November rating: 8.6Theres always going to be a health question that keeps the Steelers from reaching peak confidence in Ben Roethlisberger. But as long as hes on the field, hes as good as anyone at operating his offense and finding his playmakers.10. WashingtonQB Confidence Index: 8.7 | November rating: 6.2Probably had Kirk Cousins too low on the November list. Since that list was published, he has played three games, completed 72.4 percent of his passes and thrown eight touchdown passes and no interceptions. There will always be doubters, but Cousins is playing his position at an elite level right now.11. San Diego ChargersQB Confidence Index: 8.7 | November rating: 8.8A month ago we wrote, Theres still no one out there doing more with less on a weekly basis than?[Philip] Rivers, whose team gives away leads the way a grandmother gives away $5 bills. The Chargers are 2-1 since then, and the one loss was all on Rivers, who threw an incomprehensible four interceptions in the fourth quarter against Miami. That surely didnt shake the Chargers overall confidence in Rivers, but it kept him from rising higher, for sure.12. New York GiantsQB Confidence Index: 8.3 | November rating: 7.9The Giants confidence in Eli Manning has two very strong pillars -- the fact he never misses a game, and the fact they know he can deliver a championship. But hes not playing all that great this season, and that has to make them wonder. Mannings November completion percentage was 60.1, and while the Giants went 4-0, the schedule is about to toughen up. Manning needs to find another gear.13. Carolina PanthersQB Confidence Index: 8.3 | November rating: 8.1Cam Newton made it to Feb. 7 last season before his first bad mood. This season hasnt gone as smoothly -- by any stretch -- and Newtons numbers reflect that. But the Panthers remain confident hes their guy, and their mission this offseason will be to beef up his protection so he can get back to his MVP ways.14. Baltimore RavensQB Confidence Index: 7.6 | November rating: 7.6There has been no reason to change Baltimores ranking here. The Ravens are 3-1 since our last ranking, losing only in Dallas, and Joe Flacco is doing just what Joe Flacco usually does. Nothing that pops your eyes out, nothing that gets the Ravens beaten -- just enough big plays to keep the run game humming.15. Tennessee TitansQB Confidence Index: 7.3 | November rating: 5.6Marcus Mariota has thrown 11 touchdown passes and two interceptions in four games since the last time we did this, and in two of those games he has had a Total QBR over 95 (out of 100). Whether the Titans can cash in this opportunity and make playoffs or not, they?have to feel confident that Mariota is their guy moving into next year and beyond.16. Kansas City ChiefsQB Confidence Index: 7.2 | November rating: 5.8This is the correction zone of this months edition, as we had been underrating Alex Smith as well. His numbers arent pretty, but he delivers what the Chiefs ask of him, and theyve won 19 of their past 23 games. They also have Nick Foles behind him as backup, and Foles has played well in relief twice this season.17. Arizona CardinalsQB Confidence Index: 7.1 | November rating: 7.9Carson Palmer has 15 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions on the season -- five of each in the three games he has played since our last update. Arizonas offense hasnt worked this season, and Palmers level of blame for that can be debated. But this was as confident a team as any in the league when the season started, and now it has reason to question almost everything.18. Minnesota VikingsQB Confidence Index: 7.1 | November rating: 7.1Sam Bradford completed a stunning 77.9 percent of his passes in four November games. Problem is, the Vikings won only one of them. Hes delivering what has been asked of him, and it has to feel ridiculous that he had to change offensive coordinators -- again -- midseason. But when you throw an interception like the one he threw at the end of the Thanksgiving game against the Lions, how much confidence can you expect your team to have in you??19. Cincinnati BengalsQB Confidence Index: 7.0 | November rating: 8.5Which team has been more disappointing this season than the Bengals? They havent beaten anyone but the Browns since September, and Andy Dalton seems to be regressing -- especially now that A.J.Green?is hurt. Dalton completed 55 percent of his passes in three November games, only one of which saw him post a?Total QBR higher than 30.20. Indianapolis ColtsQB Confidence Index: 6.9 | November rating: 7.8As has been the case since last season, the Colts only reason to lack confidence in Andrew Luck is they cant trust themselves to keep him healthy. It might seem unfair to downgrade Luck for that, but with Scott Tolzien as the only backup, this feels like a situation that could fall apart with the next awkward hit.21. Tampa Bay BuccaneersQB Confidence Index: 6.7 | November rating: 5.6Confident probably isnt the right word -- yet -- to describe the way the Buccaneers should feel about Jameis Winston. It always feels as if the next inexplicably bad interception lurks right around the corner. But in between those, Winston is making big plays, and he has a winners toughness that makes you feel hes going to keep you in every single game -- even if its a bit ugly from time to time.22. Buffalo BillsQB Confidence Index: 6.5 | November rating: 5.0The Bills continue to profess confidence in Tyrod Taylor at every turn, even as the wider world struggles to accept him as a legitimate NFL starter. If Buffalo can keep Sammy Watkins healthy the rest of the way, perhaps that will give Taylor a chance to dazzle some of his doubters. But hes 12th in Total QBR, so hes doing something right.23. Philadelphia EaglesQB Confidence Index: 6.4 | November rating: 7.9A rookie correction is perfectly understandable, and Carson Wentz has had one. He has shown enough to give the Eagles confidence that hell be the guy going forward, and their ability to assemble a better group of receivers and linemen around him will determine his future. Its also important to mention Chase Daniel here as one of the leagues most known-quantity backups.24. Denver BroncosQB Confidence Index: 6.2 | November rating: 5.0Trevor Siemian is no sure thing, but he looked like a capable playmaker down the stretch in a tough loss to Kansas City last week. As long as he doesnt turn it over, the Broncos are fine with Siemian until first-round pick?Paxton Lynch is ready.25. Miami DolphinsQB Confidence Index: 6.0 | November rating: 4.2The Dolphins season has turned around in a huge way, mainly because of what it has found in the run game with Jay Ajayi and the offensive line. Ryan Tannehill is averaging just 217 passing yards per game during the Dolphins six-game win streak, but he has also thrown just one interception during that span.26. San Francisco 49ersQB Confidence Index: 5.1 | November rating: 2.5The story of Colin Kaepernick never seems to be about how hes playing anymore, but with eight touchdown passes and two interceptions in his past four games, he has played better than expected and could be positioning himself as an interesting offseason option for QB-starved teams -- including the one hes on now.27. Los Angeles RamsQB Confidence Index: 4.9 | November rating: 2.0Yeah, Jared Goff showed enough in his second start to make you think he deserved to be the No. 1 overall pick. Hes a project with a long way to go, but the arm talent is obvious. There seems to be some dispute about the level of confidence the team should have in the group of coaches charged with developing Goff, but the young man has the ability and can look the part.28. Jacksonville JaguarsQB Confidence Index: 4.0 | November rating: 3.5Blake Bortles regression is one of the bizarre stories of the NFL season, and the third-year quarterback is likely to cost Gus Bradley his job as coach. Bortles is under contract through next year, and the team holds a fifth-year option for 2018 if it chooses. But his future prospects rest in the hands of whoever comes in to coach the team, lead the offense and develop a quarterback who has lost his way.29. Houston TexansQB Confidence Index: 3.1 | November rating: 3.9Its not getting any prettier with Brock Osweiler, who has more interceptions (13) than touchdown passes (12) this season. The Texans are 6-5, and a weak AFC South has bought them time. But if Osweiler is going to deliver the kind of steady quarterback play for which theyre paying him, the time to start is now.30. New York JetsQB Confidence Index: 3.0 | November rating: 2.7If the Jets keep running Ryan Fitzpatrick out there, they can be confident at least that theyre starting the guy who gives them the best chance to win of anyone on the roster. But with only Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg under contract for next year, theres no way for the Jets to have any confidence about their QB situation moving forward. They are a total mystery.31. Chicago BearsQB Confidence Index: 0.9 | November rating: 5.0At one point, it looked as if the Bears had an adequate Jay Cutler backed up by an adequate Brian Hoyer, and plenty of teams had worse situations. But both of those guys are hurt, Matt Barkley is starting, and this is another team that has no idea where it goes at quarterback?in 2017 and beyond.32. Cleveland BrownsQB Confidence Index: 0.5 | November rating: 0.8Robert Griffin III might get another look before this season is over. You decide whether thats a good thing or not.Buy Shoes Black Friday . 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Scott Kazmir allowed four hits in seven shutout innings, Michael Brantley hit a two-run homer in a three-run first inning and the Indians maintained their hold on an AL wild-card spot with a 4-1 win over the Houston Astros on Saturday night.ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- The reality of injuries sustained in the NFL can be harsh.When a player like Phillip Gaines suffers a serious injury, theres never a guarantee a spot will still be available upon his return. The Chiefs third-round draft pick out of Rice in 2014 worked into a starting role by the end of his rookie year and reassumed that position last year.A torn ACL suffered in Week 3 during a loss to the Packers ended Gaines season and clouded his future.Gaines left offseason activities as the presumed second starter at cornerback opposite 2015 Defensive Rookie of the Year Marcus Peters. Gaines and Steve Nelson have split time on the right side with the first team so far in training camp, and Gaines clearly fits into the Chiefs plans.It just feels good to be able to have the opportunity to play, and Im going to try and make the most of it, Gaines said.The Chiefs listed Nelson, a third-round pick out of Oregon State in 2015, as the second starter in the first depth chart released earlier this week.Gaines continues to slowly work back from the knee injury, and Kansas City coach Andy Reid limited his participation in Wednesdays practice, the last one in pads ahead of the preseason opener against Seattle on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium. Reid said he would attempt to play everyone on the roster, and the early portion could provide a first look at how the Chiefs deploy the cornerbacks alongside Peters, who grabbed eight interceptions and returned two for touchdowns in his first season.The Chiefs cornerbacks corps took a hit in the offseason when Sean Smith left in free agency for the Oakland Raiders, leaving a starting spot open, with Gaines, Nelson, Marcus Cooper and a trio of rookies looking to earn playing time. None of those seven players has more than three years of experience.Real talented group. Weve just got to come along, Peters said. Thats what camp is for. As camp goes on, everyone gets a lot more comfortable and the speed of the game slows down and you start making your plays. I love the talent. Everyones out here competing.Gaines started his career in Kansas City with a prominent role on special teams. He started five games in 2014 before a concussion and illness ended his season after 13 games.With Smith suspended the first three games of 2015, Gaines earned a starting spot. But his season ended in the game before Smith retturned.ddddddddddddHe has 26 tackles and no interceptions in his first 16 NFL matches.Nelson didnt play much early in 2015, but Gaines injury and other struggles in the secondary helped him get on the field in 12 games. His biggest moment came in a playoff win against the Houston Texans when he briefly subbed for Peters and broke up a pass intended for star wideout DeAndre Hopkins.Coaches have shown a preference to use Gaines in the slot, making him a potential fit as a nickel defender rather than the No. 1 cornerback on the right side.Despite having only eight tackles to his credit, Nelson could quickly move into that starting role, and coaches and teammates like his fiery attitude and emotional style. Nelson has admitted disappointment with not playing more as a rookie, but Reid has confidence he is ready to assume a much larger role.Hes an energy giver, that kid, Reid said. Hes learning all the fundamentals and technique and battling like crazy. He never gives up on a play. Hes got a short memory.Cooper currently has the No. 2 spot on the depth chart behind Peters. Cooper showed flashes in 2013 with three interceptions, but struggled in 2014 and made just two tackles in 10 games last year.The rookie draft picks sit behind the top four attempting to make their case for a spot in the rotation.KeiVarae Russell (third round, Notre Dame), Eric Murray (fourth round, Minnesota) and D.J. White (sixth round, Georgia Tech) were all taken to add depth at a seemingly thin spot. Currently, Murray and sixth-year veteran defensive back Jamell Fleming, who has played some cornerback the past two years with Kansas City, are listed at safety on the depth chart.Peters, Gaines and Nelson look like the only guaranteed contributors at cornerback, but the depth could be important -- a lesson the Chiefs learned last year while rotating through a multitude of looks.Nothings set in stone until the games here, and from game to game it can change, too, Gaines said. I got hurt last year. At the blink of an eye someone else had to come in. You always have to be mentally prepared to take every rep even if youre not on the field so when you are put in, we just keep it moving.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP-NFL ' ' '
