The AFC North quarterback market is moving in several directions, and not every investment looks like a sure thing. Joe Burrow is putting together an impressive stretch, making the Cincinnati Bengals look like a legitimate threat again. The Baltimore Ravensare dealing with a much different kind of market volatility. Their quarterback situation has become a revolving door, and another change under center seems likely as the team looks to Jacoby Brissett as it searches for some semblance of stability.
Aaron Rodgers has some questions to answer after a stretch of uneven production. The Cleveland Browns might have stumbled into an unexpected storyline with Shedeur Sanders. His first start gave the team and Cleveland media something to talk about,
even if it didn't lead to a win. Here's a look at each AFC North quarterback's stock as we enter Week 10.
Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers
Grade: Value trap — Stock hasn't moved, but carries underlying concerns
The Steelers were idle during their Week 9 bye, so Rodgers' stock wouldn't have changed much. His last outing, however, wasn't particularly impressive. He completed 13 of 25 passes for 172 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in Pittsburgh's 27-6 win over Cleveland.
Now comes a much tougher challenge against a hot Cincinnati Bengals team. Pittsburgh leads the all-time series 73-41 and has won the past two meetings, but Rodgers will need to offer more than he did against Cleveland. The Steelers' defense can't be expected to carry the entire operation. The coming week brings a challenge vs. this next guy.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Grade: Blue-chip — Financially sound and historically reliable stock rising slowly
Here's a question: Might the Bengals consider adding a running back before the trade deadline? Cincinnati's offense is heavily dependent on Burrow, but why wouldn't it be when he's healthy? We're running out of adjectives to describe his brilliance.
Burrow has compiled a 16-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his past four games. Those performances came against the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore, the Tennessee Titans, and theAtlanta Falcons, so the competition deserves consideration. Still, the production is difficult to dismiss. Sunday's matchup with Pittsburgh offers another chance to show his hot streak is sustainable.
Week 9 stats: 24 completions, 29 attempts, 271 yards passing, 3 TDs, zero interceptions, 3 rushes, seven yards, one rushing TD
Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland Browns
Grade: Meme stock — Sudden popularity and a skyrocketing price despite uncertain underlying value
Sanders' first start was certainly interesting. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland's overtime loss to the New Orleans Saints. He connected with KC Concepcion for a 64-yard touchdown, then found Harold Fannin Jr. for a 39-yard score in overtime.
The Browns ultimately failed on their two-point conversion attempt, but Sanders gave Cleveland something to discuss. Will he remain the starter once Deshaun Watson is ready? That's still uncertain. One encouraging performance doesn't establish a long-term answer, but it certainly makes the quarterback conversation more interesting.
Week 9 stats: 19 completions, 31 attempts, 297 yards passing, 2 TDs, zero interceptions, 10 rushes, 28 yards
Joe Fagnano, Baltimore Ravens
Grade: Fallen angel — A stock that was once exciting but has since plummeted in value
Fagnano's first NFL start against the Jacksonville Jaguars didn't go as hoped. He completed 10 of 18 passes for 60 yards with two interceptions in Baltimore's 33-10 loss. The undrafted rookie struggled to establish an offensive rhythm, and his opportunity didn't produce the breakthrough some had hoped for.
The loss wasn't entirely his responsibility, but the performance did little to strengthen his case for another start. Baltimore is moving in a different direction.
Week 9 stats: 10 completions, 18 attempts, 60 yards passing, zero TDs, two interceptions, 3 rushes, 13 yards, one lost fumble
Jacoby Brissett, Baltimore Ravens
Grade: Show-me stock — Everyone is watching but waiting for proof of sustainable performance
Brissett is the presumed starter when Baltimore returns to action, making him the fourth quarterback to start for the Ravens this season. At the risk of sounding disrespectful, which isn't the intent, when have we seen Brissett put a team on his back and turn things around for the long term?
That's the challenge. Brissett has plenty of NFL experience, but there's a difference between providing competent quarterback play and becoming the catalyst for a struggling team. Baltimore needs the former immediately and desperately hopes for the latter.
The show-me stock label fits because the Ravens don't have time for another experiment that produces temporary optimism without meaningful results. Brissett doesn't have to become an MVP candidate, but he must demonstrate that he can stabilize the offense and give Baltimore a chance to compete. His stock won't rise until he does.
The rest of the division is evaluating what it has, but Baltimore is still trying to figure out what it can count on. Brissett has a chance to change that conversation, but the Ravens need more than a brief market rebound to believe they've finally found their answer.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: AFC North QB stock watch: Can Jacoby Brissett pilot a Ravens surge?
