What makes an exciting — or, in some cases, controversial — power ranking? The answer depends on who you ask. There's some eyeball testing involved. Add a few hunches and, of course, a dash of overreaction. Simmer until hot. Expect the Philadelphia Eagles fans to, at worst, find fault or, at best, argue with one another. Here's an idea. Think of these power rankings as stock reports. Week 7 is approaching, and some stocks are soaring while others are wobbling.
The New York Giants made a fourth-quarter change hoping for a spark, and they found one. The questions now are about whether or not that change ought to be long-term. J.J. McCarthy was the 2024 NFL Draft's tenth overall selection. Let's just say the former first-round pick made the most of his opportunity. When a quarterback lights it up in our great nation's largest city, headlines tend to follow.
Meanwhile, there's plenty to talk about in the NFC East, including Tanner McKee's first start. Jayden Daniels reminded everyone why he remains one of the league's most exciting young quarterbacks. Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys struggled again, which leads to more headlines. Buckle up. Here's that stock report for the NFC East's quarterbacks as we enter Week 7.
1. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
How about that Week 6 performance? The quarterback we saw on Monday Night Football is the Jayden Daniels everyone raves about. Injuries have stalled his momentum at times, and his supporting cast has taken its share of hits. Some might even argue that the Washington Commanders haven't surrounded him with enough talent to maximize his potential.
Through it all, Daniels continues to show why he's one of the NFL's most exciting young quarterbacks when he's healthy and clicking. His comeback attempt against the San Francisco 49ers ultimately fell short, but his performance was impressive enough to make a strong case that he was the NFC East's best quarterback in Week 6. His stock is rising again, and Washington needs him to keep playing at this level. The question is whether his body will allow him to.
2. J.J. McCarthy-Jameis Winston combo, New York Giants
The New York Giants had seen enough of the Jameis Winston experience as they fell behind the New Orleans Saints by 24 points. They turned to J.J. McCarthy, and he played well. Really well.
McCarthy threw for 243 yards on just 11 completions, flashing the arm talent and athleticism that made him a top-10 selection. His potential game-tying touchdown pass fell incomplete, but the overall performance gave the Giants plenty to consider as they evaluate quarterback options while Jaxson Dart recovers from injury.
This type of performance probably won't happen every week. There will be risks if McCarthy gets the starting job. One impressive appearance doesn't guarantee consistency, and defenses will have more film to study if he continues playing.
Still, the upside was evident, and McCarthy earned another opportunity to prove he belongs in the conversation. Until John Harbaugh makes his decision, the buzz alone is enough to keep this stock trending upward.
3. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
It's difficult to explain exactly what's happened to the Dallas Cowboys' offense over the past two games, but the results haven't been pretty. Dallas suffered a surprising loss to the then-winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Green Bay Packers shut them down on Sunday night.
Prescott's recent struggles have raised questions, and there's no easy explantion. Still, if nothing else, the offense was supposed to be the one constant the Cowboys could rely upon. Even so, many will still be willing to plant their flag on the hill that Prescott is one of the NFL's best quarterbacks. Two difficult games don't erase what he's shown, and the Cowboys need him to rediscover his rhythm quickly. His stock has taken a hit after two ugly prime-time showings, but it isn't time to sell, at least not yet.
4. Tanner McKee, Philadelphia Eagles
Tanner McKee is making his debut in these NFC East quarterback rankings. The Eagles' backup has a chance to climb, especially after showing encouraging signs against the Carolina Panthers here and there.
He completed 26 of 45 passes for 215 yards and a touchdown in Philadelphia's 25-14 loss. His 19-yard TD pass to DeVonta Smith gave the Eagles a chance to make things interesting in the fourth quarter, and the connection between the two offered one of the few bright spots in an otherwise frustrating afternoon.
There were mistakes, too, and McKee couldn't lead Philadelphia back. Still, he avoided interceptions and showed enough to warrant a closer look as he prepares to start while Jalen Hurts will miss the rest of the season. There's also a plot twist brewing. Might Joe Milton be so fascinating that he warrants a look?
McKee has a major opportunity ahead, but he'll need to turn those flashes into more consistent production to climb these rankings. He's also hard to evaluate, since he has no running game to speak of and an offensive line you can't fully trust. For now, his stock is a speculative buy. There's potential, but we'll need to see more before making any major investment.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: NFC East QB rankings entering Week 7: Where Tanner McKee stands