Reviewing 2019 Production

Consider first the respective attributes of both quarterbacks when comparing their statistics, as well as their style of play when the game is on the line. Aaron Rodgers is 36-years-old, one of the best Hail Mary artists of all time, and is undeniably one of the most efficient players in NFL history.

Rodgers’ all-time QBR is 104.93, ranking first ever by a huge margin over Steve Young and Tom Brady. He has won multiple MVPs, one Super Bowl, and has thrown fewer than eight interceptions per year for the past decade. However, this past season showed that his statistics are starting to decline due to the Packers’ larger emphasis on the running game and less of a need for him to play “hero ball”.

Alternatively, Deshaun Watson is entering his 4th year in the league and has been an absolute gunslinger since setting the NFL on fire with 19 touchdowns in only six starts as a rookie. His eight comeback wins and 10 game-winning drives are the most in the league over the past two seasons, and his 85 career touchdowns (71 passing, 14 rushing) have proved his elite status as a passer and a rushing quarterback.

However, the Texans have played in many more close games over that span and his heroics have been more of a necessity than a luxury. Because of this, Watson threw for more yards per game and ran for six more scores, but surprisingly had a higher QBR (98.0 vs 95.4) and completion percentage (67.3% vs 62.0%). Rodgers may throw fewer interceptions, but the advanced statistics point to Watson being superior on paper in 2019.