Gregg Rosenthal

In New York, a Super Bowl championship is only worth so long a grace period.  After Eli Manning blew in the Meadowlands winds against Philadelphia, many Giants fans are wondering: Is this guy even an above-average franchise quarterback?

While that seems like an emotional question, it’s one worth asking before the Giants make Eli the richest quarterback in NFL history. Let’s say you have a veteran team and a three-year window to win a championship… Who do you want behind center?

After making a list of what quarterbacks I’d want for that short haul, Eli barely finished above average. Maybe those Giants’ fans have a point.

Note:  I included only one quarterback from each team, so promising prospects like Dolphins’ rookie Chad Henne who have not yet played do not qualify.

1. Peyton Manning, Colts

Forget that the Eli/Peyton debate from earlier this season ever happened; it was always a joke. With Tom Brady’s health in serious question, Peyton Manning is the safest pick to run a franchise. The future of Hall of Fame’s decline is coming, but he’s got a few years left of exceptional play.

2. Tom Brady, Patriots
3. Jay Cutler, Broncos
4. Drew Brees, Saints
5. Matt Ryan, Falcons
6. Tony Romo, Cowboys
7. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers
8. Philip Rivers, Chargers
9. Carson Palmer, Bengals
10. Aaron Rodgers, Packers
11. Donovan McNabb, Eagles

This is taking a big leap of faith that Brady is able to recover fully from his knee injuries. He will be motivated to prove he’s still the best.

Remember that this list is for the next three years, not for last year. Cutler has dramatically improved every season and has all the physical tools. Ryan was the most impressive rookie since Peyton Manning, and should enjoy the usual second-year leap for quarterbacks. He’s got the highest ceiling on the list. Romo, Rivers, Roethlisberger and Rodgers have all grown through the usual developmental bumps and hiccups.  They are ready to peak. 

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Very little separates this group. Palmer and McNabb ultimately were knocked because of injury and age concerns, respectively. Palmer would look a lot better, though, if he ever got out of Cincinnati. 

12. Matt Schaub, Texans
13. Joe Flacco, Ravens
14. Eli Manning, Giants
15. David Garrard, Jaguars
16. Jason Campbell, Redskins

We’ve finally found New York’s soon to be $120 million man! Eli and David Garrard are both quality quarterbacks who may not be true difference-makers. Eli is very durable, which is a big plus. But he can’t play in the wind and he needs a dominant defense and running game to win. 

Schaub would be higher if he could ever stay healthy. If we made this list a year from now, I suspect Flacco would jump a tier. This group is full of players that need a strong team around them to win it all.  

17. Kurt Warner, Cardinals
18. Trent Edwards, Bills
19. Matt Hasselbeck, Seahawks
20. Chad Pennington, Dolphins

Warner is the perfect quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals of 2008. But put him on any other team in the future, going into his 40s, and all bets are off. Edwards is an ascending talent, but he can’t stay healthy. Hasselbeck and Pennington can win, but their best days are likely behind them.

21. Vince Young, Titans
22. Brady Quinn, Browns
23. Kyle Orton, Bears
24. JaMarcus Russell, Raiders
25. Jake Delhomme, Panthers
26. Marc Bulger, Rams

Team question mark! It wasn’t too long ago Young and Quinn looked like sure things, but betting on them includes belief without much proof. The same goes for Russell. Bears fans may not like it, but I don’t think Orton will ever rise above being an average QB.

27. Tyler Thigpen, Chiefs
28. Shaun Hill, 49ers
29. Brett Favre, Jets
30. Jeff Garcia, Bucs
31. Dan Orlovsky, Lions
32. Tarvaris Jackson, Vikings

Thigpen and Hill were much better fantasy options than reality long-term choices. Favre can’t be counted on to return next year, much less the next three. Garcia, Orlovsky and Jackson probably won’t be starters next season. 

Also on NBCSports.com Rosenthal: Saints win with aggressive ‘ambush’ Trash Talk: How will Manning rebound from loss? NBA: ProBasketballTalk is here! Check out new blog NCAA BK: Who's in, who's out? Updated bracket projections Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

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