Forget the UFC 102 odds and the sportsbook for a minute - let’s talk about who’s the best quarterback in the NFL. It’s an ongoing debate that can go round and round, but here are my five picks for who belong.

1. Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Although Tom Brady missed almost the entire 2008 season, is there any question that he’s the best quarterback in the league? He may not always put up the stats of Peyton Manning or Drew Brees – even though we know he’s capable of it – but Brady is always clutch. He has proven it time and time again, and he’s reeled in more Super Bowls than any other current quarterback in the NFL. If there is a crucial time in the game to make a key throw, he’s a good NFL bet to get the job done.

2. Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

If anyone has placed a sports bet online, they know that Manning is the most trusted quarterback among NFL bettors. In general, it’s hard to argue with that. He’s a virtual lock to for 4000 yards passing and 30 touchdowns every year but the only concern is the one Super Bowl. Brady reigned over Manning for a few years in those AFC Championship games so that’s why Manning is a close No. 2 and Brady is the No. 1.

3. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

With a 5000+ yard season, Drew Brees took a big step up in this category. At this point, since he’s three years younger than Peyton Manning, some people might prefer Brees to Manning. The problem with Brees is that we haven’t seen what he can do in the playoffs. There’s no question that he can carry a team in the regular season and he can make every throw on the field, but at this point he hasn’t done enough playoff winning to make a case above Manning or Brady.

4. Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

The Chargers Super Bowl odds are among the best in the NFL, and we’ll find out this year whether Philip Rivers can take them there. Rivers shot up the ranks last year as he became the true leader of the Chargers when many regulars were injured around him. He has been impressive in playoffs so far, which means he’s not far behind Brees in the overall ranks. Rivers nearly took the Chargers past the Patriots one year and he’s shown that he’s not flustered by the playoff atmosphere. Now we have to see him take it the distance for him to climb higher.

5. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

After Brett Favre took the Green Bay Packers to the NFC Championship game, Aaron Rodgers had a very tough act to follow. People labeled him an underachiever, an overrated player in the draft, and just another Jeff Tedford product. But Rodgers stepped in and played admirably to the point that he deserves to be on this list. Although the Packers didn’t make the playoffs, Rodgers orchestrated one of the best offenses in the NFL. Some people might say this is premature because he has struggled in fourth quarters a couple of times and he hasn’t taken his team to the playoffs yet, but keep in mind he’s only started one season. And in that season, he had the fourth-most passing yards, fourth-most touchdown passes and sixth-best quarterback rating. Yes, he’s got upside.