NFL: 2017 quarterback power rankings for every team

NFL 2017 quarterback power rankings for every team

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons speaks to Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers after the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Falcons defeated the Packers 44-21. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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KANSAS CITY, MP – JANUARY 15: Quarterback Alex Smith #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks off of the field in a losing effort against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Alex Smith. . Kansas City Chiefs. 24. team. 124.

It has to be weird knowing you’re a lame-duck quarterback simply holding the starting job until a younger, more-promising rookie is ready to go.

That’s the case with veteran QB Alex Smith and the Kansas City Chiefs, as they await the development of Patrick Mahomes to take shape.

Mahomes won’t be anywhere close to ready this season, which leaves Smith yet one more season to prove he can get past the “game manager” moniker and take his team deep into the postseason.

Smith has some good weapons in tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

But Smith’s so-so playoff performances have done more than just frustrate a handful of Chiefs fans. They’ll likely be counting down the days until a change is made under center.