5 NFL Quarterbacks Who Will Improve In 2017 (And 5 Who Won't)

10. Down - Alex Smith

For the past four years, Alex Smith has been the gold standard for what a "game manager" QB should be. He isn't a particularly flashy or prolific passer, but he keeps the ball out of the hands of opposing defenses while the Chiefs' rushing attack and their powerhouse defense carry much of the scoring load.

At most, he makes safe passes that carefully moves his team up the field. During his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs, he has never thrown more than twenty touchdowns in a season, but he has also yet to throw more than eight interceptions. At the very least, he's efficient.

However, 2017 will be the most challenging season Smith has faced in Kansas City yet. His primary receiver, Jeremy Maclin, left in free agency this summer, further depleting the Chiefs' already meager receiving corps.

They're also working with a committee of running backs, as neither Spencer Ware or Charcandrick West have proven themselves as a main option and rookie Kareem Hunt is unproven. With the odds are stacked against him, Smith won't fall apart, but he will struggle to score the points his team desperately needs.