QBs: The NFL's Piñatas

In the NFL, you're only as good as your next injury, as the Green Bay Packers found out Monday night, losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers for as long as a month with a broken collarbone.

The Packers were supposed to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the division, but now they're tied with the Bears and Lions for first place at 5-3. The Bears have their own quarterback injury, of course, as Jay Cutler has been out with a groin problem.

Robert Griffin III was injured late last season, and his absence had an impact on the Redskins earlier this season. The Cowboys lead the division and have been banged up themselves, but Washington would have been closer to the lead with a healthy RGIII. Michael Vick is also hurt, but the way Nick Foles played last week, Vick may remain 'hurt' for a bit longer. Seattle, San Francisco, and New Orleans have avoided devastating injuries to date, one reason why they're in the running for playoff berths.

Minnesota has gone through three quarterbacks, while the Rams' Sam Bradford is out for the season. Not surprisingly, those two teams are long out of any playoff hopes.

Somehow, New England loses players every week but remains on top of the AFC East. Of course, Tom Brady is healthy, and that's always a good thing. Buffalo would be closer in the division, but rookie EJ Manuel has missed time with an injury. Cleveland finally thought they had their quarterback, but Brian Hoyer was lost for the season after playing well in three games. The Browns are only two games behind Cincinnati in the AFC North.

Jake Locker has missed time for Tennessee and the Titans are now two games behind the Colts in the AFC South. The Texans are having a brutal season and have lost their quarterback, Matt Schaub.

Peyton Manning, Andrew Luck, and Alex Smith are healthy, which is a key reason the Broncos, Colts, and Chiefs are riding high this year. If they remain healthy, those will be three of the teams playing for a trip to New Jersey for the Super Bowl in February.