The appearance of a couple of former Pro Bowlers on this week’s list shakes things up a bit. A look at some of this week’s notable Quarterback performances:

Carson Palmer - Oakland

You have to give Carson Palmer some credit. In an era of massive Quarterback contracts, his nearly year-long insistence that he play somewhere other than Cincinnati – or not at all – is as principled as it gets. With that as a backdrop, Palmer led the Raiders to a road win vs. San Diego and to first place in the AFC West. To be fair, Palmer has shown some expected rust, but was remarkably economical with his throws vs. the Chargers, averaging 15 yards per attempt in amassing 299 total passing yards.

Drew Brees - New Orleans

If you can be quiet in averaging better than 300 yards per game through the air, Brees does so. Having averaged better than 330 yards passing per game thus far in 2011, the Chargers’ QB is in striking range of the NFL’s all-time single-season yardage record. More importantly, Sunday’s OT divisional victory vs. the Falcons moved the Saints into first place in the AFC South. Brees’ use of play action was notable vs. Atlanta for the passing lanes it opened and the resulting high completion percentage.

Tony Romo - Dallas

When watching Romo at his best, it can leave one wondering how the Cowboys are only 5-4. The Dallas QB was nearly flawless Sunday, completing nearly 90% of his passes, while throwing no INTs, and not being sacked. In leading the Cowboys to within a game of the NFC East lead, Romo’s success throwing the ball downfield was very noticeable – especially against a Buffalo defense that is 2^nd in the NFL in INTs.

Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay

Great decisions, timely throws, few mistakes……blah, blah, blah. Rodgers approached perfection – again. The Vikings, Green Bay’s opponent on Monday night, have not been an overwhelming unit defensively, but there is no denying Rodgers a spot on this list for a week in which his Packers won and he threw 4 TDs. A poor performance might be the only thing that gets the Packers’ QB more attention than he is receiving now.

Tom Brady - New England

Nothing quiets growing skepticism like a convincing road victory. Despite injury rumors, some rare poor decisions in recent weeks, and an even rarer two-game losing streak for his Patriots, Brady looked as healthy, accurate, and in control as ever on Sunday night. It was as if a newfound calm overtook Brady when facing Jets’ pressure packages of five or more pass rushers. The Patriots’ QB used such scenarios to exploit holes vacated by blitzers (completing better than 70% of his passes vs. the blitz) and gain numerous first downs.