Philip Rivers

With a 12-win season all guaranteed, the playoff-bound Chargers found that Jan. 2, 2005’s second half allowed them to look into the future in more ways than one. Perfectly positioned to give their first-round rookie —and soon-to-be franchise face —an opportunity at live, regular-season reps, San Diego turned to Philip Rivers, and he delivered, holding steady through traffic before floating a 14-yard dime to his receiver for a first-ever NFL touchdown toss. Rivers played a noteworthy role in what became a 24-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with 33 yards and a touchdown (on five-of-eight passing), encouraging a sky-high 110.9 quarterback passer rating.