The NFC West is one of the wildest divisions in the NFL. A division mostly dominated by the San Francisco 49ers and the Los Angeles Rams, it is never a quiet division. Just a couple years ago, 3 NFC West teams made the playoffs, one ultimately winning the Super Bowl (Los Angels Rams). Since then the Rams have been underdogs, 49ers have been the clear juggernaut with multiple NFC Championship and Super Bowl appearances, Seattle Seahawks have been quiet but not slept on, and the Cardinals appear to be putting the puzzle peaces together slowly. Here are all the QBs in the NFC West Ranked, though all are top 20 caliber in the NFL. This is a ranking based off of last season.
1. Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks)
Minnesota Vikings QB 2024-2025 Season
4,319 Passing Yards
35 Passing TDs
12 interceptions
102.5 QBR
66.2% Completion Percentage
14-3 Regular Season Record (17 games played)
0-1 Postseason Record
2nd in NFC North
Sam Darnold’s 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings marked a career resurrection as a starter. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection. Darnold excelled against the blitz, achieving a perfect 158.3 passer rating on 14 blitzed dropbacks early on in the season. However, Darnold’s performance under pressure remained an issue. His struggle under pressure was displayed in the NFC Wild Card loss to the Los Angeles Rams, where he was sacked a playoff record 9 times and lost a fumble returned for a touchdown.
Following the early playoff exit, the Vikings decided to move forward with 2024 10th overall draft pick, former University of Michigan QB, and College Football National Champion J.J. McCarthy. This led Darnold to sign a 3 year deal worth $100.5 million dollars with the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks organization is currently undergoing a miniature rebuild which includes trading QB Geno Smith and WR D.K. Metcalf. Both of these trades came as shocking news to the Seattle faithful. The front office and HC Mike Macdonald view Darnold as a bridge quarterback.
Sam Darnold fits well with Macdonald and the Seahawks. Under defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks are expected to run the ball with a strong run game. This would be key for a quarterback like Darnold, whose speciality is play-action and rhythm throws (in-control, on-time, with time in pocket throws). Darnold is also paired with a young and learning offensive line that’s expected to improve in pass protection, crucial for Sam Darnold’s playstyle. With weapons like WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerging as a star in the league and a double HB system run game (similar to Cleveland Browns 2019-2022), Darnold could be the spark that Seattle needs.
2. Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
3,762 Passing Yards
20 Passing TDs
8 Interceptions
93.7 QBR
65.8% Completion Percentage
10-6 Regular Season Record (16 games played)
1-1 Postseason Record
NFC West Champions
Matthew Stafford’s 2024 season with the Los Angeles Rams highlighted his leadership and resilience. His ability to navigate offensive line challenges and connections with fellow stars like WR Puka Nacua showed. Stafford’s resilience was portrayed in the NFC Wild Card game against the Minnesota Vikings. He delivered 2 touchdown passes, leading the Rams to a commanding 27–9 win. In the following Divisional Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite a 28-22 loss, Stafford showcased his arm and strength by throwing for 324 yards and 2 touchdowns in very snowy conditions.
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 season, the Rams offense is renewed for a transformation. The acquisition of star WR Davante Adams, who recorded 85 receptions for 1,063 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024 with the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders, adds a dynamic receiver to the already strong offense. With his route running and elite shiftiness, Nacua and Adams could be the next greatest receiving duo in the NFL. In the run game, the development of rookie RB Blake Corum into a dual-back system along with all-pro RB Kyren Williams helps enhance the ground game, providing Stafford with a more balanced offensive unit that could potentially win it all in addition to their dangerous defense.
3. Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
3,851 Passing Yards
21 Passing TDs
11 Interceptions
93.5 QBR
68.8% Completion Percentage
8-9 Regular Season Record (17 games played)
Missed Playoffs
3rd in NFC West
Kyler Murray is electric with his legs and has a quick release, making him dangerous on rollout and unexpected plays. He struggles with consistency within the pocket, especially under pressure, and struggles to find the right read (eligible receiver). Offensively, he’s supported by WRs with rookie Ohio State University WR Marvin Harrison Jr., TE Trey McBride, and electric RB James Conner, giving him a versatile and strong supporting cast. The Cardinals were once a-top of the NFC West, but plummeted towards the end of the season, crushing their playoff hopes. They showed a lot of upside and will provide the other NFC West teams issues during the 2025-2026 season. Will they snatch a playoff spot or remain at the border?
4. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)
3,864 Passing Yards
20 Passing TDs
12 Interceptions
96.1 QBR
65.9 Completion Percentage
6-10 Regular Season Record (16 games played)
Missed Playoffs
4th in NFC West
Brock Purdy’s 2024 season showcased his growth as a strong quarterback who thrives in HC Kyle Shanahan’s system. His strengths include quick decision-making, smart processing, and accuracy. He stayed composed under pressure, even behind a struggling San Francisco 49ers offensive line. However, his arm strength and ability to stretch the field remained an issue. While Purdy played well overall, he struggled with the banged up 49ers roster and issues within the organization
Injuries to RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Brandon Aiyuk were not helpful, while the defense struggled after the bye week, allowing the 4th most points in the league. Despite the setbacks, Purdy remained a consistent leader and a strength for San Francisco. With right roster moves and improved health, Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers could make another deep postseason run.
