Power Ranking the Quarterbacks in the NFC West

Training camp for NFL teams is approaching, with some teams already preparing for the upcoming season. The return of competitive football is imminent, and with it comes a fresh evaluation of talent across the league. As part of its offseason coverage, Newsweek has released a power ranking of the starting quarterbacks in the NFC West, highlighting the current state of play and potential developments ahead of the 2026 season. Matthew Stafford, the starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, leads the NFC West rankings. The 38-year-old veteran, who recently secured the MVP award, is considered among the top five quarterbacks in the NFL. His performance during the previous season was impressive, with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, both personal bests. This output placed him above several notable players including Jared Goff, Drake Maye, Josh Allen, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes. Stafford's success is supported by a strong supporting cast, including star wide receivers Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams, along with a reliable offensive line and head coach Sean McVay. Additionally, the Rams have added defensive stalwart Myles Garrett, and there is speculation that three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald may return from retirement to join the team. Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers ranks second. Despite the stellar performance of Stafford, Purdy's placement is influenced by his recent injury history and the uncertain status of his wide receiver corps, which includes Mike Evans. However, when healthy and with a full complement of weapons, Purdy demonstrates exceptional skill, capable of making all necessary passes from the pocket, extending plays with his mobility, and exhibiting strong football intelligence and accuracy. His future in the 2026 season hinges largely on how his receiving unit develops. Sam Darnold, the quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, occupies the third position. Darnold's recent Super Bowl victory has silenced many skeptics who doubted his ability after his standout season in Minnesota. Although he is ranked below Stafford and Purdy, Darnold's presence on the roster is valuable. He benefits from having one of the premier wide receivers in the league, a robust offensive line, a promising rookie running back, and an emerging tight end. With these assets, the Seahawks remain a contender for the Super Bowl title in 2026. Jacoby Brissett, the starter for the Arizona Cardinals, follows in fourth place. The gap between Darnold and Brissett is more pronounced than any other transition within a division. Brissett's performance has been inconsistent, leading to speculation that he might not be the optimal choice for the position. He has been engaged in a holdout situation, seeking a better contract, which has raised concerns about his commitment to the team. Given the Cards' struggles, it is likely they will select a new quarterback in the top five of the upcoming draft. Brissett's role appears to be that of a game manager, though his continued resistance to change may affect his standing on the field.