In one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, the NFC West race remains exceptionally tight with just two games separating the top from the bottom. As teams jockey for playoff positioning, all eyes are on the quarterbacks. Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy are leading their respective teams, each contributing to a fascinating dynamic where performances and statistics are setting the stage for thrilling season finales.
Quarterbacks at the Helm
Week 14 was a memorable showcase of quarterback excellence in the NFC West, highlighted by an average passer rating of 117.2 across the division. Both Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy led their teams to impressive home victories, supported by stellar passer ratings exceeding 130. Stafford, in particular, achieved a 132.6 passer rating in a thrilling 44-42 win against the Buffalo Bills. This performance marked Stafford’s sixth game with a passer rating over 100, and his third surpassing 120, underscoring his role as a seasoned, reliable presence for his team.
On the other hand, Brock Purdy turned heads with a staggering 145.4 passer rating in the game against the Chicago Bears. As Purdy continues to mature in his role, his consistency and impressive Big-Time Throw rate of 4.0% are vital for the 49ers, especially as they strive to climb their way to the postseason.
Analyzing the Metrics
Kyler Murray’s performance showcases both promise and challenges. His Big-Time Throw rate stands at a respectable 4.8% within the division. However, the frequency of being sacked—12 times since the start of November with a sack rate of 7.3%—reflects vulnerabilities that the Arizona Cardinals must address. Despite these pressures, Murray's ability to amass 266 passing yards against the Jets shows his capabilities when given the opportunity to execute.
For the Seattle Seahawks, Geno Smith’s Turnover-Worthy Play rate of 2.2% is a testament to his cautious and calculated style of play. The reduction in his pressure rate from 41% to 32.7% during a four-game win streak has undoubtedly contributed to Seattle's successes. Smith has found a reliable target in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who leads Seattle with an impressive 75 catches for 911 yards, proving to be instrumental in the Seahawks’ aerial attack.
Rising Fortunes
Matthew Stafford’s remarkable run of form is particularly noteworthy, especially given his resilience since Week 10. He has managed to avoid throwing any interceptions during this period while amassing eight Big-Time Throws compared to just one Turnover-Worthy Play. These metrics are pivotal as the Rams aim to capitalize on their strong position, ranking 15th in EPA per drop back and 11th in EPA per rushing attempt following Week 14.
Adding to the Rams’ offensive arsenal, Kyren Williams stands out with more than 1,000 rushing yards this season and an impressive tally of 12 touchdowns. Williams remains a crucial component of their dual threat in the offensive playbook.
Amid the jostling position for top honors and playoff spots, the NFC West quarterbacks are not merely athletes battling for dominance—they are playmakers whose performances inspire their teams and engage fans every week. Each game and each play are testaments to their skills, influencing the fortunes of their franchises in one of the most thrilling and competitive divisions in professional football.