NFL Power Rankings: Who is the best quarterback in each division?

NFL power rankings: Quarterbacks in the NFC West

1. Geno Smith
2. Matthew Stafford
3. Kyler Murray
4. Brock Purdy

Imagine telling yourself in 2021 that Geno Smith would be the top quarterback in the NFC West going into 2023. But it’s the truth. Smith tossed 30 touchdowns with 4,282 yards while completing 69.8 percent of his passes last year. Maybe he’ll come back to earth this year. It just feels like he’s found his place in Seattle.

The Rams were the biggest train wreck last year, which is saying something in a division that also houses the Cardinals. Under most other circumstances Matthew Stafford would be the man in the NFC West but what about LA makes anyone believe they’ll give the support he needs to bounce back?

We’ve seen Kyler Murray be a thrilling playmaker, but injuries and the deterioration of his relationship with the Cardinals brass has essentially tanked his reputation. First-time offensive coordinator Drew Petzing needs to rebuild the quarterback from the ground up.

If we assume Brock Purdy returns from his elbow injury no worse for wear, it feels absurd to place him at the bottom of the division. But who do you displace in favor of the former Mr. Irrelevant? Purdy ran Kyle Shanahan’s offense beautifully and limited mistakes. He needs to replicate that success in 2023 before it’s justified to place him ahead of Smith’s production, Stafford’s history or Murray’s talent.