In the NFC West, the battle for supremacy remains as heated as ever. With four games left in the 2024 regular season, the race is still wide open. Two games are all that separate the top from the bottom, underscoring the competitiveness of the division. This tight race is driven, in no small part, by the talented quarterbacks who call the NFC West home: Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy.
Quarterback Performances
The performance of these quarterbacks has been pivotal in the current standings. Week 14 was a showcase of their abilities, with the NFC West quarterbacks collectively posting an impressive average passer rating of 117.2. Leading the charge were Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy, who both excelled in their respective home victories, putting up passer ratings that exceeded 130. Stafford's standout performance came in a thrilling 44-42 win against the Buffalo Bills, where he notched a 132.6 rating. This outing marked Stafford’s sixth time surpassing a 100 passer rating and his third over 120 this season. Meanwhile, Purdy put on a masterclass with a 145.4 rating against the Chicago Bears, solidifying his standing as one of the division’s formidable quarterbacks.
Statistical Leaders
With four games remaining, it’s clear that each quarterback has carved out their niche. Kyler Murray, for instance, boasts the highest Big-Time Throw rate in the division at 4.8%. Though mobility and precision are Murray’s trademarks, he has had his challenges, such as being sacked 12 times since the start of November, with a sack rate of 7.3%. Despite these setbacks, his contributions have been significant, notably his 266-yard game against the Jets last month.
Brock Purdy, on the other hand, holds a solid 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate and continues to be a reliable presence for the 49ers, even though his adjusted completion rate has dipped compared to last year. The 49ers' shifting dynamic is mirrored in their ranking, currently 14th in EPA per rush, a change from previous performances.
Geno Smith's Steadfast Contributions
Geno Smith has quietly been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the division. With a Turnover-Worthy Play rate of just 2.2%, Smith is orchestrating Seattle's offense with commendable control and precision. His synergy with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle's reception leader with 75 catches for 911 yards, has been instrumental. The return of tackle Abe Lucas has coincided with a four-game win streak for the Seahawks, during which Smith's pressure rate has impressively dropped from 41% to 32.7%.
Matthew Stafford's Resurgence
Matthew Stafford, a seasoned veteran, has shown his prowess by avoiding interceptions since Week 10. In the past four games, he has accumulated eight Big-Time Throws to a single Turnover-Worthy Play, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays while minimizing risks. The Rams have also found relative balance in their offensive scheme, ranking 15th in EPA per drop back and 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14, underlining Stafford’s vital role.
Kyren Williams' Consistency
Beyond the quarterbacks, the Rams have another standout performer in Kyren Williams. He has eclipsed the 1,000 rushing yard mark for the season, adding 12 touchdowns for the second consecutive year. His consistent contributions on the ground have been a stabilizing force for a Rams team that relies heavily on both ground and aerial threats.
As the NFC West heads into the final stretch of the season, the competition is set to intensify. With every game having the potential to sway the standings dramatically, the spotlight remains on these exceptional quarterbacks and their teams’ ambitions. Only time will tell which team and quarterback will emerge as the best in this fiercely contested division. For now, fans and analysts alike can revel in the extraordinary performances and intrigue that the NFC West continues to deliver.