Full Breakdown
NFL Power Rankings: Starting Quarterbacks Across the NFC Divisions
7/20/2026, 6:39:37 AM
Overview of the Rankings
Newsweek’s offseason series has released a power-ranking of every starting quarterback in the NFL’s eight divisions, focusing this installment on the three NFC divisions. The rankings order the quarterbacks from perceived elite status to marginal starters, reflecting recent performance, statistical output, and projected roster support for the 2026 season.
Division-by-Division Rankings
NFC West
1. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams – Highlighted for a 4,707-yard, 46-touchdown season at age 38, with a strong offensive line, weapons such as Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, and the possibility of adding Myles Garrett and Aaron Donald.
2. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers – Praised for pocket accuracy, mobility, and football IQ; his future hinges on the health of his receiving corps.
3. Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks – Noted for a recent Super Bowl win, elite receiving options, and a promising rookie running back, though still ranked behind Stafford and Purdy.
4. Jacoby Brissett, Arizona Cardinals – Described as a steep drop from the division’s top three, with contract-holdout tactics and a team projected to draft a new quarterback.
NFC East
1. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders – Cited as the division’s top dual-threat QB when healthy, with a rookie-year stat line of 3,586 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 891 rushing yards.
2. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys – Recognized for a decade-long résumé and a premier 1-2 wide-receiver combination (CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens), though questioned on playoff performance.
3. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles – Mentioned as a step down from his 2022 MVP-runner-up form, with concerns about offensive predictability and the loss of A.J. Brown.
4. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants – Ranked last but noted for high potential, having posted 2,272 passing yards and 15 touchdowns as a rookie.
NFC North
1. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions – Emphasized for five Pro Bowls, multiple 4,000-yard and 30-touchdown seasons, and a consistently top-five offense.
2. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears – Highlighted for a dramatic statistical jump under head coach Ben Johnson, leading the Bears to an 11-6 record and a division title.
3. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers – Acknowledged for past high-output seasons but hampered by injuries and competition within the division.
4. Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings – Described as the division’s wild-card, a two-time Pro Bowler capable of producing big numbers.
Statistical Highlights
Context: Offseason and Training Camp
The rankings arrive as training camps approach, signaling the imminent return of “meaningful football games.” Teams are finalizing rosters, evaluating quarterback health, and integrating new acquisitions that could shift the projected order.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts question the optimism around certain quarterbacks. The author notes lingering doubts about Darnold’s ability to surpass Stafford or Purdy despite a Super Bowl win. Similarly, the assessment of Caleb Williams as potentially superior to Jared Goff is framed as a personal hesitation rather than consensus.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The start of training camp is just days away for some NFL teams, and a few weeks for others, meaning the return of meaningful football games is right around the corner.” — Newsweek article introduction
- “3- Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks I know, Darnold just won a Super Bowl and proved all the doubters wrong who said his career year in Minnesota that landed him a $100 million contract in Seattle was a byproduct of Kevin O’Connell’s coaching and playing with Justin Jefferson.” — NFC West ranking commentary
- “Read More on NFL 1- Jared Goff, Detroit Lions While there’s no denying Caleb Williams is on the rise, I have a hard time accepting he’s better than Jared Goff right now.” — NFC North ranking commentary
- “3- Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers Jordan Love is no slouch either — he just has the unfortunate reality of playing in a division with two other great QBs.” — NFC North ranking commentary
- “Read More on NFL 1- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders When Jayden Daniels is healthy, it can be argued he’s the top QB in the division.” — NFC East ranking commentary
What’s Next
Training camps will commence over the next few weeks, giving each quarterback a chance to validate or challenge these preseason rankings before the regular season begins.
