Newsweek Ranks NFC West Quarterbacks Ahead of 2026 Training Camps

Newsweek’s offseason series assigns a power ranking to each starting quarterback in the NFC West for the upcoming 2026 season. The list places Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) at the top, followed by Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers), Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks), and Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals). The rankings are presented as editorial analysis rather than definitive performance forecasts.

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The article notes that training camps begin within days for some teams and weeks for others, marking the imminent return of regular-season play. This ranking follows earlier pieces that previewed camp dates, highlighted position battles, and identified rookie candidates for starting roles across all 32 NFL franchises.

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• Matthew Stafford – The reigning MVP is described as a “top-five QB in the NFL right now.” At age 38, he posted 4,707 passing yards and a career-high 46 touchdowns in the previous season. He returns with receivers Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, a solid offensive line, and head coach Sean McVay calling plays.

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• Brock Purdy – Praised for pocket passing, mobility, football IQ, and accuracy. His ranking hinges on the health of his “full complement of weapons,” with the wide-receiver group labeled a “giant question mark.”

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• Sam Darnold – Highlighted for a recent Super Bowl win and a $100 million contract in Seattle. He benefits from elite receiver Justin Jefferson, a strong line, a promising rookie running back, and an emerging tight end.

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• Jacoby Brissett – Ranked lowest, with the analysis suggesting the drop from the third- to fourth-place spot is larger than typical intra-division gaps. Offseason focus on contract negotiations is noted as a “bold move” for a player on a struggling team.

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• Stafford’s 2025 totals: 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdowns (career high).

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• Purdy’s prior season: No specific stats provided; evaluation based on skill set.

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• Darnold’s recent Super Bowl victory and $100 million contract are cited as performance indicators.

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The rankings imply that the Rams are positioned for another MVP-caliber campaign, while the 49ers’ success will depend on the health and depth of their receiving corps. Seattle’s recent championship suggests the Seahawks could contend again, whereas the Cardinals face uncertainty both on the field and in contract negotiations. These editorial assessments set expectations for fans and analysts as teams finalize rosters ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

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