The NFC West division is turning heads this football season with its razor-thin competition and standout quarterback performances. Entering the crucial late stages of the season, only two games separate the top and the bottom of the division, promising a thrilling run to the playoffs.
Quarterbacks Stealing the Spotlight
The NFL’s NFC West is home to some of the league's most dynamic quarterbacks: Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Geno Smith, and Brock Purdy. These signal-callers have been instrumental in their teams' quests for supremacy and demonstrated their prowess with remarkable performances in Week 14.
Highlighting their prowess, the quartet posted an impressive average passer rating of 117.2. Both Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy led their teams to victory, boasting individual performances that soared above the 130 passer rating mark. Stafford achieved a 132.6 rating in a thrilling 44-42 win over the Buffalo Bills, marking his sixth game of the season surpassing a 100 passer rating and his third over 120. Meanwhile, Purdy dominated with a 145.4 passer rating against the Chicago Bears, underscoring his rapid rise in the league.
Stafford’s Composure Amid Pressure
Matthew Stafford has been a steadfast pillar for the Rams this season, displaying a keen ability to mitigate turnovers. He has not thrown an interception since Week 10, showcasing not only his precision but strategic acumen. In the past four games, Stafford has delivered eight Big-Time Throws—crucial plays characterized by excellent execution—while limiting himself to just one Turnover-Worthy Play, a testament to his disciplined approach under pressure.
The Rams themselves have proven to be proficient offensively, with a respectable 15th rank in EPA (Expected Points Added) per drop back and an 11th position in EPA per rushing attempt as of post-Week 14. Much of their effectiveness can be attributed to Kyren Williams, who surpassed the 1,000 rushing yard mark this season, accumulating 12 touchdowns.
Geno Smith’s Efficiency
Across the division, Geno Smith has quietly been putting up efficient numbers for the Seahawks. Leading in certain metrics, his Turnover-Worthy Play rate is a mere 2.2%, and he's shown an ability to thrive amidst defensive pressure. During a critical four-game winning streak, Smith reduced his pressure rate from a prohibitive 41% to a manageable 32.7%. These numbers illuminate the calming influence that Smith exerts on the field and his indispensable role in the Seahawks' offense.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as a reliable target, leading Seattle with 75 catches for 911 yards, and fortifying the offensive arsenal available to Smith.
Challenges and Resilience
While the quarterbacks have been exceptional, the season hasn’t been without its challenges. Kyler Murray, renowned for his explosive plays, has encountered a tough streak, being sacked 12 times since November began, resulting in a sack rate of 7.3%. Despite these challenges, Murray maintains an admirable 4.8% Big-Time Throw rate within the division, with performances such as his 266-yard game against the Jets illustrating his potential to bounce back and lead with aplomb.
49ers and Strategic Adjustments
The San Francisco 49ers are continuing to build momentum. Currently positioned 14th in EPA per rush, they excel as a unit that balances exceptional individual performances such as Brock Purdy’s with cohesive team strategy. Purdy’s 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate exemplifies the aggressive yet calculated risk-taking embodied by the 49ers.
As the NFC West campaigns intensify, each team's resilience will be tested. With a robust lineup of standout quarterbacks and surfacing talent, the division promises to deliver captivating football right down to the wire. Both veterans and budding stars are set to author stories of triumph and perseverance, likely shaping the postseason narrative in compelling fashion.