NFC West: A Tightly Contested Race
The NFC West division continues to be one of the most competitive in the NFL, with the gap between the top and bottom teams narrowing to just two games. As the season advances into its pivotal weeks, standout performances from the division’s quarterbacks have become a significant talking point.
Quarterbacks Deliver in Week 14
The quarterbacks in the NFC West have been demonstrating their prowess, evidenced by an impressive average passer rating of 117.2 during Week 14. Matthew Stafford and Brock Purdy were particular standouts, achieving passer ratings exceeding 130 in their respective home victories. Stafford shone brightly with a 132.6 passer rating in a nail-biting 44-42 win against the Buffalo Bills, marking his sixth game this season with a rating over 100 and his third surpassing 120.
Brock Purdy matched the intensity with a remarkable 145.4 passer rating against the Chicago Bears. Purdy’s performance has been bolstered by a 4.0% Big-Time Throw rate, showcasing his ability to execute significant plays under pressure.
Challenges and Triumphs for Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray has faced his share of challenges. Despite displaying a Big-Time Throw rate of 4.8% within the division and throwing for 266 yards against the Jets last month, Murray has struggled with protection issues. He's been sacked 12 times since the start of November, leading to a concerning sack rate of 7.3%.
Geno Smith’s Consistency and Connections
Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks has steadily improved as well. During a four-game win streak, his pressure rate decreased significantly, from 41% to 32.7%. This relief from defensive pressure has likely contributed to his turnover-worthy play rate remaining at an impressive 2.2%. Smith’s connection with receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been instrumental, as Smith-Njigba leads Seattle with 75 catches, totaling 911 yards.
Matthew Stafford: A Leader in Stability
Matthew Stafford continues to provide stability for the Los Angeles Rams. Notably, he has avoided interceptions since Week 10, a testament to his disciplined play. Over the past four games, Stafford has made eight Big-Time Throws while only having one Turnover-Worthy Play, solidifying his role as a reliable leader on the field.
The Rams are benefiting from this consistency, ranking 15th in EPA (Expected Points Added) per drop back and 11th in EPA per rushing attempt post-Week 14. Contributing to their offensive strength is Kyren Williams, who has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards this season with an impressive 12 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, the 49ers find themselves positioned 14th in EPA per rush, indicating room for improvement in their ground game as they look to fortify their playoff hopes.
Division Outlook
As the season progresses and the race becomes more intense, the performances of these quarterbacks will play a crucial role in determining which team will emerge victorious in the NFC West. Each game is now a must-watch occasion, with every throw, sack, and yard holding the potential to tip the scales in this tightly contested division. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing, knowing that the smallest of margins could ultimately decide who clinches the top spot in one of the NFL’s most exciting divisions.