NFC West starting quarterbacks, ranked worst to best
By Peter Panacy
No. 1: Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
It doesn't get much easier for 49ers fans, having to absorb the reality that Brock Purdy ranks behind two of the Niners' biggest rivals going, currently, Seattle and the Los Angeles Rams.
As far as LA is concerned, 2023 is going to be about the rebuild. Following the worst season after winning a Super Bowl in the modern football era, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has probably seen his final hoisting of the Lombardi Trophy come and go, and good for him (if you root for him).
Banged up last season, a fully healthy 35-year-old Stafford is still the best option within the NFC West. Even with the Rams looking at the possibility of finishing no better than third place within the division.
Why? Well, one shouldn't expect LA's offense to suddenly tank, not with All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp in the mix and head coach Sean McVay's effective play-calling a key factor. Those two elements should keep Los Angeles fun to watch, at least.
Read more: 49ers 2023 schedule is live, we predicted every game right here
On top of that, and the No. 1 reason why Stafford still separates from the rest, is because he should easily be the consensus top choice for the one quarterback from the NFC West to win a must-win game.
More than Geno Smith. Certainly more than Kyler Murray. And, yes. Even more than Purdy right now.
If that bothers you, circle "right now" in the last sentence. You can always count on tomorrow.
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