Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Ranking 49ers QB Brock Purdy amongst NFC quarterbacks

Originally posted on San Francisco 49ers on SI
By Parker Hurley | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 7:39 PM ET

Now that the final seven teams in the NFC are settled, it is worth wondering where Brock Purdy ranks amongst the best quarterbacks in the conference. Different factors can lead to postseason success, but nothing is more consistent than good quarterback play.

Who are the most dangerous quarterbacks on this side of the bracket?

Bryce Young

This will be the first postseason for Young and the Carolina Panthers, and experience in these moments goes a long way. Young has also been questionable all season, with some moments of success, but enough questions that he will need to prove himself.

David Banks-Imagn Images

Caleb Williams

Williams is in a scheme that helps him look more comfortable and when his skill players are all healthy, he has a dangerous supporting cast. However, Williams is another player with no experience here, and the offense already goes through lulls because of his inaccuracy and rushing passes.

Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Sam Darnold

Darnold is leading the one seed, but he has eight touchdowns and eight interceptions since Week 10. The Seahawks can win as many games as their defense keeps them in, but they cannot win shoot outs with Darnold playing like this. At least he has the first start jitters out of the way.

Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jordan Love

Jordan Love has shown he can in the playoffs. However, his game is so hit or miss, and it relies heavily on big plays. It is not consistent enough to scare you. He is also ranked below three quarterbacks with Super Bowl experience.

Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Brock Purdy

Purdy is playing great, but we saw against Seattle that he can be limited against the best units, which is what we will see in the postseason. Purdy has played well in the postseason, but there are two quarterbacks who have what he is searching for and that is a Super Bowl ring.

Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jalen Hurts

Hurts is tough to rank. On one hand, he is struggling and he is reliant on the pieces around him even when he plays well. On the other hand, he tends to play his best when the team needs him. Are we going to see more Hurts magic? Having two solid Super Bowl performances means he cannot be lower than Purdy.

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford

If Stafford is not the MVP it is because of Drake Maye, who plays in the AFC and has no postseason experience. This postseason is set up for Stafford. He is leading the best offensive attack, his defense is healty and he has the experience of postseason wins. He has to prove he is the best quarterback in the conference.

This article first appeared on San Francisco 49ers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: