The NFC is a much weaker conference than the AFC. How can we rank the projected starting QBs in the conference for the 2023 season. This is actually a hard activity, even though there is a clear lack of talent among the NFC quarterbacks, at least compared to the AFC.
The NFC does appear to be wide open, with each contending team having obvious flaws. There should be some new faces at quarterback introduced in the NFC, but as of now, we do have a projected starting 16.
So, let’s rank them.
Ranking the projected starting QBs in the NFC for 2023 – #16 – #11
#16 – Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
We just don’t know what we have from Sam Howell. His limited action in 2022 can’t really be used against him, but it can’t be used for him, either. Howell, right now, to me, is the “worst” starting QB in the NFC. I do think that could change.
#15 – Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers (projected Aaron Rodgers’ departure)
The New York Jets/Green Bay Packers’ trade for Aaron Rodgers is going to get done at some point, which leaves Jordan Love as the starter. Again, we just don’t have enough on tape to say he’s worth much as a starter in the NFL.
#14 – Desmond Ridder, Atlanta Falcons
Believe it or not, Desmond Ridder has more action on the field as an NFL starter than Jordan Love, and he put up some solid numbers. Year two is going to be big for him.
#13 – Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There’s going to be a QB competition in Tampa Bay, and as of now, it’ll be between the #1 overall pick in 2018 and former Florida QB Kyle Trask. I think Mayfield wins that easily, but isn’t ranking highly among QBs in the NFC.
#12 – Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers
I’m not sure the Carolina Panthers are going to be rushing their freshly drafted QB onto the field. Andy Dalton is probably going to start some games in 2023 for the Panthers. He’s a fine spot starter.
#11 – Daniel Jones, New York Giants
I think some are greatly overhyping the year we got from Daniel Jones. His passer rating was in the low 90s and he threw for just 15 touchdown passes. It’s only fair to acknowledge his rushing success in 2022, but man, I just don’t think Jones is that good.
Ranking the projected starting QBs in the NFC for 2023 – #10 – #6
#10 – Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
One good year from Geno Smith does not propel him into the elites of the NFC, in my opinion. He was a low-end backup QB for his entire career, but give credit where credit is due. If he can keep this up, he will begin to climb up these ranks.
#9 – Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Brock Purdy’s unexpected 2022 season was awesome to see, but like Smith, we need to see more before proclaiming him as the next great QB in the NFL.
#8 – Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Fields’ promising year two should have Bears’ fans excited for year three, but let’s not pretend he’s established himself quite yet. The offseason additions from GM Ryan Poles should help, though.
#7 – Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
I like Derek Carr, and I think we he was unfairly treated in Las Vegas and was the only good thing that franchise had going for them the past decade, but I don’t like the fit in New Orleans and I don’t think he’s a true franchise QB.
#6 – Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
I think it’s a terrible idea if the Detroit Lions draft a QB with one of their first round picks in 2023. Goff is a solid QB in the NFC and is someone that has gotten to a Super Bowl. Let’s not overthink this, Detroit.
Ranking the projected starting QBs in the NFC for 2023 – #5 – #1
#5 – Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Kirk Cousins has been one of the most efficient and consistent QBs in the NFL over the last decade. His time as a full-time starter in Minnesota appear to be coming to an end, but he’s a top five QB in the NFC, without a doubt.
#4 – Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
I’ve always been a fan of Matthew Stafford and was so happy to see him win a Super Bowl in 2021. I sure hope he can get back to his 2021 production in 2023. His 2022 season was one to forget.
#3 – Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Questions about Murray’s commitment to the NFL and perhaps his team itself are valid, but let’s not overthink this. He’s an elite talent at the position, being efficient through the air and on the ground. His ACL rehab is going to spill into the 2023 season, so we might not see much of Murray in the coming year.
#2 – Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
For all his faults, or so according to some, Prescott is a very talented player. However, he’s been in the NFL for seven years and doesn’t have much to show more than nice statistics in the regular season. He’s going to have to make a deep playoff run in the near future or else the Cowboys might benefit from going in a different direction.
#1 – Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
I think after the 2022 season and a near Super Bowl victory, Jalen Hurts is the best QB in the NFC, and I’m not sure it’s a debate. He’ll likely sign a contract extension in the coming weeks that’ll pay him among the elite signal callers in the NFL.
Him and his Eagles’ teammates look poised to repeat what they accomplished in 2022, but have their eyes set on that Lombardi trophy.