Having the best quarterback play in a division translates to tightly competitive games and close finishes during a season. When one sees a tough division in football the question becomes who can win out and which team’s quarterback will make plays in crunch time. In today’s modern NFL top tier quarterback play is paramount in making the playoffs and ultimately winning a Superbowl. The best quarterback division usually has multiple teams reach the postseason.
The AFC West has the best quarterback division in the NFL. This division has above-average, Pro Bowl and MVP-level quarterback play. Three out of the four teams in this division went to the playoffs. That shows how competitive the AFC West was.
Kansas City Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes)
Mahomes is a perennial MVP candidate, multiple Superbowl winners, and Superbowl MVP. It is solely because of Mahomes that this division of football is boosted up higher. Arguably the best quarterback in the NFL and constantly shows the best quarterback play in this division. He also continues to prove he can lead his team to the Superbowl’s win or lose. Although Mahomes and company lost in a Superbowl rematch to the Philadelphia Eagles. Without a doubt, the Chiefs will be in another Super Bowl soon.
Los Angeles Chargers (Justin Herbert)
The last time this team played was in a playoff game and Justin Herbert did not have a great outing. If we can forget that one game for a moment Herbert is still a top 15-20 quarterback in the NFL right now. His future with the Chargers looks bright. Head coach, Jim Harbough is at the helm and has shown the ability to work with quarterbacks. Winning a national title with the Michigan Wolverines, and propelling J.J. McCarthy to a first-round draft selection. He also led the San Francisco 49ers to a Superbowl with Colin Kaepernick as the starting quarterback.
Denver Broncos (Bo Nix)
Bo Nix is a young up-and-coming quarterback with the opportunity to become one of the next greats. He is paired with head coach Sean Payton who is a Superbowl champion himself. Payton is known as a quarterback and offensive guru and worked with future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. Nix’s development was on full display during the 2024-25 season, showing he can handle a pro-style NFL offense.
Las Vegas Raiders (Geno Smith)
To round out this list of the best quarterback divisions in football is the Las Vegas Raiders. Just recently traded for pro-bowler Geno Smith to once again pair with new head coach Pete Carrol. As well as having Carrol at the helm, they also hired Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator. Kelly is coming off a National title with the Ohio State Buckeyes. Tom Brady is the new minority owner making decisions, the QB play will skyrocket.
Best Quarterback Division Honorable Mention
Coming into a very close second would be the NFC West. With head coaches that are Superbowl caliber coaches these teams present a good debate for also being considered the best quarterback divisions in football.
Los Angeles Rams: Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford could be considered the most underrated quarterback and underpaid Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Being traded to the Rams and taking them to the Super Bowl further proves his case.
Seattle Seahawks: Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold was a starter with a record of 14-3 last season with the Minnesota Vikings. Finally finding his stride with the Vikings last season, many will be watching to see if he’s completely turned the corner. Something to look out for is whether can he raise his play in the postseason.
Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray can be considered one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. The biggest question facing Murray is whether can he mature into an elite-level franchise quarterback on and off the field.
San Francisco 49ers: Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy will potentially be the next highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. Paired with Kyle Shannahan who is a football savant. The work of Shannahan has put Purdy into the realm he is currently in. However, this team has Super Bowl aspirations. Therefore, nothing else matters until they win that ring.
