There are several great quarterbacks in the NFC. However, some of the top signal callers suffered serious injuries and disappointing seasons in 2024. Others exceeded expectations and caught all of our attention. The names here could change every week during the season, but I based them on overall performances. Quarterbacks are often compared by wins and scrutinized more than any other position.
1. Jalen Hurts
It is only right that we start this off with the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Sharing the backfield with Saquon Barkley definitely made things easier and took the pressure off of Hurts last season. He still showed up in the biggest moments for the Eagles on their postseason run.
That historic run included a back-and-forth Divisional Round with the Los Angeles Rams. The follow-up was a blowout victory over the Commanders to win the NFC Championship. Of course, we won’t forget the MVP performance in the Super Bowl leading the Eagles to a 40-22 win over the defending back-to-back champion Chiefs. Hurts was 17-of-22 passing for 221 yards and 2 TDs, along with 72 yards and a TD on the ground.
2. Matthew Stafford
Next is Matthew Stafford, whose team came the closest to ending Philadelphia’s season. Overall, Stafford had an up-and-down year, but still showed up when the Rams needed him the most. He led his team to a decisive victory over the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round before almost advancing to the NFC title game. Although there was some uncertainty about his future, Stafford agreed to return to the Rams.
3. Jayden Daniels
Another NFC East quarterback makes this list entering his second season. Daniels had a remarkable rookie year that included taking home Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. He helped bring life back into the Washington franchise and fan base, leading them one win away from a Super Bowl berth.
He immediately proved that he was ready for the bright lights of the NFL. Daniels started the playoffs by leading his team to a 23-20 road win over the Buccaneers. Then the Commanders upset the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round, 45-31. His team started the season 7-2 and finished with a 12-5 record with clutch wins along the way. Hopefully, there will be no sophomore struggles.
4. Baker Mayfield
Mayfield had a great 2024 campaign surpassing what he did in the previous year. He achieved new career highs in completion percentage, touchdowns, and passing yards. It was even more impressive given the fact that he missed some of his top options for some time. Mike Evans missed 3 games, and Chris Godwin suffered a devastating season-ending ankle injury in Week 7. Tampa Bay’s offense overcame those obstacles and won 6 of the last 7 games under Mayfield’s leadership. Expectations will be higher for this quarterback and his team next season.
5. Jared Goff
Goff closes out the top 5 NFC QBs. In 2024, he ended up having the best season of his career. Goff appeared more comfortable and confident throughout the year. He led the Lions to be the second-best offense in total yards and passing yards per game. It will be difficult to forget their disappointing loss in the Divisional Round to the Commanders. That doesn’t take away from the great regular season he and the Lions had. He’ll be looking to remain consistent and finish stronger in 2025.
Final Thoughts
Honorable mentions for quarterbacks include Jordan Love and Sam Darnold. Love dealt with a knee injury and didn’t quite live up to expectations. His season ended with a tough Wild Card loss to the Eagles that included 3 interceptions. He has the potential to be on this list next year. Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record after becoming the starter. It was an absolute career resurgence. He will be the quarterback for the Seahawks next season after signing a 3-year deal.
