Super Bowl LX Quarterback Watch: Who's Got the Juice to Take Their Team to Santa Clara?
As the NFL regular season barrels toward its conclusion, one thing is clear: the road to Super Bowl LX is going to be paved by quarterback play. With playoff spots tightening and contenders jockeying for position, the difference between a deep postseason run and a quick exit could come down to who’s under center-and how they perform when it matters most.
Let’s dive into where things stand, starting with a team that’s heating up at just the right time.
San Francisco’s Surge and the Purdy Picture
Don’t look now, but the 49ers are rounding into form-and Brock Purdy is a big reason why. San Francisco’s offense has always thrived on movement: bootlegs, rollouts, misdirection. That’s the rhythm Kyle Shanahan wants, and when Purdy is in sync with it, the Niners are tough to stop.
Over the last two weeks, Purdy has looked sharp against Cleveland and Tennessee. Now, those aren’t exactly juggernauts, but Cleveland’s defense is no joke.
What we’ve seen recently is the version of Purdy who makes quick reads, delivers with confidence, and keeps the offense humming. If that’s the guy we get down the stretch, San Francisco becomes a serious threat-even without Nick Bosa and Fred Warner on the field.
Mahomes Out, Lamar on the Fringe
The playoff picture looks a little different this year. Patrick Mahomes, sidelined with a torn ACL and a 6-8 record, won’t be delivering any postseason magic.
Lamar Jackson? He’s still dangerous, but Baltimore is on the outside looking in.
So who is in position to lead their team to Santa Clara on February 8? Let’s break it down.
QB Power Rankings: Who Can Lead a Title Run?
- Josh Allen, Buffalo
Forget the stat sheet-though it’s still impressive. Allen’s value lies in his ability to impose his will on a game.
He’s in the MVP conversation again, and if he gets hot, Buffalo can ride his arm and legs deep into January.
- **Matthew Stafford, L.A.
Rams**
Stafford is putting together an MVP-worthy campaign.
The Rams are rolling, and Stafford’s arm talent is still elite. He’s got a chance to break the franchise’s Super Bowl tie with Kurt Warner.
Don’t bet against him.
- Brock Purdy, 49ers
Yes, the supporting cast is strong-but Purdy’s been making the right reads and delivering the ball on time. If he keeps this up, San Francisco’s ceiling is sky-high.
And if disaster strikes? Mac Jones is the best backup in the postseason field.
- Sam Darnold, Seattle
Darnold’s got a shot to rewrite his playoff narrative after last year’s collapse in Minnesota. The next three games-and any postseason action-will tell us if he’s matured into a reliable postseason QB.
- Drake Maye, New England
Maye took a step back against Buffalo, but overall, it’s been a strong second year. The competition hasn’t always been elite, but Maye’s poise and arm talent are undeniable.
- **Justin Herbert, L.A.
Chargers**
The wrist injury is a concern, no doubt.
But when healthy, Herbert is one of the game’s most gifted passers. The Chargers need him under center-literally and figuratively.
- Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville
Lawrence is playing with confidence and has a comeback playoff win under his belt. The Jags are a tough out when he’s in rhythm.
- Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay
The Bucs have stumbled, but Mayfield’s swagger and anticipation make him dangerous. He can still flip a game with a few big throws.
- Bo Nix, Denver
Nix brings mobility and a fearless edge that fits Denver’s gritty vibe. He’s not conventional, but he’s effective-and fun to watch.
- **C.J.
Stroud, Houston**
Stroud is still one of the best pure throwers in the league.
If Houston’s defense holds up, he’s capable of leading a surprise run.
- Jordan Love, Green Bay
Love was electric against Detroit and Chicago, tossing seven touchdowns. But inconsistency remains-his two-pick game against Denver was a reality check.
- Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh
He’s not the MVP version anymore, but Rodgers still flashes brilliance. If the Steelers make a run, it’ll be because No. 12 found some vintage magic.
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia
Hurts has struggled lately, and his last outing was rough. Still, he’s got the tools and the playoff experience to flip the script quickly.
- Caleb Williams, Chicago
Williams is electric outside the pocket, but playoff defenses will force him to win from within it. That’s where he’ll need to grow fast.
NFC Playoff Picture: Rams on Top, Chaos Below
**No. 1 Seed: L.A.
Rams (11-3)**
Stafford and the Rams are in control, but the final stretch isn’t easy.
They’ll visit Seattle and Atlanta before closing at home against Arizona. That Week 16 matchup in Seattle could decide the NFC West.
**No. 2 Chicago (10-4) vs.
No. 7 Green Bay (9-4-1)**
The Packers and Bears swapped spots last week, but Green Bay’s loss was more damaging. Micah Parsons is done for the year, and Chicago’s final three-vs.
Green Bay, at San Francisco, vs. Detroit-could send them into a tailspin.
**No. 3 Philadelphia (9-5) vs.
No. 6 San Francisco (10-4)**
San Francisco is locked into a playoff spot. The question is whether they can climb to the top seed.
Philly, meanwhile, is fading. A first-round matchup between these two could favor the Niners.
**No. 4 Tampa Bay (7-7) vs.
No. 5 Seattle (11-3)**
Seattle’s got a brutal finish-Rams, Panthers, and Niners. But if they survive, they’ll be battle-tested.
Tampa Bay’s closing stretch (Panthers twice and Miami) is manageable, but anything less than 2-1 would be a collapse.
Still Alive in the NFC:
- Detroit (8-6): 1-3 in the division with two more NFC North games left.
It’s now or never.
- Carolina (7-7): Big win over the Rams followed by a stumble against the Saints.
Inconsistent.
- Dallas (6-7-1): A long shot.
Their conference record (3-6-1) is a killer.
AFC Playoff Picture: Broncos Lead, Chargers and Bills Lurking
No. 1 Seed: Denver (12-2)
The Broncos are rolling, and their final three-vs. Jacksonville, at Kansas City, vs.
L.A. Chargers-will test their mettle.
A Super Bowl showdown with the 49ers? That’s the dream.
**No. 2 New England (11-3) vs.
No. 7 Houston (9-5)**
The Patriots are quietly dangerous. A road trip to Baltimore will be a litmus test.
Houston’s defense should feast on the Raiders, but the real challenge comes against the Chargers and Colts.
**No. 3 Jacksonville (10-4) vs.
No. 6 Buffalo (10-4)**
The Jags need to show they can hang with the big boys-starting with Denver. Buffalo, meanwhile, is surging and no longer has to worry about Mahomes.
That’s a big deal.
**No. 4 Pittsburgh (8-6) vs.
No. 5 L.A.
Chargers (10-4)**
The Steelers are scrappy, and Rodgers gives them a puncher’s chance.
The Chargers have a tough closing stretch but are built for the road. This one’s a toss-up.
Still Alive in the AFC:
- Indianapolis (8-6): Rivers showed his age in a loss to Seattle, but they’re still in the hunt.
- Baltimore (7-7): The Ravens have a brutal finish. Ten wins may be out of reach.
Final Word
The quarterback landscape heading into the playoffs is as unpredictable as ever. Veterans like Stafford and Rodgers are still slinging it.
Young guns like Stroud, Maye, and Love are trying to prove they belong. And then there’s Brock Purdy-somewhere in between, but trending up at the perfect time.
One thing’s for sure: whoever hoists the Lombardi in Santa Clara will have earned it the hard way-by delivering when the lights are brightest and the pressure is highest.