The NFC North division has suddenly become quite interesting.
In 2023, the Detroit Lions took a huge step forward and reached the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1992.
The Green Bay Packers started a new era with Jordan Love under center as they moved on from Aaron Rodgers after 18 long seasons. And while the Minnesota Vikings lost veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, they too will be ushering in a new era in 2024.
As for the Chicago Bears, it seems that they finally have the right man at the quarterback position, having drafted Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Now that we have a fair idea of which signal callers will be starting the upcoming season, let us take a look at how they stack up against one another in the NFC North.
4. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
There is no doubt in many people’s minds that Williams will be an elite quarterback in the league for many years to come. What he has shown throughout his collegiate play is simply amazing and he is already expected to take this Bears team to greater heights. With so much talent around him already, the Bears may even make it to the playoffs this season.
However, no matter what we think of Williams, he is still unproven at the highest level of the sport. He still has to go out there, make plays, and show us that he owns the league. While great things may be destined for him, there is just no telling how rookies will perform in their first season.
So with that said, Williams is at No. 4 in the NFC North quarterback rankings.
3. Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are expected to role with Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback at least to start things off as rookie J.J. McCarthy is given time to adjust.
It is very difficult to put Darnold ahead of Williams knowing what Darnold has done in the NFL since 2018. His best season came in in 2019 where he threw for 3,024 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Williams is surely expected to top that in his rookie season, but we must wait and see what happens.
As for Darnold, this is the first time he will be having quality wide receivers and better tackles that should aid him in his performance.
2. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Love played his first full season as a starter in 2023 and he had a year of two halves. Starting out slowly, Love found his groove toward the second half of the season and powered the Packers to the playoffs, defeating the Dallas Cowboys quite comfortably in the Wild Card Round.
However, it is still too early to judge Love, as he hasn’t had much to do before last year. If he continues in 2024 the way he ended 2023, Love could find himself in the top spot on this list, but for now, he comes in second.
1. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
The top spot in the NFC North quarterback rankings goes to Jared Goff for the moment.
Goff may not be amongst the elite quarterbacks in the league, but he has been consistent throughout his career and has also appeared in a Super Bowl.
For the past couple of seasons, Goff has been an instrumental part of the much-improved Lions team. In 2022 and 2023, Goff has put up 4,438 and 4,575 passing yards, 29 and 30 touchdowns, while being intercepted seven and 12 times, respectively. Moreover, he led Detroit to the NFC Championship Game last season and was one win away from yet another Super Bowl appearance.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
