The NFC North is arguably the most iconic division in the entire NFL. Whether this be the historic Lambeau Field, the 1985 Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions glory days in the 1950’s or the Minnesota Vikings’ Skol chant, this is a division with a lot of history.

There has also been some iconic players, whether this be Barry Sanders, Randy Moss, Walter Payton or Brett Favre. But who has the best quarterback in today’s game?

Here is a ranking of the starting quarterbacks in the division from four to one.

He will not be in this position long. He has shown tremendous talent in college, but so has Josh Rosen, Johnny Manziel and Ryan Leaf.

Playing well for a top college in USC does not equate to success at the NFL level.

Granted, Caleb Williams has been given the best situation a number one overall pick has ever had. Through the trade a year ago with the Carolina Panthers so they could pick Bryce Young, the Bears had the first overall selection courtesy of Young and the Panthers’ struggles. It is unheard of for a quarterback to go first overall to a seven-win team, with Jared Goff in 2016 the only other example of this in modern times when the Rams traded up for the selection.

The Bears already had DJ Moore courtesy of that Panthers trade, as well as Cole Kmet. Add in the fact that the Bears have gone out and acquired D’Andre Swift and Keenan Allen for this offense and Williams should have a rookie season for the ages. He is a clear favourite for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. However, he has not thrown a regular season pass in the NFL.

Sam Darnold is living proof that playing well for USC does not mean you are guaranteed to be a good NFL player. The New York Jets traded up to take him third overall in 2018 but Darnold struggled immensely in New Jersey and subsequently in Carolina before a backup role last season for the San Francisco 49ers where he almost won a Super Bowl ring.

Darnold has been given a last chance saloon as a starter after the season ending injury for 10th overall pick JJ McCarthy and with a wide receiver such as Justin Jefferson to throw to, he has the chance to finally fulfil his potential.

After three seasons sitting behind Aaron Rodgers, Jordan Love finally got his chance as the QB1 in 2023 after Rodgers was traded to the Jets. After a rocky start as the Green Bay Packers started the season 3-6, the team got hot and they won six of their final eight games.

Their form was then topped off with a shock playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys in the Wildcard Round.

With a supporting cast of Jayden Reed, Donatavion Wicks, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson, this has the potential to cause plenty of headaches for opposition defenses when it comes to coverage. This will allow Love to spread the ball out a lot more and become an MVP candidate in 2024.

Whilst it is unclear whether Love will become at the same level as Favre or Rodgers or whether he will just be a good quarterback, but he is someone that Packers fans should be very excited for.

It has not been an easy road for the former number one overall pick, being kicked out of Los Angeles and seen as a spare part in the Matthew Stafford trade. After a difficult first season, Goff has gone from strength to strength and is now a key part of the offense and a popular figure in the locker room.

Does he have the arm of Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen? No. Does he have the mobility of Lamar Jackson? No. However, what he does have is his mental strength and calmness in the pocket. With a team that features one of the best offensive lines and a brilliant running back and wide receiver room, Goff does not need to play hero ball.

He is one of the best quarterbacks to have in the lead (if you ignore the NFC Championship loss earlier this year) due to his methodical approach.

Goff is leader and perfect for head coach Dan Campbell and this Lions organisation.

Andy Davies

NFC North Quarterback Rankings

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