Ranking NFC North Quarterbacks
With Aaron Rodgers on the move to the New York Jets, the NFC North division is considered open for the taking.
The Detroit Lions are the current favorites, but the Minnesota Vikings are reigning champions.
With the division lacking a clear favorite, it will likely be decided by whoever can emerge as the best quarterback of the group of teams.
Here is a ranking of the four quarterbacks in the division as they currently stand, based on past production and current ability.
4.) Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
The world awaits to see the impact that Jordan Love can have on the NFC North and the league as a whole. Given Green Bay's recent quarterback history, it would be less than a shock to see him become one of the top passers in the league.
He ranks fourth, due to a very limited sample size through his first three seasons. In 10 career games, he's completed 60 percent of his passes, with three touchdowns and three interceptions.
His few performances have been a mixed bag. He's worked closely with Rodgers, though, so he's learned from one of the best.
Love's career could go a number of ways, beginning with his first season in 2023. Early indications have been promising for the Packers, but the verdict will remain at large until he takes the field for the first time as the team's unquestioned starter.
3.) Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Though Fields must grow as a passer, he has speed that is truly game-changing. He found his groove as a runner midway through the 2022 campaign, and rushed for 1,143 yards.
On two separate occasions, he rushed for more yards than he passed for in a game. Now, he must channel his passing talent to become a more dangerous two-way threat.
He'll have plenty of talent to throw to, including offseason acquisition D.J. Moore. The passer will also need improvement from his offensive line to be productive, as he was sacked 55 times in 2022.
Fields is currently a subpar passer, but there's still hope for him to turn it around. This will be an important season for him, as he'll have to continue growing while remaining a threat on the ground.
2.) Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
Cousins has one of the league's best wideouts on his team, and has taken full advantage. However, he has struggled in the big moments and in primetime games.
The signal-caller has won just one playoff game in his career, and was most recently upset by the New York Giants in the wild card round last season.
Without Dalvin Cook, the veteran will also be forced to contribute more as a passer, should Alexander Mattison not pan out as the team's lead back.
With Jefferson, he has the most talented wideout in the division. The offense will continue to succeed, but Cousins must continue to prove his mettle, too.
Ultimately, he ranks just a shade below Goff due to a lack of postseason success.
1.) Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
If not for last season, Goff may not have been ranked as high on this list. It was clearly an important season for the veteran, and he was impeccable during the second half.
In doing so, he earned much more job security moving forward with the Lions. The California native has established a good rapport with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and aims to lead the offense to new heights in 2023.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and company give him the talent necessary to make a run in the NFC North. However, he will have to build on last season's performance, to prove it wasn't a fluke.
If Goff can continue to build upon the team's success within the division from last year, the Lions should make plenty of noise in 2023.
