Jared Goff remains the top-ranked QB in the NFC North: despite the Lions' fourth-place division finish in 2025. He threw for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions with a 68% completion rate last season, all while playing behind a banged-up offensive line.
Caleb Williams led the Bears to their first NFC North title since 2018: in his second season under head coach Ben Johnson. He finished the 2025 campaign (regular season plus playoffs) with 4,560 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Jordan Love threw for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2025: , but the Packers suffered a heartbreaking 31-27 Wild Card loss to the Bears after blowing an 18-point lead.
Kyler Murray joins the Vikings: as a high-profile free-agent addition after a severe foot sprain ended his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals. He has elite weapons in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson.
Why this matters:: The NFC North quarterback race is wide open, with each starter capable of making a case for the top spot. The division's strength under center will directly impact playoff seeding and Super Bowl contention in 2026.
The NFC North has undergone a remarkable transformation. Just a few years ago, the division was defined by the Aaron Rodgers-versus-the-field dynamic. Now, it features four legitimate starting-caliber quarterbacks at different stages of their careers.
Goff has been the steady hand guiding the Lions' resurgence. Since arriving in Detroit via the 2021 Matthew Stafford trade, he has led the franchise to two NFC North titles, two playoff wins, and their first playoff victory in 32 years (that unforgettable night on January 14, 2024). Despite a step-back season where Detroit finished fourth in the division, Goff still posted one of his best statistical years: 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and a 68% completion rate. With an improved offensive line and new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, the Lions are primed to reclaim the division crown.
Why Goff is still No. 1: He is the only quarterback in the division who has led his team to an NFC Championship Game. His experience, poise, and production under pressure give him the edge.
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner has exceeded expectations in Chicago. In his second season, Williams led the Bears to their first division title since 2018, delivering several miraculous game-winning drives and comebacks. While he still faces challenges with down-to-down consistency and accuracy, his elite playmaking ability, athleticism, and arm talent are undeniable. The Bears are now the hunted, and how Williams responds will be one of the most compelling storylines of 2026.
Love has proven he was the right successor to Aaron Rodgers. In 2025, he posted a 101.2 passer rating with 23 touchdowns against just six interceptions. However, the Packers' heartbreaking Wild Card collapse against the Bears—where they squandered an 18-point lead—left questions about the team's ability to close out games. With running back Josh Jacobs' availability uncertain due to legal issues, Love may need to shoulder even more of the offensive load in 2026.
The Vikings made a bold move by signing the former No. 1 overall pick. Murray brings elite dual-threat capability to a roster already loaded with offensive talent. His 2019 pedigree has never been in question, but health remains a concern after the severe foot sprain that ended his Cardinals tenure. The quarterback competition with J.J. McCarthy adds another layer of intrigue to Minnesota's offseason.
| QB | Team | 2025 Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Comp. % |
|----|------|-------|-----|------|---------|
| Jared Goff | DET | 4,564 | 34 | 8 | 68% |
| Caleb Williams | CHI | 4,560* | 31* | 12* | 90.1 rating |
| Jordan Love | GB | 3,381 | 23 | 6 | 101.2 rating |
| Kyler Murray | MIN | (Injured in 2025 with ARI) | | | |
*Includes regular season and playoffs
This is the first time in recent memory that the NFC North has had this much stability and talent at the quarterback position across all four teams. The last time the division featured four QBs of this caliber was arguably during the prime years of Rodgers (GB), Stafford (DET), Cutler (CHI), and Favre/Minnesota era. The 2026 season represents a new golden age for NFC North quarterback play.
Why is Jared Goff ranked No. 1 despite the Lions finishing fourth in the division?
Goff's individual performance remained elite in 2025 (4,564 yards, 34 TDs) despite the team's struggles. He has the most playoff success of any QB in the division, including an NFC Championship Game appearance, and his track record gives him the benefit of the doubt over a single down season.
Can Caleb Williams surpass Goff in 2026?
Absolutely. Williams has shown a higher ceiling and remarkable clutch play. If he improves his consistency and accuracy on a down-to-down basis, he could easily claim the top spot. His development under Ben Johnson will be pivotal.
What does Kyler Murray's addition mean for J.J. McCarthy?
McCarthy's first season as a starter was considered a failure, prompting the Vikings to sign Murray. However, Murray is injury-prone, and McCarthy could still get another opportunity—either in Minnesota or with another team down the line.
How does Jordan Love bounce back from the 2025 Wild Card collapse?
Love will need to prove he can lead game-winning drives in high-pressure situations. With potentially less help from the run game (Josh Jacobs' legal situation), the Packers' passing attack will be tested early in 2026.
For Lions fans:: Goff is still the division's gold standard, but the window is narrowing. Enjoy the stability while it lasts.
For Bears fans:: Williams is the real deal. Patience with his development will pay off, but the defense needs to step up to match the division's offensive firepower.
For Packers fans:: Love is a top-tier QB, but Green Bay needs to address its inability to close out games. The run game uncertainty makes 2026 a critical test.
For Vikings fans:: Murray brings star power, but health is the biggest question mark. The quarterback competition with McCarthy is one to watch closely.
How to prepare:: Keep an eye on training camp battles, injury reports, and offensive line developments across the division. These factors will determine which QB ultimately separates from the pack.
The NFC North quarterback race is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the 2026 NFL season. Do you think Jared Goff will hold onto the top spot, or will Caleb Williams, Jordan Love, or Kyler Murray dethrone him?
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