Packers: NFC North quarterback rankings ahead of 2021 season
There have been some significant changes at the quarterback position in the NFC North this year, although Green Bay Packers fans will be hoping things remain the same with their team.
Matthew Stafford started 165 games for the Detroit Lions but was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason.
The Chicago Bears drafted Justin Fields in the first round and signed Andy Dalton, moving on from Mitch Trubisky. Even the Minnesota Vikings drafted a QB in the third round, selecting Kellen Mond.
The Packers will just be hoping they don’t also have to make a quarterback change and that Aaron Rodgers returns for 2021.
Let’s get into the rankings.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
While there’s some uncertainty about whether Rodgers will even play for the Packers this season, he’s still under contract. And as long as that’s the case, he’s number one in the NFC North.
Rodgers is coming off arguably his greatest ever season with 48 touchdown passes and just five interceptions to go with his third MVP award.
2. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings missed out on the playoffs last season but Cousins had another good year, throwing for 4,265 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
Can Cousins lead his team to a Super Bowl? That remains to be seen, but there’s no doubt he’s a talented quarterback and one of the best in the division.
3. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Fields is yet to throw a pass in the NFL and we don’t know when he’ll get his first opportunity, but he has the potential to be a very good player for the Bears.
Ahead of the draft, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah wrote that while he needs some time to develop, “Fields has a chance to be special”. It might not be great news for Packers fans, but the Bears may have finally found their quarterback.
In the past two seasons at Ohio State, Fields threw for 5,373 yards, 63 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions.
4. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
It may seem a little harsh for Goff to be in fourth spot. After all, he helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl only a few years ago. That said, there’s a reason why the Rams traded him away to get Matthew Stafford.
Goff’s touchdown numbers have regressed each year since 2018 but he’s thrown double-digit interceptions in each of the past three seasons.
Goff may begin the season as the starter in Detroit, but don’t be surprised if the Lions are searching for a quarterback in next year’s draft.