Packers: NFC North quarterback rankings ahead of 2022 season

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers is the best in the NFC North.

The NFC North starting quarterbacks will likely remain the same in 2022. That includes Green Bay Packers MVP Aaron Rodgers after signing a new contract this spring.

Kirk Cousins returns for another year with the Minnesota Vikings. Jared Goff remains QB1 for the Detroit Lions.

With Andy Dalton gone, Justin Fields is the clear starter for the Chicago Bears.

Here are the NFC North QB power rankings entering 2022:

1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Rodgers is far and away the NFC North’s top quarterback.

He has won the past two NFL MVP awards and is playing as well as at any point in his career. Since the start of 2020, Rodgers has thrown 85 touchdown passes with just nine interceptions. Absolutely incredible.

Back on a new deal, Rodgers remains the NFC North’s best quarterback.

2. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Statistically, Cousins put together one of his best seasons in 2021, throwing for 4,221 yards, 33 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions.

Cousins led the NFL’s No. 12-ranked offense last season. The Vikings were let down by their defense, which ranked No. 30.

While Cousins isn’t among the top quarterbacks in the league, he is a good starter and capable of leading the Vikings back into the playoffs. He just needs some help from the defense.

3. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Goff remains the starter for the Lions. His first season in Detroit was just OK, with Goff throwing for 3,245 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

The Lions’ offense struggled throughout the season, averaging just 19.1 points per game.

Goff will be supported by an excellent offensive line, and a receiver corps featuring Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams (when healthy), DJ Chark, and tight end T.J. Hockenson.

Still, it is unlikely Goff is the Lions’ long-term QB.

4. Justin Fields, Chicago Bears

Fields struggled in his rookie season, throwing for 1,870 yards and seven touchdowns with 10 interceptions. He made 10 starts.

However, Fields still has a lot of potential. He wasn’t helped by Matt Nagy’s offense last season. Fields did show his rushing ability last year with 420 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

The biggest concern for Fields is whether the Bears have done enough to help him on offense, particularly at wide receiver.