NFC North 2024 starting quarterbacks ranked from worst to best

Two years ago, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Jared Goff, and Justin Fields were the NFC North's starting quarterbacks. Goff is the last one standing and was rewarded with a new $212 million contract from the Detroit Lions.

Jordan Love led the Green Bay Packers on an unlikely playoff run last season, showing star potential in the second half of the season. He aims to build on that in year two as a starter and fifth in the NFL.

The NFC North welcomes two new first-round quarterbacks: Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy. Williams enters a dream situation with the Bears and a receiving corps of DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odunze. McCarthy gets Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, although it remains to be seen how quickly he will start ahead of Sam Darnold.

In a season that promises plenty of twists and turns in a competitive NFC North, which team has the advantage at quarterback?

Ranking the NFC North starting quarterbacks entering 2024 season

4. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

What can we expect from J.J. McCarthy in his rookie season? Will he even play? McCarthy could eventually become the best quarterback in this year's draft class, but it's impossible to know. Predictions for his NFL career vary depending on who you ask. Some believe he can become a Pro Bowl starter, while others think he is just a game manager.

McCarthy threw 44 touchdown passes to just nine interceptions in his final two seasons at Michigan, playing a part in the national championship victory. Time will tell how good he can become at the NFL level.

3. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Quarterbacks don't often enter the NFL with expectations as high as this. The Bears believe they have finally found their franchise quarterback, and for good reason. Williams is coming off two incredible seasons at USC, throwing 72 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while rushing for 21 touchdowns.

"Williams has areas in which he needs to improve, but he has franchise-altering upside," writes NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

If Williams reaches his potential, he will likely move into first place in these rankings and stay there for at least a decade. But he can't move any higher than third until we see it in an NFL game.

2. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Remember when Jared Goff was included in the Matthew Stafford trade just so the Los Angeles Rams could get his contract off their books? Times have changed, as the Lions just made Goff one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in league history.

Goff isn't on the same level as Patrick Mahomes and the other superstar quarterbacks in the league, but he is a perfect fit for Detroit's offense. Goff is protected by an outstanding offensive line, and he is hard to stop when given time in the pocket.

The former first-round pick threw for 4,575 yards and 30 touchdowns with 12 interceptions and a 97.9 passer rating in 2023. Another big season is on the way.

1. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers

The sky is the limit for Jordan Love.

Love—and the entire Packers offense—went through ups and downs early last season, but we saw their unlimited upside in the second half. He made throws Aaron Rodgers would be proud of, and it's clear from watching his footwork just how much he learned from the four-time MVP. With 2,150 yards, 18 touchdowns, one interception, and a 112.7 rating over the final eight weeks, Love reached an MVP level of performance that few saw coming.

He backed it up with a playoff performance for the ages, completing 76 percent of his passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns with a 157.2 rating in a 48-32 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Only Dak Prescott threw more touchdown passes than Love's 32 last season. A new contract is on the way, and Love showed why he can become the next great Packers quarterback.

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