NFC North starting quarterbacks ranked from worst to best

1. Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins is both a blessing and a curse for the Vikings, and it must be so frustrating for the fanbase.

He is an excellent starting quarterback and always has solid numbers. In five seasons with the Vikings, Cousins has thrown for 20,934 yards, 153 touchdowns, and 50 interceptions with a passer rating of 100.9. They are outstanding numbers.

Cousins gives the Vikings a safe floor, and they are almost always in playoff contention. He has started 80 games for Minnesota, with the team going 46-33-1.

The downside is that Cousins isn't on the same level as the elite tier of quarterbacks in the NFL. While he is a fantastic player, he is nowhere near Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, or Josh Allen.

Cousins has been unable to make the Vikings serious Super Bowl contenders, even in offenses featuring star players like Stefon Diggs, Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph, Dalvin Cook, and T.J. Hockenson.

The Vikings only have one playoff victory in five seasons with Cousins. They reached the NFC Championship Game with Case Keenum in 2017 but haven't made it past the divisional round with Cousins.

But can the Vikings find a better starting quarterback? Good luck with that. Cousins consistently puts up great numbers, easily making him the best quarterback in the NFC North entering the 2023 season. But can he lead the Vikings on a deep playoff run?

More Packers news and analysis