It’s been a long, winding journey for Jared Goff—from Los Angeles poster boy to NFL castaway, and now, reborn as the leader of a Detroit Lions team that has gone from laughingstock to legitimate contender. While other NFC North quarterbacks continue to find their footing, Goff has quietly—and commandingly—entrenched himself as the division’s best. And in 2025, the numbers, the wins, and the leadership make one thing perfectly clear: Jared Goff is still the undisputed king of the NFC North.
Let’s break it down.
The Rise and Reign of Goff in the NFC North
When Jared Goff was traded to Detroit as part of the blockbuster Matthew Stafford deal in 2021, many saw the move as a salary dump—a temporary placeholder until the Lions drafted a “real” franchise quarterback. But instead of becoming a bridge, Goff has become the bedrock.
After leading the Lions to a 12-5 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance in the 2023 season, Goff followed it up with an 11-6 campaign in 2024, guiding Detroit to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since the early 1990s. And in 2025, early signs suggest he’s only getting better.
The eye test is one thing. The stats? They’re indisputable.
Goff vs. The Division: Statistical Supremacy
Let’s take a look at the current quarterback landscape in the NFC North:
- Jared Goff (Lions)
- Caleb Williams (Bears – Rookie)
- Jordan Love (Packers)
- J.J. McCarthy (Vikings – Rookie)
Goff is the only veteran in the group. He is the only one with multiple playoff wins. He is the only one with a 4,000+ yard season in the past two years. And he’s the only one with 100% of his locker room behind him.
2024 Season Stats:
- Goff:
- 4,362 yards
- 31 touchdowns
- 9 interceptions
- 67.3% completion rate
- Passer rating: 101.5
- Jordan Love:
- 3,684 yards
- 26 touchdowns
- 14 interceptions
- Passer rating: 89.7
- Rookies Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy: TBD (early flashes but inconsistent)
This isn’t just about a guy putting up solid numbers—Goff is operating at a Pro Bowl level and doing it with precision. He has mastered offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s scheme, has total command of the playbook, and can manipulate defenses with veteran savvy. Simply put, he’s the most trustworthy quarterback in the division.
Leadership and Locker Room Control
What makes Goff’s reign even more remarkable is how he’s earned the respect of his teammates. In the NFL, leadership is currency—and Goff is one of the wealthiest in the league.
“He’s our general,” Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown said. “When he steps into that huddle, it’s like everything locks into place.”
Coaches praise his calm demeanor. Players echo his unshakable confidence. And perhaps most importantly, the front office sees him as the guy—not a placeholder.
Detroit handed Goff a contract extension in early 2025, locking him in through the 2028 season. With nearly $180 million guaranteed, it’s not just a vote of confidence—it’s a coronation.
Comparing the Competition
Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams’ Growing Pains
There’s no denying Caleb Williams’ potential. He’s electrifying, has a cannon arm, and can create magic outside the pocket. But he’s also a rookie. Through the first five games of the 2025 season, Williams has 6 touchdowns, 7 interceptions, and has taken 19 sacks. He’s being asked to lead a rebuilding team with a fan base desperate for success.
Williams may eventually take the throne—but he’s not there yet. And Goff, with his efficient play and command of the field, continues to put distance between himself and the Bears’ prodigy.
Green Bay Packers: The Jordan Love Enigma
Jordan Love had his breakout moments in 2023, sparking hope in Green Bay. But he regressed in 2024. Turnovers became a problem, and his footwork mechanics broke down under pressure. His decision-making remains suspect in tight games, and there’s growing unease among Packers fans.
While Love has flashes of brilliance, he lacks the consistency that Goff brings to the table. The Lions know what they’re getting every Sunday. The Packers? Not quite.
Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy’s Learning Curve
The Vikings are in full rebuild mode. After the departure of Kirk Cousins, Minnesota took a shot on Michigan’s national championship-winning QB J.J. McCarthy. He’s talented, no doubt—but he’s also being asked to learn on the fly.
Goff, meanwhile, has already been to a Super Bowl, led multiple deep playoff runs, and mastered one of the NFL’s most sophisticated offenses. McCarthy’s story is just beginning, but Goff’s script is already a bestseller.
Clutch Factor: Goff’s Secret Weapon
Perhaps Goff’s most overlooked trait is his performance in clutch moments. He was top five in the league in fourth-quarter comebacks over the past two seasons, and in 2024 alone, he orchestrated game-winning drives against the Cowboys, Packers, and Buccaneers.
“He’s ice in the veins,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “If the game’s on the line, I want the ball in his hands.”
In a division defined by bitter rivalries and close games, that clutch gene matters. It’s why Detroit fans have embraced Goff as not just a quarterback—but a savior.
What Makes Goff Tick?
For Goff, the chip on his shoulder remains firmly in place.
“I remember when they said I was done,” Goff recently told NFL Network. “That I couldn’t win without Sean McVay, or that I was just a system guy. That lit a fire in me.”
That fire has fueled an unprecedented cultural shift in Detroit. The Lions are no longer lovable losers—they’re a team with swagger, purpose, and grit. And Goff is the engine driving that transformation.
Offensive Weapons and Continuity
Goff is also blessed with arguably the NFC North’s best offensive supporting cast. Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to torch secondaries, Jahmyr Gibbs is a matchup nightmare, and the offensive line—anchored by Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow—is one of the league’s elite units.
Continuity matters. While the Bears, Packers, and Vikings break in new QBs and head coaches juggle new offensive systems, Goff returns with familiar faces and an offensive coordinator he trusts. That comfort translates into results.
Legacy and the Bigger Picture
It’s time to give Jared Goff his due.
He’s not flashy. He doesn’t dominate highlight reels. But what he does is win football games. What he does is lead men. And in a league that often writes off quarterbacks after one bad stretch, Goff has authored a comeback that few saw coming.
The NFC North has a proud quarterback history—Brett Favre, Aaron Rodgers, Fran Tarkenton, and even Stafford himself. Now, Jared Goff is carving out his chapter. And if he leads the Lions to a Super Bowl appearance this year, his story may rival all of them.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 season is far from over, but Detroit sits atop the NFC North at 4-1, with Goff throwing 11 touchdowns and just 2 picks through five games. Meanwhile, the rest of the division is playing catch-up—both in the standings and in quarterback performance.
Barring injury or collapse, Goff is on pace for another Pro Bowl appearance. But more importantly, he’s on pace to lead Detroit to yet another playoff run—and possibly, their first Super Bowl title.
And for a city starved for football glory, there is no better face of the franchise than No. 16.
