When Jared Goff arrived in Detroit as part of the Matthew Stafford trade in 2021, many viewed him as a temporary placeholder—a bridge quarterback until the Lions found their next franchise star. Fast forward three seasons, and Goff has not only silenced the doubters but has firmly established himself as the best quarterback in the NFC North. The numbers don’t lie: Goff’s consistency, production, and clutch performances have made him the undisputed king of the division, and there’s no sign of him relinquishing that crown anytime soon.
Since joining the Lions, Goff has been a model of efficiency and poise, transforming Detroit’s offense into one of the most potent units in the league. In 2023, he led the Lions to their first division title in 30 years, throwing for 4,575 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions while completing 67.3% of his passes. His quarterback rating of 97.9 ranked among the league’s elite, and his ability to protect the football (just 1.6% interception rate) was a driving force behind Detroit’s success. Compare that to his NFC North counterparts—Jordan Love, Kirk Cousins (now in Atlanta), and Justin Fields (now in Pittsburgh)—and Goff stands alone as the most reliable and accomplished passer in the division.
What separates Goff from the rest isn’t just raw stats but his ability to elevate his game when it matters most. In critical moments, Goff has been nearly flawless. His performance in the 2023 playoffs was a masterclass in quarterback play: 74.3% completion rate, 837 yards, five touchdowns, and zero interceptions in three games. He outdueled Matthew Stafford in the Wild Card round, shredded the Buccaneers’ defense in the Divisional Round, and nearly led a historic comeback against the 49ers in the NFC Championship. While the Lions fell short of the Super Bowl, Goff proved he could carry a team on his back against elite competition—a trait no other NFC North quarterback has consistently demonstrated.
The narrative that Goff is merely a “system quarterback” has been thoroughly debunked. Under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Goff has thrived, but his success isn’t solely a product of scheme. His pocket presence, anticipation, and accuracy on intermediate and deep throws have been exceptional. According to Next Gen Stats, Goff ranked in the top five in completion percentage above expectation (CPOE) in 2023, a metric that measures how often a QB completes passes relative to the difficulty of the throw. This isn’t dink-and-dunk football—Goff is making high-level throws with precision, and defenses have no answer for it.
Meanwhile, the rest of the NFC North is in flux. The Packers’ Jordan Love showed promise in his first full season as a starter, but he remains unproven over the long haul. Love’s late-season surge was impressive, but his inconsistency early in the year (11 touchdowns vs. eight interceptions in his first nine games) raises questions about whether he can sustain elite play. Kirk Cousins, long considered the division’s most stable QB, is now in Atlanta, leaving the Vikings with Sam Darnold and rookie J.J. McCarthy—neither of whom inspires immediate confidence. As for Justin Fields, his electrifying athleticism couldn’t mask his passing deficiencies, leading the Bears to move on to Caleb Williams. The NFC North is now Goff’s domain, and the competition isn’t close.
Beyond the numbers, Goff’s leadership has been instrumental in Detroit’s resurgence. Once written off as a failed No. 1 pick after his Rams tenure, he has embraced the underdog mentality and galvanized a locker room that now believes it can compete with anyone. Teammates rave about his work ethic, calm demeanor, and ability to deliver in big spots. Head coach Dan Campbell has repeatedly praised Goff’s toughness and football IQ, calling him “the perfect quarterback for this team.” That trust between coach and QB has been a cornerstone of the Lions’ rise, and it’s a dynamic other NFC North teams are still searching for.
Looking ahead, there’s no reason to believe Goff’s reign will end soon. At 29 years old, he’s in his prime, surrounded by elite weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs. The Lions’ offensive line remains one of the best in football, and GM Brad Holmes has continued to add pieces to keep the unit dominant. With Ben Johnson returning as OC, Goff will continue to operate in an offense tailored to his strengths. Barring injury, another 4,500-yard, 30-touchdown season is well within reach—and that’s a floor, not a ceiling.
The NFC North has seen plenty of quarterback drama over the years, from Aaron Rodgers’ dominance to the fleeting flashes of brilliance from players like Fields and Cousins. But right now, there’s no debate: Jared Goff is the best quarterback in the division, and the gap between him and the next-best option is significant. The Lions are built to contend for years, and Goff is the engine that makes it all work.
The numbers tell the story, the film confirms it, and the results speak for themselves. Jared Goff isn’t just holding onto the NFC North throne—he’s tightening his grip. And for anyone hoping to challenge him? Good luck. The king isn’t stepping down anytime soon.
