Quarterback is considered the most important position in the NFL today. In most cases, if you don’t have a quarterback who is at least good, it is difficult to reach the playoffs or to advance in them if you do. With that in mind, here is a look at the quarterback position for each of the four teams in the NFC North Division. Teams are ranked based on their starters and backups with the emphasis on the stater. Where do the Green Bay Packers rank? We are ranking each NFC North team at quarterback entering 2025.

Ranking Each NFC North Team at Quarterback Entering 2025, Number Four: Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are facing uncertainty at quarterback as of now after the departure of last year’s starter, Sam Darnold. Barring a last-minute trade or signing, the Vikings will likely start the season with 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy as their starter.

The former Michigan star missed his entire rookie season due to injury. He will take over an offense with plenty of weapons, but how ready will he be as he sees his first NFL action this fall. McCarthy has great physical tools, but he lacks experience, and we don’t know how the injury he suffered last year will affect him and how long it will take him to adjust to the NFL.

Brett Rypien is the primary backup right now. He has started some games and could step up in a pinch.

There is potential here, but the Vikings lack a proven starter.

Number Three: Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams returns for his second NFL season in 2025. The former first overall pick out of USC struggled through an uneven rookie campaign.

He completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 3,541 yards while starting all 17 games. He threw 20 touchdown passes and just six interceptions which gave him a quarterback rating of 87.8.

Williams needs to improve at reading defenses. He also needs to stop holding the ball for so long which contributed to him being sacked 68 times.

The Bears tried to upgrade the offensive line this offseason, but will it work? And how much progress will Williams make in year two of his career?

The backups right now are Tyson Bagent and Austin Reed. Bagent completed both of his pass attempts last year for 11 yards.

There is a lot of potential here, but until Williams turns the corner, inconsistency remains an issue.

Ranking Each NFC North Team at Quarterback Entering 2025, Number Two: Green Bay Packers

Jordan Love has already established himself as a very good NFL starting quarterback. But he needs to work on a few things to become elite. His play in the second half of the 2023 campaign showed he has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the league IF he can play that way consistently.

Love has great arm strength but needs to improve his accuracy on long throws which should happen if he improves his foot work and decision making. He also has to cut down his interceptions a bit, although he did that in the second half of last season.

The Packers have made the playoffs in each of Love’s first two seasons and are looking to see what he can do in his third season under center. He suffered through several injuries last year that clearly held him back.

Malik Willis gives the Packers a solid backup who went 2-0 as a starter and also led the Packers to a win when he came off the bench against Jacksonville last season. His arm strength and athleticism make him difficult for defenses to game plan for.

Number One: Detroit Lions

Jared Goff enjoyed a career season in 2024, completing 72.4 percent of his passes for 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns. The former Cal star averaged 8.6 yards per attempt and had a quarterback rating of 111.8.

Goff runs the Lions offense well and at 30, is in the prime of his career. He runs the Lions offense well and utilizes the many weapons the team has on their roster. He’s smart and talented but does need to cut down on his interceptions a bit as well.

Backup Hendon Hooker threw nine passes last season. The former third round pick is being brought along slowly and if he had to start a few games, he would be an unknown.

The Lions edged out the Packers for the top start, but that could change if Love stays healthy and makes progress this season. Meanwhile, Goff remains on top of his game.

 

 

 

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