Ranking NFC North Quarterbacks for 2025: Where Do the Green Bay Packers Stand?
The quarterback position is undeniably the most crucial role in the NFL today. In an era where elite signal-callers dominate the league, teams without a top-tier quarterback often struggle to make a deep playoff run, let alone secure a spot in the postseason. As we approach the 2025 season, the NFC North division is in the midst of significant quarterback transitions, with each team facing its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. In this ranking, we’ll take a look at the quarterback situations for each NFC North team, placing a special emphasis on the starting quarterback for each squad.
Minnesota Vikings: Kirk Cousins and Jaren Hall
The Minnesota Vikings sit atop the NFC North quarterback rankings entering 2025. Quarterback Kirk Cousins, despite not being widely regarded as an elite QB, has been a consistent performer for the Vikings, putting up strong numbers year after year. He has a solid connection with star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and with a strong supporting cast, Cousins has proven he can lead the team to the playoffs. In 2024, Cousins’ efficiency and leadership were key components of the Vikings’ success.
Behind Cousins is rookie Jaren Hall, who brings a promising dual-threat capability to the table. While Hall is still developing, he offers a different style that could add a layer of intrigue to the Vikings’ offense. However, Cousins remains the clear leader and most reliable option for Minnesota as they look to build on their recent success.
Detroit Lions: Jared Goff and Hendon Hooker
The Detroit Lions’ quarterback situation is interesting heading into 2025. Jared Goff, the former first overall pick of the 2016 draft, has resurrected his career in Detroit after a shaky stint with the Los Angeles Rams. Under head coach Dan Campbell, Goff has been solid, often managing the game well and utilizing the talent around him, including rising stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown and the potent Lions running game.
In 2024, Goff had one of his best seasons, proving he can lead a team deep into the playoffs, with his calm demeanor and sharp decision-making standing out. Goff’s success in Detroit has made him a valuable asset, and while he isn’t considered an elite QB, he’s far from a liability.
Behind Goff, the Lions have Hendon Hooker, a developmental prospect who impressed in college but is still recovering from an ACL injury. Hooker’s mobility and playmaking ability give the Lions an intriguing future option, but for 2025, Goff remains the clear starter and a key piece of the Lions’ playoff aspirations.
Chicago Bears: Justin Fields and Tyson Bagent
The Chicago Bears are a team in transition, with Justin Fields being the focal point of their future. Fields showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, using his legs to extend plays and make incredible runs while also improving his passing accuracy. He’s not yet a polished product, but his immense athleticism and upside make him an exciting prospect for the Bears moving forward.
While Fields had some growing pains in 2024, the addition of weapons like DJ Moore and a potential upgrade to the offensive line should help him in 2025. His ability to change the game with his legs gives him a distinct advantage over many quarterbacks in the league. However, Fields still has a long way to go before he can be considered a top-tier QB, and consistency will be key to his development in the coming seasons.
Backing up Fields is Tyson Bagent, who impressed during the preseason but remains an unknown at the NFL level. The Bears are firmly committed to Fields as their starter, but the 2025 season will be crucial for his development and the team’s future.
Green Bay Packers: Jordan Love and Sean Clifford
The Green Bay Packers’ quarterback situation is one of the most intriguing in the NFC North entering 2025. After Aaron Rodgers’ departure, the Packers handed the reins to Jordan Love, who is entering his first full season as the undisputed starter. Love showed moments of promise in 2024, but the sample size was small, and there were still inconsistencies in his performance.
Love possesses the physical tools to be a successful quarterback, but there is still uncertainty about his ability to lead a team over a full season. The Packers’ young roster, especially on offense, will be a critical factor in Love’s success. With the likes of Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs at wide receiver, and a solid running game, Love has the talent around him to succeed. However, 2025 will be a pivotal year for the 2020 first-round pick to prove that he can fill the large shoes left by Rodgers.
Behind Love is rookie Sean Clifford, a developmental quarterback who provides depth but is unlikely to challenge Love for the starting job anytime soon. The Packers’ QB position remains a work in progress, and how Love performs in 2025 will determine whether the Packers need to look for their next franchise QB in the near future.
Conclusion
As we head into the 2025 NFL season, the NFC North is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in terms of quarterback play. The Vikings and Lions currently have more established quarterbacks, while the Bears and Packers are still working through young, developing signal-callers with plenty of upside. The Packers’ ranking in this group hinges largely on Jordan Love’s ability to live up to expectations. With the uncertainty surrounding Love, they sit in the lower half of the division for now. However, if Love can take a major step forward, Green Bay could quickly become a dangerous team in the NFC North. The coming season will be crucial in determining the Packers’ long-term outlook at the quarterback position.
