Quarterback is the most important position in football, guiding the offense. Just as a baseball catcher makes the calls all game long, the quarterback is both mentally and physically strong in leading the team. The NFC North, labeled the ‘NFC Norris’ division by legendary ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman, has four quarterbacks at the helm who approach the game differently. Big questions: How should we rank the best NFC North Quarterbacks for this season?
We return with Last Word On the NFL’s top returning series as we take a look at the best players at their position groups. Who makes #1 as the best NFC North Quarterback for 2026? Let’s take a look.
The Best NFC North Quarterbacks for 2026
4. J.J. McCarthy / Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings
This one is a no-brainer. When it comes to quarterbacks, the Vikings have what feels like a K-Mart Special at the game’s most important position. It wasn’t supposed to be this way for the Vikings, who eagerly waited in anticipation in the 2025 NFL Draft for what many thought would be a quarterback in the first round. Instead of drafting up, as some thought would be necessary, McCarthy fell to the Vikings at the # pick. What also has fallen, however, is the anticipation for success with McCarthy.
McCarthy’s stat line in his rookie season was decent, as a 6-4 record also netted just 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. These kinds of numbers produced results for Minnesota that left them short of the playoffs. His lackluster play and ankle injury produced doubts about whether he is the answer at quarterback, so the Vikings went to Plan B, Kyler Murray.
Murray was jettisoned by the Arizona Cardinals in the offseason, and with good reason. Murray failed to meet expectations in Arizona as the top pick in the 2019 draft. Murray collected 20,460 yards in seven unspectacular seasons for the Cardinals, who decided it was time to move on.
To say this duo is in a distant fourth place in the NFC North is an understatement.
3. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
The fact that Williams is at number three is only because he has just one standout season under his belt. Drafted first overall in 2024, Williams has thrown for over 7,400 yards in two seasons. Impressive. Last season was Williams’ coming-out party, leading the Bears to an 11-6 record and NFC North title. Throwing for 27 touchdowns with just seven interceptions. More importantly, it was the leadership shown by Williams, leading Chicago to five come-from-behind wins last season.
Williams has a bit of Brett Favre in him. If these rankings were done on anticipated future success, Williams would lead the group. It is also a near lock that Williams will be number one in our 2027 rankings.
The future is bright in Chicago.
2. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Love clearly became the leader in Green Bay when he took over for Aaron Rodgers as quarterback. Potential? Love has been overflowing with potential for years now. After two seasons as Rodgers’ understudy, Love has had three successful seasons, throwing for 80 touchdowns with 28 interceptions in his three seasons as a starter.
This offense is nearly unstoppable when Love is on his game, stressing defenses with his running and passing on the move. Even so, Love sometimes makes bad throws at inopportune times. He has great receivers led by Christian Watson and the returning Tucker Kraft, and a workhorse running back in Josh Jacobs. A division title and/or big playoff run, and Love will be revered. Falling short, however, may mean more Packer fans refer to him as Jordan ‘Like’
1. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Goff has proven he has the goods to lead teams to greatness. A Super Bowl trip with the Rams. Five Pro Bowl berths in ten seasons. Almost 40,000 career yards. The numbers that matter the most, though, are his 90 wins, 60 losses, and a tie. Goff is a leader, efficient, and just rarely makes big mistakes. Even better is that he’s had just one losing season. Goff is the steadiest of all quarterbacks in the NFC North. The expectations for the Detroit Lions are big in 2026, and it is Goff whom Lions leadership and fans trust.
Main Image: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
