No division has made improvements as drastic as the NFC North this offseason. With a multitude of new additions joining the division, the offensive units have undergone significant upgrades. Yet, the question remains: which team will emerge with the most formidable offense in the division? Find out in the NFC North offense position rankings before the 2024-25 NFL season.
Ranking The NFC North Offenses By Position
Quarterback
1. Jordan Love
2. Jared Goff
3. Caleb Williams
4. J.J. McCarthy
Assessing the quarterback position was tough, particularly when comparing Jordan Love and Jared Goff. Goff has a stronger track record, while Love stands out for his youth and untapped potential. In terms of who has a higher ceiling, Love edges out Goff. When comparing Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy, a stronger consensus emerges. While McCarthy’s starting status for the Vikings is uncertain, Williams is entering the NFL with what many consider the best supporting cast a rookie quarterback has ever had in the history of the NFL. McCarthy also has an impressive supporting cast, but it might take some time before he hits the field.
Running Back
1. Josh Jacobs
2. Jahmyr Gibbs
3. D’Andre Swift
4. Aaron Jones
The NFC North offense is stacked this season in the running back department. Josh Jacobs headlines the running backs with two Pro Bowls, one First-Team All-Pro, and the rushing leader title in 2022 with 1,653 yards. Just behind him is Jahmyr Gibbs, who everyone thought the Lions were insane for drafting in the first round. He made sure to silence the haters, rushing for 945 yards with ten touchdowns and 316 receiving yards during his rookie campaign. The argument of who’s better between D’Andre Swift and Aaron Jones is tough. Although Jones has a better track record in the NFL, Swift’s youth and nearly double the rushing yards last season tilt the scales in his favor. With injury concerns, Jones misses out on the third spot.
Wide Receiver One
1. Justin Jefferson
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown
3. D.J. Moore
4. Christian Watson
There’s no debate about who the best wide receiver in the NFC North is. Justin Jefferson is the first player in NFL history to have three straight years of 1400+ receiving yards to start their career. Every wide receiver metric has Jefferson at or near the top; he’s in a league of his own. The real debate begins at two. D.J. Moore and Amon-Ra St. Brown are ultra-talented wideouts who are cornerstones of their respective franchises. The difference is slim, but St. Brown has been slightly more productive than Moore and is also younger. Christian Watson comes in last with a history of injury problems and inconsistent play on the field.
Wide Receiver Two
1. Keenan Allen
2. Jordan Addison
3. Romeo Doubs
4. Jameson Williams
Keenan Allen has been one of the best wide receivers in the NFL for quite some time. Watching him line up opposite D.J. Moore in the Bears new-look offense will be fun next season. Jordan Addison comes in second with a productive rookie season. There are high expectations for Addison next season in Minnesota. Romeo Doubs has been a surprisingly nice addition for the Packers and a reliable wideout for Green Bay, but he doesn’t quite have the ceiling Addison has. Finally, Jameson Williams showcased glimpses of his immense potential last season. However, with a suspension and injuries hampering his progress, he finds himself at the bottom of the list.
Tight End
1. T.J. Hockenson
2. Sam LaPorta
3. Cole Kmet
4. Luke Musgrave
T.J. Hockenson has been a steady force at the tight end position in the NFL. Like Aaron Jones, Hockenson was an in-division trade. However, that hasn’t stopped him from being one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Sam LaPorta comes in second with a fantastic rookie campaign with the Lions. The Lions went from one great Iowa tight end to another. Cole Kmet comes in third, having an underrated career with the Bears. Unfortunately, Kmet might have to share some of his targets with new additions to the team, including Keenan Allen and first-round draft pick Rome Odunze in the Bears offense. Luke Musgrave has much to prove in the NFL, but the sky’s the limit. He should see an increase in targets next season while getting more comfortable in the Packers offense.
Offensive Line
1. Lions
2. Packers
3. Vikings
4. Bears
The Lions have the clear-cut best offensive line in the NFC North. With key players such as Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell, Jared Goff has it easy in the backfield. The Packers and Vikings were another hard decision, but the Packers barely beat the Vikings due to continuity. There’s a more consistent offensive line play with the Packers than with the Vikings. The Bears come in last with questions in the interior offensive line. With bookend tackles in Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, the Bears need to focus on upgrading at guard and center.
Grading The Overall NFC North Offenses
Each NFC North offense possesses its distinct characteristics. Leading the pack is the Lions, showcasing a formidable array of proven talent across the roster. Players such as Amon Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Sam LaPorta are just a few of the many talented players on the Lions offense. The Packers come out in second place. Although they are a relatively younger team, the Packers have a talented offense with a high ceiling.
Third place was close, but the edge goes to the Bears. The Bears might have the biggest ceiling out of all the offenses in the NFC North. With proven stars like Keenan Allen and Cole Kmet, plus highly talented young players like Darnell Wright, Caleb Williams, and Rome Odunze, there’s no limit to what the Bears can do on offense next season. Finally, the Vikings have all the right pieces on offense, but it revolves around whether J.J. McCarthy can prove he was worth a high draft pick.
Main Photo: [Eric Seals] – USA Today Sports
