As one of the best divisions in the NFL, the NFC North boasts exceptional talent all over the field on offense, from star linemen to phenomenal tight ends. However, only a select few possess the ability to carry their team single-handedly. These 10 offensive players from the NFC North have the potential to alter the course of a game.
Top 10 NFC North Offensive Players
Honorable Mentions: T.J. Hockenson/Sam LaPorta, TE
T.J. Hockenson and Sam LaPorta were the 4th and 5th ranked tight ends on PFF’s top 32 TE list, so they both deserve an honorable mention. The former Iowa Hawkeyes have shown they can win games for their respective teams and are impressive receivers. Hockenson recorded a career-high 95 catches and 960 yards, even after losing starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to injury. Meanwhile, LaPorta had one of the best rookie seasons for a tight end, becoming one of only three players to catch at least 10 touchdowns in their first season.
10. Elgton Jenkins, OG
Elgton Jenkins’ versatility and elite performance across multiple positions on the offensive line earned him a spot in the top 10 list. PFF reports that Jenkins was one of only four guards to play over 700 snaps without allowing a single sack. Although he had a down year last season, Jenkins is expected to rebound and remain a dominant force on the Packers offensive line.
9. Josh Jacobs, RB
2022 First Team All-Pro and NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs is now part of a young and talented Packers squad. As an elite running back, Jacobs excels at generating yards after contact. With a more robust team around him than during his time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jacobs is poised for another outstanding season.
8. Jared Goff, QB
Jared Goff has put together a couple of exceptional seasons with the Lions. Last season, he threw for 4,575 yards, the second-highest in the NFL. Goff was a key factor in the Lions success and is expected to continue to put up stellar numbers next season. Not to mention, Goff just signed a massive four-year, $212 million extension that includes a $73 million signing bonus, which is the largest in NFL history.
7. Jordan Love, QB
Jordan Love exceeded expectations with an outstanding season. Love threw for over 4,000 yards and 32 touchdowns, the second-highest touchdown total in the NFL last season. Stepping into Aaron Rodgers’ shoes brought significant pressure, but Love defied the odds and is now on track to become one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
6. Keenan Allen, WR
Longtime veteran Keenan Allen still has plenty left in the tank. Known for having one of the best route trees in the game, he brings a wealth of experience and playmaking ability to Chicago. Traded from the Los Angeles Chargers for a fourth-round pick, Allen racked up 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns, despite playing in only 13 games last season.
5. Christian Darrisaw, OT
Former first-round pick Christian Darrisaw has taken significant strides and become one of the best tackles in the league. Before injuries slowed down his production, in 2022, Darrisaw ended with a 90.3 overall grade (90.2 run blocking and 81.8 pass blocking), according to PFF, with only two penalties. The 2024 season should see Darrisaw return to form and solidify his status as a premier left tackle in the NFL.
4. D.J. Moore, WR
D.J. Moore has been a game-changer for the Bears since joining from the Carolina Panthers. According to PFF, Moore is one of the best receivers against man coverage, earning a 91.2. Having career highs in catches, yards, and touchdowns with average quarterback play last season, Moore should see an even better year with QB Caleb Williams at the helm.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
One of the biggest steals in draft history, Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the top triple-threat receivers in the NFL. He is only one of five receivers to earn a 90.0 or higher this past season and played a pivotal role in Detroit reaching its first NFC Conference Championship since 1992. Remarkably, Amon-Ra is one of just two wide receivers in the entire league to generate over 600 yards both from the slot and from the outside.
2. Penei Sewell, OT
Two-time Pro Bowler and 2023 First Team All-Pro Penei Sewell showed he is capable of locking down some of the best pass rushers. The 23-year-old right tackle has blossomed into one of the best tackles in the NFL, receiving a 95.1 run-blocking grade and 92.8 overall grade by PFF, leading his position. His performance will be crucial to the Lions’ pursuit of their first Super Bowl title in franchise history.
1. Justin Jefferson, WR
The former Offensive Player of the Year lands in the top spot. Justin Jefferson has dominated the league with consistent 1,000-yard seasons, averaging 15 yards per catch and accumulating 30 touchdowns throughout his career. Recently, he became the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history by signing a four-year, $140 million contract. If Jefferson can keep it up, he will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Read More: Ranking The NFC North Offenses By Position
Main Image: Matt Krohn – USA Today Sports
