The Numbers Don’t Lie: Jared Goff Is Still the Undisputed King of the NFC North—and He’s Not Letting Go Anytime Soon

When the Los Angeles Rams traded Jared Goff to the Detroit Lions in 2021, the NFL world assumed they had seen the last of Goff as a relevant name in elite quarterback discussions. Many called him a system product, others labeled him a stopgap until Detroit found their “real” franchise quarterback. Three years later, Goff hasn’t just proven the doubters wrong—he’s taken the entire NFC North by storm and claimed the division as his own.

The numbers tell the undeniable truth: Jared Goff runs the North.

In 2024, Goff put together one of the finest seasons of his career, passing for 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. His poise, precision, and control of Detroit’s high-powered offense made the Lions must-watch television every week. Not only did he deliver statistically, but he led Detroit to back-to-back NFC North titles, a feat the franchise hadn’t accomplished in decades. And he did it in a division with rising stars and hungry challengers.

Chicago has Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick and the most hyped quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck. Minnesota just welcomed J.J. McCarthy, the national championship-winning Michigan quarterback whose dual-threat ability has fans buzzing. Even Green Bay’s Jordan Love flashed elite potential, showing he could be the next in the Packers’ long line of standout signal-callers.

But none of them wear the crown. Not yet. It belongs to Jared Goff.

It’s easy to get lost in the hype of youth and potential, but in the NFL, winning is the ultimate currency—and Goff has delivered where others are still trying to establish themselves. His leadership and consistency have transformed Detroit from a laughingstock into one of the league’s most dangerous contenders.

The 2024 season wasn’t just a flash in the pan. Detroit finished with the NFC’s top-scoring offense for the second straight year, building on the foundation laid by head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. Goff orchestrated an offense that overwhelmed defenses with balance, creativity, and explosive plays. His ability to diagnose coverages, manipulate defenses with his eyes, and execute under pressure has evolved since his Rams days.

A major factor in Goff’s continued success is his reunion with offensive coordinator John Morton. Familiar with Morton’s system from earlier in his career, Goff looks even more comfortable and in command. The chemistry between quarterback and coordinator is evident, and the playbook has expanded to highlight Goff’s strengths—quick reads, play-action precision, and deep-ball accuracy.

It’s no surprise Goff was an MVP finalist in 2024. His production wasn’t empty calories—it fueled wins, silenced critics, and solidified Detroit as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. His leadership extended beyond the stat sheet. In a season filled with injuries, adversity, and the pressure of expectation, Goff remained the steady heartbeat of the team. He embraced the responsibility, and his teammates rallied behind him.

Off the field, Goff’s star power only grew. His feature on Netflix’s “Quarterback” series showcased not only his preparation but his humility, resilience, and relentless competitive drive. Fans saw behind the curtain—the chip on his shoulder from being cast aside by Los Angeles, the quiet confidence of a veteran who’s been through the fire, and the genuine belief he shares with the city of Detroit.

For the Lions, Goff’s rise represents more than just stats and wins. It’s the culture shift the franchise desperately needed. After decades of false starts and heartbreak, Detroit finally has a quarterback—and a leader—they can trust. Goff embodies the gritty, blue-collar mentality of the city. He’s not flashy, but he’s fiercely competitive. He’s not the loudest voice in the room, but his play does all the talking.

Skeptics will point to the emerging talent in the NFC North as a reason to question Goff’s standing. Caleb Williams has generational tools. J.J. McCarthy is a proven winner with athletic upside. Jordan Love is blossoming into a potential star. But potential doesn’t equate to production, and hope doesn’t equate to hardware.

Goff’s resume speaks for itself. Two straight division titles. NFC Championship Game appearances. Back-to-back top-ranked scoring offenses. Near-MVP honors. He’s not just surviving in a competitive division—he’s thriving, while others are still writing their opening chapters.

And Goff’s not done yet.

At 30 years old, he’s entering his prime with a deep, talented roster around him. Detroit boasts one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, dynamic weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs, and a defense that’s improved every season. With continuity in the coaching staff and front office, the Lions are positioned to keep the window of contention wide open—and Goff is the one steering the ship.

For all the attention on the new faces in the division, Goff remains the proven commodity. He understands the pressure, the expectations, and the grind of an NFL season. He’s battled through being labeled a bust, traded away, and doubted by nearly every major voice in football. Yet here he stands, the reigning king of the North, with the stats, wins, and respect to back it up.

Lions fans have embraced Goff not just for what he’s done on the field, but for what he represents—the end of mediocrity and the beginning of sustained success. He’s not just a quarterback in Detroit; he’s a symbol of belief, of proving doubters wrong, of changing the narrative.

So, is Jared Goff still the best quarterback in the NFC North?

The numbers don’t lie. The wins don’t lie. The crown still sits firmly on his head.

And until someone else steps up, dethrones him, and matches his production and poise under pressure, this division runs through Jared Goff.

For the Bears, Vikings, and Packers, the future may be bright—but the present belongs to the Lions, and to their quarterback, Jared Goff. The king isn’t ready to give up his throne anytime soon.