The Detroit Lions are coming off their most successful season in franchise history. Days away from the draft, the landscape of the NFC North could very well become ultra competitive. Detroit are the clear favorites to retain the division heading into the 2024 season – but I can’t help wonder what the division will become with Jared Goff, Jordon Love and Caleb Williams leading their teams into the future.
For this exercise, we’re going to assume Jordan Love continues to develop, Caleb Williams becomes one of the better players in football and Jared Goff continues to play at an elite level. No, we aren’t factoring in injuries, coaching changes etc…
Elite QB’s Win Divisions
Winning in the NFL becomes infinitely easier when you have the Quarterback in place. By default, the NFC North is likely to become of the most competitive divisions in football for years to come. Let’s take a look at the success good to very good Quarterbacks have had in recent years.
For example, Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints – a Hall of Fame Quarterback who had Sean Payton leading the charge. From 2010-2020 (Brees’ last season) the Saints lost the NFC South crown on 6 different occasions to respected Quarterbacks Cam Newton and Matt Ryan during those 11 seasons. Don’t get me wrong, 6 divisions in 11 years is incredible – but it shows that even when you have your own situation taken care of, other teams in your division can get better with the right quarterback.
Division-Winning QB’s from 2010-2023
| NFC North | NFC South | NFC East | NFC West |
| Aaron Rodgers (8) | Drew Brees (5) | Dak Prescott (3) | Russell Wilson (4) |
| Jared Goff (1) | Matt Ryan (3) | Carson Wentz (2) | Colin Kaepernick (2) |
| Kirk Cousins (1) | Cam Newton (3) | Tony Romo (2) | Brock Purdy (2) |
| Mitchell Trubisky (1) | Tom Brady (2) | Jalen Hurts (1) | Jared Goff (2) |
| 3 Others Tied (1) | Baker Mayfield (1) | 6 Others Tied (1) | 4 Others Tied (1) |
Russell Wilson and the Legion of Boom had trouble dominating their division as well. During the 9 seasons from 2012-2020, Wilson and the Seahawks claimed the division 4 out of the 9 seasons. Losing out to Jared Goff, Colin Kaepernick, Jimmy Garoppolo and Carson Palmer.
Kicked out of the Pride
History tells us, that if you have multiple high-caliber Quarterbacks in the same division. The spoils of war are divided in a pretty balanced way.
Yes, Detroit has arguably the best GM in the division which I don’t expect to change. Yes, Detroit currently has the best QB in the division, but will be something to watch over the coming years. Should be fun!