Ranking the QB’s in the NFC North

Examining how the four NFC North quarterbacks stack up against one another.

1. Aaron Rodgers

2015 Stats:
3,821 Yards 31 Touchdowns
8 Interceptions 92.7 QB Rating

Aaron Rodgers might just be the best quarterback in the entire league, not just his division. Last year, he struggled – by his standards – without his top option, Jordy Nelson. As Lions fans know all too well, he has a way of making things happen no matter who is catching his passes. Rodgers is a former MVP and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. Next season he should put up elite numbers with his favorite target back.

2. Matt Stafford

2015 Stats:
4,262 Yards 32 Touchdowns
13 Interceptions 97.0 QB Rating

Stafford has had moments of sheer brilliance and games that make you wonder how he was the 1st-overall pick in 2009. He’s gotten the Lions to the Playoffs twice in his career but still hasn’t gotten that first Playoff win. If the final eight games of last season are any indication of how he will look next year, the Lions could be getting the best of Stafford. After an abysmal start to the year, he finished on a scorching hot run where the team went 6-2 and he threw an impressive 19-touchdowns, to just 2-interceptions. Without Calvin Johnson next year will be an adjustment, but Stafford believes the team will be harder to defend with more balance on offense.

3. Teddy Bridgewater

2015 Stats:

3,231 Yards 14 Touchdowns

9 Interceptions 88.7 QB Rating

Bridgewater is probably the least talented quarterback from a physical standpoint.  His numbers, albeit average, were enough to get the Vikings to the Playoffs last season. He has helped revitalize Adrian Peterson’s career, finally giving Minnesota a capable quarterback. He has a certain level of moxie that his teammates seem to gravitate towards. So while he doesn’t have the arm of Cutler or Stafford, he makes up for it with leadership ability.

4. Jay Cutler

2015 Stats:

3,659 Yards 21 Touchdowns

11 Interceptions 92.3 QB Rating

Cutler has all the talent in the world, but at this point in his career, it seems unlikely he will ever maximize that talent. Last season, under offensive coordinator Adam Gase, Cutler had one of his most efficient seasons. However, it wasn’t enough to get the Bears to the Playoffs. Gase left for the Dolphins head coaching job, so Cutler won’t have his QB whisperer to help guide him next season. You have to wonder how many more years Cutler will be the quarterback in Chicago if they miss out on the Playoffs yet again. It’s hard to see him being there past the 2016 season if he doesn’t play up to his abilities. The Bears’ defense will be much improved, so there is a chance for Cutler to quiet some critics if he has another good year.