The 2025 NFL season is officially done, which means it's time to start collecting preseason receipts to share across social media when they're inevitably wrong. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is already getting a head start.
On ESPN First Take on Tuesday, former Super Bowl champion defensive lineman and current ESPN personality Chris Canty shared his list of the top five NFC QBs on his "Canty's A-List" segment.
Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford at #1? Correct answer. Super Bowl champion, a newly-minted MVP, and a future Hall of Famer. Nothing wrong with calling the former Lions QB the best QB in the NFC, as no other NFC QB has done enough now and throughout their careers to warrant being ranked ahead of him.
Washington Commanders' Jayden Daniels at #2? If this were a year ago, sure. Daniels had a legendary rookie season that culminated in an NFC title game berth, taking out the first-round bye Lions along the way.
However, Daniels was injured for most of this past season, and even when he did play, he looked like a shell of his rookie self. The potential of a healthy Daniels is worthy of a top-five spot, but those injuries are a concern. We really don't know what 2026 Daniels will look like, making #2 feel really high right now.
Seattle Seahawks' Sam Darnold at #3? That one's fine. He just led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl, after all. While his performance in that game wasn't impressive, he protected the ball. Did not turn the ball over at any point in the playoffs after leading the league in turnovers this past season. Darnold belongs on this list and even has an argument to be #2 right now.
Philadelphia Eagles' Jalen Hurts at #4? The guy's a winner, being a rare QB to win a Super Bowl after previously losing in the big game. He helped make the Eagles' famed tush push one of the most terrifying plays to go up against.
Yet, despite Hurts' successes, the Eagles have struggled on offense, raising questions and possible internal frustrations about Hurts' limitations in the passing game. At his best, Hurts is unquestionably one of the best QBs in the NFC, but if the Eagles' offense struggles again under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, Hurts' time in Philly could come to a close.
Chicago Bears' Caleb Williams at #5? Williams no doubt had an impressive run, proving his clutch ability after a string of increasingly unfathomable comeback victories, including in the playoffs.
With Ben Johnson running the show, Williams should improve, but his efficiency is an area of concern for a head coach who demands proficiency in it. A completion percentage under 60% is inexcusable in today's NFL, especially with as strong an offensive line as he has. Williams will likely be the Bears' first 4,000-yard passer, but it's too soon to crown him as a top-five NFC QB.
Goff is a top five NFC QB, but he needs to leave no doubters
So where's Goff? Is Goff not a top-five NFC QB? Goff finished in the top five league-wide in passing yards (2nd), passing touchdowns (2nd), passer rating (3rd), and completion percentage (T-5th). He made it into the Pro Bowl as a first alternate above three of the QBs on Canty's list.
Goff was PFWA's All-NFC First Team QB and a fifth-place MVP finisher just one season prior, and despite a worse OL and offensive play-caller, he hardly missed a beat.
Stephen A. Smith argued the case for Goff, citing Goff's remarkable numbers, but Canty insisted on Daniels' inclusion on the list. Canty went as far as dismissing Goff completely, saying, "I don't understand Stephen A.'s argument with Jared Goff. How does Jared Goff get into the chat?" Pure disrespect, and top-notch bulletin board material.
At the same time, winning does matter. Goff's 9-8 record last season was certainly better than Daniels' 2-5 record. Goff also went 2-0 head-to-head against Williams. However, the Lions finished last in the NFC North. Goff doesn't have injuries as an excuse like Daniels, nor can he point to a 2025 division title like Williams.
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Goff was great last season, but his nationally televised stinkers against the Eagles and Minnesota Vikings left an impression on audiences, prolonging the negative narratives that continue to surround him. Goff has to change those narratives.
He's done well so far in his Lions tenure, but he needs to prove he can be even better. Three of those top five on Canty's list are champions. The other two are young, early-career QBs with loads of potential. Goff, it seems, has committed the sin of being neither.
Goff enters his sixth season with the Lions under immense pressure. He'll turn 32 during the season, and his contract is running out of years. He's proven that he can put up MVP-caliber numbers, win football games, and even go on deep playoff runs.
He has enough tools to be a legend. It's clear Goff has plenty more respect to earn, and the easiest way to do that is by getting over those proverbial humps. Win a Super Bowl. Win an MVP.
Stafford is the #1 QB in the NFC because he did just that in his mid-to-late 30s.