Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) celebrates with wide receiver Tank Dell (3) after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at NRG Stadium in Houston.
Which NFL division had the strongest quarterback performance last season? Well, if we strictly look at the stats, it wasn’t the AFC North, despite having the league’s MVP (Lamar Jackson) and three playoff teams. It also wasn’t the divisions with standout quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, Josh Allen, or Patrick Mahomes, who ranked high in MVP voting. Nor was it the AFC South, where C.J. Stroud, last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, had a remarkable debut season.
The numbers point to the NFC North as the leader in quarterback performance last season. Need proof? The North topped all divisions in completions, passing yards, passing touchdowns, and passing first downs. This division’s reputation has only grown stronger heading into the 2024 season, thanks to the Lions and Packers combining for three playoff wins last January, fueled by impressive seasons from quarterbacks Jared Goff and Jordan Love. Additionally, the Bears and Vikings each drafted a highly touted quarterback in the first round this past April, adding more star power to the division.
But why rank the NFC North ahead of other divisions with established quarterback talent? When considering the top two quarterbacks in each division, there are arguably four other divisions with equally strong or stronger pairs of quarterbacks leading the way. In fact, heading into 2024, the NFC North didn’t even make my top five divisions in this category, despite its recent successes.
Determining which divisions boast the best quarterback talent overall is a challenging and enjoyable task. Factors like last season’s performance, potential, and injuries all play into the evaluation. While some divisions were difficult to differentiate, here’s my best attempt at ranking them.
- Houston Texans:Â C.J. Stroud
- Indianapolis Colts:Â Anthony Richardson
- Jacksonville Jaguars:Â Trevor Lawrence
- Tennessee Titans:Â Will Levis
This quarterback division is the youngest in the league, possibly the most promising in terms of future potential. It’s odd to think of Lawrence as the veteran here, especially with his recent huge contract extension. Nevertheless, this group is intriguing, with high potential for success or failure.
Stroud was exceptional in his rookie season and seems to have a stronger offensive supporting cast in his second year. Signs point to him becoming a star, despite a tougher schedule ahead. His trajectory is clearly upwards, although Lawrence’s experience reminds us that progress isn’t always straightforward. While Lawrence improved significantly under Doug Pederson in his second year, injuries caused setbacks last season. Jacksonville has invested heavily in Lawrence, expecting him to bounce back. Stroud may encounter challenges in his second year against tougher opponents.
Richardson and Levis are unpredictable variables. Both showed promise as rookies in limited opportunities.
Richardson started four games but only finished one due to injuries, including a season-ending shoulder issue that he’s still recovering from. Despite flashes of brilliance, his durability remains a question mark.
Levis had a strong debut with four touchdown passes but struggled with accuracy and ball security afterward, before a foot injury cut his rookie season short. The Titans have bolstered their offensive line and receiving corps, giving Levis better tools. If he can stay healthy and adapt to Brian Callahan’s system, he could thrive, but it’s prudent to reserve judgment until we see more consistent performance from him.
