The debate over the NFC North’s best quarterbacks has been happening ahead of the 2026 season, and one recent ranking has given Detroit Lions fans plenty to talk about.

Nick Shook from NFL.com ranked divisions in the NFL based on their quarterback talent on Wednesday, June 10. However, what caught Lions fans’ attention was the fact that Shook snubbed Goff and placed him in second. Shook called Goff a player capable of producing results but only as long as circumstances around him didn’t get worse.

“I have a pretty good idea of who Goff is at this stage of his career: a QB who will flirt with a top-10 ranking, provided disaster doesn’t strike," wrote the analyst.

However, in NFL.com's report, Shook did acknowledge Goff’s season in a positive sense, praising his performance despite the Lions having a struggling offensive line. 

“We’ve long known Jared Goff is at his best when he’s well protected, and the Lions struggled with that in 2025," he wrote. "Still, Goff produced excellent numbers even amid Detroit’s O-line decline, a credit to the former No.1 overall pick’s persistence and mental toughness.”

Despite his praise for Goff and his consistency, Shook gave the top spot to Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams after his breakout season. The analyst did admit that Williams’ play style and the last-minute heroics played a huge role in earning the analyst's trust.

“Look, I know it was only one great season, but I love watching Caleb Williams play football,” Shook wrote.

Even after Detroit’s disappointing 2025 season, Shook still views Goff as a very capable quarterback who could lead a Super Bowl-winning team. Goff will be getting that opportunity this season after the Lions upgraded their offensive line and made a change in offensive coordinators.

This has made another analyst name Goff on his list of dark horses for the 2026 season.

Jared Goff Projected to Be Top Candidate for NFL’s Biggest Award

Dan Parr of NFL.com ranked his dark horses for the MVP award in the 2026 season on June 9. He ranked nine players, with Goff ranking third behind San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

“His game isn’t built on sizzling highlights, but he’s in a rare category when it comes to consistently providing top-tier production," the analyst wrote. "His MVP campaign will go as the Lions go, and with a very manageable schedule, I like Detroit’s chances to bounce back.”

Parr believes that one of the biggest reasons for Goff’s MVP season would be the changes that the Lions have made to their offensive line.

“Nothing will be more critical in determining Goff and the Lions’ success than the play of the new-look offensive line," he wrote.

Penei Sewell is switching to left tackle, Cade Mays is stepping in at center, and Blake Miller is projected to take over at right tackle- all these factors will contribute to Goff's MVP run.

What do you think of Goff being snubbed from the No. 1 quarterback position? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar