Quarterback rankings always ignite debate, and this time, it is Jared Goff who has found himself at the center of it. Despite transforming the Detroit Lions into a contender over the last few seasons, Goff was surprisingly slotted 16th this week.

Surprisingly, the starting quarterback wasn't even in the top-10 among the NFL's starting quarterbacks in Pro Football Focus' latest 2026 rankings compiled by Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick.

"He has done nothing but stuff the stat sheet since being traded to the Lions," wrote Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick. "The former No. 1 overall pick leads the league in passing yards (18,205) and passing touchdowns (130) since 2022, and he ranks sixth among qualifying quarterbacks in PFF WAR since 2023."

While Pro Football Focus acknowledged Goff's statistical production, the analysts ranked many younger QBs with greater upside ahead of him. They valued long-term projection and individual playmaking ability over raw passing totals alone, ranking Goff at 16th.

"His accuracy was outstanding in 2025, as his 14.4% uncatchable pass rate ranked first in the league. While the Lions missed the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, it’s hard to blame Goff for their shortcomings," PFF added in the report.

Jalen Hurts checked in just one spot ahead of Goff at No. 16 despite entering the season as a 2024 Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Last year's Super Bowl champion, Sam Darnold, landed even higher at No. 14.

Despite Detroit's disappointing 2025 season, Wasserman and Chadwick made it clear that Goff continued to perform at a high level. He consistently gave his receivers opportunities to make plays.

The Lions missed the postseason for the first time in three years. Goff has transformed the Lions into an NFC contender.

While evaluations continue, Goff's focus is on what the Lions can control as they enter the new season.

Jared Goff reveals the mindset driving Detroit's 2026 bounce-back bid

After being ranked below many at the 16th position in PFF's quarterback rankings, Goff made it clear that external opinions are not his motivation.

"I think in some capacity, there's some (extra internal motivation) maybe, but we're always trying to get better," said Goff per Max DeMara of SideLion Report. "We're always trying to improve, and I think we are hungry. We were a fourth-place team last year, and we need to come out and play a lot better this year."

The veteran quarterback explained that the team is focused on improvement after an underwhelming 2025 season.

Whether he was placed lower or not, his mindset would still be the same, as the Lions plan to compete this year.

What are your views on Goff's ranking? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Hetal Moleshri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote