NFL quarterback power rankings: NFC North edition

2. Kirk Cousins

Though their season ended in a Divisional Round exit that saw Cousins and the Vikings overawed by a fearsome San Francisco 49ers defense, the 2019 season should still be remembered as one in which Cousins silenced some of his critics.

Cousins completed 69.1 percent of his passes and threw 26 touchdowns to just six interceptions in the regular season, which he finished seventh in DYAR and 10th in DVOA.

His 2019 campaign will be most remembered for the thrilling Wild Card round duel with the New Orleans Saints that saw Cousins answer those who criticized his perceived inability to deliver in the clutch by leading the Vikings on a game-winning drive in overtime.

The challenge for Cousins in 2020 will be building on that impressive year, and he will have to do so without Stefon Diggs following his trade to the Buffalo Bills.

If Cousins can achieve similar or even superior results with first-round pick Justin Jefferson filling the Diggs void, his stock will further rise.

There isn’t much to choose between Stafford and Cousins but, unless there is a dramatic shift in 2020, they will continue to be fighting for second place behind the long-time class of the NFC North at the quarterback position.