Since entering the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, Jared Goff’s career has gone through multiple phases—from struggling rookie to Super Bowl starter with the Rams to team captain of a revitalized Lions offense. But one question cuts through the highs and lows: how often does Goff win against good competition?
At SportsAndFitnessDigest.com, we define “winning teams” as those that finish the NFL season with a .500 record or better. This benchmark ensures we’re measuring quarterbacks against opponents that proved themselves over the course of a full year. For the purposes of our data, we classify all teams that finish at or above .500 as “winning teams.”
Jared Goff’s Record vs Winning Teams
As of the end of the 2024 regular season, Jared Goff holds a career record of 24–37 (.393) against teams that finished .500 or better.
This includes only:
- Regular-season games where Goff was the starting quarterback
- Opponents that finished the year at .500 or above, based on final standings
Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Season | Record | Notable Wins | Notable Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 0–7 | — | Patriots, Seahawks, Falcons |
| 2017 | 3–3 | Jaguars, Saints, Titans | Vikings (2x), Eagles |
| 2018 | 4–2 | Chargers, Vikings, Chiefs, Seahawks | Bears, Saints |
| 2019 | 2–5 | Bears, Seahawks | Cowboys, Ravens, 49ers (2x) |
| 2020 | 2–4 | Seahawks, Buccaneers | Bills, 49ers, Dolphins |
| 2021 | 0–7 | — | Packers (2x), Bengals, Rams |
| 2022 | 3–4 | Giants, Jaguars, Packers | Cowboys, Eagles, Vikings |
| 2023 | 3–3 | Chiefs, Chargers, Buccaneers | Cowboys, Ravens, 49ers |
| 2024 | 4–2 | Packers, Texans, Vikings, Bears | Cowboys, 49ers |
Career Total: 24 Wins – 37 Losses (.393)
Chart: Jared Goff vs .500+ Teams
How Goff Stacks Up
While Goff’s overall win percentage against winning teams is under .400, context is important. His early career under Jeff Fisher saw seven straight losses. Under Sean McVay, he notched signature wins and made a Super Bowl appearance. Since joining the Lions, he’s continued to develop, with the 2024 season marking one of his most efficient years in tough matchups.
Here’s how Goff compares to other top QBs:
- Patrick Mahomes: 41–20 (.672)
- Josh Allen: 21–23 (.477)
- Kirk Cousins: 23–38 (.377)
- Dak Prescott: 19–38 (.333)
- Justin Herbert: 10–26 (.278)
- Jared Goff: 24–37 (.393)
Why This Metric Matters
Beating teams that finish .500 or better is one of the best indicators of long-term QB success. Goff’s journey shows that while he struggled early, he’s developed into a quarterback capable of winning meaningful games, particularly in his most recent seasons with Detroit.
Fans looking for proof that Goff can deliver in high-leverage games have reason for optimism. His 4–2 record in 2024, including wins over playoff hopefuls like the Packers and Texans, signals continued growth.
It’s also worth noting that many of Goff’s losses came in tight games where a single play might have flipped the outcome. He’s not simply getting blown out—he’s competing. With Detroit’s roster continuing to evolve, 2025 could be the season where those close losses start turning into consistent wins.
External References
- Jared Goff Game Log – Pro Football Reference
- Lions Stats & Standings – ESPN
- NFL Efficiency Charts – RBSDM
Final Thoughts
Jared Goff may never shake the narrative that he’s a system quarterback. But records like this show he’s more than just a product of good playcalling. He’s winning more games against tough competition and giving Detroit real hope for postseason success.
The next step is consistency. If Goff can keep this up in 2025, the conversation around him will start to change—from underrated to undeniable.
