NFL · 1 year ago

Power Ranking the NFL’s 8 Divisions: Is the NFC North No. 1?

Grant White

Host · Writer

1. NFC North
The NFC North has proven to be the cream of the NFL crop this season. Led by the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, all four franchises sit above .500 as we head into Week 6. The Green Bay Packers' depth has been tested and they've responded with resounding efforts. Likewise, the Detroit Lions picked up where they left off last year and the Chicago Bears have finally found the solution with Caleb Williams. With three of the four teams currently in a playoff spot, the NFC North only gets more interesting from here.
8. AFC South
Where would this division be without the Houston Texans? The Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Jacksonville Jaguars rank as some of the worst teams in the NFL, perennially underachieving relative to preseason expectations. While the Texans have proven to be worthy title contenders, the rest of the division is trash.

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7. AFC East
Bring your nose plugs to any AFC East matchup 'cause this division is shaping up to be a slogfest. The Buffalo Bills are paying the price for gutting their receiving corps and the New York Jets have been flightless with Aaron Rodgers under center. Likewise, the Miami Dolphins are on to their third quarterback while they wait for Tua Tagovailoa to get healthy. Don't hold your breath, the New England Patriots will never be good again. AFC East teams used to have Tom Brady as an excuse for underperforming, but there's nothing but the mirror pointing back at them now.

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6. NFC South
The NFC South is shaping up to be a two-horse race between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Meanwhile, it's taken three weeks for the New Orleans Saints to match their point total from Week 1, and those issues look even more valid with Derek Carr on the sidelines. The Carolina Panthers alone could have dropped this division further down our power rankings, but we like what the Falcons and Bucs are bringing this year.

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5. AFC West
The AFC West is analogous to the AFC South. Every year, the Kansas City Chiefs run away with the division title with the other three teams doing their best to stay relevant. Although the competition this year appears to be on a more level playing field, the Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers still have a lot to prove.
4. AFC North
We're giving credit that isn't due to the AFC North, but the Cincinnati Bengals aren't as bad as they've looked early in 2024. They should string together some positive outcomes as they try to keep pace with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Still, both of those squads have some issues to address as the season drags on. Conversely, the Cleveland Browns are falling apart at the seams, and it will likely come at the expense of Kevin Stefanski's job when the curtain draws on the regular season.
3. NFC West
Injuries have played a significant part in the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams' early-season struggles. Both teams have been without top playmakers on offense, hampering their results through the first five weeks of the season. That's allowed the Seattle Seahawks to move to the front of the NFC West pack, with the Arizona Cardinals proving to be worthy adversaries. Still, the intensity will be ratcheted up as the Niners and Rams get healthy.
2. NFC East
Jayden Daniels has almost single-handedly transformed the dynamics of the NFC East. Instead of the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles battling it out for bragging rights, the Washington Commanders have solidified their position as one of the best in the division. Hell, even the New York Giants have looked better than expected, pulling off two upset road victories as +6.5 underdogs over the past three weeks.
1. NFC North
The NFC North has proven to be the cream of the NFL crop this season. Led by the undefeated Minnesota Vikings, all four franchises sit above .500 as we head into Week 6. The Green Bay Packers' depth has been tested and they've responded with resounding efforts. Likewise, the Detroit Lions picked up where they left off last year and the Chicago Bears have finally found the solution with Caleb Williams. With three of the four teams currently in a playoff spot, the NFC North only gets more interesting from here.
8. AFC South
Where would this division be without the Houston Texans? The Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, and Jacksonville Jaguars rank as some of the worst teams in the NFL, perennially underachieving relative to preseason expectations. While the Texans have proven to be worthy title contenders, the rest of the division is trash.

March down the field with SportsGrid’s FREE Top NFL Game Picks and NFL Player Prop Picks weekly!

Power Ranking the NFL’s 8 Divisions: Is the NFC North No. 1?

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