/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64082074/usa_today_11600210.0.jpg)
The National Football League is comprised of 8 divisions, 4 in each conference, and has been since they underwent realignment in 2002. Since then, the divisions have remained untouched and fierce rivalries have been born.
Throughout it all some divisions have thrived, often times providing three playoff teams, while others have floundered. This lends itself to people ranking which division is the best in the NFL, as well as which is the worst.
NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal spear-headed the attempt of ranking the divisions, but before we get to the rankings let take a look at his criteria to make these rankings:
One way to evaluate which NFL division is the best: How many teams can you realistically imagine playing in Super Bowl LIV in Miami next February?
In the NFC North, it doesn’t take many mental gymnastics to picture the Bears, Vikings or Packers making it to the title game. That’s one reason why they take over the top spot in my annual, highly scientific look at which division is the best.
Now onto the rankings:
1) NFC North: Bears, Vikings, Packers, Lions
2) AFC North: Ravens, Steelers, Browns, Bengals
Like the NFC North, it’s hard to find a team truly lagging in talent here. The Ravens are undergoing their most dramatic transformation on both sides of the ball in more than a decade, but they have the organizational culture to survive it with flair. The Steelers and Browns could have the two most talented rosters in the entire conference, even if they have vastly different track records over the last decade. The Bengals don’t dazzle with defensive firepower, yet new coach Zac Taylor inherits a roster without many clear weaknesses. Coming out of this division with a playoff bye is going to be difficult because of its depth.
3) NFC South: Saints, Falcons, Panthers, Buccaneers
4) NFC West: Rams, Seahawks, 49ers, Cardinals
5) AFC South: Texans, Colts, Titans, Jaguars
6) AFC West: Chiefs, Chargers, Broncos, Raiders
7) NFC East: Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins, Giants
8) AFC East: Patriots, Dolphins, Bills, Jets
Rosenthal goes into an analysis of each division, and you can read those by clicking HERE, but just by looking at the rankings do you agree or disagree with not just the overall rankings, but where the AFC North, home of the Steelers, are ranked?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold heading into the 2019 reaguar season.