Even though we are entrenched in the NFL’s “Age of Parity,” fans around the league still want to know what they’re getting when they buy their football tickets. As we look at the divisional breakdown, it becomes apparent that certain divisions are deeper than others. That’s why we’re going to break them down individually by way of “Divisional Power Rankings.” These rankings could change throughout the season, but now is a good time to take our first look.
1. NFC East
The NFC East, top-to-bottom, is the toughest division in football right now. Any one of the four teams could realistically qualify for the playoffs, and the final standings could shake out in just about any way and no one would be really surprised.
2. NFC South
The NFC South contains a Super Bowl contender in the Panthers, two solid playoff-level teams in the Buccaneers and Falcons, and perhaps the most improved team in the league, the Saints. This division will be brutal, and the winner will definitely be battle-tested.
3. AFC West
The AFC West is almost as difficult, as the Broncos have Super Bowl aspirations, the Chiefs are expected to at least make the playoffs, the Chargers are talented and the Raiders could be scary if they ever put all their talent together. The rivalries in this division also make every game a battle.
4. AFC North
The AFC North contains the defending champions, and they didn’t even win the division last year. The Bengals did, but they have question marks surrounding QB Carson Palmer and off-field distractions. Baltimore is much-improved and the Browns are getting better.
5. AFC East
The East has the rivalries, but only two good teams in the Patriots and Dolphins. The Jets and Bills, whether they admit it or not, are rebuilding. Regardless, fans of every team are extremely loyal, so football tickets sales will be high for any of these divisional battles.
6. AFC South
The South contains one potential juggernaut in the Colts, one fringe playoff team in Jacksonville, and two teams in the Texans and Titans that are in full rebuild mode. The Colts-Jaguars games will be entertaining, but the Texans and Titans are definitely a notch below as of now.
7. NFC North
The NFC North has one established playoff team in the Bears, one likely playoff team in the Vikings, one team that could be a surprise in the Packers and the Lions, who seem to constantly be rebuilding. The best thing going for this division is the level of intensity present every time any of these two teams meet.
8. NFC West
Yes, the Seahawks got all the way to the Super Bowl last season, but after that there isn’t much. The Rams could make a push this year, but they’re still a year or two away. The Cardinals could surprise as well, but they’ve been perennial disappointments, and the 49ers need time to restock their roster with talent, so they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. There are intense rivalries in the division, however, and football tickets are always hard to find for a Seahawks - Rams game.
Written by Jay Nault sponsored by www.stubhub.com/ . StubHub sells football tickets: www.stubhub.com/football-tickets/ , concert tickets, theater tickets and more. Please link to this site when using this article. |
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