David Helman
Dallas Cowboys Insider
Not all paths to the playoffs are created equal.
Positive, it is the NFL and there is no such factor as a straightforward recreation. However the reality stays, a couple of third of the schedule consists of division video games — and no two divisions are the identical.
With the 2024 season in view, what does that hierarchy appear to be? Which is the strongest, and which could current the simplest path to the postseason? Let’s look into it.
RELATED: What’s the NFL’s finest division? Let’s debate!
1. AFC North
The gold commonplace, in my humble opinion. This division produced three playoff groups in 2023, and the fourth-place Bengals nonetheless completed with a profitable document regardless of shedding Joe Burrow for half the season to a wrist harm. This group seems simply as loaded in 2024. Burrow is again, and Lamar Jackson is now a two-time MVP. Cleveland boasts among the best general rosters within the league, headlined by reigning NFL Defensive Participant of the 12 months Myles Garrett. And even with quarterback uncertainty, the Steelers ought to anticipate to push for a playoff spot. It will be a back-alley brawl to win the league’s hardest division.
2. NFC North
Having stated all that good stuff in regards to the AFC North, the NFC counterpart has an awesome case for the highest spot. I see two authentic Tremendous Bowl contenders right here in Detroit and Inexperienced Bay, and it goes with out saying that Caleb Williams has turned the Chicago Bears into must-see TV. The Vikings may appear to be an afterthought on the floor, however I feel that is untimely. Minnesota’s received elite offensive expertise and a feisty protection. If Sam Darnold can rise to the event, this actually is likely to be the deepest division within the league.
3. NFC West
I feel this reply will shock some folks, however I just like the depth within the NFC West. San Francisco clearly boasts one of many league’s finest rosters, however remember that this division has despatched a number of groups to the playoffs in six straight seasons. The Rams had been a surprisingly good wild-card crew final 12 months, and Seattle was proper on their heels after making the postseason in 2022. Throw in the truth that I anticipate Arizona to be vastly improved with a completely wholesome Kyler Murray again within the lineup, and this can be a a lot deeper division than I feel most would give it credit score for.
4. AFC East
I admittedly do not love the depth right here, as a result of my guess is that the Patriots are going to have their share of struggles. However even when that is true, the remainder of the AFC East greater than makes up for it. The Payments are contenders so long as Josh Allen is their starter, and the Dolphins ought to as soon as once more be one of many highest-scoring groups within the league. If Aaron Rodgers can bounce again from the Achilles harm, it is easy to think about three AFC East groups reaching the postseason.Â
5. AFC South
This has essentially the most potential to age poorly, as a result of there’s a lot we do not know. The Houston Texans look poised to affix the league’s elite in C.J. Stroud’s second 12 months, and Jacksonville has posted back-to-back profitable information the previous two years. However what in regards to the different two groups? If Anthony Richardson and Will Levis are each stars, we is likely to be speaking about this because the league’s hardest division by Thanksgiving. If they don’t seem to be, that is trying like a reasonably top-heavy group.
6. NFC East
This has felt like a division of haves and have-nots for nearly a decade. Seven of the previous eight division championships have been received by both Philadelphia or Dallas, and my guess is it will be eight of 9 by the tip of the season. That race between the Cowboys and Eagles guarantees to be entertaining, however it does not make for a aggressive division general. Possibly Jayden Daniels can begin to change that narrative for Washington, however it’s too early to say.
7. NFC South
It is the one division in soccer that appears to lack a real-deal contender. Sure, the Falcons look thrilling heading into 2024, and the Buccaneers have received the division three years working. However it nonetheless feels just like the NFC South is lacking a very elite crew, and it might be a little bit of a shock if a couple of crew from this division made the postseason.
8. AFC West
Curiously, the worst division within the league options the perfect crew. The Chiefs are the envy of your complete NFL, so naturally they’ve additionally dominated the AFC West to the tune of eight straight division titles. Behind them, although, the remainder of this group appears to be in transition. Denver is beginning over with a brand new quarterback — possible a rookie. The Raiders have a stable general roster however no franchise quarterback to information them. The Chargers have the other drawback: a Professional Bowl quarterback, however a skinny supporting forged round him. The Chiefs are nice, however they only is likely to be the division’s solely related crew in 2024.
David Helman covers the NFL for FOX Sports activities and hosts the NFL on FOX podcast. He beforehand spent 9 seasons masking the Cowboys for the crew’s official web site. In 2018, he received a regional Emmy for his function in producing “Dak Prescott: A Household Reunion” in regards to the quarterback’s time at Mississippi State. Observe him on Twitter at @davidhelman_.
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