Big names on the move, a wave of talented rookies, and one key suspension. The 2016 NFL offseason has been that of constant change and plenty of uncertainty as the balance of power in the league has slowly but surely begun to change hands. After adding some marquee free agents — have the Texans begun to drag the AFC South out from the basement of NFL power rankings? Where does the NFC East fall in the NFL’s pecking order? Let’s dive in.
8. NFC South
During the 2015 season, the Carolina Panthers were “men against boys” versus their own division, as well as the league as a whole. A division that includes the underachieving Falcons, Drew Brees’s needy Saints, and the young and unproven Buccaneers there is plenty of room for improvement within the division. Even as good as the Panthers have been, the gap between them and the rest of the division has narrowed due to an offseason that saw them cut ties with the outspoken Josh Norman and disregard any improvements to an already shaky offensive line. An offensive line that gave up 33 sacks last season in large part due to MVP Cam Newton’s ability to avoid the pass rush. Perhaps the biggest knock on the division is the true lack of a team to challenge the Panthers. If the Saints, Falcons, and Buccaneers are fighting for mediocrity once again this season then the NFC South will continue to be the NFL’s weakest link.
7. AFC South
The Houston Texans have found themselves some new offensive weapons outside of wideout Deandre Hopkins. After putting up eye popping numbers of over 1,500 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns while consistently battling double teams the additions of Brock Osweiler, Lamar Miller, and a strong draft with Will Fuller and Braxton Miller the Texans have given their offense and the landscape of the AFC South a face-lift. The return of Andrew Luck prove to be vital for the Colt’s as they are on the rebound off of a devastating season that saw them in a constant quarterback carousel. The biggest question marks in the division reside in Jacksonville and Tennessee. After loading up on young defensive pieces such as Jalen Ramsey, Myles Jack, and Malik Jackson this Jaguars team can be very good, very fast. Perhaps the weakest link in the division has some of the highest offensive upside, the Titans stocked up on lineman to guide the running game that will be led by 2014 rushing champion Demarco Murray and 2015 Heisman winner Derrick Henry. As a whole, the division has shown improvement and in just a few years the AFC South can be looked at as a powerhouse division in the NFL.
6. NFC East
At one point viewed as the premier division in the league the NFC East has consistently under-performed. The Cowboys continue to show just how needy they are — completely collapsing with anyone not named Romo under center; while the Eagles gave up a king’s ransom for a kid from North Dakota State. Without Kirk Cousins forcing his will on the league last season and powering the ‘Skins to a playoff game Washington is probably no more than a 6 win team. Though the 6 win Giants can attest to their quarterback play from their Iron Man Eli Manning who aims to be perhaps one of the most impactful players this upcoming season in the NFC East. As a whole this division is on the rebound, and has play-makers and teams that can cause havoc in the playoffs. The only real question is will it be another best out of the worst or will a team truly step up and take hold of this division.
5. AFC West
In a division that holds the 2015 Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, the AFC West has much more to offer than meets the eye. From top to bottom this is a complete division that sent nearly three teams to the playoffs last season. As a whole, the west is complete as the Chiefs under Andy Reid can never be counted out while the Raiders look to challenge the Broncos for not only best defensive unit in the league but for the AFC West title. “We can be that good,” said Khalil Mack of the Raiders about the Broncos defense, if that is the case then the AFC West will not be a division to be trifled with as any eventual Super Bowl champion will look to go through them.
4. AFC East
Never count out that team from New England; they will continue to prove doubters wrong. The AFC East is much more than the Patriots. Those teams from New York will be sure to give Bill Belichick a run for his money. The one big X-factor in the division is the Jets quarterback fiasco. The return of Ryan Fitzpatrick can spell a playoff run and improve on a 10 win season, though if they fail to resign him then the Jets go from a contender to a big unknown. The strength of the division relies on its defense, something the Rex Ryan led Bills have plenty of. Regardless of the Tom Brady suspension, the AFC East as always is not to be trifled with.
3. NFC North
The best back in the league, an elite quarterback, some big-armed quarterbacks, and young and physical pass rushers. The makeup of the NFC north features a bit of everything. The continued evolution of the Vikings has finally catapulted the NFC North over the hump and transformed this division into the upper echelon of the league. The return of Jordy Nelson from injury only makes the Packers more dangerous as they managed to account for 10 wins behind a lackluster run game. The Vikings featuring perhaps the league’s best rushing attack and a stout defense look to follow the Seahawks formula of a ground and pound game, behind Adrian Peterson. This is not a bad idea. The second season under John Fox only looks to help the Bears as they just like the Lions showed promise down the stretch.
2. AFC North
A division that has the very real possibility of sending three teams to the playoffs each and every season is a scary sight for many teams. The Steelers and Bengals are both a force to be reckoned with, while the Ravens who were dismembered by injuries in 2015 have the pieces to make a run in 2016. The biggest x-factors in the division are the eventual health and play of Joe Flacco and Robert Griffin III. If the two quarterbacks can regain the form they once had, then not only can the Ravens reach the playoffs but could be viewed as serious contenders to make a run. As for RGIII, if he is able to get back to the magic he had his rookie season not only can he make Cleveland relevant, while carving out a future for himself in the NFL.
1. NFC West
At the top spot in the rankings is no other than the NFC West. Defense and a strong running game has been the recipe for success in the division hence, the Seahawks, Cardinals, and Rams. A division that features Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, Patrick Peterson, and Aaron Donald is not only good but they are all young enough to have an impact for years to come. The NFC West winner will have to claw their way to the top for a chance at the playoffs, even the new Chip Kelly led 49ers are a big unknown. However the 2016-2017 season shakes out the NFC West will for sure have their hand at affecting the course of it.
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