NFL power rankings 2021: Which AFC division is best?
The AFC has a long list of good teams, but which quartet is the best division in the conference? We give our NFL power rankings.
4. AFC South
It’s an easy call to put the South at the bottom of the NFL power rankings list. With the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars combining for four wins in 2020, it’s hard to put the division anywhere else. Houston projects to be the worst team in the league, while Jacksonville, even with No. 1 overall pick Trevor Lawrence, is going to be an afterthought as well. Â The Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts are both postseason hopefuls, but neither is a powerhouse like we find in other divisions.
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3. AFC East
The East has a case for the second spot, but it’s tough to overlook how bad the New York Jets have been in recent years. Over the past decade, we’re talking about no playoff appearances, and while first-year head coach Robert Saleh brings accountability to the squad, it’s still a long road. The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots are both possible playoff teams, but each could also win seven games depending on the quarterbacks. Only the Buffalo Bills are a surefire bet.
2. AFC West
Any division with the Kansas City Chiefs has to be respected. Kansas City is the best team in the league, having reached the Super Bowl each of the past two seasons with a championship in hand. Behind the Chiefs, the Los Angeles Chargers are up and coming, with quarterback Justin Herbert giving them a real chance to make the playoffs and perhaps make some noise. The Las Vegas Raiders and Denver Broncos are both limited for different reasons, but the rosters have talent. Neither are a pushover.
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1. AFC North
Tough to argue against the North as the best foursome in the AFC. Yes, the Cincinnati Bengals have long been a weak sister, but look at the roster. Cincinnati is going to score a bunch of points with an improved offensive line playing alongside quarterback Joe Burrow, receivers Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, and running back Joe Mixon. Elsewhere, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost pieces, but head coach Mike Tomlin is without a losing season on his ledger.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens have title hopes. Cleveland and Baltimore both lost in the AFC Divisionals in 2020 but loaded up in the offseason. It’s championship or bust in the eyes of many for each franchise.
