NFL Power Rankings: Division Champs That Will Plummet Next Season
Repeating as division champions isn't an easy thing to do in the NFL.
In fact, it hasn't happened in the NFC South since it was restructured in 2002.
After major moves in free-agency and notable drafts from a handful of teams, some 2011 division winners should be on the lookout this season.
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Not only will they be tested by their most heated rivals for the division crown, they may not even make the playoffs.
Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings
The Giants don't have many holes on their roster and still boast the best defensive line in football. Remember, it took a late season surge to win the NFC East by a game last year.
The Philadelphia Eagles, a team that's fortified their defense this offseason, will be their biggest competition in 2012. We know what the offense is capable of, and the addition of DeMeco Ryans, Mychal Kendricks, Vinny Curry and Fletcher Cox make them quite the frightening club.
The Dallas Cowboys addressed holes in their secondary with Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne and certainly have the talent to win the division.
Even the Washington Redskins with Robert Griffin III should be more competitive in 2012.
The Giants could repeat as division champs, but it won't be easy.
The Ravens had a spectacular 2011, going 12-4 while staying undefeated in their division. It won't be as easy in 2012.
They lost Terrell Suggs for, at the very least, a good portion of the season with an Achilles tendon tear. While the defense won't be totally ineffective without him, it's impossible to replace the reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
The Cincinnati Bengals added secondary receiving options Mohamed Sanu and Marvin Jones to help the maturation process of Andy Dalton and added reliable runner BenJarvus Green-Ellis in free agency.
Their defense is one of the best in the AFC, and Devon Still and Brandon Thompson add even more bulk to the interior of their defensive line.
Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers will always be hanging around too. They used their first two draft selections on offensive linemen. If Big Ben is healthy this season, they should get to at least 10 wins.
10. Chicago Bears
11. Detroit Lions
An absolutely nightmarish offseason is just one of the reasons the Saints may have trouble repeating in 2012. They lose Carl Nicks and Robert Meachem in free agency and Drew Brees still hasn't agreed on a long-term deal.
Jonathan Vilma has been suspended for the entire year and Will Smith will miss time, as well.
The Atlanta Falcons have an offense primed to breakout with Julio Jones leading the charge. He really came on at the end of last season, with 20 catches for 393 yards and six touchdowns in his last four games.
Cam Newton's coming off a historic rookie campaign in Carolina. They're certainly another team on the rise.
Don't sleep on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, either. Remember, they won 10 games just two years ago.
15. Denver Broncos
16. Dallas Cowboys
17. Buffalo Bills
21. New York Jets
23. Tennessee Titans
24. Oakland Raiders
26. Cleveland Browns
27. Seattle Seahawks
28. Miami Dolphins
29. St. Louis Rams
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