Debating the Strongest Division in the NFL

Every year it changes, subtle shifts moving various divisions up and down in the power rankings as we approach the beginning of another NFL season.

While a lot of the middle and lower-rung groups move quite a bit, some of the better divisions always cling near the top.

This is true of both selections today.

The NFC North has some of the best teams in the entire NFL and are powerful on both sides of the ball.

Don't let the poor year of defense fool you—the Packers, Bears, Lions and even the Vikings are difficult to play against, especially at home. Any team walking into a game with these four teams assuming that last year was indicative of this year's defense will be in some trouble.

The NFC North also has two of the most potent offenses in the league as well as one which could make the top three. Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson keep the Lions' offense flying high, while Greg Jennings is just one weapon in what could be the most well-rounded wide receiver groups in the league.

Aaron Rodgers is dangerous on his own, but these guys make him nearly impossible to stop.

The Bears added two weapons in Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffery as well as fortified their backfield by adding Michael Bush. This is an offense which could make Jay Cutler look better than he has in years and will challenge the hold the Packers and Lions have over the division.

Even the Vikings will be better this year, especially when Adrian Peterson comes back at 100 percent. Of course, quarterback Christian Ponder has to step it up this year, though he will find it easier with Matt Kalil, his new franchise tackle.

This is a tough division and there are no easy outs here.

While the NFC North is very difficult to match up with, the NFC East is equally hard to play against.

While the Vikings are struggling to rebuild, the lowest-rung team in the NFC East—the Washington Redskins—have a solid defense and, after adding Robert Griffin III, have an emerging offense. They managed to beat the Super Bowl champion Giants not once but twice in 2011.

Speaking of the Giants, they've added skill to both sides of the ball this offseason, solidifying their secondary and adding rookie running back David Wilson to their backfield to replace the departed Brandon Jacobs.

The tandem of Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz, being thrown to by Eli Manning, should be giving defensive coordinators sleepless nights already.

The Cowboys' offense will always score points—with Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Jason Witten, how could you not?—but the defense has really improved this offseason. Adding Brandon Carr and moving up for Morris Claiborne in the 2012 NFL draft was a bold move, but well done. The secondary should be greatly improved over the 2011 versions.

Finally, the Eagles have done everything right this offseason—a complete reversal over last year. They solidified the defense through free agency and the draft and locked in their long-term offensive weapons, as well.

When Vick is healthy, this is a team which can score at will, as well as play suffocating defense.