NFL 9-Year Report Card: Ranking the Teams By Regular Season Performance

The 2002 season saw the Houston Texans replace the departed Oilers as the league's 32nd franchise.

Thirty-two was a nice round number, so the NFL decided to reorganize the divisions into no less than eight distinct groupings of four teams based on geography (unless the Cowboys are involved). One team, the Seahawks, even switched conferences.

The NFL has a very simple and fair scheduling process, but like every other North American league, we can not completely take the numbers on face value due to the different strength of schedule teams will always have in non round-robin processes.

That said, let's look at the cold hard numbers. Every group and team ranked by regular season wins, out of a possible 144.

Key:
C = Conference
D = Division
T= Tie 

32) Detroit Lions

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 28: Fans hold signs indicating the impending record of the Detroit Lions during a game between the Lions and the Green Bay Packers on December 28, 2008 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Lions 31-21

Record: 37-107

Best Year: 2007 (7-9)

Worst Year: 2008 (0-16)

The team that went a whole year without winning a game bottoms out the list. I can hear the gasps.

31) Oakland Raiders

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 03: JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders walks off the field against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on January 3, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Record: 48-96

Best Year: 2002 (11-5)

Worst Year: 2005 (2-14)

The Raiders have had the Super Bowl hangover to end them all thus far, but things are finally looking up after the team swept its division.

30) Cleveland Browns

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - DECEMBER 27: A Cleveland Browns fan cheers against the Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)

Record: 52-92

Best Year: 2002 (9-7)

Worst Year: 2004, 2006, 2008 (4-12)

The Browns had been on a playoff drought since 2002. Thousands look to Colt McCoy and Peyton Hillis to turn things around.

29) San Francisco 49ers

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 29: Fans of the San Francisco 49ers hold up signs and cheer during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on November 29, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 27-6.

Record: 54-90

Best Year: 2002 (10-6)

Worst Year: 2004 (2-14)

The 49ers, neighbor Raiders and the Cleveland Browns all last made the playoffs in 2002, the very first year of alignment. The 49ers managed to win the most irrelevant games of the three. 

28) Houston Texans

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - DECEMBER 26: A fan shows his support of the Houston Texas against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on December 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Record: 55-89

Best Year: 2009 (9-7)

Worst Year: 2005 (2-14)

The Texans caused the realignment, but they're also the only team in pro sports to never make the postseason. 

27) St. Louis Rams

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Kurt Warner #13 of the Arizona Cardinals prepares to snap the ball during the NFL game against the St. Louis Rams at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defea

Record: 56-88

Best Year: 2003 (12-4)

Worst Year: 2009 (1-15)

The Rams have been on a six-year playoff drought, but this year saw them win more than the previous three years combined.

26) Arizona Cardinals

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: A fan of the Arizona Cardinals wears a bag on his head during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 27-26.

Record: 57-87

Best Year: 2009 (10-6)

Worst Year: 2003 (4-12)

The Cardinals have been up and down—mostly down.

25) Buffalo Bills

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

TORONTO, ON - NOVEMBER 07: A fan of the Buffalo Bills shows a sign comparing NFL football and Candian football during play between the Buffalo Bills and the Chicago Bears at Rogers Centre on November 7, 2010 in Toronto, Canada. Chicago won 22-19. (Photo b

Record: 59-85

Best Year: 2004 (9-7)

Worst Year: 2010 (4-12) 

The Bills are tied with the Lions for the longest playoff drought in football. In fact, neither team has gone since the turn of the century. That's why it's kind of surprising that there's seven teams that have won less games over the timeframe. 

24) Washington Redskins

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 12: Members of the Pig Pen support the Washington Redskins against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the Redskins defeated the Buccaneers 16-10 on September 12, 2004 at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty

Record: 60-84

Best Year: 2005 (10-6)

Worst Year: 2009 (4-12)

The Redskins have been on the floor of the best NFC division. They remain the second most valuable franchise in North America.

8D) NFC West

Harry How/Getty Images

PHOENIX - JANUARY 30: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks alongside quarterback Matt Hasselbeck of the Seattle Seahawks and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals during the Pro Bowl news conference prior to

Average Record: 60.25-83.75

Best team: Seattle Seahawks

Worst team: San Francisco 49ers 

The NFC West wasn't just the worst division this year, it was the worst since realignment. Somehow and despite the lack of Super Bowl championships, the NFC West also has the best playoff record in this timeframe. The next worse division won seven games more. The average is brought up by its leader, as the bottom three teams are all even worse than this mean. 

23) Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - DECEMBER 26: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 26, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals 34-20. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Record: 62-82-1

Best Year: 2005 (11-5)

Worst Year: 2002 (2-14)

The Bengals are one of four teams with a tie. 2009 wasn't the best, and 2010 wasn't the worst for the cats. That speaks to how inconsistent life has been in Cincinnati.

22) Miami Dolphins

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - DECEMBER 19: Running back Ricky Williams #34 of the Miami Dolphins is upended by the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Miami, Florida. The Bills defeated the Dolphins 17-14. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Record: 64-80

Best Year: 2008 (11-5)

Worst Year: 2007 (1-15)

Has there ever been a bigger improvement from one year to the next? The good news is if the Dolphins go 16-0 next season, they can finish the decade at .500. They're the first team on the list that can finish that high. And while the odds are slim, if there's one team known for perfect seasons... 

21) Kansas City Chiefs

Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs is tackled by Stanford Routt #26 of the Oakland Raiders in a game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

Record: 67-77

Best Year: 2003 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2008 (2-14)

The Raiders-Chiefs rivalry has gotten dull for fans in other cities. 2010 may help return the rivalry to national prominence.

7D) NFC North

Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images

25 Oct 1998: Barry Sanders #20 of the Detroit Lions grips the ball as he runs during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac Michigan. The Vikings defeated the Lions 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Tom Pidgeon /Allsport

Average Record: 67.25-76.75

Best Team: Green Bay Packers

Worst Team: Detroit Lions

Despite being the second lowest ranked division, the NFC North hasn't been particularly bad, but having the Lions really hurts the average.

2C) National Football Conference

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 02: Kahlil Bell #32 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against Pisa Tinoisamoa #59 and Anthony Adams #95 of the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on January 2, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Im

Average Record: 69.75-74.25

The NFC has been the weaker conference. Any difference from the league mean is the result of interconference play. The AFC has undoubtedly been stronger since realignment. 

20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Raheem Morris talks with Ronde Barber #20 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on January 2, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Buccaneers defeate

Record: 70-74

Best Year: 2002 (12-4)

Worst Year: 2009 (3-13)

The Bucs are the only team in the extremely volatile NFC South to finish under .500. Fun fact: The 2010 Bucs became the first team in NFC South history to not make the playoffs the year after it finished last in the division. Eight out of nine ain't bad.

The Buccaneers are by far the worst team to win a Super Bowl in this period, winning the first one after realignment. So, in the only way that really counts, the Bucs are ranked much higher.

6D) AFC West

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Legedu Naanee #11 of the San Diego Chargers looks on from the sidelines against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on January 2, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 33-28. (Photo b

Average Record: 70.25-73.75

Best Team: San Diego Chargers

Worst Team: Oakland Raiders

The West manages to be the worst division in both conferences. 

19) Jacksonville Jaguars

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Mike Thomas #80 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is tackled by Troy Nolan #33 of the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Record: 71-73

Best Year: 2005 (12-4)

Worst Year: 2003, 2008 (5-11)

The Jaguars make up the last sub-.500 team. Being stuck with the Colts certainly hasn't helped them.

18) New York Jets

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets celebrates after they defeated the Patriots 28 to 21 in their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty I

Record: 72-72

Best Year: 2010 (11-5)

Worst Year: 2005, 2007 (4-12)

The Jets are the only .500 team. The decade has been a wash for the junior New York team. 

5D) AFC North

Larry French/Getty Images

BALTIMORE, MD - JANUARY 2: Willis McGahee #23 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Bengals 13-6. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)

Average Record: 72.5-71.5

Best Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Worst Team: Cleveland Browns 

Despite the Steelers and Ravens being two of the best teams in the NFL, the division average is brought down by the two teams in Ohio.

17) Carolina Panthers

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

ENGLEWOOD, CO - JANUARY 14: Denver Broncos head coach John Fox addresses the media at Dove Valley on January 14, 2011 in Englewood, Colorado. Fox was named the 14th head coach in Broncos history yesterday after spending the last nine seasons as head coac

Record: 73-71

Best Year: 2008 (12-4)

Worst Year: 2010 (2-14)

If NFC South patterns hold true, the Panthers will do very well next year. It'd be hard to not improve.

14T) Seattle Seahawks

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on in the first half against the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons

Record: 74-70

Best Year: 2005 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2008 (4-12)

The Seahawks are the only NFC West team above .500. In any other division, they probably would not have made it. The next two teams tied with the Seahawks, but Seattle loses the tiebreaker on division strength.

14T) Minnesota Vikings

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 02: Greg Camarillo #85 of the Minnesota Vikings is chased by Brian Clark #87 of the Detroit Lions while he retuns a fourth quarter punt at Ford Field on January 2, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Record: 74-70

Best Year: 2009 (12-4)

Worst Year: 2002, 2010 (4-12)

The Vikings have had ups and downs, and so have their quarterbacks. I placed them under the next team based on their most recent performance.

14T) Chicago Bears

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Running back Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears runs the ball in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyo

Record: 74-70

Best Year: 2006 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2002 (4-12)

Da Bears were underperforming, and when they finally do well enough to make the playoffs, no one believes in them. They'll look to change that perception with a win over the Packers next week.

1C) American Football Conference

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 02: Quarterback Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns looks for a receiver as he is chased by defensive end Ziggy Hood #96 of the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by M

Average Record: 74.25-69.75

Obviously if the NFC is the worse conference, the AFC must be the best. This slide's placement shows that only 13 teams averaged a better record than the AFC as a whole.

4D) NFC South

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers against the New Orleans Saints during their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Record: 74.375

Best Team: Atlanta Falcons

Worst Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The extremely volatile NFC South comes in as a middle of the road division.

3D) AFC East

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 02: BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 of the New England Patriots carries the ball as Tim Robbins #51 of the Miami Dolphins defends on January 2, 2011 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Average Record: 76.25-77.75

Best Team: New England Patriots

Worst Team: Buffalo Bills

The AFC East is the third best division even though only one team finished above .500. 

12T) New Orleans Saints

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints looks on against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Imag

Record: 77-67

Best Year: 2009 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2005 (3-13)

The Saints were tied for the 12th best team, and are the second worst team to win a Super Bowl. This is a testament to the volatility of the NFC South.

12T) Tennessee Titans

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans is tackled by Robert Mathis #98 and Antonio Johnson #99 of the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. the Colts won 23-20. (Photo by Andy

Record: 77-67

Best Year: 2003 (12-4)

Worst Year: 2005 (4-12)

The Titans get the tiebreaker over the Saints due to divisional strength.  

2D) NFC East

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Tight end Chris Cooley #47 of the Washington Redskins dives on a two point conversion against Barry Church #42 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Gett

Average Record: 77.125-66.775

Best Team: Philadelphia Eagles

Worst Team: Washington Redskins

The NFC East takes the cake as the greatest division in the conference. The East has made a habit of beating on the other three conferences, occasionally sending no less than three teams to the playoffs.

11) Atlanta Falcons

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Mike Vick #7 of the Atlanta Falcons rolls out during the game against the Chicago Bears on September 15, 2002 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Bears edged the Falcons 14-13. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty

Record: 77-66-1

Best Year: 2010 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2007 (4-12)

The Falcons are the best placing team in the up-and-down NFC South.

1D) AFC South

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 02: Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Average Record: 78-66

Best Team: Indianapolis Colts

Worst Team: Houston Texans

The best four divisions are those ending in "South" or "East". The AFC South comes on top of them all.

9T) Denver Broncos

Justin Edmonds/Getty Images

ENGLEWOOD, CO - JANUARY 14: Denver Broncos vice president of football operations John Elway addresses the media during a press conference to announce John Fox as the next head coach at Dove Valley on January 14, 2011 in Englewood, Colorado. Fox was named

Record: 78-66

Best Year: 2005 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2010 (4-12)

Wow, where did 2010 come from? The Broncos have never lost in the double digits since realignment, and then McDaniels craps the bed. Maybe John Elway can fix things up.

9T) Dallas Cowboys

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Quarterbacks Tony Romo and Jon Kitna #3 of the Dallas Cowboys talk on the sideline during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals

Record: 78-66

Best Year: 2007 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2002 (5-11)

The Cowboys win the tiebreaker over Denver due to a harder division. Aikman continues to see Romo break his records in every way except the trophy case.

8) New York Giants

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 26: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants throws against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 26, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Record: 79-65

Best Year: 2008 (12-4)

Worst Year: 2003 (4-12)

The Giants have been doing pretty well for themselves. The Super Bowl didn't hurt, either.

7) Baltimore Ravens

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Gett

Record: 82-62

Best Year: 2006 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2007 (5-11)

The Ravens are the first team that could go 0-16 next year and still guarantee a winning decade. I kinda want to seek out some 2007 preseason predictions now.

6) Green Bay Packers

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 6: Quarterbacks Brett Favre #4 and Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers watch the final minutes of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers from the sideline November 6, 2005 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Stee

Record: 84-60

Best Year: 2007 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2005 (4-12)

The Packers are the second best NFC team, yet have not been able to get to the Super Bowl since realignment. Will this be the year?

5) San Diego Chargers

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: A San Diego Chargers fan reacts during the NFL football game against Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Record: 88-56

Best Year: 2006 (14-2)

Worst Year: 2003 (4-12)

The Chargers are the worst divisional champion in the AFC. This is still good enough for fifth overall. By comparison, the worst NFC champion is tied for 14th overall. Yes, the AFC is stacked.

4) Philadelphia Eagles

Chris Trotman/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Head coach Andy Reid of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris

Record: 91-52-1

Best Year: 2004 (13-3)

Worst Year: 2005 (6-10)

The Eagles have been the best NFC team since realignment. They have one NFC championship and zero Super Bowl wins to show for it. The playoffs are kind of a crap shoot.

3) Pittsburgh Steelers

Nick Laham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 15: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks with quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens following the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Heinz Field on January 15, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvan

Record: 93-50-1

Best Year: 2004 (15-1)

Worst Year: 2003 (6-10)

The Steelers might win their third Super Bowl this year. This would make them the most successful since realignment and tied for first since Y2K. In none of these seasons have they had to get past the Patriots.

2) Indianapolis Colts

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 08: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts attempts to pass the ball to Jacob Tamme #84 against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC wild card playoff game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 8, 2011 in Indianapolis, India

Record: 109-35

Best Year: 2005, 2009 (14-2)

Worst Year: 2002, 2010 (10-6)

The Colts are the only team to make the playoffs every year. One Super Bowl ring is definitely underperforming. Such is life in the best of one playoff system, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

1) New England Patriots

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws the ball against the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Ima

Record: 110-34

Best Year: 2007 (16-0)

Worst Year: 2002 (9-7)

The Patriots are the number one team since realignment. They have missed the playoffs twice on tiebreakers, including a surprising 11-5 season brought on by Matt Cassel after Brady went down.

The Pats are only up by one regular season win, but for now they are the best regular season team since realignment.