NFL Rankings: The Next Team From Each Division To Win a Super Bowl

The NFL has 32 teams, each with its own personality, collection of talent and strategy for obtaining the next Lombardi Trophy. There are teams in transition, teams who are rebuilding and teams who are on the cusp of winning it all.

Some divisions, like the NFC South, feature multiple double-digit win teams. The NFC West failed to produce a team who won eight games. Each division has one team who appears to be on the fast track, one who is above all others in its division and looks like it is going to reach the top first.

Before we begin the slideshow, let me begin by saying this is not a slideshow ranking the top team in every division. It is not about whom is going to remain competitive in the division, but rather whom is going to make a run at the Super Bowl in upcoming years. Let's start off with the AFC.

AFC West: Oakland Raiders

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OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 19: Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball during their game against the Denver Broncos at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 19, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

The Oakland Raiders have an extremely young and talented core. At this point, they are hovering between being the second- or third-best team in the AFC West. The Raiders jumped to an 8-8 record with a less-than-impressive coaching staff.

If the Raiders can stabilize the offensive line and solidify the run defense, they could be dangerous very soon. By bringing in a veteran signal-caller, the Raiders would immediately improve and make a serious run for the division next season. As for taking on the rest of the league, if they can find a way to harness all of their speed and maximize the potential of their offense, they could be scary in the near future.

The Chargers simply don't have the cast built around Philip Rivers to be taken seriously in the playoffs. Rivers has the talent to hoist a Lombardi Trophy and is head and shoulders above every other quarterback in the division. The Chargers just lost Ron Rivera and will not enjoy the same production form their No. 1 ranked defense heading into next season.

The Chiefs are going to take a major step backwards with the departure of Charlie Weis. They have a tremendous run game and talent on defense, but it seems as though the Chiefs may have peaked offensively for the time being last season.

Josh McDaniels has left the Broncos in shambles. It's going to take them five or so years to get back on their feet.

AFC North: Baltimore Ravens

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BALTIMORE - DECEMBER 13: Haloti Ngata #92 of the Baltimore Ravens huddles with his teammates during the game against the Detroit Lions at M&T Bank Stadium on December 13, 2009 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Lions 48-3. (Photo by Larry Fr

The Steelers just went to the Super Bowl, but unless they can win in 2011, they won't be seeing the grand stage again for quite some time. As one of the most stable franchises in the league, the Steelers don't usually find themselves in a position to reload.

They have a talented young crop of players, but are slated to lose James Farrior, James Harrison and Hines Ward among others in the upcoming seasons. They need an offensive line renovation and serious help in the secondary.

The Baltimore Ravens are in a similar situation. With legends Ray Lewis and Ed Reed on their way out, the Ravens need to win in a hurry. Fortunately for the Ravens, most of their offense is intact and in the beginning of their careers. They have an All-Pro defensive tackle to build around and a head coach whom has made them competitive since he arrived.

As for the Bengals and Browns, well, they aren't quite there yet.

AFC East: New England Patriots

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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Imag

The New England Patriots were predicted by many to come away with Super Bowl XLV. They had the coach, the quarterback and the best record in the league. The problem is that the Patriots have numerous young players who are far from elite.

The way the Patriots operate, they almost prefer to not have a star-studded roster. Somehow they manage to not only to dominate with seemingly lackluster talent in a number of areas, but also acquire picks like they are collectors. Bill Belichick is a genius and Tom Brady is the best player in the league today. Don't be surprised if the Patriots hoist the trophy next season.

The Jets knocked the Patriots out of the playoffs this season. The Jets appear to be on the brink of doing something special, but a number of their players are getting up there in age. A huge part of the talent on the Patriots lies within the vets who came in hoping to win a ring before they left the league. Aside from that, Mark Sanchez is still developing and there is no telling how low his ceiling actually is.

The Bills are in the process of rebuilding and the Dolphins are entering it.

AFC South: Houston Texans

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 12: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts is tackled by Mario Williams #90 of the Houston Texans during the NFL season opener at Reliant Stadium on September 12, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

The Houston Texans have a young, developing defense and an offense that features the best receiver in football, the rushing title winner and a capable quarterback. They haven't been able to put it together in the last few seasons, but appear to be on the brink of something special.

The AFC South has been brutal over the past few seasons. Any of the four teams could make a play for the top spot.

The Colts have the luxury of having one of the best players in the history of football. Unfortunately for Indy, the rest of the team leaves something to be desired. Peyton Manning, Reggie Wayne, Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney are all nearing the end. It appears unlikely that the Colts will win another one before they retire and once they depart, the Colts could very well be the worst team in the NFL.

The Jaguars and Titans both feature young, talented running backs. Both teams have bits and pieces, but need serious changes in a number of spots on offense before we even mention the Super Bowl.

NFC West: San Francisco 49ers

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ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The San Francisco 49ers are riddled with talent. They have the best linebacker in football, an extremely talented running back, an elite tight end and three first round offensive linemen. Almost every starter is in his mid-to-late 20's, so reloading won't be an issue.

The decade-long rebuilding project has allotted one of the most talented young rosters in football. Fortunately for San Francisco, new head coach Jim Harbaugh is expected to instill new life and take advantage of the weapons he has been given.

The NFC West produced the first losing playoff team in playoff history last season. The Rams have a talented young quarterback, the Seahawks have pieces on both sides of the ball and the Cardinals have a great receiver, but every team in the NFC West has significant room for improvement, including the 49ers.

Before any team in the NFC West guns for a Super Bowl, they should all concentrate on breaking .500, a feat that escaped them in 2010.

NFC North: Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, WI - FEBRUARY 08: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers hoists the Lombardi Trophy during the Packers victory ceremony at Lambeau Field on February 8, 2011 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Matt Ludtke/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers have a legitimate shot at bringing home another Super Bowl trophy to Green Bay next season. They have a young defense, an outstanding quarterback and quite possibly the deepest team in the NFL.

Through all of the injuries the Packers battled, they remained focused and determined. If ever there was a team destined to come away with the Super Bowl, it was the 2010 Green Bay Packers. The Packers are the most complete team in the NFL and could be a Super Bowl contender not just next year, but for years to come.

The Bears should be competitive in the upcoming years, as they were this year, but have an aging defense and a shortage of weapons on offense. It is unclear whether or not Jay Cutler will be able to take the Bears any further than the NFC Championship, given the offensive line issues and receiver problems the team has.

As odd as it may seem, the team next in line for a trophy could very well be the Lions. The Lions have great building blocks and could become relevant again in the division in the next few years.

The Vikings are probably the furthest away from a championship. Adrian Peterson is the best back in the league and they have a number of weapons on offense, but with no quarterback in sight and their defense a bit long in the tooth, the Vikings are nowhere near a Super Bowl.

NFC East: Dallas Cowboys

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Miles Austin #19 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most talent-laden rosters in the entire NFL. They grossly underachieved in 2010, clunking together a 6-10 record. With a new head coach in Jason Garrett heading into next season, the Cowboys have a solid shot at being next season's most improved team.

The Cowboys are a very proud franchise. With an incredible amount of talent in a number of key areas, if Dallas could harness all of its potential, it could win a championship next season. A 6-10 record is a far cry from the playoffs (unless you are in the NFC West), but it appears the culture has changed in Dallas.

Philadelphia has the most explosive offense in the entire NFL. The defense has a few holes and it is unclear how healthy Michael Vick can stay given the reckless abandon he plays with. What is most concerning is the way defenses ended up figuring out how to slow down the Eagles defense. Will defenses next season use tactics that created success for other teams late in the season?

The Washington Redskins seem to always be involved in acquiring blockbuster free agents, but never seem to invest in the right players. Mike Shanahan had an anticlimactic return to football, posting a 6-10 record in his Redskins debut. The Redskins have a few pieces in the front seven they can salvage, scattered weapons on the offense and a young, developing left tackle, but could virtually scrap most of the team and see no major setbacks.

The New York Giants would have gone to the playoffs this season if they successfully punted the ball out of bounds, rather than to DeSean Jackson. They have a quarterback who already has a Super Bowl ring on his finger and a dominant defense. The NFC East is always a competitive division, but the Giants just don't look like they are going to have enough fire power to bring home another Super Bowl any time soon.

NFC South: Atlanta Falcons

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after Michael Turner #33 scored a 12-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 1

The Atlanta Falcons' season ended in disappointment. After posting the best record in the NFC, the Falcons received a bye week, only to be bounced out in their first game. The Falcons have one of the most complete offenses in the NFL. With Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, Sam Baker, Michael Turner and Matt Ryan leading the charge, the Falcons don't have a shortage of weapons and talent on offense.

It is hard to believe that Ryan won't have a ring when his career is all said and done. The Falcons need to put another receiver opposite White to really make life difficult for the opposition, but they have the pieces to be special. The Falcons are on the rise.

The Saints probably received a wakeup call when they lost to the 7-9 Seahawks in the first round of the playoffs. The Saints are a good football team, but were one dimensional the entire year. In the NFC South, the Saints could easily slip out of relevancy if they don't address their shortcomings in the run game and on defense.

The Carolina Panthers are the worst team in football. They don't have five players on their roster who are currently legitimate NFL starters. Let the rebuilding begin.