Which NFL Divisions Are Most Dominant in League?

There are always rivalries in the NFL, whether it be Chad Ochocinco looking to fight Shawne Merriman, Rex Ryan trying to supplant Bill Belichick or the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens seeing who can hit the other harder.

However, there has never been a divisional rivalry. By that I do not mean an inter-divisional rivalry such as the Jets and Patriots, but more a rivalry between two divisions.

It seems like a ludicrous notion that obviously would never develop into reality in real life because teams within divisions are rivals with each other. However, it is always interesting to match up rosters and even divisions on paper to see who comes out on top.

Here are the power rankings of each NFL division ahead of the 2011 NFL regular season:

*Power rankings are based on ESPN's preseason poll.

1. NFC South

ESPN TEAM AVERAGE—13.

It comes as no surprise to any football fan that the NFC South is the strongest all-around division in the league. With three potential playoff teams—and division winners—all in the mix, there is no argument in my mind that this division is the best in football right now.

2. NFC North

ESPN TEAM AVERAGE—14.25.

The division with the reigning champions and No. 1 overall team in the Green Bay Packers is also worthy of being called the second-best division in football. The upstart Detroit Lions by the end of the season could make this division the best in football if it takes a leap ahead of the Chicago Bears.

The Lions were 18th overall, but the arrow appears to only be pointing upwards as we enter the regular season. Each division is only as strong as its weakest link and the Minnesota Vikings don't hinder the team too much as they are the second highest of the worst ranked teams in each division coming in at 25th.

3. NFC East

ESPN TEAM AVERAGE—14.75.

The NFC East are represented well in ESPN's power rankings with the Philadelphia Eagles coming in at third overall while the New York Giants checked in at 11th overall. I do have some issues with this ranking considering ESPN's power rankings were done before the spate of injuries that plagued the Giants roster.

However, that is somewhat balanced off as I feel the Washington Redskins are harshly treated checking in at only 29th overall. The strength of their defense and running game should allow them to be respectable at least next season.

4. AFC East

ESPN TEAM AVERAGE—16.

This division really is a tale of two halves. Half the division is in the top 10 according to ESPN with the New England Patriots leading the way at second overall. The other half is is in the bottom 10 as the Dolphins only manage a 24 overall while the Bills are the second-worst team in the league apparently.

I have two qualms here. The Dolphins are being severely underrated because even with an average season from Chad Henne they could be pushing towards the top 10 on their running game and projected top-five defense alone while I will be surprised if the Jets can be the seventh-best team in the league with their misfit offense.

5. AFC South

ESPN TEAM AVERAGE—16.75

The South is the most intriguing division in the league because it wouldn't really be that much of a shock if any of the teams in the division won this year. They all have their issues and the Colts probably only hold their eighth overall ranking because of Peyton Manning.

The Colts could easily lose the division because each of the other teams in the league has a strong running game that could dominate their defense. The South is aided by the fact that their lowest ranked team is the highest of each cellar dweller for each division as the Titans check in at 22nd overall.

6. AFC North

ESPN TEAM AVERAGE—18.5

The AFC North has two teams in the top 10 with the Pittsburgh Steelers being fifth overall and the Baltimore Ravens being ninth. However, that is totally offset by the Cincinnati Bengals last-place finish and the Cleveland Browns only managing 28th overall. The Browns are better than their ranking but there is no arguing that the Bengals look like the worst team in the league.

7. AFC West

ESPN TEAM AVERAGE—18.5

*The AFC North was ranked higher because it had two teams ranked higher than the best team in the AFC West. 

The San Diego Chargers are harshly treated checking in at 10th overall and should be higher while the Oakland Raiders are surely a better team than 23rd overall even without Nnamdi Asomugha.

There is no arguing with the dead weight that is anchoring the division however as the Denver Broncos are lucky to even reach 27th. The Kansas City Chiefs had a respectable showing at 15th overall and being that they were a playoff team last year and improved during the offseason they probably should be higher.

8. NFC West

ESPN TEAM AVERAGE—20.25

This will come as no surprise to anyone either. The NFC West's highest representation on the ESPN power rankings is the St. Louis Rams in the lofty position of 15th. The Rams are a good team that could make some waves this year, but in comparison to top teams in other divisions they cannot compete.

The NFC West is a division full of mediocrity, while no team falls into the bottom six, they are still the worst division in football by some distance. Nobody can argue that!

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I also write for Irish Central and Fantasy Football Life.