NFL Power Rankings: 5 Teams Who Are a Lock to Win Their Division

Of the eight division winners in 2009, only two managed to repeat as division champs in 2010. Five of the other six missed out on the playoffs entirely.

The point: it's kinda hard to predict which teams are going to win their respective divisions on a yearly basis. In fact, it's nigh impossible.

But, as any fool worth his salt would do, I'm going to give it a shot. And to make things even more interesting, what I'm going to do here is list five teams who are locks to win their divisions.

Behold!

5. Baltimore Ravens, AFC North

The last time the Ravens won the AFC North was back in 2006, when Steve McNair was under center. They promptly lost in the first round of the playoffs.

This year, I foresee the Ravens ending their short division title-less streak. They can still play the great defense that we've come to know and love during the Ray Lewis era, and this could be the year Joe Flacco finally turns Baltimore's offense into an elite unit.

But indeed, why should they be favored over the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Well, an easier schedule for one. If you take a look, you'll see that the Ravens actually have the second-easiest schedule in the league this year. And unlike the Steelers, the Ravens don't have to play the New England Patriots.

It's only one game, but that could be all the Ravens need.

4. Arizona Cardinals, NFC West

The Cardinals were easily one of the worst teams in the league last year, and it was particularly depressing to watch their quarterbacks.

To solve that, they went out and got Kevin Kolb, and the early returns in the preseason have been quite positive. Don't look know, but Arizona's offense looks like it could be dangerous once again.

If it is, the NFC West is not going to be close. The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks both look dreadful, and I'm of the opinion that the St. Louis Rams need one more year before they're ready.

So if the Cardinals' offense can live up to the hype, the division will be theirs for the taking.

3. San Diego Chargers, AFC West

As per usual, the Chargers underachieved in 2010. Only this time, San Diego's bumbling was much worse, and it ultimately allowed the Kansas City Chiefs to grab the AFC West title.

That's not going to happen again. Led by Philip Rivers, the Chargers have one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, and they went out and made improvements to a defense that was already pretty solid. They also seem to have fixed their special teams, which was their Achilles heel in 2010.

As for the rest of the division, the Chiefs will be humbled by a very tough schedule, the Oakland Raiders will be undone by their secondary and the Denver Broncos are still rebuilding.

As a result, the division will belong to the Chargers.

2. New England Patriots, AFC East

The Patriots' 2010 campaign ended in disappointing fashion, but there's no denying that they were the best team in the league during the regular season. They went 14-2, and won the AFC East for the seventh time in eight years.

This year, you can expect more than the same. Tom Brady and his merry band of dirt dogs will crush opposing defenses, and New England's own defense will merely have to hold the line.

The Pats do have some pretty tough games lined up, but methinks that's not going to be an issue. They're just too good.

1. Philadelphia Eagles, NFC East

And then we come to the Eagles, the NFL's very own answer to the Miami Heat, the Justice League and the Avengers. Combined.

If all goes according to plan, the Eagles are going to have an amazing season. Michael Vick is at the head of an offense that is loaded at each of the skill positions, and the defense has a secondary that other teams would kill for.

But for what it's worth, I do think the Eagles are going to have their struggles. I highly doubt Vick is going to be as good as he was last season, and I think Philly's front seven is going to scare nobody.

That said, the Eagles are head and shoulders above the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins. The three of them will not challenge the Eagles for the NFC East crown.

Are the Eagles overrated? You better believe it.

But are the Eagles the best team in the NFC East? You better believe that too.