2023/24 NFL season: Ranking the strongest divisions

Last season, only one NFL division sent three teams to the playoffs.

It can be difficult to gage which NFL division is the strongest, given every team plays six games per season against division opponents, effectively taking wins away from eachother.

The cream usually rises to the top, however, as typically one division per year will send three teams to the playoffs, or have a set of 10+ win teams. 

Odds can also be used to determine which division is the strongest, as some divisions, like the NFC West, have a clear favorite to come first in 2023/24. 

Several divisions look like they could be won by several teams, so we take a look at the most competitive NFL divisions ahead of the new season.

AFC North

The AFC North has been won by the Cincinnati Bengals for the last two years, but their dominance may come to an end this season.

They are +140 to go all the way for the third time in a row, but Joe Burrow's fitness will be crucial to their chances.

The Bengals QB is currently nursing a calf injury, and if he misses a significant spell of the season, the Bengals may be playing catch up.

At +225, the Baltimore Ravens offer good value, especially with Lamar Jackson now under contract for the foreseeable future, and he also has Odell Beckham Jr. to target after his off-season switch.

The Cleveland Browns won seven games last year, but if they can get more out of Deshaun Watson, they are likely to give readers a run for their money at +350.

Last but not least is the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are +550 outsiders despite ending last season with a 9-8 record.

The AFC North is arguably the strongest division this season, and it could go down to the wire if Burrow misses the first few matches.

AFC East

The AFC East got really interesting in April when the New York Jets traded for Aaron Rodgers. 

The former Green Bay Packers quarterback instantly makes the Jets contenders in the AFC East, but they are still +240 to clinch the division.

Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills have owned the AFC East since 2020, winning three titles in a row, and a fourth success is priced at +120.

The Miami Dolphins' roster is stacked with talent, and at +300, they are good value, especially when they have gotten the better of the Jets for the last few years.

Bringing up the rear is the New England Patriots at +800.

The Pats used to be odds-on for the AFC East, and even though they are not as good as they were, coach Bill Belichick can never be written off, and he will no doubt have a plan up his sleeve.

NFC East

Three teams in the NFC East made the playoffs last season, and that could happen again if results fall in their favour.

The Philadelphia Eagles reached the Super Bowl, and odds of -120 suggest they should be too strong for their rivals and get the job done in the division.

The Dallas Cowboys are another strong candidate at +180, and while the New York Giants are +700, they, too, made the playoffs last season.

The Washington Commanders are classed as the outsiders at +1200, but their new ownership should breathe life into them going forward.

NFC North

The NFC North title race is the closest in terms of odds, with the biggest price only +400, but it is hard to know what to expect from two teams who are going through rebuilds.

Dan Campbell's Detroit Lions are the +130 favorites to win the crown after a progressive few years, closely followed by Minnesota Vikings at +280, who claimed a playoff spot in 2022.

Last season, the Chicago Bears finished with a 3-14 record, but they have made some impressive additions and are the same price at +400 as the Green Bay Packers.

With Rodgers gone, Jordan Love is now the boss in Green Bay, but can he cut it? Odds of +400 suggest there could be hope yet for the Cheeseheads, but any of the four could win the title come January.