Fansided

NFL Preview: Ranking each division by strength

By Luke Dahlgren

Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Kurt Coleman (27) and safety Ron Parker (38) break up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 19-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Kurt Coleman (27) and safety Ron Parker (38) break up a pass intended for San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates (85) in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 19-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

6. AFC West

Divisions facing the AFC West in 2015: AFC North & NFC North

Like the Indianapolis Colts, the Denver Broncos have enjoyed a lock on their division for the past few years. Unlike the Colts, the end is drawing near for the Broncos. With Peyton Manning closing in on retirement age

The AFC West is a division of stagnation. After years of quick additions through free agency and trades, the Broncos have started to lose more than they have gained, such as players like TE Julius Thomas and S Rahim Moore.

The Chargers seem content to throw Philip Rivers out there on the field with a fairly anonymous group of skill players and a league average defense. To be fair, the Chargers did add Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon in the draft, but it waits to be seen if he can produce like he did with the Badgers. And the Chiefs will have a similar lineup to 2014, when they had the least dynamic team of anyone with a winning record.

The only team that appears to be committed to building is the Oakland Raiders, and even with the promise of Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack, they are a long way away from even sniffing at competing for an AFC playoff spot. The division is not lacking for talent, but they have not gotten any better and their supposed leader is on the decline.

Next: NFC East

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