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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Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Locker room exhibit with the jerseys of Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (not pictured), New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (not pictured), Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (not pictured) and Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos (not pictured) at the NFL Experience at Phoenix Convention Center in advance of Super Bowl XLIX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Locker room exhibit with the jerseys of Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (not pictured), New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (not pictured), Washington Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan (not pictured) and Philadelphia Eagles long snapper Jon Dorenbos (not pictured) at the NFL Experience at Phoenix Convention Center in advance of Super Bowl XLIX between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

5. NFC East

Divisions facing the NFC East in 2015: NFC South & AFC East

If this was based on primetime exposure, the AFC West would be all the way down at number 8 while the NFC East would easily claim the top spot. In 2014, the NFC East oligarchy was featured in 19 of the possible 55 prime time games, five more times than any other division.

The top two teams in the division both underwent major turnover during the offseason. Due to salary cap concerns, the division champion Dallas Cowboys were forced into a Sophie’s choice between keeping WR Dez Bryant and RB DeMarco Murray, eventually settling on Bryant. Murray instead went to the Eagles, where

insane alchemist

head coach Chip Kelly is trying to make things work with the tattered remains of Sam Bradford. Almost none of the Eagles offensive weapons are still in Philadelphia. Good thing they kept Riley Cooper.

One unifying factor for these teams is the fact that they have relatively anonymous defenses. The best one in 2014 was the 19th ranked Cowboys, who only needed to not break in order to allow Tony Romo and the offense to go crazy. Perhaps more time with Rod Marinelli will help The Cowboys defense to improve, but otherwise the division looks positively mediocre.

Next: AFC North

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