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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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Nov 9, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Chicago Bears line up for a play during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Chicago Bears line up for a play during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

3. NFC North

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

If there is one overriding theme that defines the NFC North, it is the unbelievable talent at the offensive skill positions. No other division in the NFL comes close to competing with the deep range of talent that the North has. It can be soundly argued that the NFC North has the best quarterback in the league (Packers QB Aaron Rodgers), the best running back (Vikings RB Adrian Peterson) and the best wide receiver (Lions WR Calvin Johnson).

Rodgers returns as reigning MVP, and joining him in the division are running backs Peterson, Eddie Lacy and Matt Forte, wide receivers Johnson, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Alshon Jeffrey, and a deep host of other ball carriers and receivers that make the division a nightmare for opposing defenses.

There are unfortunately two major drawbacks.

  1. The NFC North lost it’s best defensive player – Detroit Loins DT Ndamukong Suh – to the Miami Dolphins.
  2. The division has only one dominant team in the Green Bay Packers.

However, the Lions will continue to compete and the Vikings look to rise rapidly in the conference, meaning the Packers may not be alone for long.

Next: AFC East

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