Best Shark Tank division on paper for next season?

[Pats]

Who do you guys think which division will have the best teams for a division next season? I think it has to be the NFC West with the 49ers losing the superbowl ad upgrading their receiver corps with boldin, Seattle for being close to a NFC championship game last year and adding some defensive players and percy harvin, Rams for being pretty decent last year and adding some good players in the off season plus lots of draft picks. And arizona will still probably suck.

Maybe the NFC North with the bears, packers,lions and vikings can challenge that but on paper I think it has to be the NFC West.

[T3hRaven]

The AFC North will always be competitive, just because of the bad blood between the Steelers and everyone else. Plus the Bengals will keep giving us some competition, they're a solid young team, and the Browns have gotten better. The NFC North will continue to be competitive, with all the talent they have there.

I think it's safe to say the NFC West will be the best division next year. Harbaugh is a proven winner and Carroll's second stint in the NFL has been incredibly successful. I think there's still bad blood between those two from their college coaching days, and that's going to be a fun rivalry for the NFL. You can't look at those Seattle off-season acquisitions and not be impressed. One of the best defenses in the NFL got a whole lot better. And if Fisher can get something out of Bradford, St. Louis will be a competitive team. In closing, Arians picked a terrible place to take his first NFL job.

[hawkprey]

I'm going on a limb and saying the AFC South. I don't see why any of the teams would be on the decline next year. The QB situation is weak, but that means it's only getting better. The Colts can be competitors and the Texans are tough. It's up to the Titans to improve their defense and the Jags to find a QB. You would expect MJD to have a better year this year, and Chris Johnson could have a big season if the Titans draft some better linemen.

They also play the easy AFC West. We'll see how they do against the NFC West (which is probably the most overrated division at this point).

[RavensAllTheWay]

The AFC South plays the AFC [i]West[/i], not East. They play both Western divisions.

[Pats]

Yeah AFC East is is easy but i'm interested in the phin's this year, maybe they can get to 10-6 or 9-7, tannehill needs some improvement though

[Gordo52]

NFC North & NFC West.

[berad]

I'll say AFC West.

Broncos should be strong again, at least until Peyton hangs it up.

The Chargers can rebound with a new coaching staff, Rivers is a good QB.

The Chiefs have potential and maybe Alex Smith and Andy Reid can make them competitive.

The Raiders - EH - but they have some pieces; need a QB, though.

[hawkprey]

[quote name='RavensAllTheWay' timestamp='1363667152' post='1404441']
The AFC South plays the AFC [i]West[/i], not East. They play both Western divisions.
[/quote] You're right. I meant West. "Easy AFC East" just flows better. Must've been too tempting to write. I do think the AFC West is easy though.

[reediddy]

Without a doubt the NFC West, though I can see the Seahawks running away with that division and the 49ers regressing to an extent, with Rams being intermittently competitive as they are without a true #1 WR/RB to accompany Bradford.

Other than that there should be some good battles in the AFC West with Miami's upgrades. NFC South will be pretty fierce (Cam is gonna take over this year).

AFCN will be competitive as well, I don't think the Steelers will just fall off. Brownies are upgraded on paper (let me emphasize that) but should still provide some good battles. Bengals are a fringe playoff team at best

[Sizzlebshu]

[quote name='T3hRaven' timestamp='1363664717' post='1404378']
The AFC North will always be competitive, just because of the bad blood between the Steelers and everyone else. Plus the Bengals will keep giving us some competition, they're a solid young team, and the Browns have gotten better. The NFC North will continue to be competitive, with all the talent they have there.

I think it's safe to say the NFC West will be the best division next year. Harbaugh is a proven winner and Carroll's second stint in the NFL has been incredibly successful. I think there's still bad blood between those two from their college coaching days, and that's going to be a fun rivalry for the NFL. You can't look at those Seattle off-season acquisitions and not be impressed. One of the best defenses in the NFL got a whole lot better. And if Fisher can get something out of Bradford, St. Louis will be a competitive team. In closing, Arians picked a terrible place to take his first NFL job.
[/quote]
I disagree, if anyone can turn the Cards around, its Arians. He really does have a lot more to work with than one might think. He can easily fix the oline through the draft and Im sure he can turn one of the draft picks or the carousel of QBs over there into a competent starter with Larry Fitz, Michael Floyd, and a healthy and improved o-line. The cards defense also has a lot of talent.

[Dudeman]

I think the NFC South could be a dark horse next year. I think Cam Newton rebounds after a little bit of a perceived "sophmore slump", and Matt Ryan is going to do a pretty spot on impersonation of Eli Manning and Joe Flacco to get a little more r.e.s.p.e.c.t. Did I mention Drew Brees is no slouch, and even Freeman could get hot at the right time.

The Popular pick has to be the NFC West, and its about time that division has been anything but a feeder division. Seattle is looking stronger and stronger and if they play on the same page they can beat anyone in the league. The Rams are quietly getting more and more talented, and the 49ers are obviously most people early Super Bowl favorites. Arizona is a bit of a question mark though, this really depends on how quickly Drew Stanton can develope.

My pick has to be our division. We have the reigning Super Bowl champion and we will be chippy enough to prove they still have what it takes without Ray Lewis. We have some of the best defenses in football, and I believe despite appearances that the Ravens will improve next season in that department. The Bengals and Browns never roll over for anyone, and the Steelers are always a hurdle as a rule. Heck I think the Browns could give peopel a lot of trouble with a true number one receiver.

[RavensReign]

You had to make a post for this ? You already knew the answer, anyone that follows football would know the answer, NFC West.

[redrum52]

The NFC West is an easy answer but without the draft and FA still going on I'll throw out the NFC North. Bears were an o line from being a true contender. Plenty lineman in this draft. The Packers need to stop letting people run up Madden numbers on the defense and they're good too. Aaron Rodgers to me is hands down the best qb in the league and Cutler will look better when he has a full 3 seconds to look downfield without pressure. The Lions could also bounce back while the Vikings are on the way up. Who knows what they do with the extra pick now. Another division that could surprise people is the NFC South. Another solid draft on defense and if they can manage the Revis trade the secondary is almost locked up. The offense is straight to me. Might just need some speed and to me that's easily a 3 team division.

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

NFC North, NFC East, or AFC North

[Jalxsu]

The AFC North will probably be the weakest. The Jets and Bills will be two of the weakest in the league, the Pats will still be strong, and the Fins could be great, could be awful.

The NFC West is the obvious answer, but I won't pick it because they have the obvious whipping boys in the Cards.

I think the NFC South could be the strongest because all the teams have the quality to beat each other.

The Saints will be strong again with Payton back in charge, the Falcons are clearly going to be challenging for the Superbowl, the Panthers showed huge improvement in the second half of last season, and if the Bucs sort out their secondary, they could be real dark horses.

[Yatagarasu]

NFC North...
Bears got a top ten defense and should get better on offense
Packers are annual contenders
Vikings had a revival last year with AP going beast mode
Lions are in trouble, so their draft has to be perfect. Trading down is their best option,

NFC West...
Seattle and San Francisco are in an arms race.
St. Louis still have two 1st rounders and got Jake Long.
Arizona is in for a rough year with Palmer at the helm.

AFC South...
Texans still have the same team that won the last two division titles.
Indy spent a lot of money to improve their roster.
Titans have an underrated defense, but once they get CJ2K back, then they could be a tough team.
Jags probably going to tank another season.

NFC East...
This division is a crapshoot since anyone can take 1st place, including Chip Kelly's Eagles.

[Jalxsu]

I was in the process of writing this up in a different thread... but it didn't really fit, so decided to post my views on each division for the upcoming season.

---------------------------

Everyone is expecting the NFC West to be dominated by the Seahawks/49ers for the foreseeable future, but the Rams are on the rise, and if the Cards keep drafting well (and hopefully improve on Carson Palmer in the draft next year), I think it could be one of the most even divisions in the not too distant future.

In actual fact, I can't see any team running away with their division next year.

I think the Patriots will win the AFC East, but I love how the Dolphins have complemented their free agency picks ups with such a strong draft. I finally feel that we have a team who could seriously challenge the Patriots recent dominance of the East.

The Bengals should challenge us, and whilst I don't rate the Steelers this year, it's dangerous to count them out.

I don't think the Colts will end up with as good a record as last year, and I don't think the Texans will either. I pick the Titans as the dark horse here - I love what they did in free agency.

I think they Chiefs will be a completely different team next year. Many picked them to make the playoffs last year, but it just didn't work. Peyton Manning is a genius, but he is getting older, and this is probably his last serious chance at getting a ring as a starter. The Broncos could walk it, but I'm not convinced.

The NFC East is always a pretty close battle, and the Eagles could make a real challenge again if Chip Kelly can work some magic. The Giants and Cowboys are always making a challenge for the playoffs. Now the Redskins are a team that has so many question marks. Without RG3 and Alfred Morris, they don't have much (although Fred Davis will be back). I do wonder if they were a one season wonder.

If the Packers have finally managed to get a running game, they could walk it, but the Vikings have drafted some real quality. The Lions have a lot of talent on their team, but need to turn it in to wins, and the Bears under new management will be interesting to watch.

The South is the division I'm really excited to watch. Sean Payton is back, and they have made some real improvements to their secondary.... and talking about improvements to the secondary, look no further than the Buccs! Revis Island is coming to Tampa, and Dashon Goldson is no slouch. They looked a real force in the middle of last season, then it all just collapsed. And don't count out the Panthers either. Their second half of the season was impressive, and they drafted two stud defensive tackles in Star and Short. With Luke Kuechly and AK47 behind them, I can't see anyone getting much success in the run game.

So yeah - can't wait for the season to start. I feel a bit wrong wishing the Summer away (especially as we only seem to get about one week of nice weather per year over here), but I just want my football back!

[Cville-Raven]

NFC west which will be won by Earl Thomas and his "Legion of Boom". 

[easternshore97]

Yeah AFC East is is easy but i'm interested in the phin's this year, maybe they can get to 10-6 or 9-7, tannehill needs some improvement though

 

I'd belive it when I see it. AFC East playing AFC North sounds like 4 losses for Miami - especially if that Cleveland game is in Cleveland. I remember a few years back in the infamous Big Ben Fumble in the Endzone That Should Have Cost Pitt The Game but rather Refs Ruled it for Pitt Game, that was in Miami. Hard to see them winning at Heinz - but it is the NFL and those moments happen to the best of 'em.

 

Plus going 0-2 against the Pats cause they always roll over for them. Even back in th day when they had J Taylor and Zach they would let it slip away (talking about the famous Jason Taylor quote after going up to New England and getting beat). And then there's no reason to bet money that they do better than 3-1 against the other teams in the division.

 

Easier question is what divisions won't be the best: AFC East, AFC South, AFC West,

 

Leaves AFC and NFC North. Doubt all teams in NFC North will be tough. Tempting to think that NFC East and South will all be competitive but there will be some 8-8 and 7-9 teams in there. Jeff Fisher is bringing a new mentality to the Rams and Seattle is a tough place to play - almost foretells of an 8-0 home record. San Fran is a 9-7 team at worst but doubt Arizona can push any of the other teams

 

AFC North will be tough becuase at worst, Baltimore is 9-7, Pitt won't just disapper, and Cleveland never gets blown out even when they lose all 6 division games. Cincy is on the up and up. All teams in the division could very well go 3-3

 

AFC North gets my vote

[flaccopoe]

If Arizona can fix its QB chaos, then the NFC West will the toughest division, hands down.  They were able to beat NE without a proper QB.  I also expect STL to bloom nicely.  The Bradford injury really handicapped them: they were 2 division wins from winning the division!

[easternshore97]

If Arizona can fix its QB chaos, then the NFC West will the toughest division, hands down.  They were able to beat NE without a proper QB.  I also expect STL to bloom nicely.  The Bradford injury really handicapped them: they were 2 division wins from winning the division!

 

Yeah but that was in Week 2. Weeks 1 and 2 are consistently the wackiest of the NFL season.

[flaccopoe]

Yeah but that was in Week 2. Weeks 1 and 2 are consistently the wackiest of the NFL season.

 

STL also beat NE.

[SteelersProphet]

I think it has to be ours right

 

the NFC West is not even close

 

Ravens are better than 49ers(your rings the proof)

 

Bengals are equal or better than the Seahawks

 

Steelers are much better than the rams(even comparing them bothers me)

 

Browns are equal or better than the cardinals

 

and the NFC North is closer but still doesn't cut it

 

Ravens are better than the Packers(your ring proves it)

 

Bengals are better than the Bears

 

Steelers are better than the Vikings

 

Browns and Lions are both teams that should be better but never are....Equal

 

so I think the AFC North is the toughest

[GrimCoconut]

I think it has to be ours right

the NFC West is not even close

Ravens are better than 49ers(your rings the proof)

Bengals are equal or better than the Seahawks

Steelers are much better than the rams(even comparing them bothers me)

Browns are equal or better than the cardinals

and the NFC North is closer but still doesn't cut it

Ravens are better than the Packers(your ring proves it)

Bengals are better than the Bears

Steelers are better than the Vikings

Browns and Lions are both teams that should be better but never are....Equal

so I think the AFC North is the toughest

The North has gotten really competitive recently. A team like the Browns look more formidable than ever and it's surprising to say that. They still lack a QB and that's what separates the Texans from the Steelers and Ravens. You can have an excellent defense but you must have a franchise quarterback. Shaub isn't.

The AFC South will be highly competitive this year. The Titans have a shot to challenge the other teams with that revamped offensive line. The Texans have a terrific defense but I'm just not sold on Shaub. They have a great chance to win the division but so do the Colts.

I honestly think the Ravens win this division. No offense to the Steelers. They can beat the Ravens even with their losses this year. I just think we're too talented. Now if something happens to Flap or Smith or Rice or even Pitta we might have a problem. The offensive line we have should help protect guys like Flacco and Rice.

[SteelersProphet]

I honestly think the Ravens win this division. No offense to the Steelers. They can beat the Ravens even with their losses this year. I just think we're too talented. Now if something happens to Flap or Smith or Rice or even Pitta we might have a problem. The offensive line we have should help protect guys like Flacco and Rice.

 

I Agree Its the ravens division to lose

 

you are the champs.....Steelers Fans always say your the champs until somebody else is(usually when we are the champs) and that's the truth

 

but we are not going to make it easy, a lot of ravens fans think the bengals are your biggest threat to the division but I think we have a good year.

 

now who knows but this division has always been a fight and I don't see that changing this year.

[Yatagarasu]

The North has gotten really competitive recently. A team like the Browns look more formidable than ever and it's surprising to say that. They still lack a QB and that's what separates the Texans from the Steelers and Ravens. You can have an excellent defense but you must have a franchise quarterback. Shaub isn't.

The AFC South will be highly competitive this year. The Titans have a shot to challenge the other teams with that revamped offensive line. The Texans have a terrific defense but I'm just not sold on Shaub. They have a great chance to win the division but so do the Colts.

I honestly think the Ravens win this division. No offense to the Steelers. They can beat the Ravens even with their losses this year. I just think we're too talented. Now if something happens to Flap or Smith or Rice or even Pitta we might have a problem. The offensive line we have should help protect guys like Flacco and Rice.

 

Poor Jaguars...

[GrimCoconut]

Poor Jaguars...

Lol you noticed they huh? Yeah, they are clearly one of the worst teams in the NFL. They have two good offensive tackles at least. They have some nice offensive weapons. They have nothing at quarterback and have a rather weak defense overall.

They are clearly Blowing for Bridgewater/Boyd?

[descent into the maelstrom]

I think it has to be ours right

 

the NFC West is not even close

 

Ravens are better than 49ers(your rings the proof)

 

Bengals are equal or better than the Seahawks

 

Steelers are much better than the rams(even comparing them bothers me)

 

Browns are equal or better than the cardinals

 

and the NFC North is closer but still doesn't cut it

 

Ravens are better than the Packers(your ring proves it)

 

Bengals are better than the Bears

 

Steelers are better than the Vikings

 

Browns and Lions are both teams that should be better but never are....Equal

 

so I think the AFC North is the toughest

Nice analysis and lol at having to compare the Rams to the Steelers - that really does seem completely inappropriate. 

[SteelersProphet]

Nice analysis and lol at having to compare the Rams to the Steelers - that really does seem completely inappropriate. 

 

Thank you, it has been said a lot by commentators and others that the NFC west is this big bad division.

 

I don't see it......the seahawks had a good year by their standards but middle of the road year by the ravens or steelers standards.

 

the 49ers are a good team but they lost to the ravens in the superbowl. so who's better isn't even debatable IMO

 

the rams played tough football last year which is good, but they haven't proven they can win consistently

 

and the cardinals are hoping carson palmer is all they needed to be a winner. But they thought that guy was Kevin Kolb, and I think they are going to be disappointed again.

 

commentators and analysts always jump the gun......

[GrimCoconut]

Thank you, it has been said a lot by commentators and others that the NFC west is this big bad division.

I don't see it......the seahawks had a good year by their standards but middle of the road year by the ravens or steelers standards.

the 49ers are a good team but they lost to the ravens in the superbowl. so who's better isn't even debatable IMO

the rams played tough football last year which is good, but they haven't proven they can win consistently

and the cardinals are hoping carson palmer is all they needed to be a winner. But they thought that guy was Kevin Kolb, and I think they are going to be disappointed again.

commentators and analysts always jump the gun......

The thing about the NFCW is any of those teams could win that division. From top to bottom they have one of the most even divisions in football. Remember last year when the Cardinals looked to possibly go to the playoffs? The Seahawks are clearly talented. The Niners are well known as a talented team. The Rams played quietly well. That's what makes their division such a "shark tank" division. Any of those teams could win it.

The AFCN isn't quite like that. The Browns are getting better but I can't say they win the division. I don't think the Bengals are good enough to win the division either. As for the Steelers...wr all know they can contend even when they look weak.