Toughest Division In The AFC
Who has the toughest division in the NFL AFC?
The AFC has been dominated by the New England Patriots over the past decade, and with Tom Brady planning to play well into his 40s, they might dominate for another decade. Despite being the best team in the conference, the Patriots don’t play in the toughest division, which is why we are using this opportunity to determine the best division in the AFC.
AFC East
As previously mentioned, the Patriots own the division, but last season, the Miami Dolphins emerged as a playoff contender. This year, with Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill injured, the Patriots might once again be the only playoff team in the division. Current divisional betting odds posted at the Bovada sportsbook have the Patriots as 11-4 favorites to win the Super Bowl.
Last season, the AFC East finished 26-22 against the rest of the conference, but 11 of those wins came for the Patriots, who were clearly the best team in the league last year.
AFC North
This used to be the toughest division in the NFL, but the Ravens and Bengals were terrible last year, leaving the Steelers as the only team standing. This year, the Steelers, Ravens, and Bengals are expected to be in the playoff hunt so expect the division to return to being one of the toughest in the NFL.
Last season, the AFC North finished 22-26 against the AFC, thanks in large part to the Browns, who went 1-11 against the rest of the conference.
AFC South
This might not be the best division in the conference, but it is a very competitive one. The Texans will once again be the favorites, but the Titans and Colts are also expected to be in the mix once again.
Last season, the AFC South finished 20-28 against the rest of the AFC.
AFC West
This was without a doubt the best division in the AFC last year. Both the Raiders and Chiefs finished with 12 wins, and the Broncos also had nine, barely missing the playoffs. This year, some drop off is expected, but these teams will still be very good and tough to beat.
Last season, the AFC West went 28-20 against the rest of the AFC.
The AFC West was clearly the best division last year, and I expect them to be the best division in the conference once again this season.