Skip to main content
Advertising

Instant Debate

NFC South, NFC West among NFL's best divisions through Week 4

Through the first quarter of the 2015 season, one of the biggest surprises to unfold has been the collectively disappointing start of the NFC East -- a division that was expected to be one of the best in the league. Instead, the division is one of just two (along with the AFC South) that does not feature a single team with a winning record.

By contrast, the NFC South -- the only division to not feature a single team with a winning record for the season last year -- seems to be on the rise, headlined by a pair of undefeated squads in Atlanta and Carolina. In fact, in addition to boasting the most collective wins of any division (10), the NFC South is one of just two with two winning teams. The other? The AFC East, headed by the Patriots (3-0) and the Jets (3-1).

Through Week 4, which division has proven to be the best?

I would say the NFC South right now, surprisingly. By record, it's the best division because it boasts two undefeated teams. But that's what makes the NFL interesting. Your record might say you're the best, but any given Sunday, when you're playing the right team, anything can happen.

Even though nobody expected the Falcons and Panthers to be undefeated through the first quarter of the season, they are. They have elements that have been very impressive. Atlanta has been able to move the ball on anybody. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman are playing incredible football right now. Cam Newton is playing his best football, too. Because of these two teams, I've got to go with the NFC South. Top to bottom, the NFC West has some really good teams. Every time those four teams -- Arizona, Seattle, St. Louis and San Francisco -- play each other, it's a hard-fought game. Give Seattle time, and the Seahawks will be back at the top of that division. We can't forget that they have a lot of playoff experience in the last couple of years, so they're going to find a way to get it done. I'm going to have to say the AFC North. You have to start with the Bengals, who have been playing really well. Pittsburgh, even with Big Ben on the shelf for awhile, is still a strong team. Baltimore's record isn't strong, but I think the Ravens have some life after getting that first win in Week 4. They have the potential to turn things around. The Cleveland Browns have been putting up an average of 25 points per game in the last three games, and they've lost their last two by a combined 10 points. The NFC West is the best through the first four weeks. There are two teams, even after Arizona's loss Sunday, that are capable of going deep in the playoffs -- the Cardinals and Seahawks. But you've also got the St. Louis Rams, who are capable of beating those teams ... In fact, they already have. If you can beat the Cardinals and the Seahawks, you can beat anybody. The Rams just have to play like that every week, no matter who the opponent is.

There are three dangerous teams in that division that have to play each other twice. So far, these divisional games have been close and have come down to the final minutes. This division is tough. It's the AFC West. Not every team has a winning record through the first quarter of the season, but these teams are still getting better. The Broncos are undefeated, the Oakland Raiders are 2-2 and San Diego (2-2) is rolling, as well. The Chiefs are 1-3, but there's talent in Kansas City.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content