Dan Graziano, a senior national reporter for ESPN, provides an insightful analysis of the NFL’s divisions in a recent report. Along the way, he’s expertly chronicled the whole league, breaking major trades and signings and tracking every major move as teams have played the regular season schedule. With the 2024 postseason approaching, Graziano aims to rank all eight divisions based on their likelihood of having all four teams qualify for the playoffs.
Take the NFC East as a prime example, as all four divisions members put together surprisingly successful and publicized 2022 seasons. Most impressively, the Washington Commanders had an 8-8-1 record, just on the outside looking in of the playoffs. The league is understandably excited about another historic, competitive season. Graziano’s analysis focuses on each division to determine which one stands the best shot of getting all its teams into the playoffs.
The Power of the NFC East
The NFC East came out as the deepest division overall in Graziano’s rankings, owing to the balanced competition between the teams. The division includes defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, who have one of the scariest rosters in football. Make no mistake, the Eagles’ success last season and their offseason moves have resoundingly raised the bar across the NFC East.
The Washington Commanders have contributed to this new competitive ecosystem. With second-year QB Jayden Daniels at the helm, they are on the cusp of making big waves this fall. With Daniels’ big-play performance stealing all the headlines, turning the Commanders—and potentially the XFL’s dark horse into the playoff race—into serious contenders.
Even with temporary struggles, both the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants will be wearing superhero capes from time to time. Graziano’s analysis indicates that if these teams can find consistency, the NFC East could see all four members reach the playoffs—a rare feat in today’s NFL landscape.
The Strength of the NFC North
Moving on to the NFC North, Graziano highlights Detroit and Minnesota as two of the top three teams based on their impressive records in 2024. Both franchises proved that they can adapt and overcome obstacles, molding them into a focus that should be considered dangerous contenders inside their respective division.
Head coach Dan Campbell’s handprint has been all over the Lions’ fiery revival this year. The Lions have become a mentally tough, aggressive team with a powerful offense and a much improved defense. If either team can get consistent strong performances, they can seal a fragile playoff position.
Similarly, Minnesota’s consistency cannot be overlooked. With a deep and experienced roster, they’ve been able to keep their toes in the water of one of the league’s best records all season long. Graziano’s assessment suggests that both teams are likely to compete fiercely for playoff berths, thereby enhancing the NFC North’s overall standing.
Analysis of Other Divisions
Other divisions command attention with their proven competitiveness. For others, the obstacles they face make it increasingly difficult to consistently send two or more teams to the playoff. The AFC West, led by the Kansas City Chiefs, showcases an explosive offense ranked at the top of the league. Their seventh ranked defense rounds out the equation, giving them balance and stability, and making them a perennially dangerous team.
Here’s what the Denver Broncos have done, though, with their third-ranked defense in the Football Power Index (FPI). Their offensive woes will most likely hold them back from having a special season this year. If they’re able to work out these kinks they might be the favorites to claim that last playoff spot.
On the other end of the spectrum, teams such as the Carolina Panthers are severely faltering. With an FPI ranking of 22nd in the country on offense and 27th on defense, the odds are stacked against them for a run at contention. Yet their inability to perform consistently and exceptionally will keep them from bursting through the noise in a noisy, cluttered, competitive space.
The New Orleans Saints have been one of the pleasant surprises with Spencer Rattler’s continued development under center. One, Graziano explains, is just how well Rattler actually is doing. This development would enhance the Saints’ playoff prospects, as they continue to push for a postseason berth.
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