2025 NFL Divisional Power Rankings Which Division Reigns Supreme?
Ranking NFL divisions is never an easy task. Every season brings surprises, injuries, breakout performances, and playoff drama. Still, there are a few reliable indicators we can use to evaluate which divisions stand above the rest. How deep do teams go in the postseason? What are their win-loss records, both within and outside the division? How have offseason moves shaped their outlook heading into the new year?
As we approach the 2025 NFL season, it’s time to examine each division based on last season’s performance, key offseason developments, and overall trajectory. These rankings reflect not just postseason success but also regular-season consistency and interdivisional dominance.
Let’s dive into the 2025 NFL Divisional Power Rankings, starting with the best:
1. NFC East
Combined Record: 36-32 (.529)
Interdivisional Record: 24-20 (.545)
The NFC East solidified its place as the league’s top division by producing the Super Bowl champion—the Philadelphia Eagles. But this division’s success wasn’t limited to just one team. The NFC Championship Game featured two NFC East rivals: the Eagles and Washington Commanders, a testament to the depth of talent in this group.
The Eagles and Commanders combined for a 6-1 postseason record, with Washington’s only loss coming against Philly in the title game. Both teams are poised for another strong run in 2025.
Dallas enters the new season with Brian Schottenheimer at the helm and a healthy Dak Prescott, now bolstered by wideout George Pickens. The Giants are still rebuilding, but they’ve stacked their defensive line with stars like Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and rookie Abdul Carter.
This division faces tough interdivisional matchups against the NFC North and AFC West but remains the most competitive from top to bottom.
2. NFC North
Combined Record: 45-23 (.661)
Interdivisional Record: 33-11 (.750)
In terms of regular-season dominance, no division matched the NFC North in 2024. The Detroit Lions finished with 15 wins and the Minnesota Vikings racked up 14, while three teams exceeded 11 wins. Their stellar .750 win percentage outside the division highlights how dominant they were.
However, they faltered when it mattered most—an 0-3 playoff record and all losses coming by double digits. Still, the talent here is undeniable.
Detroit remains a Super Bowl contender, while Minnesota is strong but uncertain at quarterback with rookie J.J. McCarthy. Green Bay needs to show it can beat elite teams, and the Bears, with Ben Johnson as head coach and Caleb Williams behind a new-look offensive line, could surprise many.
Facing the NFC East and AFC North will truly test this division’s mettle in 2025.
3. AFC West
Combined Record: 40-28 (.588)
Interdivisional Record: 28-16 (.636)
The AFC West sent three teams to the playoffs in 2024, proving it’s more than just the home of the Kansas City Chiefs. While the Chiefs remain the league’s gold standard, newcomers like Jim Harbaugh (Chargers) and Sean Payton (Broncos) reinvigorated their teams and made playoff noise.
The Raiders made a big splash by hiring Pete Carroll, giving the division four coaches with Super Bowl or national championship pedigrees. That kind of leadership creates consistent competitiveness.
Interdivisional games against the NFC East and AFC South will offer a compelling measure of how much stronger the AFC West has become.
4. AFC North
Combined Record: 34-34 (.500)
Interdivisional Record: 22-22 (.500)
Two playoff teams emerged from the AFC North—Baltimore and Pittsburgh—but only the Ravens posed a legitimate threat. Baltimore continues to carry the division and remains a top-tier Super Bowl hopeful.
The Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, need to return to playoff form, while the Steelers are a borderline team still hoping for clarity at quarterback. Meanwhile, the Browns stumbled to a 3-14 record, dragging down the entire division’s average.
This division was the NFL’s strongest two years ago, and it still has the talent to return to that level.
5. NFC West
Combined Record: 34-34 (.500)
Interdivisional Record: 22-22 (.500)
Injuries derailed the 49ers, contributing to a down year for the NFC West. Yet, this division remains competitive.
The Rams came within seconds of an NFC Championship appearance. The Seahawks managed a 10-win season under Mike Macdonald and retooled their offense by moving on from Geno Smith and DK Metcalf, handing the reins to Sam Darnold. The Cardinals, under Jonathan Gannon, are quietly improving and could sneak into the playoff conversation.
A favorable schedule featuring the AFC South and NFC South could help this division rebound in 2025.
6. AFC East
Combined Record: 30-38 (.441)
Interdivisional Record: 18-26 (.409)
The Buffalo Bills continue to prop up a struggling division, winning five straight titles and reaching the 2024 AFC Championship despite a “down” year.
The Patriots, under Mike Vrabel, and the Jets, now led by Aaron Glenn, are still rebuilding. The Dolphins are competitive, but their inability to win in big moments holds them back.
Improvement is possible, but the AFC East still trails behind the NFL’s elite divisions.
7. NFC South
Combined Record: 28-40 (.412)
Interdivisional Record: 16-28 (.364)
The NFC South has struggled for years, and 2024 was no different. The Buccaneers dominated a weak division but were the first team since 2021 to win 10 games.
The Falcons have turned to Michael Penix Jr., while the Saints are heading into what looks like a long-overdue rebuild. The Panthers showed progress behind Bryce Young, but their defense remains suspect.
It’s hard to see a major turnaround in 2025.
8. AFC South
Combined Record: 25-43 (.367)
Interdivisional Record: 13-31 (.295)
Only the Houston Texans showed real promise in 2024. The Titans and Jaguars were bottom-feeders, with Tennessee drafting Cam Ward first overall and Jacksonville rebuilding around Travis Hunter.
The Colts face uncertainty with Anthony Richardson, but there’s potential if things break right. While there’s optimism, it’s safe to say this division has nowhere to go but up.