Everyone's been talking about how bad the "NFC Least" is. And since I cover that division full-time for Bleacher Report, this is my chance to break from the depression and take a look at some of the stronger divisions in the NFL. Let's rank the divisions from top to bottom, seven weeks in:
1. AFC West
Winning % vs. the rest of the NFL: .726 (16-5)
Points differential: +186
Winning teams: 3
It's easy to forget about San Diego, but the Chargers are 4-2 in interdivisional games. The Chiefs and Broncos have been the best two teams in football and San Diego might have a shot at a playoff spot as well. The Raiders aren't good, but they also aren't terrible.
2. NFC West
Winning % vs. the rest of the NFL: .667 (12-6)
Points differential: +60
Winning teams: 2
Everyone figured this division would be the best in 2013, and they've been close. The problem is that San Francisco stumbled a bit out of the gate, while St. Louis and Arizona have probably been worse than their records would indicate (they're both 3-4).
3. NFC South
Winning % vs. the rest of the NFL: .389 (7-11)
Points differential: +65
Winning teams: 1
I actually believe Tampa Bay is better than its record, and Atlanta definitely is. The Panthers are flying under the radar and the Saints are heavy hitters. This division is stronger than the NFC North and AFC East, despite what the numbers say right now.
4. NFC North
Winning % vs. the rest of the NFL: .500 (9-9)
Points differential: -4
Winning teams: 3
Minnesota is really bad and the Bears are falling off (thanks partly to injuries), but Detroit and Green Bay look strong. Despite what the numbers say, this is an above-average division.
5. AFC East
Winning % vs. the rest of the NFL: .588 (10-7)
Points differential: -27
Winning teams: 2
I'm keeping them below the NFC North because all four teams have been inconsistent. Plus, I don't trust anyone in this division, including New England.
6. AFC North
Winning % vs. the rest of the NFL: .474 (9-10)
Points differential: -35
Winning teams: 1
The Bengals are good, and they're really starting to peak. But even they're prone to some dog games, and the Ravens and Steelers have lost a lot of luster. The Browns are bad, as is this division as a whole.
7. AFC South
Winning % vs. the rest of the NFL: .333 (8-16)
Points differential: -163
Winning teams: 1
The Jaguars are the worst team in football, the Texans have been an utter disappointment and the Titans are coming back to earth. The Colts save the division, but that isn't enough.
8. NFC East
Winning % vs. the rest of the NFL: .294 (5-12)
Points differential: -104
Winning teams: 1
I actually think this division has better teams than the three AFC divisions ahead of it, but they haven't shown me enough. A lot of talent in Dallas, Washington and Philadelphia, and the Giants were reigning Super Bowl champs just a year ago. I don't think the NFC East will finish the season in dead last.