2009 NFL Divisional Power Rankings: NFC East or AFC South #1?

#1. NFC East
Top to bottom the NFC East is the best and toughest division in all of football for the 2009 NFL season. The Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins are all playoff worthy teams. The Redskins have a much improved defense with additions of Albert Haynesworth, rookie Brian Orakpo, and corner DeAngelo Hall. The Giants don't have a replacement for Plaxico, but they are still the favorite's in the East. The Eagles added offensive threats in Jeremy Maclin and running back LeSean McCoy. The Cowboys no longer have the cancer that is Terrell Owens, which should be a plus for the team in '09. The NFC East could easily get both of the NFC Wild Card spots and have the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. Although the AFC may have better teams, the strongest division in the NFL is the NFC East.

#2. AFC South
Many analysts do not consider the Texans or even defending champion Titans to be contenders, and would not agree that the AFC South is the second best division in football, but I beg to differ. The 2008 Houston Texans went 8-8 (for the 2nd year in a row) and will only be a better team in 2009. Matt Schaub has four fantastic weapons in Andre Johnson, Kevin Walter, running back Steve Slaton, and TE Owen Daniels. Slaton rushed for over 1200 yards and 9 touchdowns and was one of the biggest surprises in the NFL. The Texans have a great defense and added LB Brian Cushing who is expected to start in his first year. I would not be surprised if the Texans won the division outright. The Titans are already being written off as a one year wonder, but with new wide receivers Nate Washington and Kenny Britt look to solidify the Titans passing game with Pro Bowler Kerry Collins. The Colts should win the division as they finally have a promising backup for injury prone Addai in Donald Brown. The AFC South will provide at least two playoff contenders in 2009.

#3. NFC North
The NFC North has three potential playoff teams, and the worst franchise in all of sports. The Bears, Vikings, and Packers could all make a run at the NFC Championship. The Lions are a different story, but even with the 0-16 Lions in the division, the NFC North is at least the 3rd best conference in the NFL. Regardless of whether Favre comes back to the NFL to lead the Vikings to victory over the Packers, the Vikings will be a contender due to their defense. The Packers have a year wiser Aaron Rodgers and a much improved defense. The Bears now have a Pro Bowl quarterback in Jay Cutler, but do they have the wide receivers to win the NFC North. This division is up for grabs with no clear top contender, but all three teams have a great chance to take the division, and I wouldn't be surprised if at least one of the wild cards came out of this division.

#4. NFC South
The NFC South is the most underrated division in all of the NFL. Although the Buccaneers are expected to have a down year, with Derrick Ward, Earnest Graham, and Antonio Bryant at their offenses disposal, I wouldn't count them out. Aside from the Bucs, the NFC South has the up and coming Atlanta Falcons, Drew Brees led Saints, and the defending NFC South Champion Carolina Panthers. Out of the Falcons, Saints, and Panthers, I like the Falcons to take the division, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Saints made it a close race.

#5. AFC North
The AFC North has the defending Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, and that's about it. Baltimore's over/under line on regular season wins is set at 8.5 according to Sportsbook.com. Star receiver Derrick Mason surprisingly announced his sudden retirement that took everyone off guard. Although their defense is still one of the best in the league, their offense may struggle due to a lack of weapons available. The Steelers should easily win the AFC North. The Bengals and the Browns are not only at the bottom of the AFC North, but they are at the bottom of the entire NFL. The AFC North race will come down to the Steelers and Ravens unless the Browns or Bengals can make an unexpected run.

#6. AFC East
Sorry Jets and Dolphin fans, the AFC East is a one team division in 2009. The Dolphins drew one of, if not the toughest schedule in all of football, and the Jets have a difficult decision to make at quarterback and several disgruntled running backs. Even though the Bills picked up future HOF Terrell Owens, I don't expect the Bills to have any luck at all in '09. The Patriots are the overall favorite to win the Super Bowl and for good reason. The Patriots added offensive players in Joey Galloway and running back Fred Taylor who will help out both on and off the field with the younger players. The Jets, and the Dolphins will fail to win more than 9 games, if that many. The AFC East will have a down year after a great 2008 season.

#7. NFC West
The 2008 NFC West was a combined 22-42, good enough for the worst in all of the NFL. The Cardinals will have a great regular season record due to their weak schedule. If the Cards can work things out with Anquan Boldin, they will easily dominate the West and may make a deep run in the playoffs once again. I don't like the Rams, Seahawks, or 49ers chances to get over 7 wins. The Cardinals are the only team that will get any respect in '09.

#8. AFC West
First team to .500 wins! The AFC West surprisingly is not the worst division in football, but they are bad enough to be. The Broncos, Raiders, and Chiefs could combine for less wins than the Patriots. The Chargers could get to 10 wins, but they may only need 7 or 8 to win the AFC West. The Chargers should run away, and could sweep the entire division.