The NFC West has taken the name of the 'Hardest Division in the NFL" for years. But with many teams filling up their rosters with talents and many great players retiring, this has changed from the NFC West to the AFC North and here's why:
1. The AFC North has three top receivers.
The AFC North has two guaranteed 1,000 yard receiver in Antonio Brown and AJ Green if they stay healthy. The division also has Josh Gordon, who hasn't played in two years but is expected to put up big numbers regardless.
2. RGIII will put up a bigger fight than most will expect.
RGII was beginning to be called a bust by some and for a while it was looking to be true. Although, the very few who remained loyal to RGIII might have bragging rights by the end of this season. In Preseason week 2, RGIII went six for eight passing and threw two touchdowns to no interceptions. I think the Browns will take a major step in the right direction to at least compete for third place in the very competitive division.
3. Three of the four quarterbacks are elite or close to it.
There is not argument that Big Ben is an all time great signal caller who will end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame once he is eligible after retirement. While most don't consider Andy Dalton elite, he does put up astounding numbers, especially towards the beginning of the season. Last season, up until week six or seven Dalton was considered a legitiment pick for MVP. Think how you may, statistics don't lie and the stats do in fact show Dalton to be elite or at least close to it. Then there's Joe Flacco, who is 100 percent elite and has a cannon for an arm but is highly under rated. He may not put up Tom Brady numbers but he does win games.
4. The Ravens aren't as injured this year.
The AFC North seems to always be a footrace and the team in the lead is usually only leading by one game. The Ravens last year had 20 players on the Injury Reserve, more than any other team. With man key players coming back for them, I believe the Ravens will add to this foot race and make the AFC North race as tight as it has ever been.
5. The NFC West has fallen off the map.
This one is no secret. A few years back it was hard to tell who would win between Seattle, San Francisco and Arizona. But now with San Francisco completely off the map for the next few years, and they Seahawks having one of the worst offensive lines in football and losing key players such as Marshawn Lynch and Bruce Irving, this division is now longer king. Los Angeles has a lot to prove and Seattle is a border 10 win team. This division has nose dived with Arizona the only really good team remaining.
