One of the standout aspects of the NFL—and, honestly, even more pronounced in college football—is rivalry. There’s this palpable hatred that fuels competition in sports, and it’s pretty intense.
Every team has a clear rival within its own circle. The six matchups each season bring fresh dynamics, and it’s always a thrill to watch how these contests play out, especially considering their significance and intensity.
But teams have different rivalries too. Sometimes, it’s just about how often they meet. Take the Indianapolis Colts and New England Patriots during the Payton Manning and Tom Brady era, for instance.
On another note, geographical rivalries also exist. Teams sharing a region aim to be the top dog in their area, even without any direct affiliations or meetings with other teams.
Speaking of which, Michael Peterson and RJ Ochoa at Skinny Post were intrigued about potential outcomes in divisional matchups. If we were to match teams from the same geographical area, like the AFC East against the NFC East, who would take the win?
Battle of the East
RJ:
Just to set the stage, I cover the Dallas Cowboys, so there’s a bit of bias here. That being said, this discussion really highlights a division featuring the reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, up against Josh Allen, the league MVP.
Interestingly, the NFC East boasts a quarterback-receiver duo with a successful history. Jalen Hurts and Ceedee Lamb played together at Oklahoma, which means their chemistry on the field is likely quite solid.
But then there’s Howie Roseman on the NFC East side. Allen stands out as one of the top quarterbacks in the league—maybe even the best player among all eight teams in the East. Yet, the lack of support around him in the AFC East is definitely a hindrance.
For me, I would have to lean towards the NFC side.
Michael:
I’m aligned with that perspective. The NFC East holds one of the most well-rounded teams in football. Plus, the Eagles’ opponent in the NFC title game, the Commanders, are also in this division, which complicates matters for the AFC counterparts.
As RJ mentioned, while Josh Allen is a standout MVP candidate, he lacks sufficient help around him to compete effectively.
Battle of the North
Michael:
Both these divisions are packed with talent. I suppose you could argue that the offensive skills in both four-team groups are fairly even, but the quarterback depth tilts the scale toward the AFC North.
Jordan Love and Jared Goff are decent quarterbacks in the NFC North, but after them, you have Caleb Williams, a second-year player, and first-time starter JJ McCarthy—definitely a noticeable drop.
In contrast, the AFC North flaunts Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow. Then there’s Aaron Rodgers’ legacy, along with what the Browns might bring to the table. Even if they resemble Joe Flacco, you’re including a Super Bowl champion in the mix.
On defense, it’s hard not to favor the AFC North with players like Miles Garrett and TJ Watt. The NFC North just doesn’t have that caliber of defensive talent.
So, for me, it’s AFC.
RJ:
It’s a mystery why some consider the NFC North the toughest division. Personally, I don’t get it; it doesn’t even rank as the top division in the North.
The AFC North is loaded. If you weigh up Lamar Jackson against Joe Burrow, there’s no contest (though I’d argue for Lamar).
Defensively, they boast talents like Miles Garrett and TJ Watt, alongside all the other pieces Baltimore has. I see the AFC easily taking the win in this North battle.
Battle of the South
RJ:
This is quite an engaging topic.
Looking at both Southern divisions is a bit painful. I’d say the best team overall is likely from the AFC South, but uniting that group isn’t something I look forward to.
To their credit, they’ve added Travis Hunter, and maybe Cam Ward will shine. Currently, C.J. Stroud is the standout quarterback for the AFC group, but even with his individual skills, he’s working with a mix of players without strong backups. In contrast, the NFC South appears to have a more cohesive unit.
Michael:
Both divisions have their eye-catching and less appealing aspects, yet they also host some solid teams. The AFC showcases Texas, and the NFC features a Buccaneers team. I see them reflecting each other, showcasing explosive offenses paired with solid defenses.
That said, I’m rooting for the NFC here. I find the offensive arsenal surrounding their quarterback more appealing compared to the AFC’s setup. The Buccaneers’ receivers are the best in the group. I’m also placing Bijan Robinson as the top among running backs. Even if the Panthers strike me as the weakest team among them, I still admire their competitive spirit in the NFC.
Battle of the West
Michael:
Honestly, this might be one of the toughest calls. While the NFC West has impressive talent, so does the AFC West. Ultimately, I’m leaning towards the division with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, who have dominated the NFL for the last decade. That offensive power, combined with Andy Reid’s coaching, really stands out.
Defensively, the AFC West also has an edge. The Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos feature some of the most formidable units in the league. The Raiders do have standout players like Maxx Crosby, albeit with fewer overall contributions.
Maybe if Aaron Donald were still active in the NFC North, I’d reconsider. But since he isn’t, I’m siding with the AFC.
RJ:
This is a straightforward decision for me.
Having Patrick Mahomes is a major advantage, but Max Crosby on defense is also significant. The NFC West could hold its own against strong competition, yet right now, there aren’t many skill players outside of Puka Nacua shining. Potential stars like Jaxon Smith-Njigba exist, but nothing feels comparable to the combined force of Mahomes and Crosby.
So, I’m going with the AFC West, even if it means excluding a Charger.
