As the post-NFL draft lull sets in and we eagerly await the start of training camp, what better time to debate which divisions reign supreme in the league? In recent years, the AFC North has emerged as a powerhouse, with statistics to back it up. According to analyst Warren Sharp, this division has been the strongest in the NFL since 2020 – a remarkable feat that deserves recognition.
Sharp’s stat, which he shared on social media, reveals a compelling pattern in the AFC North’s dominance. Since 2020, this division has collectively won more games against teams in other divisions than any other division in the NFL. This is a testament to the strength and competitiveness of the AFC North, and it’s time to give credit where credit is due.
Let’s take a closer look at each team within the AFC North and their respective performances since 2020 to understand just how formidable this division is.
First up, we have the reigning AFC North champions, the Baltimore Ravens. Led by superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens have been a force to be reckoned with since 2020. With a record of 25-11, including two playoff appearances and a division title, the Ravens have certainly contributed to the AFC North’s success. And with a dynamic young roster and a strong coaching staff, the Ravens show no signs of slowing down.
Next, we have the Pittsburgh Steelers, a perennial powerhouse in the AFC North. While they have yet to reclaim their Super Bowl glory of the 1970s, the Steelers have remained a consistently strong team in recent years. Since 2020, they have racked up a record of 24-12, including two playoff appearances and a division title. With veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger still at the helm and a solid core of young talent, the Steelers are always a threat in the AFC North.
Then, there’s the Cleveland Browns – a team that has historically been the laughing stock of the NFL. However, things have started to turn around for this long-suffering franchise in recent years. Led by quarterback Baker Mayfield and star receiver Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns have a record of 20-16 since 2020, their first winning record in over a decade. This upswing in their performance has played a huge role in the AFC North’s dominance.
Last but certainly not least, we have the Cincinnati Bengals, who have had a rough go of it in the past few seasons. However, a change in coaching staff and the addition of star quarterback Joe Burrow have given the Bengals reason to hope for the future. Despite their record of 15-21 since 2020, the Bengals have shown signs of improvement and are sure to be a competitive force in the AFC North in the years to come.
What truly sets the AFC North apart from other divisions is the level of competition within it. In the past two years, the division has seen three different teams clinch the title, highlighting how close the competition is. And with each team constantly pushing each other to improve, the AFC North is sure to remain a powerhouse in the years to come.
In addition to their collective success in the regular season, the AFC North has also seen playoff success in recent years. Since 2020, the division has had four playoff appearances, with the Ravens and Steelers each advancing to the divisional round. This further solidifies the AFC North’s dominance over other divisions in the NFL.
Of course, it’s easy to argue that the AFC North’s success is merely a result of strong individual teams and not necessarily the strength of the division as a whole. However, when we look at the division’s record against teams from other divisions, it’s clear that the AFC North is a force to be reckoned with.
So, as we enter the slowest time of the football calendar, let’s take a moment to appreciate the exceptional performance of the AFC North since 2020. From the consistent dominance of the Ravens and Steelers to the rise of the Browns and Bengals, this division has proven time and time again that it is the best in the NFL. And with each team constantly pushing to improve, it’s safe to say that the AFC North will continue to reign supreme in the years to come.
