The 32 NFL teams are split into the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each conference is then divided into four divisions: East, North, South, and West, based on their location and, to a certain extent, the team’s history and rivalries.
Conferences Formation
The two conferences were established in the NFL merger with the AFL in 1970. Three NFL teams joined all ten AFL teams to form the AFC, and the remaining 13 NFL teams formed the NFC.
The NFL teams that stayed in the NFC were Dallas, New York Giants, Philadelphia, St. Louis (now Phoenix), and Washington in the East. Central teams were Chicago, Detroit, Green Bay, and Minnesota, which now make up the NFC North. The remaining four teams were Atlanta, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and San Francisco.
Expansion teams increased each conference total to 16 teams each.
The American Football Conference (AFC)
AFC East
Historical Perspective: The AFC East is a bastion of football tradition, with legendary franchises like the New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets. The Patriots, under the stewardship of Bill Belichick and former quarterback Tom Brady, forged a dynasty that reverberated across the league, claiming numerous divisional titles and Super Bowl triumphs. Some of their wins are marred by cheating scandals.
Last Five Years: Over the past half-decade, the landscape of the AFC East has witnessed seismic shifts. With Brady’s departure from New England and the rise of other contenders, particularly the Buffalo Bills, the division’s balance of power has been disrupted. Led by dynamic quarterback Josh Allen, the Bills have emerged as legitimate Super Bowl contenders but can’t seem to make it to the big game.
Teams: New England Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets
AFC North
Historical Perspective: The AFC North epitomizes gritty, hard-nosed football, with stalwart franchises like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals. Since its inception in 2002, this division has enjoyed fierce rivalries. The Steelers and Ravens, in particular, have engaged in titanic clashes, showcasing the division’s relentless competitive spirit.
Last Five Years: In recent years, the AFC North has been characterized by a perennial struggle for dominance. The Steelers have a tradition of winning in this division, but as of late have struggled at the quarterback position. The Baltimore Ravens, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, have added a new dimension to the division’s dynamics. The Bengals and the Browns are right up there with the Steelers and Ravens, making this one of the most competitive divisions in the League.
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals
AFC South
Historical Perspective: The AFC South is home to these teams: Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars. Since its formation in 2002, this division has been a stage for underdog stories and surprise contenders. The Colts, led by legendary quarterback Peyton Manning in the past, established themselves as perennial contenders, while other teams have experienced ebbs and flows in their fortunes.
Last Five Years: Over the past five years, the AFC South has been marked by a competitive parity, with multiple teams jockeying for position. The Indianapolis Colts, despite facing challenges, have remained competitive under the leadership of various quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans have emerged as a force to be reckoned with, fueled by the dominant rushing attack led by Derrick Henry. However, no team has been able to assert prolonged dominance in the division, leading to a constant shuffle in standings. Looking back at 2023 and the upcoming 2024 season, the Houston Texans, with last year’s rookie sensation, C.J. Stroud, have emerged as the team to beat.
Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Tennessee Titans, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West
Historical Perspective: The AFC West boasts a rich football heritage, housing iconic franchises like the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Denver Broncos. Since its inception in 1970, this division has featured storied rivalries that go back decades of time. With star quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the helm, the Chiefs have emerged as the dominant force in recent years, claiming divisional titles and Super Bowl triumphs.
Last Five Years: In the past half-decade, the AFC West has been synonymous with the Kansas City Chiefs’ reign of dominance. Led by Patrick Mahomes’ transcendent talent, the Chiefs have steamrolled their way to multiple divisional titles and a Super Bowl championship, establishing themselves as the team to beat in the AFC. While the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos have shown flashes of brilliance, they have struggled to dethrone the Chiefs from their perch atop the division. If the Chiefs can three-peat in 2024, they’ll stake their claim to being the best team ever played.
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos
AFC Fun Facts
- The Lamar Hunt Trophy goes to the winner of the AFC Championship Game. It is named after the founder of the AFL and the Kansas City Chiefs. He also coined the term “Super Bowl.”
- The three former NFL teams to join the AFC Conference were the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers.
- There is less parity in the AFC than there is in the NFC. Between 1995 and 2023, the AFC sent only nine of its 16 teams to the Super Bowl.
- The AFC East and AFC West are the oldest NFL Divisions, launched in 1960.
- The Kansas City Chiefs hosted the AFC Championship five times in a row at Arrowhead Stadium.
The National Football Conference (NFC)
NFC East
Historical Perspective: The NFC East is steeped in football lore, boasting iconic franchises like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Football Team, and New York Giants. With their star-studded legacy, the Cowboys have long been the division’s standard-bearers, though other teams have challenged their supremacy over the years.
Last Five Years: In recent years, the NFC East has been a study in unpredictability, with multiple teams vying for divisional supremacy. The Dallas Cowboys, perennial contenders on paper, have faced inconsistency and setbacks, while the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Football Team have capitalized on opportunities to clinch divisional titles. The New York Giants have experienced struggles but have shown glimpses of resurgence, keeping the divisional race competitive.
Teams: Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Football Team, New York Giants
NFC North
Historical Perspective: The NFC North features franchises like the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions. Since its inception in 1967, this division has been a theater of historic rivalries and gridiron clashes. The Packers, with their storied history and legendary quarterbacks, have often led the division, though other teams have challenged their supremacy over the years.
Last Five Years: Over the past half-decade, the NFC North has been dominated by the Green Bay Packers, led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Packers have maintained a stranglehold on the division, clinching multiple titles and making deep playoff runs. While the Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Detroit Lions have shown flashes of competitiveness, they have struggled to dethrone the Packers from their perch atop the division. With offseason acquisitions and the NFL Draft having strengthened all four teams, the NFC North, “The Black-and-Blue” division, may be the toughest division in the league. Watch out, NFC North teams; here comes Caleb Williams.
Teams: Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions
NFC South
Historical Perspective: The NFC South is home to the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, and Carolina Panthers. Since its formation in 2002, this division has had its moments, but perhaps too few. The Saints and Buccaneers, in particular, have forged a storied rivalry, with both teams boasting championship pedigrees.
Last Five Years: The NFC South has recently been a battleground of titans, with multiple teams vying for divisional supremacy. The New Orleans Saints have remained perennial contenders, making multiple playoff appearances and capturing divisional titles. Meanwhile, with Baker Mayfield at the helm, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have built on their Tom Brady years and kept a winning tradition.
Teams: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers
NFC West
Historical Perspective: The NFC West comprises the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona Cardinals. Since its inception in 1970, this division has been a force in the NFL. The Seahawks and 49ers, in particular, have engaged in epic battles, highlighting the division’s competitive intensity.
Last Five Years: Over the past five years, the NFC West has showcased talent and intensity, with multiple teams vying for divisional supremacy. The San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams have emerged as formidable challengers, boasting stout defenses and high-powered offenses. With Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy leading the way, look for the 49ers to have another strong season with a challenge from the Rams.
Teams: Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals
NFC Fun Facts
- The Seattle Seahawks are the only NFC team to make back-to-back Super Bowls since 2002. They came close to winning both.
- The Detroit Lions are the only NFC team not to make it to a Super Bowl.
- Of NFC teams, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers have the most Super Bowl titles— tied at five.
- The San Francisco 49ers are the defending NFC Champions. They lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 Super Bowl.
- The George Halas Trophy is awarded to the NFC Champion each year. It is named after the coach and owner of the Chicago Bears. His nicknames included “Mr. Everything” and “Papa Bear.”
NFL Divisions Deep Dive
Do you want to learn more about each division? Use the links below to learn more about each team and its history in the division.
The Evolving NFL
As the NFL continues to evolve and adapt, its conferences and divisions are strengthened by historic rivalries and new, up-and-coming challengers. The NFL Draft has become a spectacle with its huge in-person attendance and TV audience. Don’t be surprised if the NFL adds a new division as the game expands internationally.
As the league marches forward, the spirit of competition burns brighter than ever, ensuring that the NFL’s conferences and divisions will continue to shape the dynamics of the League.
By Mike O’Halloran
Founder and Editor, Sports Feel Good Stories
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