Predicting the Winners of the NFL's Toughest Divisions in 2024

They have the chance to become history makers this season by lifting the Lombardi three seasons in a row, and the latest super bowl 2025 betting odds make them the +500 favorites to do exactly that. However, one look at their division shows that they can make it to the playoffs at a canter, with none of the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, or Los Angeles Chargers able to hold a candle to Patrick Mahomes and Co.

But while KC has had it somewhat easy in the AFC West, other teams most certainly do not. There are three divisions that we consider the most difficult in the NFL today, and here are our predictions as to who will top them in 2024.

Cincinnati Bengals

Last season, three teams from the stacked AFC North made it to the postseason. The Baltimore Ravens topped the division - and the conference - thanks to the brilliance of Lamar Jackson, while Joe Flacco led the Cleveland Browns to the playoffs as well. If that wasn't enough, the Pittsburgh Steelers also squeezed their way in on the final day of the campaign. Naturally, then, we have picked the one team that didn't make it to the playoffs last year to top the pile in 2024.

The Cincinnati Bengals have established themselves as a powerhouse in the AFC ever since Joe Burrow was selected as the number one overall pick in the 2020 draft. The former Heisman winner is neck-and-neck with the aforementioned Mahomes when it comes to best quarterbacks in the league, and with wide receivers in the form of Ja'marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it's clear to see that Cincy has an arsenal of talent. They reached the Super Bowl for the first time in 33 years just two years ago, and they will be aiming for a similarly deep postseason run next term.

The Bengals missed out on the playoffs last season, primarily thanks to an injury to the sensational Burrow. But this season, the former LSU Tiger is fully fit and is already aiming at the reigning champions. First and foremost, he will need to navigate an uber-competitive AFC North, with reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and his battle-hardened Ravens looking like their most obvious rival. But we certainly think that both Burrow and his teammates are up to the task.

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have transformed into a formidable force in the AFC East. Tua Tagovailoa has blossomed into a confident and effective quarterback, topping the league in terms of throwing yards last season. He has a plethora of weapons at his disposal, with the wide receiving corps of Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and ODell Beckham Jr. perhaps the most explosive in the entire league. 

Following a disastrous run of just two playoff appearances in 20 years since 2001, the Floridians have now reached the postseason in back-to-back campaigns. They have gone from strength to strength under head coach Mike McDaniel and further development is expected this season.

Their main problem comes in the form of the Buffalo Bills. Josh Allen has led the New York State side to four straight AFC East titles, and they are the favorites to make it five in a row this season. However, star wide receiver Stefon Diggs has departed to the Houston Texans, and that could be the Bills' downfall.

The New York Jets are also a threat, especially with four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers returning after a season-long layoff. But this Dolphins side has been steadily built up over the last three years, and we think it's their time to shine in 2024.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions emerged as a surprising contender in the NFC last season. Jared Goff has found new life in Motor City and he led an offense that boasts playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and D'Andre Swift to unprecedented heights last term. The Ford Field outfit managed to win the NFC North for the first time in history, before going on to end the 32-year wait for a postseason victory by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the wildcard round.

The Lions weren't done there either. They went on to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round, meaning that they had beaten both the 2021 and 2022 Super Bowl winners en route to the conference championships. It looked as though they would have a Super Bowl of their own to contest when they raced into a 24-7 lead against the San Francisco 49ers. But unfortunately for Dan Campbell, the Niners would rally, overturning the deficit to secure the victory.

For the Lions, the journey didn't end there. This team certainly has enough about it to go again, and we can see them winning the NFC North for the second straight year. They will have competition from their rival Green Bay Packers - who themselves reached the divisional round of the playoffs last term - and a Chicago Bears side that has been reborn following the arrivals of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze. But we think the Lions have enough about them to get the job done once more.