The National Football League has seen various divisions rise and fall in terms of performance over the past two decades. By examining the win percentages of each division since the year 2000, we can gain insight into which divisions have been the most successful and the most stable. Here, we rank the top NFL divisions based on their win percentage during this period.
Ranking the Top NFL Divisions by Win Percentage Since 2000
1. AFC East
Win Percentage: .521
Yes, having Brady’s Patriots in the division for the most ridiculous dynasty ever doesn’t hurt. But where they left off, other AFC East teams like Buffalo and Miami have taken over. Maybe not with the same trophy results, but with strong regular season records. The Patriots, unsurprisingly, have been the most successful team in the NFL since 2000, with a win percentage of 68.7% and six Super Bowl titles. Though the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets all have gone through periods of difficulty, there are definitely good days ahead for the division. With stud quarterbacks like Josh Allen, Tua Tagovailoa, and Aaron Rodgers in the division, it could be a banger of a year for the East, again.
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2. AFC North
Win Percentage: .517
The AFC North, with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns, has a win percentage of .517, good enough for second spot on our list. The Steelers and Ravens have been particularly successful, each winning multiple Super Bowls since 2000. Mike Tomlin’s Steelers have been the most steady having spent more than two decades in the NFL’s post season with winning regular season records.
3. NFC East
Win Percentage: .501
The NFC East tops the NFC list with a win percentage of .501. This division has historically been competitive, featuring teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders, providing a lot of parity. The division’s success is highlighted by multiple Super Bowl appearances and victories, particularly by the Giants and Eagles, but Dallas has also had success — at least in the regular season.
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4. NFC South
Win Percentage:.500
The NFC “Dirty” South is fourth in the NFL and a close second in the NFC with a win percentage of .500. This division includes the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers have notably contributed to this success with two Super Bowl wins in the 2002 and 2020 seasons, the latter partly thanks to Mr. Brady.
5. AFC West
Win Percentage: .499
The AFC West ranks third with a win percentage of .499. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and Los Angeles Chargers have made significant impacts. The Chiefs, in particular, have been dominant in recent years, winning the Super Bowl in 2019 and 2022 with steadily strong regular season records. Of course much of their success has been in the last 5 seasons with not-so-glorious records in the 20 years prior. The Broncos, Raiders, and Chargers have had stints of being good, but have been lackluster for long stretches as well. We’re not sure if the AFC West, aside from the Chiefs, will put up huge wins this season to improve their ranking.
6. NFC North
Win Percentage: .494
The NFC North, featuring the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions, holds a win percentage of .494. The Packers have been the standout team in this division, consistently making playoff appearances and winning the Super Bowl in 2010. The Lions seem to be on the rise, and many in Chicago are excited to see their 2024 NFL Draftees get on the field and do their thing. Minnesota has some great pieces and Green Bay surprised all with Jordan Love having a strong end to the season. The North is last in our list, but is certainly not last NOW when it matters most.
Conclusion
The rankings illustrate the competitive nature of the NFL, where several divisions have shown sustained success over the past two decades. The NFC East, NFC South, and AFC West have been particularly noteworthy, but individual team performances, such as those by the New England Patriots in the AFC East, also highlight the dynamic landscape of the league. These win percentages reflect the overall strength and consistency of the divisions, contributing to the rich history and excitement of the NFL.
