Best division ever? Let’s tap brakes on Peter King’s bold AFC West claim

NBC Sports’ Peter King, who has covered the NFL for 35 years, recently told a Broncos reporter there is a “very good chance” the AFC West could be the best division ever.

The division is stacked with talent on both sides of the ball. After languishing in last in the AFC West the past two seasons, the Broncos could be a rising power with QB Russell Wilson, who agreed to a lengthy contract extension. Denver appeared at No. 10 in the Sporting News‘ power rankings and 12th in ESPN’s.

Other divisions, however, have a strong case for best division ever. The NFL’s division structure began in 1970, the first year of the AFL-NFL merger. 

In the 1970s, the Steelers won four Super Bowls, but they faced fierce competition in the AFC Central, which eventually morphed into the AFC North.The Houston Oilers, which had Hall of Fame running back Earl Campbell, played the Steelers in the AFC title games in 1978 and 1979.

In 1994 and 1997, the old NFC Central produced four playoff teams each season. The division included the current NFC North teams and Tampa Bay. In the NFC West in 2013, the Seahawks and 49ers met in the NFC title game, the Cardinals won 10 games, and the Rams finished 7-9, knocking off two playoff teams.

In 2013, the AFC West featured the AFC champion Broncos, which finished 13-3, as well as the Chiefs (11-5) and Chargers (9-7). 

The best run of dominance might be in the NFC East from 1981 to 1992. During this time frame, the Cowboys, Commanders and Giants won six Super Bowls combined. The Eagles were a contender as well, making five playoff appearances.

This year’s AFC West could be great, but it has much to prove before it’s called the best division ever.