Winning a division title is a significant achievement for any NFL team, marking their path to playoff glory.
While some franchises revel in recent victories—like the Detroit Lions, who clinched the NFC North in 2023—others are still yearning for that moment, with decades passing since their last title.
This article dives into the last time each team celebrated a division title, highlighting the highs and lows of each franchise’s success.
AFC East
- Buffalo Bills: The Bills reclaimed the AFC East title in 2023, showcasing strong performances, though they fell short in the Divisional Round.
- New England Patriots: The Patriots won their 11th consecutive AFC East title in 2019, but since then, and Tom Brady’s exit, the wheels have come off, including a last-place finish in 2023.
- Miami Dolphins: Last winning the division in 2008, the Dolphins have struggled in the playoffs, bowing out in the Wild Card round last year.
- New York Jets: The Jets last took the division in 2002, but with Aaron Rodgers now in town, there is optimism in New York for the first time in many years.
AFC North
- Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens clinched the AFC North in 2023, demonstrating resilience despite a tough loss in the AFC Championship game.
- Cincinnati Bengals: After winning the division in 2022, the Bengals showcased impressive talent but fell short in the AFC Championship.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers last topped the division in 2020, but their playoff journey ended in the Wild Card Round, leaving fans wanting more.
- Cleveland Browns: It’s been a long wait for the Browns, having last won the AFC North in 1989. They are also still chasing that elusive AFC Championship title.
AFC South
- Houston Texans: The Texans took the AFC South crown in 2023 but were eliminated in the Divisional Round, proving competitive.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars displayed great potential by winning the division in 2022, yet they also exited in the Divisional Round.
- Tennessee Titans: The Titans clinched the AFC South in 2021 but saw their playoff run end in the Divisional Round, which was frustrating for fans.
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts last won the division in 2014. They made a deep playoff run behind Andrew Luck but fell short in the AFC Championship.
AFC West
- Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs reign supreme, winning eight consecutive division titles. They also added their third Super Bowl in five years in 2023, solidifying their dominance.
- Denver Broncos: The Broncos last triumphed with Peyton Manning in 2015, securing the Super Bowl title, with fans still reminiscing about that glory.
- Los Angeles Chargers: Since their last division win in 2009, the Chargers have shown promise but consistently fell short in the Divisional Round.
- Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders celebrated their last division victory in 2002, though their dreams of a Super Bowl title ended in heartbreak against Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers.
NFC East
- Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys captured the division title in 2023 but exited early, leaving fans eager for another playoff run.
- Philadelphia Eagles: After a strong 2022 season, the Eagles reached the Super Bowl, showcasing their talent and determination in every game.
- Washington Commanders: The Commanders last won the division in 2020, demonstrating resilience, but their Wild Card loss to Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl champion Bucs have left fans wanting more.
- New York Giants: The Giants celebrated their last division win in 2011, ultimately triumphing in the Super Bowl, marking a memorable season.
NFC North
- Detroit Lions: The Lions celebrated their first division title in years with a thrilling 2023 season, making it to the NFC Championship.
- Minnesota Vikings: Winning the division in 2022 was exciting, but the Vikings stumbled in the Wild Card Round to the Giants and are seeking redemption.
- Green Bay Packers: The Packers clinched the division in 2021, showcasing their consistency, yet ended their playoff journey in the Divisional Round in an upset loss to the 49ers.
- Chicago Bears: The Bears last claimed the division title in 2018, but their hopes ended early in the Wild Card Round.
NFC South
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Buccaneers took their straight NFC South title in 2023 but were eliminated in the Divisional Round, seeking further success.
- New Orleans Saints: With their last division win in 2020, the Saints have consistently aimed for playoff glory, fighting hard each season.
- Atlanta Falcons: The Falcons celebrated their 2016 division victory, reaching the Super Bowl, but fell short in a heartbreaking finale.
- Carolina Panthers: After winning the division in 2015, the Panthers made a strong Super Bowl appearance but were disappointed in the championship game.
NFC West
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers showcased strength by winning the division in 2023, narrowly missing out on Super Bowl glory.
- Los Angeles Rams: The Rams claimed the title in 2021, capping it off with a triumphant Super Bowl victory that thrilled fans.
- Seattle Seahawks: Winning the division in 2020, the Seahawks experienced a disappointing Wild Card exit, leaving fans hoping for a comeback.
- Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals last topped the division in 2015 but fell short in the NFC Championship and have been eager for redemption since.
The Bottom Line
From long-awaited victories to consistent triumphs, every team has a unique story when it comes to division titles and playoff runs. Regardless of past successes or struggles, each franchise continues to strive for that ultimate goal: the Super Bowl title.
As we look towards the future, only time will tell which teams will rise to the top and which ones will have their dreams dashed once again. As fans, staying informed about the latest football odds can also provide insights into team performances and potential outcomes for the season.
