NFL · 5 hours ago

Predicting the 8 NFL Division Winners Right Now: Going Into Week 9

Danny Mogollon

Host · Writer

What Do You Think of the Predictions?
Nothing is set in stone, and every division is up for the taking. At this point in this season, we've seen every team for who they are, and now's the time where anyone can really come alive.

What do you think of our division winner predictions? Is your team going to win their division? Let us know in the comments!
Predicting the 8 NFL Division Winners Right Now: Going Into Week 9
Eight weeks of NFL football felt incredibly quick, and we're no longer checking out how each team looks this season. There are no undefeated teams, and all eight divisions have decent competition involved.

Let's project who will be at the top of each of the league's eight divisions after the second half of the regular season.
AFC East Winner
The AFC East is becoming a close race, but Buffalo has yet to show signs of slowing down.

Buffalo Bills Team Profile
- Head Coach: Joe Brady
- Offensive Coordinator: Pete Carmichael
- Defensive Coordinator: Jim Leonhard
- Stadium: Highmark Stadium
- 2026 Record: 6-1
AFC East Winner: Buffalo Bills

Buffalo is playing at an elite level through eight weeks, at least on one side of the ball. Josh Allen is a frontrunner for the league MVP, James Cook is a top-five running back in the game, and the receiving core is healthy and thriving. Defensively, the Bills allow nearly 26 points per game, which has brought them to multiple close finishes, serving as their only obstacle.

As expected, New England is playing like a playoff team again and is the only threat in the division. It sucks for Buffalo to have lost the head-to-head matchup a few weeks ago, but they're still the better team overall. The second half of the season is when Buffalo really soaks in the benefits of playing in the AFC East, as they get to face the Jets and Dolphins twice each.
AFC North Winner
Pittsburgh has won four straight and holds control of the AFC North.

Pittsburgh Steelers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Mike McCarthy
- Offensive Coordinator: Brian Angelichio
- Defensive Coordinator: Patrick Graham
- Stadium: Acrisure Stadium
- 2026 Record: 6-2
AFC North Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers don't appear to be at full strength offensively, with names like Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson being out the last few weeks. The 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers under center seems to have sufficient weaponry anyway, as Pittsburgh continues to churn out victories. If Rodgers can establish a stronger connection with his top receiver in D.K. Metcalf, defenses are going to struggle to find answers.

The Bengals have finally found their offense and serve as a scary obstacle for the division lead. The defense is certainly better than it has notoriously been, but Cincinnati still doesn't match up as balanced as Pittsburgh right now. The Browns and Ravens have been facing offensive struggles, especially Baltimore, who has a lot of question marks at the quarterback position for the rest of the season.
AFC South Winner
The lead for Jacksonville keeps growing larger in a division with struggling squads.

Jacksonville Jaguars Team Profile
- Head Coach: Liam Coen
- Offensive Coordinator: Grant Udinski
- Defensive Coordinator: Anthony Campanile
- Stadium: EverBank Stadium
- 2026 Record: 6-2
AFC South Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars

Here's a team that has absolutely no barriers in front of them, and they're playing out of their minds. Jacksonville scores the fourth-most points in football, with 28.6 points per game. Additionally, they allow the second-least points, with just 15.1 per game. As you can imagine, they've recorded a couple of blowouts through the first eight weeks.

On top of their sensational start, ahead of them is the 29th-ranked remaining strength of schedule, according to ESPN's Power Index. There's really not much else to look at in this division, with the Texans struggling to put it all together despite their offensive weaponry and what is typically regarded as an incredible defense. The Titans and Colts flat out are playing abysmally right now, and don't deserve much attention.
AFC West Winner
The Chiefs have lost the division lead for the first time all season, but it's not time for panic mode yet.

Kansas City Chiefs Team Profile
- Head Coach: Andy Reid
- Offensive Coordinator: Eric Bieniemy
- Defensive Coordinator: Steve Spagnuolo
- Stadium: Arrowhead Stadium
- 2026 Record: 5-2
AFC West Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

They once were 5-0, and now they're behind for the division lead. The last two weeks were matchups with incredible defenses, that of the Seahawks and Broncos, both of which took care of business. The beast of Kenneth Walker has been tamed the last two weeks, and he's sure to come alive soon enough. This is a team that can get hot very quickly, and the next few opponents provide easy opportunities to bounce back.

The problem for Kansas City is that the Denver offense, which was mocked just a few weeks ago for its poor play, has suddenly exploded for four consecutive wins. Furthermore, Denver has the 3rd-easiest remaining strength of schedule this season, which is something to look out for. Ultimately, both of these teams should be playoff-bound, but the firepower of Kansas City is much more threatening, and they should be able to take care of some of the powerhouses late in the season. The Raiders also aren't out of the race, as they sit at a clean 4-4, but they aren't on the same level as these two squads. Don't make eye contact with the Chargers down low, and we can pretend they're not there.
NFC East Winner
Through all the struggles, Dallas still has plenty of time to jump into first place.

Dallas Cowboys Team Profile
- Head Coach: Brian Schottenheimer
- Offensive Coordinator: Klayton Adams
- Defensive Coordinator: Christian Parker
- Stadium: AT&T Stadium
- 2026 Record: 3-5
NFC East Winner: Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys sit in the NFC East in 2026 in which the Eagles are down for the count with the loss of their quarterback, and the Giants also lost their starting quarterback. Theoretically, the path is paved clearer than ever for the division lead. Yet, they continuously lose games in which they have the clear advantage in, such as a matchup against Tampa Bay with a backup quarterback, or an overtime battle with a sub-.500 Cardinals team. The important pieces are all healthy, and everything Dallas needs is right in front of them, if they just can snatch the easy ones.

To give the Giants credit, they've crafted a remarkable season, despite the loss of Jaxson Dart and some running back controversies. The J.J. McCarthy resurgence in New York is cinematic, but how sustainable is it going to be? It's really a race between New York and Dallas from what we've seen so far. This division is free for the taking- Dallas has to wake up at some point, right?
NFC North Winner
The most exhilarating division in football is anyone's game, but Detroit has the tools to take it.

Detroit Lions Team Profile
- Head Coach: Dan Campbell
- Offensive Coordinator: Drew Petzing
- Defensive Coordinator: Kelvin Sheppard
- Stadium: Ford Field
- 2026 Record: 5-2
NFC North Winner: Detroit Lions

A league-leading 395 yards per game has Detroit atop the NFL's offenses. There aren't any holes to fill on offense, but the defense continues to be the weak side. In a division with two six-win teams and two five-win teams through eight weeks, there's not much room for error.

The talk of the town in this division is the Chicago Bears, who some are even arguing is the best team in football right now. They sure are rolling through teams at the moment, but after their Week 10 bye sits the fourth-hardest remaining schedule. Detroit also is on a three-game win streak, and they appear to be the most talented crew of the four teams, especially after handing the Vikings their first loss of the season and proving they should be higher in the rankings.
NFC South Winner
After a rough start to the season, the Buccaneers are back in the running for a division lead.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Todd Bowles
- Offensive Coordinator: Zac Robinson
- Defensive Coordinator: TBD
- Stadium: Raymond James Stadium
- 2026 Record: 3-5
NFC South Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

A few weeks ago, it would've been preposterous to estimate the Buccaneers rising to the top of the NFC South. An 0-4 start, Baker Mayfield being injured, and offensive woes had them rotting in the standings. Oxygen has been provided once again to Todd Bowles' squad, and with their starting quarterback in the game again, things are looking promising. Even without Mike Evans this season, there are plenty of receiving options available, and Bucky Irving is emerging as a star in the backfield.

As Tampa Bay comes out of the pile, everyone else in the NFC South is starting to fizzle out. Carolina, who recorded some great wins early, can't move the ball downfield as efficiently lately. Atlanta, who has conquered some tough opponents this season, shows signs of weakness every few weeks, particularly at the quarterback position. Lastly, New Orleans, who has kept seven of their eight games within ten points, isn't scoring enough to win tough games.
NFC West Winner
Coming off a bye week, the 49ers should be hungry for a quality second half of the season.

San Francisco 49ers Team Profile
- Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan
- Offensive Coordinator: Klay Bubiak
- Defensive Coordinator: Raheem Morris
- Stadium: Levi's Stadium
- 2026 Record: 6-1
NFC West Winner: San Francisco 49ers

This division looked like it would be the toughest to predict before the season started. By no means is it easy even in Week 9, as three of the four teams look still like Super Bowl contenders. When everything clicks, the 49ers are right beside the Lions for the most intimidating offense in football. There's no reason to think this isn't still the best team around, or extremely close to it.

The Rams haven't played up to expectations in 2026, but in no world is Matthew Stafford's team going to be lackluster. The Seahawks are surprisingly sitting at an even 4-4 record, taking blows from some unexpected matchups. All three of these teams should have been playoff squads, but with how great the NFC North has been, expect everyone in this division to play better football in the second half, now with the Wild Card looking like the best reality.
What Do You Think of the Predictions?
Nothing is set in stone, and every division is up for the taking. At this point in this season, we've seen every team for who they are, and now's the time where anyone can really come alive.

What do you think of our division winner predictions? Is your team going to win their division? Let us know in the comments!
Predicting the 8 NFL Division Winners Right Now: Going Into Week 9
Eight weeks of NFL football felt incredibly quick, and we're no longer checking out how each team looks this season. There are no undefeated teams, and all eight divisions have decent competition involved.

Let's project who will be at the top of each of the league's eight divisions after the second half of the regular season.

Predicting the 8 NFL Division Winners Right Now: Going Into Week 9

Buffalo Bills Team Profile

AFC East Winner: Buffalo Bills

Pittsburgh Steelers Team Profile

AFC North Winner: Pittsburgh Steelers

Jacksonville Jaguars Team Profile

AFC South Winner: Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs Team Profile

AFC West Winner: Kansas City Chiefs

Dallas Cowboys Team Profile

NFC East Winner: Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions Team Profile

NFC North Winner: Detroit Lions

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Profile

NFC South Winner: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

San Francisco 49ers Team Profile

NFC West Winner: San Francisco 49ers

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