We’re in the dead period of the NFL offseason (if that’s even a thing), which means it’s time for pointless debate and there isn’t one that unites rivals like a ranking of the best divisions in football. So which is the best NFL division headed into the 2017? Let’s rank all eight from worst to first…

8. AFC South

The annual “Race to 9-7” figures to continue for one more season. That the Texans have been able to win this division two consecutive seasons with some of the worst quarterback play in the league tells you everything you need to know about this group. That said, all of these teams have bright futures. Houston finally has QB of the future. Jacksonville is one good quarterback away from contending for a playoff spot. The Colts have Andrew Luck and seem to have found a competent general manager. And the Titans are the sleeping giant here. If Marcus Mariota becomes who we all think he can, Tennessee will be a perennial playoff team for the next decade.

7. NFC West

This was the best division in football just three short years ago, but all four of these teams have taken a step back since that time. The Seahawks are still one of the most talented teams in the league, but injuries and a loss of depth have been big issues. The Cardinals have also been wrecked by injuries and Carson Palmer isn’t getting any younger. Los Angeles and San Francisco bottomed out last year but do have bright futures after adding young, bright coaches.

6. AFC East

Same story as every year: It’s the Patriots and everyone else. New England is clearly the best team in football. The Dolphins should be a solid team once again, even if they don’t make it back to the postseason. The Bills will hover around 6-10. The Jets will probably be the worst team in football.

5. AFC North

The Steelers are still the Steelers, but both the Ravens and Bengals have regressed over the last two years. Baltimore should be better in 2017 thanks to a revamped defense, but the offense may have gotten worse. Cincinnati’s offensive line was raided during the offseason, so I’m not expecting too much out of the offense or this team as a whole. And the Browns are still a year away from being competitive. The North is a solid division but not the powerhouse it once was.

4. NFC North

This ranking may be too low, as the North is the home of three playoff contenders. The Packers will be there as long as Aaron Rodgers stays healthy. The Lions may have been lucky to make the playoffs in 2016, but GM Bob Quinn just keeps improving the roster, so Detroit may not have to rely on tremendous late-game luck again in 2017. The Vikings also figure to be a playoff contender once again now that they have finally moved on from Adrian Peterson and can modernize their offense. The Bears won’t be very good this year, but they’ll steal a win or two.

3. NFC East

How you rank the NFC East probably depends on your feelings about the Giants. Some see them as fringe Super Bowl contenders. I’m not so bullish on New York. Eli Manning looked old last season, and at 36, it’s hard to see that trend reversing itself. The Cowboys will be the class of this division once again and one of the better teams in the league. The Redskins and Eagles will hang around the playoff picture until December before falling off late in the season. This division may have only one great team, but its depth is unquestionable, as all four teams can realistically make the postseason.

2. AFC West

Really, the AFC West could easily be first on this list. That’s how close these top-two divisions are. In the end, we gave the West the silver because the Broncos defense doesn’t figure to be as good as it’s been after losing defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and future hall-of-famer DeMarcus Ware. The Raiders look like the best team in this division. The Chiefs are always good. And the Chargers are due for some better luck in 2017. I’d be surprised if this division didn’t send multiple teams to the playoffs.

1. NFC South

Quarterback is the most important position in football, and the NFC South features the best group of QBs in the league. We have two former MVPs in Matt Ryan and Cam Newton and someone who should have at least one MVP award in Drew Brees. Not to mention Jameis Winston, the best young quarterback in football. These teams are going to score a lot of points, and all four defenses will be better than they were last season. There’s a good chance that no team in this division finishes below .500.