Some NFL groups have elite quarterbacks. Others, not a lot. However which of the league’s eight divisions boast probably the most collective expertise beneath heart? In different phrases, which divisions are most entertaining in accordance with their mixed star energy at signal-caller? And which of them determine to be best?

We have ranked all eight, from least to finest, because the 2024 NFL season approaches:

8. NFC South

It is no coincidence that this division is usually thought-about the weakest of the eight. Cousins is regular as they arrive as a gutsy and mechanically sound pocket passer, however he is happening 36, coming off a critical damage and simply acclimating to a brand new lineup. Mayfield is endlessly scrappy however has but to string collectively dependable seasons. Carr is resilient however streaky, nonetheless trying to find a big-game run. And Younger, whereas poised, continues to be a serious projection coming off a sluggish debut in a cratering supporting solid. Wager on any one in all these at your individual danger.

7. AFC West

Speak about a top-heavy quartet. Mahomes is already Corridor of Fame-bound after his third Tremendous Bowl title in 5 years, an annual standard-setter whether or not slinging it deep or slugging it out when it issues most. He is by no means not a enjoyable watch. Herbert stays a pristine prototype, with a laser arm and elite measurement from the pocket, even when quizzical teaching has helped sink his late-year resume. The remainder is anybody’s guess: O’Connell confirmed grit as a rookie-year fill-in however could possibly be unseated by Gardner Minshew. And Nix, regardless of environment friendly school expertise, is a complete unknown. You possibly can fairly safely name this a two-horse race.

6. AFC South

Name this the Division of Younger Upside/Query Marks. Stroud is seeking to meet MVP expectations after a stunningly dynamic debut, during which he each managed the ball and pushed it downfield with a veteran’s authority. Lawrence is seeking to reside as much as a hefty new contract after three seasons blended with tantalizing passing zip and curious decision-making. Each Levis and Richardson have the scale, type and attitudes of Josh Allen-esque difference-makers, albeit with valuable little expertise and damage issues. If all keep wholesome, the potential for fireworks is immense.

5. NFC North

This group has undergone critical change in personnel and/or opinion. Love completed his first gig as a starter with one of the vital full of life arms within the NFL, promising Inexperienced Bay one other big-time gunslinger. Goff might have off-script limitations however has totally rejuvenated himself, going from Rams castoff to powerful figurehead of perhaps the league’s most balanced offense. Darnold could also be a placeholder for chill rookie J.J. McCarthy, however with a stable arm in a sturdy setup, he could possibly be due for profession marks. Williams has but to take an NFL snap however boasts pure play-making pizzazz. In a yr’s time, this division may skyrocket.

4. NFC East

One other top-heavy unit, however with a bit extra confirmed manufacturing up prime and a bit extra upside on the cellar. Hurts was extra mercurial as a field-reader within the follow-up to his MVP bid, however he is proven he is obtained Tremendous Bowl-caliber mettle, powerful operating and downfield contact. Prescott lacks such a postseason resume, however is constantly one of many NFL’s savviest all-around pocket passers. Jones has largely been a turnover/damage magnet amid New York’s perpetual rebuild however at the least has led a playoff run as a ball-control twin menace. Daniels raises issues attributable to his wiry body, however may add main electrical energy. E book at the least two of those for a playoff bid.

3. NFC West

The “Simply Win” division. OK, perhaps it solely applies up prime, however Purdy has been near inevitable as San Francisco’s improbably sterling level guard, showcasing each effectivity and play-extending athleticism to go 21-6, together with playoffs, as a No. 1. Stafford could also be nearing the top attributable to his damage historical past, however retains a cannon three years after taking the Rams the space. Smith nonetheless battles to be constant, however has proven a knack for crunch-time darts. And Murray, although typically erratic by the air, continues to be elusive and at last has some constructing blocks at his disposal. This division could possibly be tight in actual life.

2. AFC East

The boom-or-bust division. Even with an overhauled receiving corps, Allen is a one-man wrecking crew, possessing unmatched aptitude as a rugged scrambler and deep-ball launcher. Rodgers has main medical issues coming off a critical damage happening 41, nevertheless it’s arduous to disclaim his craftiness as a precision thrower, particularly in a gifted lineup. Tagovailoa depends closely on timing, nonetheless seeking to show himself on the massive stage, however is likely one of the league’s best pinpoint passers. And Brissett, whereas higher suited to bench duties, is at the least a serviceable bridge to rookie Drake Maye. You may discover three Professional Bowlers on this group alone.

1. AFC North

Which different division, apart from the Mahomes-weighted AFC West, boasts a prime two with a mixed two NFL MVPs and three convention championship bids? Burrow has to remain upright to remain related, however when wholesome, he is been arguably the best contact passer beneath the brightest lights, this aspect of Mahomes. Jackson stays a home-run menace each time he strikes, and his aerial operation was additionally steadier in 2023. Watson is a strolling purple flag, due to unpredictable availability, however he is at the least proven flashes of his classic Professional Bowl self. Wilson is a distinct athlete than he was on the peak of his championship period, and he might effectively give option to the extra electrical Justin Fields, however has tons of expertise. This division, and its quarterbacks, can get ugly. However they virtually all the time make for powerful outs.

“That’s the image of the Olympics,” responded a cameraman after I confirmed him this shot of Gabriel Medina.

The power of Teahupo’o launched the Brazilian to the sky in the course of the third day of Paris 2024 Olympic browsing.

Through the years the three-time world champion has been known as many issues, and in the present day seeing him fly throughout the sky, superman is the subsequent title added to that listing.

Our gorgeous image, taken by photographer Morgan Maassen, occurred throughout his third warmth the Olympic Video games in Tahiti.

The 30-year-old got here agonisingly near an ideal journey, incomes a 9.90 on his second wave, regardless of throwing up 10 fingers to the judges along with his arms excessive above his head.

“Felt superb to get some good waves and I virtually obtained a ten so I used to be actually proud of that. It’s actually a dream come true to compete in waves like this for the Olympics. It was actually in my dream and I’m realising this in the present day and I’m very completely happy to be part of this,” Medina advised olympics.com.

Up towards Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi within the fifth warmth of the day, the circumstances have been mammoth in measurement and energy.

“When it’s like this you simply fear about your self and there’s waves for everybody and also you’ve obtained to go for it. There’s no totally different technique. You’ve obtained to surf and obtained to indicate what you bought and be centered in your aim,” he mentioned.

“I’m completely happy as a result of I obtained many waves and since the circumstances have been excellent and it’s not usually you get the chance to surf these sorts of waves. It’s tough to come back by so you need to take advantage of out of any second.”

Medina strikes onto the quarter-finals and can come up towards fellow Brazilian Joao Chianca.

“I’ll loosen up, sleep and await the subsequent spherical. I hope the circumstances would be the identical as in the present day. It was unimaginable. Now it’s time to start once more and take it step-by-step,” he defined.

The notoriously personal surfer is aware of he’s being watched by many, and he takes the duty significantly.

“I feel what I’m doing in my life is the legacy I’m going to depart. That’s why each time I get a barrel I attempt do it pretty much as good as potential as a result of it’s very lovely to be a task mannequin for teenagers.

“It’s a method to assist the world to have higher folks and each time I’m within the water I’m enthusiastic about this and I’ve to do my job, however I’m proud of that. Each place I am going I obtain quite a lot of love. Youngsters love me and it’s a good way to dwell.” – Gabriel Medina

It was a celebration worthy of the ages – or at the least viral fame.

Surfer Gabriel Medina was taking up Kanoa Igarashi, the person who beat him on the Tokyo Olympics and finally gained silver, and he was seeking to flip the tide this time round.

The Brazilian not solely managed to take down the Japanese surfer, he did so partially because of a near-perfect 9.90-scoring wave on Day 3 of the browsing competitors in Tahiti – collaborating midway all over the world from Paris. It was the highest-scoring wave in Olympic historical past.

The resultant jubilation produced one other second of perfection: Medina leapt from his surfboard, raised his finger aloft and his board simply managed to fly parallel to him as photographer Jerome Brouillet from Agence France-Presse snapped the shot.

“The situations had been excellent, the waves had been taller than we anticipated,” Brouillet instructed The Guardian. “So he (Medina) is in the back of the wave and I am unable to see him after which he pops up and I took 4 photos and one in every of them was this one.

“It was not exhausting to take the image. It was extra about anticipating the second and the place Gabriel will kick off the wave.”

Brouillet added: “I used to be simply checking my telephone on the six-minute break after the shoot and I had plenty of notifications on social media and I assumed one thing is occurring with this shot and it was shared on ESPN and I assumed: ‘Cool.'”

“It’s totally cool, it is a good shot and many folks adore it. It is not likely a surf {photograph} so it captures the eye of extra folks.”

The exceptional image has unfold throughout social media with Brazilians celebrating their surfer’s progress into the ultimate eight of the competitors, together with Actual Madrid and Seleão ahead Rodrygo.

When Medina posted the image to his Instagram web page, amidst all of the reward from astounded Brazilians and the greater than 4 million likes, Igarashi commented: “Rattling he did not even go away one for us hahahaha (laughing so I do not cry).”

Nonetheless, whereas Medina has made it one step nearer towards his aim of an Olympic medal, he definitely felt that the judges may have been extra thoughtful of his efforts.

“I felt prefer it was a ten,” the three-time WSL world champion mentioned after his spherical. “I’ve completed a couple of 10s earlier than and I used to be like, ‘For certain, that is a ten.’ The wave was so excellent.”

Nonetheless, whereas the efficiency on the water may not have been a ten out of 10, the image was definitely the picture of perfection.

New Zealand was an excessive amount of for Group USA to deal with within the ladies’s rugby semifinals on the Paris Olympics.

The defending gold medalists defeated the U.S. 24-12 in Tuesday’s tilt on the Stade de France.

American Alev Kelter received the scoring began with a attempt within the opening minutes, however New Zealand took the lead with a try to conversion a couple of minutes later.

The second half, like a lot of the Olympic match, belong to the Black Ferns. Stacey Waaka received a attempt within the opening minute of the second half and Michaela Blyde scored one other attempt to put New Zealand up 19-5 with three minutes left to play.

New Zealand has been totally dominant in Paris. It gained every of its first 4 matches by at the least 26 factors and had but to concede greater than seven factors in a single contest till Kristi Kirshe received a attempt on the ultimate play of Tuesday’s semifinal.

The U.S. will now play the loser of the Canada-Australia semifinal within the bronze medal match at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.

New Zealand will then face the Canada-Australia winner for the gold medal at 1:45 p.m. ET/10:45 a.m. PT.