Over the last couple of weeks, Dave Dameshek has constructed an all-star team for each division. How do these dream squads stack up against each other? Here are his rankings, from best to worst:
NOTE: CLICK ON EACH DIVISION NAME FOR THE FULL TEAM BREAKDOWN.
The wideouts rank at the bottom of the eight divisions ... but, much like the Seattle Seahawks of the last couple years, does it really matter? Beast Mode behind a high-end line + a flawless defense = an unbeatable team. (Really, look at that D! Who's gonna score against it?)
As one might expect, this division produces both a rugged defense and a stout O-line. And with A.J. Green joining the Pittsburgh Steelers' explosive skill-position guys, Ben Roethlisberger might throw for 600 yards in a game.
Tom Brady choosing between Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Marshall, Sammy Watkins and Julian Edelman? That's a terrifying proposition to opposing defenses. But the offensive line would be an issue against the top-tier talent it would have to withstand in a mythical tournament of divisional all-star teams. The defensive front is the best of the AFC divisions -- plus Darrelle Revis alone makes the secondary legit.
Opposing QBs better get rid of the ball in .8 seconds or they're not getting rid of it at all. This division's pass rushers would make members of the 46 defense swoon. Do-it-all runner Jamaal Charles and the NFL's RAC-(RAC).html) king (Demaryius Thomas) are a dangerous duo, but how well the line can protect Peyton Manning is a major question.
Scoring points won't be an issue: Aaron Rodgers to Calvin Johnson/Jordy Nelson/Alshon Jeffery ... with Adrian Peterson carrying the football? Yikes! The defense, however, figures to struggle in spite of some nice individual pieces.
The passing attack is just about unstoppable, so long as the line can keep Drew Brees clean enough to get the ball to the wondrous young trio of Julio Jones, Mike Evans and Kelvin Benjamin. The defensive front is brawny, the linebacker trio is uber-athletic (matter of fact, it's the best among the NFC divisions), but the secondary is shaky.
A powerhouse offensive line springs DeMarco Murray (déjà vu!) and gives Eli Manning time to rack up video-game numbers with Odell Beckham Jr. and Dez Bryant. The team's undoing will be the defense, featuring the worst secondary of the eight divisions.
The offensive skill-position guys can keep up with any division's. Unfortunately, the O-line cannot. J.J. Watt and Vontae Davis are the standouts from an otherwise-questionable defense that's got injury concerns. On the bright side, it features guys named Sen'Derrick, D'Qwell and Da'Norris.
Follow Dave Dameshek on Twitter @Dameshek.
