In the 20 seasons since realignment in 2002, 30 different teams have won division titles. In 2021, four divisions – AFC North (Cincinnati), NFC East (Dallas), NFC South (Tampa Bay) and NFC West (L.A. Rams) – saw a new team finish in first place.
Both the Cincinnati Bengals (AFC North) and Dallas Cowboys (NFC East) won their division after missing the postseason in 2020 and at least two teams have won their divisions the season after missing the playoffs in 18 of the past 19 years.
Cincinnati completed the “worst-to-first” turnaround, winning the AFC North the season after finishing in last place in the division.
At least one team has won its division the season after finishing in or tied for last place in 17 of the past 19 seasons.
| TEAM | DIV TITLES | PO BERTHS |
|---|---|---|
| New England | 16 | 17 |
| Green Bay | 12 | 15 |
| Indianapolis | 9 | 14 |
| Seattle | 9 | 14 |
| Pittsburgh | 9 | 13 |
| Philadelphia | 8 | 12 |
| Kansas City | 8 | 11 |
| New Orleans | 7 | 9 |
| Baltimore | 6 | 11 |
| Dallas | 6 | 8 |
| Denver | 6 | 8 |
| Houston | 6 | 6 |
| Cincinnati | 5 | 8 |
| Carolina | 5 | 7 |
| L.A. Chargers | 5 | 7 |
| Atlanta | 4 | 8 |
| Tennessee | 4 | 8 |
| Minnesota | 4 | 7 |
| L.A. Rams | 4 | 6 |
| San Francisco | 4 | 6 |
| Chicago | 4 | 5 |
| Tampa Bay | 4 | 5 |
| N.Y. Giants | 3 | 7 |
| Washington | 3 | 5 |
| Arizona | 3 | 5 |
| Buffalo | 2 | 4 |
| N.Y. Jets | 1 | 5 |
| Jacksonville | 1 | 3 |
| Las Vegas | 1 | 3 |
| Miami | 1 | 2 |
| Detroit | 0 | 3 |
| Cleveland | 0 | 2 |