Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruthian23
I think that would be highly dependent on the team, where they were, and where they've moved. I have a feeling if Jacksonville moved to LA, maybe they'd stick them in the NFC West and move St. Louis to the AFC South. I think they'd probably have to move an LA team to one of the Wests in real life due to TV and time zone considerations.
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On the other hand, when you look at all the real-life NFL club relocations that have taken place since 1982, none of them resulted in a realignment of the divisions.
1982: Oakland Raiders to Los Angeles. Club remained in AFC West.
1984: Baltimore Colts to Indianapolis. Club remained in AFC East.
1988: St. Louis Cardinals to Phoenix. Club remained in NFC East.
1995: Los Angeles Raiders to Oakland. Club remained in AFC West.
1995: Los Angeles Rams to St. Louis. Club remained in NFC West.
1996: Cleveland Browns to Baltimore. Club remained in AFC Central.
1997: Houston Oilers to Memphis (later Nashville). Club remained in AFC Central.
I doubt the NFL would realign its divisions due to a club relocation since: (a) the schedule is so short and spread out compared to the other big sports leagues travel considerations are not a major factor, and (b) the desire to continue established rivalries with that club, wherever it may be situated, via divisional games.