In the NFL, turnarounds can be fast and dramatic.
Teams go from being one of the dregs of the league one season to a Super Bowl contender the next nearly every year. Let’s take a look at the eight teams that finished in last place in 2025 to see which teams have the best chance of going from worst to first:
Detroit Lions:
We’re not going to overthink this and take it simple. The Lions were tied for last place in the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings with a 9-8 record. They’re a winning team. They’re still dangerous. Yes, the NFC North is talented, but so are the Lions. With a little luck they didn’t get last season, they can win the division.
New Orleans Saints:
The Saints won four of their final five games last season and finished 6-11. Thus, they have momentum heading into this season. If Tyler Slough continues to show he can be a solid starter, the Saints can easily win a very winnable NFC South.
Tennessee Titans:
We’re dropping a tier here. But keep an eye on Tennessee. I’m a believer in Robert Saleh. If Cam Ward can take a big leap and the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans regress some, this is a possible worst-to-first squad.
New York Giants:
I know the Giants a flavor of the moment and a favorite worst-to-first candidate. The reasons are clear: They have a talented young staff and a top head coach in John Harbaugh. Still, I’m not sure its going to result in instance success. One of those reasons is the NFC East is fairly strong.
New York Jets:
We’re dropping another tier. I think any of the four remaining teams are longshots to win their division. I’m not a big believer in the Jets and the AFC East is tough.
HENDERSON, NEVADA - APRIL 24: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza (L), selected yesterday by the Las Vegas Raiders as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft, looks on as Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak speaks during a news conference at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Health Performance Center on April 24, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Las Vegas Raiders:
If Klint Kubiak and Fernando Mendoza are the real deals in their new roles, anything is possible. But, man, the AFC West is ridiculously strong. So, it won’t be easy.
Cleveland Browns:
The Browns are bad. More power to them. I just don’t see it.
Arizona Cardinals:
I don’t think the Cardinals are the worst team on this list and they can show improvement. But come on; the rest of the NFC West teams are all serious playoff contenders and among the best teams in the league. Good luck, Arizona.
Bill Williamson
3h
Poll
Silver And Black Pride
Worst to first
Which NFL team do you think has the best shot at going from last place to first place this season? Two notes: We only have six poll options so not listing Browns or Cardinals. Also there will be a post on this later.
Closes in 3 days • 15 total votes
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