NFL OT: My annual "Worst to First" question -- who goes from 4th to 1st in its division?
It's time once again to play that annual game: WORST TO FIRST.
Every year for like N years in a row where N is about 15 or so now, an NFL team went from last place in its division to first place the following year. Last year it was the Eagles.
So here are last year's last-place division teams. Which of these 9 (two tied in NFC South) will be a division WINNER this year?
Buffalo (AFC East, 6-10)
Cleveland Browns (AFC North, 4-12)
Houston Texans (AFC South, 2-14)
Oakland Raiders (AFC West ,4-12)
Washington Redskins (NFC East, 3-13)
Minnesota Vikings (NFC North, 5-10-1)
Tampa Bay Buckaneers (NFC South, 4-12)
Atlanta Falcons (NFC South, 4-12)
St. Louis Rams (NFC West, 7-9)
The media's trendy pick is Tampa Bay, but, I mean, THE QB, really?. The only one that looks remotely credible to me, on this list, is Atlanta, but their division (New Orleans and Carolina and, uh, Tampa Bay) is still stacked. Maybe they all knock each other off and the Falcons squeak ahead. I also might be tempted to pick the Texans, based on a previous body of work, but again, THE QB, plus they really stank last year.
With special guest Buffalo, who looks to have most of the right pieces, though it's hard for anyone to top the Pats.
NFC West is too crazy, otherwise the Rams would be the favorite pick, as they might be in fact the best time on that list.
Superbowl or bust.
I was this close to whitewashing last year's season from my memory.
Even though I think the Colts will be the team to beat there, Houston just has too many weapons on both sides of the ball (besides QB) to not be a contender.
If the Rams were in another division I'd go with them - that D might have 4 of the to 8-9 defenses in the league but like everyone else Texans. Redskins could be a darkhorse not becuase they are really great but they get their QB back and that division is full of mediocre teams.
Late to the thread but thought maybe no one would have suggested the 'Skins. That's my pick on account of the NFC (L)East as well.
Atlanta is my pick, too. I think last season was a hiccup, and that they'll get back to 2012 form this season.
And yes, I am drinking the 'Hard Knocks' Kool-Aid a little here. I can't help it. I love that show.
No love for the Browns? I mean sure Ohio sucks and all but the AFC North doesn't have a juggernaut team and they looked pretty good under Hoyer last year. I guess who is going to catch passes for them but I think they could squeak in there.
They'll do their thing where they win the division and promptly get spanked in the playoffs.
The Brown's nickname is the Factory of Sadness for a reason.
I give your handle 10/10 btw.
Even though they aren't on the list, I'll pick the Lions. Perennial bottom feeders are going to turn it around this year.
That's not how this works.
DON'T YOU TELL ME!
And they will not use Manziel except in mop up time. Hoyer is the man.
by game six.
You all heard it again here.
Redskins because the NFC East blows and turns into a cripple fight at the end of each season. Eagles should run away with it but who knows. Maybe RG3 has a rebound year.
I think this might be the most apt description I've yet heard to describe this division at the end of each season.
I was thinking Houston or maybe even the Rams (just because those 4 teams will beat up on each other and there's a chance they could be left standing in the end), but you make the best argument by far.
I think with the addition of LeBron, it has to be the Browns. What's that? He signed with the Cavs, you say? Nevermind then.
Rams for several reasons:
1. They didn't have Bradford for most of the year, they will have him this year.
2. They are loaded with talent all over the roster
3. That division plays games that are on razor's edges. They could easily go the other way and the Rams could improve their record or more likely; the Seahawks and 49ers records recede.
4. They also have a really good coach and are in year 3 (I believe?) of a multi-year plan to improve.
If the Texans and Buccaneers had better QB play, I think they would have the best shot. But I'm going with Washington. In their division, only the Eagles look like playoff contenders and I think the Redskins can knock them off.
I think Buffalo will still be pretty bad; 8-8 at best
The Browns have such a long way to go and a new Head Coach. I don't see it.
The Texans still don't have a QB. I expect them to rebound, but they have a long way to go.
The Raiders? That's funny.
The Redskins? Not with Philly in their division, though the rest of the group is wide open.
The Vikings are in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL, and all four teams arguably got better this off-season. I don't see them ascending to the top.
The Bucs are, IMO, highly overrated. I like Lovie Smith, but that is a pretty tough division with Carolina, New Orleans, and Atlanta.
Speaking of Atlanta, I think there's a good chance they return to form this year. They are my pick, since New Orleans and Carolina are both good, but both are beatable, and I think the Bucs have lots of work to do.
The Rams would be my pick if they weren't in the best division in football. They are a very good team and would have a chance to win the following divisions: AFC East, AFC North, AFC South, NFC East, NFC South. But alas, they're in the NFC West, and will struggle just to make the playoffs.