With the incredible parity in the National Football League, even teams that finish at the bottom of a division last year could turn everything around in the span of an offseason
By Matthew Serocki | June 26, 2026
NFL fans usually witness a team going from last place in their division to first place nearly every year. In 2025, the New England Patriots finished 14-3 and made the Super Bowl after finishing 4-13 in 2024. The Chicago Bears didn’t make the Super Bowl last season, but they also went from worst to first in 2025.
Chicago sported a 5-12 record in 2024 before finishing 11-6 last year. The following eight teams finished in the basement of their divisions:
AFC EAST – New York Jets – 3-14
AFC NORTH – Cleveland Browns – 5-12
AFC SOUTH – Tennessee Titans – 3-14
AFC WEST – Las Vegas Raiders – 3-14
NFC EAST – New York Giants – 4-13
NFC NORTH – Detroit Lions – 9-8
NFC SOUTH – New Orleans Saints – 6-11
NFC WEST – Arizona Cardinals – 3-14
Certain divisions, like the NFC North and NFC West, are obviously much more competitive, making it harder for bad teams like the Cardinals to move up. Others with historically inept ownership and team management, like the Browns and Jets, aren’t likely to complete the feat in 2026 like the Patriots and Bears. Both need a proven quarterback for the future.
Even the Raiders getting Fernando Mendoza first overall will only help minimally this season due to the AFC West’s competitive makeup with the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs. The next three NFL squads could go from worst to first in their division in 2026.
THE DETROIT LIONS
The Bears play a first-place schedule in 2026 after winning the NFC North. They also cannot rely on having Caleb Williams bring the team back from deficits in the fourth quarter. The team could be better this season, but have a worse record.
The Vikings finished 9-8 like the Lions, but have the best defense in the division. Adding Kyler Murray should make them better on paper. The Packers limped into the playoffs at 9-7-1. Most of Detroit’s woes came from losing both coordinators in the off-season and massive injuries.
The Lions’ defense had key players miss multiple games last year, including Brian Branch (lost in Week 12), Alim McNeill (lost December 15th), Kerby Joseph (lost in Week 6), Marcus Davenport (missed 9 games after Week 2), DJ Reed (missed six games), and Terrion Arnold (in and out of the lineup).
The offense still put up plenty of points, but lost tight end Sam LaPorta to a herniated disc in Week 10. Detroit went 2-4 in the division, but swept the Bears. One loss to the Vikings was by a field goal. The NFC North will be very competitive, but with a last-place schedule, the Lions could take advantage and win their division in 2026.
THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Every other team in the NFC South finished with an 8-9 record. It took until Week 18 to determine the division winner. The Panthers ended up in the spot, but were one-and-done in the playoffs. Since New Orleans was only two games back in the division, they could easily leapfrog the teams ahead of them.
Tyler Shough didn’t take over under center until Week 9, leading the Saints to a 5-4 mark. He provided stability that the team had lacked since Drew Brees led the offense. The Saints swept Carolina and beat Tampa Bay in Week 14. Having one of the better defenses in the division will help, but Kellen Moore will also be in his second season as head coach.
Atlanta now has Tua Tagovailoa under center to pair with offensive weapons Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Drake London. It could work, or it could be more of the same as in 2025. Carolina and Tampa are still middle-of-the-pack teams that would probably finish at the bottom of any other division. That gives New Orleans a chance to win it in 2026.
THE NEW YORK GIANTS
Even though the Giants finished last in the NFC East, they have reason for optimism in 2026. Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo provided a spark through their play. Both suffered injuries last year but should be ready. Adding a legitimate and proven winner like John Harbaugh as head coach should do wonders in New York.
It could have a Mike Vrabel-esque impact, or the team could make incremental improvements each year before rising to the top. One thing helping the Giants is that the rest of the NFC East could be really good or really bad. Dallas has a top offense but has sported an awful defense.
In some weeks, it feels like Philadelphia has more problems in-house than with its opponents. Jayden Daniels’ health will always be tied to Washington’s success. Along with those issues, New York’s defense should be better on paper.
Having Brian Burns, Arvell Reese, and Abdul Carter should help the front eight. Adding Greg Newsome to the secondary should also help with the new scheme. These all look good on paper, but will truly matter when the rubber meets the road. New York did beat both the Eagles and Cowboys, so a jump to first place wouldn’t be unheard of.
Matt Serocki is a freelance journalist based outside of Boston, Massachusetts. He’s been an avid NFL and MLB fan for over 35 years, and his favorite teams are the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics, and Washington Commanders. Matt also writes about professional wrestling for Sportskeeda.
