NFL Football 2011

Competitive balance in the NFL provides hope to all as each team has a chance to finish atop the standings no matter its record the previous year. For an NFL-record eighth consecutive season, at least one team has finished in first place in its division the season after finishing in last place. In fact, of the 33 teams in league history to go from "worst-to-first," 15 of them have done so in the past 10 years (2001-10), including an NFL-record three such teams in 2006.

Kansas City improved its 2009 record (4-12) by six wins to claim the 2010 AFC West title at 10-6, sparked by a 7-1 mark at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs, who went from "worst-to-first" in 2003, joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2005, 2007) and the New Orleans Saints (2006, 2009) as the only teams to accomplish the feat twice since realignment in 2002.

"You set your expectations high and you work hard and you push people to their limits," said Chiefs head coach TODD HALEY (left) after clinching the division crown in his second season at the helm. "Through experience, I have learned that you can get things going at least in the right direction. For us to get to this spot, this quick, is really great."

NFL Teams to go from Worst-to-First in their Division since 2001

Season Team Record Prior Season Record
* Tied for last place, ** Won Super Bowl (Source: NFL)
2001Chicago13-35-11
2001New England**11-55-11
2003Carolina11-57-9
2003Kansas City13-38-8*
2004Atlanta11-55-11
2004San Diego12-44-12*
2005Chicago11-55-11
2005Tampa Bay11-55-11
2006Baltimore13-36-10*
2006New Orleans10-63-13
2006Philadelphia10-66-10
2007Tampa Bay9-74-12
2008Miami11-51-15
2009New Orleans**13-38-8
2010Kansas City10-64-12

NFL Teams That Go From Worst to First - NFL Football 2011