NFL 2016: From Worst To First
NFL 2016: From Worst To First

For the 12th time in the past 13 seasons, at least one team finished in first place in its division the season after finishing in last or tied for last place. Here's the teams to go from worst-to-first since 2003

Competitive balance, one of the hallmarks of the NFL, gives fans hope entering each season.

For the 12th time in the past 13 seasons, at least one team finished in first place in its division the season after finishing in last or tied for last place. In fact, of the 43 teams in league history to go from "worst-tofirst," 20 of them have done so in the past 13 years (2003-15), including an NFL-record three such teams in 2005 and 2006.

After finishing in last place in the division in 2014, the Washington Redskins won their final four games to close the 2015 NFL regular season and claim the NFC East crown. After starting the season 2-4, the Redskins qualified for postseason play for the first time since 2012.

"I'm very satisfied to see how the tables turned," says Washington quarterback KIRK COUSINS about the team's turnaround last season. "Now we look forward and say: 'Where can we go from here?' and 'How high can we take it?'"

 

NFL teams to go from "worst-to-first" since 2003

Season Team Record Prior
Source: NFL * Tied for last place ** Won Super Bowl
2003Carolina11-57-9
2003Kansas City13-38-8*
2004Atlanta11-55-11
2004San Diego12-44-12*
2005Chicago11-55-11
2005New York Giants11-56-10*
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
2011Denver8-84-12
2011Houston10-66-10*
2012Washington10-65-11
2013Carolina12-47-9*
2013Philadelphia10-64-12
2015Washington9-74-12

NFL Football: "NFL 2016: From Worst To First"