NFL Worst to First Turnarounds Define Early Season Surprises

The NFL season is witnessing a dramatic shift in power. Two teams that finished last in their divisions a year ago now lead them. This stunning reversal highlights the league’s signature parity.

According to Reuters, seven teams that missed the playoffs last season already have at least four wins. The competitive balance is creating an unpredictable and thrilling year for fans. The trend of worst-to-first runs is alive and well.

Patriots and 49ers Lead the Charge

The New England Patriots are a remarkable 5-2 and lead the AFC East. They secured a significant road win against the Buffalo Bills. This is a major improvement from their 4-13 record last season under new coach Jerod Mayo.

Quarterback Drake Maye has developed into an elite player in his second year. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers also sit at 5-2 atop the NFC West. They have succeeded despite a long list of injuries to key starters on both sides of the ball.

Their resilience has been a testament to Coach Kyle Shanahan’s system. Since the NFL’s divisional realignment in 2002, 25 teams have completed a worst-to-first turnaround. The Houston Texans did it last season, and now two more candidates have emerged.

Unexpected Contenders Reshape the League

The surge is not limited to just the Patriots and 49ers. The Indianapolis Colts lead the AFC South behind a potent offense. The Chicago Bears have won four consecutive games under a new coach.

The Carolina Panthers are on a three-game winning streak. Even the Jacksonville Jaguars have matched their win total from all of last season. This wave of improvement shows how quickly fortunes can change.

Teams are finding success with new quarterbacks, coaching philosophies, and resilient rosters. The league’s any-given-Sunday ethos is on full display. This makes for a compelling race to the playoffs.

The NFL’s worst to first phenomenon is creating a thrilling and unpredictable season. These dramatic turnarounds prove that no team’s fate is sealed from one year to the next. The league’s competitive balance remains its greatest asset.

Info at your fingertips

Which NFL teams are currently positioned for a worst-to-first turnaround?

The New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers both finished last in their divisions in 2024. They now lead the AFC East and NFC West, respectively, through seven weeks of the current season.

How common is a worst-to-first turnaround in the NFL?

Since the league moved to its current eight-division format in 2002, 25 teams have achieved this feat. The Houston Texans were the most recent team to do it during the 2024 season.

How are the 49ers winning despite key injuries?

The team has overcome injuries to quarterback Brock Purdy, wide receivers, and stars on defense. Backup Mac Jones has a 4-1 record, and Coach Kyle Shanahan’s system has proven effective.

What has driven the Patriots’ rapid improvement?

Second-year quarterback Drake Maye’s development into an elite player has been crucial. New head coach Jerod Mayo has also instilled a winning culture that was absent last season.

Are other surprise teams in playoff contention?

Yes. The Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and Carolina Panthers are among several teams that missed the playoffs last year but now have winning records this season.