Will any NFL teams go worst to first in 2026? Here are our division winner best bets to make big turnarounds

Last season, the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears completed dramatic turnarounds. After ending 2024 at the bottom of their divisions, both teams rebounded to claim division titles in 2025 — a textbook case of going from worst to first.

These types of stories have been embedded in the NFL's DNA for many years. Since the league adopted its current eight-division format in 2002, a whopping 27 teams have vaulted from last place to first. Every season this decade has seen at least one of these turnarounds — except in 2024.

I have a hunch we're due for another big turnaround in 2026 — at least one team will make a strong run. A couple of squads that finished last in 2025 look set to rise and contend again. Let's explore what makes these teams such compelling comeback candidates this year.

So which 2025 disappointments can turn into 2026 contenders? ... Join SportsLine right now to see NFL futures best bets from Jeff Hochman!