In 2011, the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redksins, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Bucaneers and St. Louis Rams all finished in last place in their respective division.
For most of these teams, this will not in 2012. For one of the bunch, there is a chance they could find themselves at the top of their division.
Since 2003, the NFL has had last place teams playing hard the following season, ultimately going from worst to first.
The trend initiated in 2002. The Carolina Panthers were in last place that season in the NFC South after sporting a 7-9 season. In 2003 they finished in first place with a record of 11-5. That is the difference between four wins and four loses in the NFL.
The 2003 Falcons were in last place, then in 2004 they bounced back to take the NFC South. In 2005 both the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants did it and finished in first place in their respective divisions.
2006 also saw two teams go from worst to first as the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles improved their records. The Saints repeated this act again in 2009 after a disappointing 8-8 campaign in 2008.
Most recently, the Denver Broncos, who finished 4-12 in 2010, made a run at first place and successfully captured the division after a miraculous season from Tim Tebow.
So which one will it be in 2012?
Out of those eight the Redskins seem to have the best chance to make the dramatic jump.
The Washington Redskins have the right talent and play in division where there is a new team on top every year. They hope their new quarterback sensation Robert Griffin III can make them contenders.
With New York Giant receiver Hakeem Nicks' recent injury, the Redskins might have a chance to compete. They have added Pierre Garcon, the ex-Colt, presenting a solid target for RGIII. However, Eli Manning has proven he can lead a team through any circumstances and against anybody.
The Philadelphia Eagles are also expected to find their winning ways again.
Everybody else either plays in tough divisions or has a clear cut winner.
The Buffalo Bills had a strong start to their 2011 campaign but quickly lost steam. They added Mario Williams, after making him the richest linebacker in football. Tom Brady still looks dominant and looks to get back to the Super Bowl once again.
Realistically speaking, the Cleveland Browns have added great talent, but they still need a few years to get their chemistry together. Trent Richardson is a multitalented runningback who can both run and catch the ball effectively. They have to play the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers and a young, but already proven Cincinnati Bengals team.
The Indianapolis Colts have a chance to put a magical run in 2012. They have Andrew Luck, who is supposed to be the next big thing. The Colts let Peyton Manning walk in order to draft the quarterback.
The other divisions are too strong. The Vikings play in the same division as Aaron Rodgers. Barring injury, the Green Bay Packers should stay dominant and if not them, the Chicago Bears will be the second best team in that division.
The Rams do not stand a chance against a better offensive San Francisco 49ers team. They went out and got Mario Manningham and Brandon Jacobs, both former Giants. Also making additions were the Broncos, which the Chiefs will not get passed in the AFC West.
The Saints may not contend this year because of the horrible offseason the team has gone through. The Atlanta Falcons should step up as the owners of the NFC South, leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a slim chance of winning the division.
As long as Peyton Manning can throw, the team he plays for has a chance of making it. The Chiefs do not stand a chance against the Broncos.
