Worst to First

One of my great childhood sports memories is the 1991 worst-to-first World Series between the Minnesota Twins and Atlanta Braves.

It's not such a special thing in the NFL, especially in the typically putrid NFC.

Each NFC team that finished last in their division last season has started this year in the thick of things.

The Bucs, 'skins and Lions are each 2-1, while Arizona is 1-2, but both their losses are by just three points.

Since the NFC went from three to four divisons in 2002, six teams have gone from last to first the following season -- a rate of 37.5%. Even more interesting, it has happened in the NFC South each year. Atlanta and New Orleans will really be racing for the bottom.

That trend may continue. Of the four teams that finished last in their divisions in 2006, I think the Bucs, who may have their best defense since the Dungy years, have the best chance to win in 2007. I think the others could make a run, but I consider Dallas, Green Bay and Seattle far ahead of them.

--Nate Sandstrom