If Atlanta Beats Carolina, the NFL's Worst-to-First Streak Hits 12
By Jason McIntyre
My favorite NFL streak is that for the last 11 years, one team has gone from worst-to-first in a division every season. For awhile in 2014, it didn’t look like that would continue.
Then chaos engulfed the pathetic NFC South, and the streak could live on if Atlanta beats Carolina at home Sunday. The Falcons opened as 2.5-point favorites, but the line has already swollen to 3.5.
Atlanta tied for last in the South last year at 4-12, and now is one win away from capturing the division crown.
If you’re the type that likes to look ahead to the playoffs, Seattle’s win over Arizona last night sets up nicely for this to happen: The Falcons beat the Panthers, then get to host Arizona, the 5th seed, in the 1st round of the playoffs.
The Falcons might be favored in that one, too. Then, they’d go on the road and get pummeled by the Seahawks.
If you have any interest in if the streak can hit 13, the Redskins (4-11), Bears (5-10), Bucs (2-13), Rams (6-9), Jets (3-12), Browns (7-8), Titans (2-13) and Raiders (3-12) look like last-place locks. It’s very early, but keep an eye on Oakland in 2015 if they get Jim Harbaugh and Peyton Manning retires.
Related: NFL Worst-to-First in 2014: Which Team Will Make It Happen for the 12th Straight Year?
Related: NFL Worst-to-First Streak at 10 Years. Who Will it Be in 2013?
Related: The Redskins Went Worst-to-First, Keeping an Amazing NFL Streak Intact