Which NFL team is poised to go from worst to first in 2025?

The NFL has long embraced parity, and the “worst-to-first” storyline remains one of its most compelling. Since the 2002 divisional realignment, 25 teams have followed a last-place finish with a division title the next season. While no team accomplished the feat in 2024, history suggests at least one is likely to reverse course in 2025 — and several contenders are emerging as strong candidates.

Among them, the San Francisco 49ers are drawing the most attention. Despite reaching the Super Bowl in the 2023 season, the 49ers stumbled to a 6-10 finish in 2024 amid a string of key injuries. According to BetMGM Sportsbook, San Francisco enters 2025 as the betting favorite (+165) to win the NFC West.

San Francisco 49ers

• Odds to win division: +165
• The 49ers’ projected last-place schedule includes matchups against fellow bottom-tier teams Chicago, the New York Giants, and Cleveland, offering a potential path back to contention. Head coach Kyle Shanahan still commands a veteran roster led by All-Pro talent like Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle. However, the offseason saw an exodus of defensive starters, raising questions about depth despite the return of defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.

New England Patriots

• Odds: +475
• New England is banking on second-year quarterback Drake Maye, who showed promise in 2024. The Patriots bolstered their coaching staff with head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. While the additions of rookie tackle Will Campbell and veteran wideout Stefon Diggs should help, the offense still lacks depth, and Maye’s development remains uncertain.

Chicago Bears

• Odds: +550
• Chicago brought in highly regarded play-caller Ben Johnson as head coach and invested heavily in offensive line upgrades, acquiring Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson to support quarterback Caleb Williams. However, the Bears face a steep climb in an NFC North that sent three teams to the playoffs last year. Williams’ progress in Year 2 will be critical after an uneven rookie campaign.

Tennessee Titans

• Odds: +800
• The Titans selected quarterback Cam Ward with the first overall pick, hoping his mobility and arm strength can revive a stagnant offense. Tennessee also reinforced its offensive line with veterans Dan Moore and Kevin Zeitler. Still, concerns remain about the team’s defensive shortcomings, particularly after allowing 27.1 points per game in 2024.

New Orleans Saints

• Odds: +1,300
• First-round pick Kelvin Banks could help solidify a retooled offensive line, while receivers Chris Olave and Rasheed Shaheed aim to return to form. However, the post-Derek Carr era is unsettled. The Saints are likely to start either rookie Tyler Shough or 2024 fifth-rounder Spencer Rattler at quarterback, making consistency a major hurdle.

Las Vegas Raiders

• Odds: +1,500
• Las Vegas made sweeping changes by hiring Pete Carroll and acquiring veteran quarterback Geno Smith. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly brings a fresh scheme, and new weapons like tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty add intrigue. But the Raiders face stiff competition in the AFC West and persistent defensive concerns, particularly in the secondary.

New York Giants

• Odds: +2,800
• New York is expected to field one of the NFL’s most formidable defensive lines, led by rookie Abdul Carter and anchored by Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns. Offensively, the addition of quarterback Russell Wilson offers experience, though his recent decline is cause for concern. The team also drafted Jaxson Dart in the first round, but he may not be ready to contribute immediately.

Cleveland Browns

• Odds: +3,000
• Despite boasting one of the league’s top defenders in Myles Garrett and a two-time AP Coach of the Year in Kevin Stefanski, the Browns remain in quarterback limbo. With no clear starter among Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, or rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, Cleveland’s offensive future appears murky.

As teams begin training camps, the NFL’s annual reset offers struggling franchises a chance to rewrite their narrative. While the 49ers appear best positioned for a turnaround, each team’s fate will depend on health, development, and the emergence of young talent over the course of a long season.