The Lions are lead candidates to become latest NFL team to go from worst to first in the division

The Detroit Lions are listed as leading candidates to be the next NFL team to turn a last-place finish into a division title. Since the 2002 realignment, 27 teams have followed a last-place finish with a division championship the next year, and last season the Patriots and Bears pulled off the feat, marking it as the fifth time in six seasons that at least one team does it. Detroit posted a 9-8 record and finished fourth in the NFC North in 2024, yet retains key pieces from its NFC-best playoff run. BetMGM lists the Lions at +175 to win the division, citing their returning offensive stars and a favorable schedule with nine of 11 games outside the division. Concerns include a shifting offensive line, with Penei Sewell moving to left tackle and questions at other spots, plus injuries impacting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. The New Orleans Saints are next at +260, with Tyler Shough’s promise in nine starts, while the New York Giants sit at +550.