First, let’s clarify the 8 teams that were last place in their division in 2019: Redskins, Lions, Cardinals, Panthers, Dolphins, Chargers, Bengals, Jaguars.
In the NFL, it is very hard to return from a losing record to first place in the division. However, I believe there are 3 last place teams that have potential to be first because of their spectacular offseasons!
Arizona Cardinals
2019 record: 5-10-1
Arizona wasn’t all too awful in 2019, but their division was tough. It consisted of three teams with winning records, 1 of which was the NFC Champion, and the other was in the playoffs.
The Cardinals control their own destiny in 2020. With DeAndre Hopkins and Kenyan Drake at Kyler Murray’s disposal, it will be hard to stop him.
The defense for Arizona remains scary as always, highlighted by the sack machine Chandler Jones. Patrick Peterson, Terrell Suggs, and many more will be lethal as always.
The Cardinals have the ability to play lights out in 2020, but their division remains a concern. The reigning NFC Champs (49ers) may have lost some key players in FA, but a run game and defense as good as theirs will be hard to stop. The Seahawks also have the dynamic duo in Russell Wilson and Pete Carroll, and D.K. Metcalf is there to help.
Miami Dolphins
2019 record: 5-11
On a list like this, it’s nearly impossible to leave out the Dolphins. Considering how well their draft and offseason was, and how much worse the division has gotten, the Dolphins serve as a great team on this list.
As you may know, Tua Tagovailoa has replaced the one and only Ryan Fitzpatrick. Tua’s success in college doesn’t mean he will perform at the same level in the pros, but he sure looks promising.
If Tua does struggle, Miami’s defense will be there to save them. Byron Jones, Kyle Van-Noy, Emmanuel Ogbah, Shaq Lawson, and many longtime Dolphin players could potentially replace New England as the best defense in the AFC East.
The best reason for the Dolphins to win the AFC East is their weak division. The Jets are a very weak team and haven’t been a dangerous team for years. Josh Allen & co. will be great as last year, but Miami has potential to split with them. The Patriots defense is one of the best in the league, but Tua can beat them out with his offense and defense.
Washington Redskins
2019 record: 3-13
The nation’s capital has a whole new football team, and their fans are ready for it. Head Coach Ron Rivera who has proven his ability in Carolina will have the chance to coach his new QB Dwayne Haskins. Jack Del Rio’s great coaching abilities and his great defense will be a very scary duo.
Terry McLaurin and Derrius Guice are two young stars that will aid Haskins in becoming a great QB. The defense is unquestionably the best in their division.
Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and a whole defense of superstars will aid Washington in becoming a playoff team. The NFC East will also help them become a playoff team.
This division has been weak for years, and a major reason the new 7 team playoff has been enforced. The Cowboys and Eagles seem amazing on paper every year, but managed to finish under 10 wins. The Giants have too many holes that will be easily attacked. With the right coaching staff, defense, and a offense rising with superstars, the Redskins could make a run in the playoffs!
