2017 NFL Season: Which Last Place Team Will Turn It Around?
By Erik Lambert
New York Giants (0-4)
This is not the same Giants team from 2016. There is no doubt that the playoff loss to Green Bay has affected their psyche. They’re not playing with the same confidence they were before that. The offense is completely out of balance and aren’t throwing the ball with precision despite having more talent on paper. The offensive line remains a disaster and the defense has lost much of its bite. Does Ben McAdoo have it in him to get them pointed in the right direction? Odds: 15%
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2)
This might be the most frustrating team in the NFL right now. They’re loaded with talent on both sides of the ball with a charismatic leader in Jameis Winston leading the way. Yet they still can’t get out of their own way. They should’ve beaten the Patriots on Thursday night but miscues on offense and missed field goals resulted in defeat. Who exactly is this team? Until they figure that out, it will be more of the same. Still, the division isn’t out of reach. Odds: 40%
San Francisco 49ers (0-4)
Kyle Shanahan has some energy going by the bay with the 49ers thanks to his productive offense. Nonetheless a coach is judged by wins and he hasn’t deliver yet. His team fights hard in every game but as yet haven’t been able to finish. Issues at quarterback and on defense persist, making matter more difficult. With Los Angeles and Seattle pulling away, they need to start winning now or risk being left in the dust. Odds: 5%