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2018 NFL Season: Ranking Likeliest Worst-to First Teams

By Erik Lambert

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers signalsto his team during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 24: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers signalsto his team during their NFL game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 18: Executive vice president and general manager John Elway of the Denver Broncos is recognized during the pregame ceremony as his jersey number is retired before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – SEPTEMBER 18: Executive vice president and general manager John Elway of the Denver Broncos is recognized during the pregame ceremony as his jersey number is retired before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field Field at Mile High on September 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

#4:  Denver Broncos

The drafting of Bradley Chubb ensured that the Broncos defense should remain the fearsome unit its been the past few years, led by a tremendous pass rush. The big key for them is whether their signing of Case Keenum will payoff in solving their ongoing quarterback dilemma. Keenum was brilliant last season in Minnesota but he’s entering a new offense with new coaches and teammates. History shows that can be dangerous in football. The saving grace for Denver is the AFC West has lost a bit of its bite. Oakland looks to be in a major transition. Kansas City just lost two of its best players and the Chargers still have yet to prove they can play with the big boys.

#3:  Chicago Bears

There is a refreshing vibe in the Windy City for the first time in years. Suddenly a team that seemed to have no hope is looking like a darkhorse playoff contender. Mitch Trubisky offers them a young, athlete quarterback with an accurate arm. Their defense ranked top 10 last year and just gained a new playmaker in Roquan Smith. The offense? It’s been an amazing transformation. Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, Trey Burton, James Daniels and Anthony Miller have helped surround Trubisky with more weapons and protection they he’s ever had at any level he’s played. This is a young, athletic team that is starving for success and it feels like they’re so close.

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