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The Top 10 worst-to-first seasons in NFL history

By Erik Lambert

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammates after making a game winning 61 yard field goal against the New York Giants on September 24, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 24: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with teammates after making a game winning 61 yard field goal against the New York Giants on September 24, 2017 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans head coach Sean Payton and the Saints bench look on during the first half of their 23-3 win over Atlanta Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
New Orleans head coach Sean Payton and the Saints bench look on during the first half of their 23-3 win over Atlanta Monday, September 25, 2006, at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

No. 5: 2006 New Orleans Saints

Without a doubt one of the coolest stories in NFL history. The Saints were at rock bottom in 2005. Not only did they have to endure a 3-13 season, but they played all their home games away from their beloved Superdome due to Hurricane Katrina ravaging New Orleans. The devastation was so complete that many wondered if the Saints would play football there again.

Never mind trying to have a winning season. Needless to say, expectations were low going into 2006. They had a new head coach in Sean Payton, a bright offensive mind from Dallas. His first priority was finding himself a quarterback. The team decided to throw all their chips into a gamble on signing Drew Brees. The veteran had become a free agent after San Diego dumped him in favor of Philip Rivers due to a torn rotator cuff.

From there? Magic happened. Catapulted by a revived offense and an unheralded punt block, the 2006 Saints went on a historic run that not only saw them reach the NFC championship but also brought a dead city back to life.

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