NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

3 NFL teams going from last place to Super Bowl contenders in 2022

By Sayre Bedinger

Jun 6, 2022; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the ball during OTA workouts at the UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2022; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes the ball during OTA workouts at the UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
NFL 2022
Jun 8, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey makes a catch during Carolina Panthers minicamp at Bank of America Stadium Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

From last place to Super Bowl NFL team no. 2: Carolina Panthers

87. 2021 record: 5-12. player. NFC South. Carolina Panthers. 2. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Of all three teams on this list, I feel like the Carolina Panthers come with the biggest caveat.

This team needs to acquire Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield.

Is trading for Garoppolo or Mayfield really a championship-caliber move? Maybe not, but I think a move like that would give the Panthers the best chance out of every NFC team to go from last place to representing the conference in the Super Bowl.

The other candidates:

  • Detroit Lions
  • New York Giants
  • Seattle Seahawks

Before the Russell Wilson trade, the Seahawks might have been the obvious choice here. That’s obviously no longer the case.

I toyed with the idea of putting the Detroit Lions on this list because I love what they’ve done this offseason and I like their coaching staff a lot.

Jared Goff has already been to a Super Bowl, and the Lions got a lot better in 2022. I also think they have a very underrated offensive line which could go a long way this season.

The Carolina Panthers made some similarly impressive moves and they’re getting key players back from injury.

If they can acquire a player like Mayfield or even Garoppolo, this offense has a chance to be better than just competent.

With a healthy Christian McCaffrey and the additions of guys like top pick Ikem Ekwonu and free agents Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett, Carolina might have the best chance — on paper — to go from last place to NFC Champs.

Home/NFL