WHO’S THIS YEAR’S WORST-TO-FIRST TEAM?
Week 1 in 2019 offers hope for even the worst teams from Week 17 of 2018. Here’s why:
• At least one team in 15 of the past 16 seasons has gone from worst to first in its division. Last year, two teams — Houston and Chicago — did it.
• Since 2002, two teams — the 2017 Eagles and 2009 Saints — have gone from worst in their division to winning the Super Bowl.
• Every year since 1990 at least four teams have qualified for the playoffs a year after missing the playoffs. Last year, the number was seven (Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, the Chargers and Seattle).
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Sports
Sports

Wild trades Greg Pateryn to Colorado for Ian Cole
The swap of defenseman reunited GM Bill Guerin with another of his Pittsburgh connections.
High Schools

New-look prep state tournaments envisioned for hockey, basketball
A plan discussed by Minnesota State High School League leaders would hold hockey title games on April 3 and basketball finals the following weekend.
Sports

Souhan: Why Saunders should be given a longer look as Wolves coach
Yes, this Timberwolves season is a mess (again) — exactly why young coach Ryan Saunders should be given the benefits of patience and understanding.
Sports
Nuga scores 23 to lead Kent State over Buffalo 84-81
Mike Nuga had 23 points as Kent State narrowly defeated Buffalo 84-81 on Tuesday.
Sports
Don Sutton, Hall of Fame pitcher for Dodgers, dies at 75
Don Sutton, a Hall of Fame pitcher who was a stalwart of the Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation spanning an era from Sandy Koufax to Fernando Valenzuela, died Tuesday. He was 75.