AFC News and Notes

*NFL RECEIVING TANDEMS MAKING IMPACT *

Receiving tandems around the league are proving difficult to defend.

"We always talk about two guys are better than one, and it gives the quarterback more options on who he should throw to," says NFL Network analyst LA DAINIAN TOMLINSON. "Most of the time, defenses are going to have one really good corner. Well, if you have two good receivers then that's another corner that you have to have to be able to match up with that team."

Former NFL receiver ISAAC BRUCEcertainly believes that having multiple accomplished receivers is extremely beneficial to an offense. In 2000, Bruce and TORRY HOLT combined for 3,106 receiving yards for the St. Louis Rams, the second-most combined receiving yardage total ever by teammates with 1,000 yards each in a season.

"Offenses definitely are more productive with multiple options in the passing game," says Bruce. "Opposing defenses can't roll coverage or double and that creates man-to-man opportunities for the receiver, which opens up the offense"

Entering Week 8, six receiving duos are on pace for each player to reach 1,000 yards, which would tie for the third-most in NFL history (seven in 1999 and 2009).

The most combined receiving yards totals by teammates with 1,000 yards each in a season in NFL history:

On pace to become the sixth trio to record 1,000 receiving yards each in NFL history, Denver Broncos wide receivers ERIC DECKER, DEMARYIUS THOMAS and WES WELKERforce the defense to make difficult decisions. 

"You take your pick, they all play like No. 1 receivers," says Broncos All-Pro cornerback CHAMP BAILEY. "I don't care where they play, or where they line up, that corner is going to have his hands full."

The teams with three players with 1,000 receiving yards in a season in NFL history:

NFC News and Notes

DIVISION GAMES TAKE ON ADDED IMPORTANCE

With only 16 games per team, every game is critical. But those six games on the schedule against your division seem to have even more significance.

"Division games are so important," says NBC Sports analyst and former head coach TONY DUNGY. "That's where you've got to win if you're going to win your division."

Since the current eight-division format was instituted in 2002, the 11 Super Bowl champions have posted a combined divisional record of 45-21 (.682) in their title seasons. All 11 clubs posted a .500 or better record in division games during their championship years.

"Division games take on more importance," says Denver Broncos quarterback PEYTON MANNING. "You do more from a preparation standpoint because it's a division game. Having a good week of practice is really where it starts." 

In Week 8, there are five division games, including three in primetime.

"If you can win your division games, it counts more than a game," says Green Bay Packers wide receiver JORDY NELSON. "Winning your division games is huge when it comes to winning your division."

The Packers, who have won 13 of their past 14 NFC North contests, have been one of the most successful teams in division play.

The teams with the best division records over the past five seasons (since 2008):

"Division games are important," says Green Bay head coach MIKE MC CARTHY. "We spend extra time on our division opponents in the offseason, which I'm sure every NFL club does. Your path to success depends on your ability to win games in the division."

The teams with the most division titles since realignment in 2002: