"Super Season" Kicks Off

Jan 03, 2014 at 03:44 PM

"SUPER SEASON" KICKS OFF

The NFL playoffs begin on Saturday and Sunday, January 4-5, with Wild Card Weekend. On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs play at the Indianapolis Colts (NBC, 4:35 PM ET) and the New Orleans Saints visit the Philadelphia Eagles (NBC, 8:10 PM ET). Wild Card Weekend continues Sunday with the San Diego Chargers at the Cincinnati Bengals (CBS, 1:05 PM ET) and the San Francisco 49ers traveling to face the Green Bay Packers (FOX, 4:40 PM ET).

The following week (January 11-12), the Denver Broncos (Sunday, CBS, 4:40 PM ET) and New England Patriots (Saturday, CBS, 8:15 PM ET) in the AFC and the Seattle Seahawks (Saturday, FOX, 4:35 PM ET) and Carolina Panthers (Sunday, FOX, 1:05 PM ET) in the NFC host the Divisional Playoffs. The Broncos and Seahawks own home-field advantage for the Conference Championship Games (January 19) if they win their Divisional contests.

The 2014 Pro Bowl will be played Sunday, January 26 in Honolulu, Hawaii followed by Super Bowl XLVIII on February 2 at MetLife Stadium.

FRESH FACES & CONSISTENT WINNERS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF FIELD

There are five new playoff teams in 2013: Carolina, Kansas City, New Orleans, Philadelphia and San Diego. Since the 12-team playoff format was adopted in 1990, at least five teams have qualified for the playoffs in every season that were not in the postseason the year before.

The teams since 1990 to make the playoffs a season after failing to qualify:

SEASON

PLAYOFF TEAMS NOT IN PREVIOUS SEASON'S PLAYOFFS

1990

7 (Cincinnati, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles Raiders, Miami, New Orleans, Washington)

1991

5 (Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, New York Jets)

1992

6 (Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco)

1993

5 (Denver, Detroit, Green Bay, Los Angeles Raiders, New York Giants)

1994

5 (Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, New England, San Diego)

1995

4 (Atlanta, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Philadelphia)

1996

5 (Carolina, Denver, Jacksonville, Minnesota, New England)

1997

5 (Detroit, Kansas City, Miami, New York Giants, Tampa Bay)

1998

5 (Arizona, Atlanta, Buffalo, Dallas, New York Jets)

1999

7 (Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington)

2000

6 (Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, New York Giants, Oakland, Philadelphia)

2001

6 (Chicago, Green Bay, New England, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Francisco)

2002

5 (Atlanta, Cleveland, Indianapolis, New York Giants, Tennessee)

2003

8 (Baltimore, Carolina, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, New England, St. Louis, Seattle)

2004

5 (Atlanta, Minnesota, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Diego)

2005

7 (Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Tampa Bay, Washington)

2006

7 (Baltimore, Dallas, Kansas City, New Orleans, New York Jets, Philadelphia, San Diego)

2007

6 (Green Bay, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington)

2008

7 (Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia)

2009

6 (Cincinnati, Dallas, Green Bay, New England, New Orleans, New York Jets)

2010

5 (Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Seattle)

2011

6 (Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Houston, New York Giants, San Francisco)

2012

4 (Indianapolis, Minnesota, Seattle, Washington)

2013

5 (Carolina, Kansas City, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Diego)

-- NFL --

In the 12 seasons since realignment in 2002, 28 of the 32 NFL teams have won a division title at least once.

How the 2013 playoff teams have fared in the 12 seasons since realignment in 2002 (2013 division winners in bold/italics):

TEAM

DIVISION TITLES

PLAYOFF BERTHS

New England

Indianapolis

Green Bay

Philadelphia

Seattle

San Diego

Denver

Cincinnati

New Orleans

Carolina

San Francisco

Kansas City

-- NFL --

The Carolina Panthers (NFC South) and Philadelphia Eagles (NFC East) rebounded to win their respective divisions after finishing in last place or tied for last in 2012. This marked the NFL-record 11th consecutive season that at least one team went from "worst-to-first" in its division.

The teams to go from "worst-to-first" in their divisions since 2003:

SEASON

TEAM

RECORD

PRIOR SEASON RECORD

ADVANCED TO

2003

Carolina

11-5

7-9

Super Bowl XXXVIII

2003

Kansas City

13-3

8-8*

Divisional Playoffs

2004

Atlanta

11-5

5-11

NFC Championship

2004

San Diego

12-4

4-12*

Wild Card Playoffs

2005

Chicago

11-5

5-11

Divisional Playoffs

2005

Tampa Bay

11-5

5-11

Wild Card Playoffs

2006

Baltimore

13-3

6-10*

Divisional Playoffs

2006

New Orleans

10-6

3-13

NFC Championship

2006

Philadelphia

10-6

6-10

Divisional Playoffs

2007

Tampa Bay

9-7

4-12

Wild Card Playoffs

2008

Miami

11-5

1-15

Wild Card Playoffs

2009

New Orleans

13-3

8-8

Won Super Bowl XLIV

2010

Kansas City

10-6

4-12

Wild Card Playoffs

2011

Denver

8-8

4-12

Divisional Playoffs

2011

Houston

10-6

6-10*

Divisional Playoffs

2012

Washington

10-6

5-11

Wild Card Playoffs

2013

Carolina

12-4

*7-9

???

2013

Philadelphia

10-6

4-12

???

*Tied for last place

The 2013 field also showcases teams that have enjoyed recent postseason success. Since realignment in 2002, the Indianapolis Colts have been to the playoffs 11 times, the most in the NFL. The New England Patriots are second with 10 postseason berths and the Green Bay Packers rank third with nine playoff appearances.

The teams with the most playoff appearances since 2002 (includes 2013):

TEAM

POSTSEASON APPEARANCES

Indianapolis Colts

*11

New England Patriots

*10

Green Bay Packers

Philadelphia Eagles

Seattle Seahawks

*In 2013 postseason

-- NFL --

Four of this season's 12 playoff teams have won at least one Super Bowl since 2000, capturing six of the past 13 Vince Lombardi Trophies. Those teams are Green Bay (XLV), Indianapolis (XLI), New England (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX) and New Orleans (XLIV).

SUPER BOWL

SEASON

WINNER

XXXV

2000

Baltimore

XXXVI

2001

*New England

XXXVII

2002

Tampa Bay

XXXVIII

2003

*New England

XXXIX

2004

*New England

2005

Pittsburgh

XLI

2006

*Indianapolis

XLII

2007

New York Giants

XLIII

2008

Pittsburgh

XLIV

2009

*New Orleans

XLV

2010

*Green Bay

XLVI

2011

New York Giants

XLVII

2012

Baltimore

*In 2013 postseason

ALL-TIME PLAYOFFS

The Green Bay Packers will participate in the playoffs for the 29th time, the third-most postseason appearances in NFL history.

The teams with the most seasons participating in the playoffs (includes 2013):

TEAM

PLAYOFF BERTHS

New York Giants

Dallas Cowboys

*Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings

Pittsburgh Steelers

St. Louis Rams

*In 2013 playoffs

The 12 playoff teams and their postseason records:

* *

TEAM

WINS LOSSES

PCT.

Green Bay Packers

.625

Carolina Panthers

.600

San Francisco 49ers

.596

New England Patriots

.585

Denver Broncos

.514

Philadelphia Eagles

.487

Indianapolis Colts

.475

New Orleans Saints

.429

Seattle Seahawks

.429

San Diego Chargers

.385

Kansas City Chiefs

.364

Cincinnati Bengals

.313

WILD CARD RECORDS

TEAM

WINS

LOSSES

PCT.

Green Bay Packers

.667

San Diego Chargers

.667

San Francisco 49ers

.600

Philadelphia Eagles

.500

Indianapolis Colts

.400

New Orleans Saints

.286

Kansas City Chiefs

.250

Cincinnati Bengals

.167

DIVISIONAL RECORDS

TEAM

WINS

LOSSES

PCT.

Carolina Panthers

.750

New England Patriots

.625

Denver Broncos

.615

Seattle Seahawks

.250

THE TEAMS

WINNING FEELING:The Green Bay Packers have won 13 NFL championships, the most in league history. Of the 12 playoff teams this season, eight have won at least one championship.

NFL championships won by the 2013 playoff teams:

TEAM

NFL CHAMPIONSHIP(S)

SEASON(S)

Green Bay Packers

1929-31, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961-62, 1965-67, 1996, 2010

San Francisco 49ers

1981, 1984, 1988-89, 1994

Indianapolis Colts

1958-59, 1970, 2006

New England Patriots

2001, 2003-04

Philadelphia Eagles

1948-49, 1960

Denver Broncos

1997-98

New Orleans Saints

2009

Kansas City Chiefs

1969

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

San Diego Chargers

Seattle Seahawks

-- NFL --

PLAYOFF SUCCESS: The Green Bay Packers have won 30 postseason games, the most among 2013 playoff teams and the third-most most in NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers have 28 postseason victories, the second-most among 2013 playoff clubs and the fourth-most all-time. The teams with the most playoff victories in NFL history:

TEAM

PLAYOFF WINS

Dallas Cowboys

Pittsburgh Steelers

*Green Bay Packers

*San Francisco 49ers

Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders

*In 2013 playoffs

Postseason victories for the 2013 playoff teams:

TEAM

PLAYOFF WINS

Green Bay Packers

San Francisco 49ers

New England Patriots

Indianapolis Colts

Philadelphia Eagles

Denver Broncos

San Diego Chargers

Seattle Seahawks

Kansas City Chiefs

Carolina Panthers

New Orleans Saints

Cincinnati Bengals

HOME SWEET HOME…MAYBE: While home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is a coveted prize, it has been no guarantee of a trip to the Super Bowl. And like so much about the NFL, an unpredictable result is seemingly the only predictable outcome.

Since the NFL adopted the 12-team playoff format in 1990, only 21 of the 46 (45.7 percent) No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Super Bowl, with nine No. 1 seeds being crowned champions (19.6 percent). How the No. 1 seeds have fared since 1990:

SEASON

AFC NO. 1 SEED

SEASON RESULT

* *

NFC NO. 1 SEED

SEASON RESULT

1990

Buffalo

Lost Super Bowl XXV

San Francisco

Lost NFC Championship

1991

Buffalo

Lost Super Bowl XXVI

Washington

Won Super Bowl XXVI

1992

Pittsburgh

Lost Divisional

San Francisco

Lost NFC Championship

1993

Buffalo

Lost Super Bowl XXVIII

Dallas

Won Super Bowl XXVIII

1994

Pittsburgh

Lost AFC Championship

San Francisco

Won Super Bowl XXIX

1995

Kansas City

Lost Divisional

Dallas

Won Super Bowl XXX

1996

Denver

Lost Divisional

Green Bay

Won Super Bowl XXXI

1997

Kansas City

Lost Divisional

San Francisco

Lost NFC Championship

1998

Denver

Won Super Bowl XXXIII

Minnesota

Lost NFC Championship

1999

Jacksonville

Lost AFC Championship

St. Louis

Won Super Bowl XXXIV

2000

Tennessee

Lost Divisional

New York Giants

Lost Super Bowl XXXV

2001

Pittsburgh

Lost AFC Championship

St. Louis

Lost Super Bowl XXXVI

2002

Oakland

Lost Super Bowl XXXVII

Philadelphia

Lost NFC Championship

2003

New England

Won Super Bowl XXXVIII

Philadelphia

Lost NFC Championship

2004

Pittsburgh

Lost AFC Championship

Philadelphia

Lost Super Bowl XXXIX

2005

Indianapolis

Lost Divisional

Seattle

Lost Super Bowl XL

2006

San Diego

Lost Divisional

Chicago

Lost Super Bowl XLI

2007

New England

Lost Super Bowl XLII

Dallas

Lost Divisional

2008

Tennessee

Lost Divisional

New York Giants

Lost Divisional

2009

Indianapolis

Lost Super Bowl XLIV

New Orleans

Won Super Bowl XLIV

2010

New England

Lost Divisional

Atlanta

Lost Divisional

2011

New England

Lost Super Bowl XLVI

Green Bay

Lost Divisional

2012

Denver

Lost Divisional

Atlanta

Lost NFC Championship

2013

Denver

???

Seattle

???

-- NFL --

DIVISION DOMINANCE: Since 2000, the New England Patriots have won 11 division titles, the most in the NFL during that span. The Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles are tied for first in the NFC with seven division titles each since 2000.

The teams with the most division titles since 2000:

TEAM

DIVISION TITLES

New England Patriots*

Indianapolis Colts*

Green Bay Packers*

Philadelphia Eagles*

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks*

San Diego Chargers

*2013 division winner

SUPER ENCORE: The San Francisco 49ers posted a 12-4 record this season and became the 14th Super Bowl runner-up since 1990 to qualify for the playoffs the following year.

Since 1990, the Super Bowl runner-ups to advance to the postseason:

YEAR

TEAM

RECORD

RESULT

1991

Buffalo

13-3

Won division; Advanced to Super Bowl XXVI

1992

Buffalo

11-5

Wild Card; Advanced to Super Bowl XXVII

1993

Buffalo

12-4

Won division; Advanced to Super Bowl XXVIII

1995

San Diego

9-7

Wild Card; Advanced to Wild Card

1996

Pittsburgh

10-6

Won division; Advanced to Divisional

1997

New England

10-6

Won division; Advanced to Divisional

1998

Green Bay

11-5

Wild Card; Advanced to Wild Card

2000

Tennessee

13-3

Won division; Advanced to Divisional

2006

Seattle

9-7

Won division; Advanced to Divisional

2009

Arizona

10-6

Won division; Advanced to Divisional

2010

Indianapolis

10-6

Won division; Advanced to Wild Card

2011

Pittsburgh

12-4

Wild Card; Advanced to Wild Card

2012

New England

12-4

Won division; Advanced to AFC Championship

2013

San Francisco

12-4

Wild Card; ???

-- NFL --

POINT PRODUCTION:The Denver Broncos scored an NFL-high 606 points this year, the most in a single season in NFL history.

The highest-scoring teams in NFL history and how they fared in the postseason:

YEAR

TEAM

POINTS

FINAL RECORD

ADVANCED TO

2013

Denver Broncos

606

13-3

???

2007

New England Patriots

589

16-0

Super Bowl XLII

2011

Green Bay Packers

560

15-1

Divisional

2012

New England Patriots

557

12-4

AFC Championship

1998

Minnesota Vikings

556

15-1

NFC Championship

-- NFL --

THE SHOW-ME CHIEFS:The Kansas City Chiefs, who finished 2-14 in 2012, are the third team to win 11 games following a season with two or fewer victories all-time.

The teams to win 10 games following a season in which they won two games or fewer:

TEAM

SEASON

RECORD

PLAYOFF RESULT

PREVIOUS SEASON

RECORD

Kansas City Chiefs

2013

11-5

???

2012

2-14

Indianapolis Colts

2012

11-5

Advanced to Wild Card

2011

2-14

Miami Dolphins

2008

11-5

Advanced to Wild Card

2007

1-15

-- NFL --

FAST TURNAROUND: The Philadelphia Eagles, who finished the 2012 season with a 4-12 record, rebounded in 2013 to win the NFC East division with a 10-6 record.

From 1978-2012, there were 142 teams to post a 4-12 or worse record:

35 of those teams posted a winning record the following year
26 of those teams made the playoffs the following year
12 of those teams won the division the following year

The 12 teams to win the division one season after finishing with a 4-12 or worse record, including the 1999 St. Louis Rams, who won Super Bowl XXXIV:

SEASON

TEAM

RECORD

PLAYOFF RESULT

PREVIOUS SEASON RECORD

1987

Indianapolis

9-6

Advanced to Divisional

3-13

1992

San Diego

11-5

Advanced to Divisional

4-12

1999

Indianapolis

13-3

Advanced to Divisional

3-13

1999

St. Louis

13-3

Won Super Bowl XXXIV

4-12

2000

New Orleans

10-6

Advanced to Divisional

3-13

2004

San Diego

12-4

Advanced to Wild Card

4-12

2006

New Orleans

10-6

Advanced to NFC Championship

3-13

2007

Tampa Bay

9-7

Advanced to Wild Card

4-12

2008

Miami

11-5

Advanced to Wild Card

1-15

2010

Kansas City

10-6

Advanced to Wild Card

4-12

2011

Denver

8-8

Advanced to Divisional

4-12

2013

Philadelphia

10-6

???

4-12

-- NFL --

UNDEFEATED AT HOME: The Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints finished the 2013 regular season undefeated at home.

Since 2000, only 23 teams – including three this year – have posted a perfect regular-season record at home. Of the previous 20 teams before the 2013 season, five have gone to the Super Bowl (25 percent).

The teams (since 2000) to finish with 8-0 records at home and their final season result:

SEASON

TEAM

OVERALL

RESULT

2002

Green Bay Packers

12-4

Advanced to Wild Card

2003

Kansas City Chiefs

13-3

Advanced to Divisional

2003

New England Patriots

14-2

Won Super Bowl XXXVIII

2003

St. Louis Rams

12-4

Advanced to Divisional

2003

Seattle Seahawks

10-6

Advanced to Wild Card

2004

New England Patriots

14-2

Won Super Bowl XXXIX

2004

Pittsburgh Steelers

15-1

Advanced to AFC Championship

2005

Denver Broncos

13-3

Advanced to AFC Championship

2005

Seattle Seahawks

13-3

Advanced to Super Bowl XL

2006

Indianapolis Colts

12-4

Won Super Bowl XLI

2006

San Diego Chargers

14-2

Advanced to Divisional

2007

New England Patriots

16-0

Advanced to Super Bowl XLII

2008

Carolina Panthers

12-4

Advanced to Divisional

2009

New England Patriots

10-6

Advanced to Wild Card

2009

Minnesota Vikings

12-4

Advanced to NFC Championship

2010

New England Patriots

14-2

Advanced to Divisional

2011

Baltimore Ravens

12-4

Advanced to AFC Championship

2011

Green Bay Packers

15-1

Advanced to Divisional

2011

New Orleans Saints

13-3

Advanced to Divisional

2012

Seattle Seahawks

11-5

Advanced to NFC Championship

2013

Cincinnati Bengals

11-5

???

2013

New England Patriots

12-4

???

2013

New Orleans Saints

11-5

???

-- NFL --

OT & PLAYOFFS – WINNING COMBINATION: The playoffs have featured at least one overtime game in 11 of the past 13 postseasons.

In 2010, the NFL adopted a modified sudden-death system for the playoffs, which was expanded to cover all NFL games in 2012. The system guarantees each team a possession or the opportunity to possess, unless the team that receives the opening kickoff scores a touchdown on its initial possession. Play continues in sudden death until a winner is determined, and the game automatically ends upon any score.

A look at NFL overtime playoff games since 2000:

SEASON

ROUND

TEAMS

GAME-WINNING SCORE

2000

Miami 23, Indianapolis 17

RB Lamar Smith scores on 17-yard TD run.

2001

Div.

New England 16, Oakland 13

K Adam Vinatieri connects on 23-yard FG.

2002

Div.

Tennessee 34, Pittsburgh 31

K Joe Nedney wins it with 26-yard FG.

2003

Green Bay 33, Seattle 27

CB Al Harris returns INT 52 yards for TD.

2003

Div.

Carolina 29, St. Louis 23 (2 OT)

QB Jake Delhomme connects with WR Steve Smith on 69-yd TD.

2003

Div.

Philadelphia 20, Green Bay 17

K David Akers wins game with 31-yard FG.

2004

NY Jets 20, San Diego 17

K Doug Brien converts 28-yard FG.

2004

Div.

Pittsburgh 20, NY Jets 17

K Jeff Reed connects on 33-yard game-winner.

2006

Div.

Chicago 27, Seattle 24

K Robbie Gould converts game-winning FG from 49 yards out.

2007

Champ.

NY Giants 23, Green Bay 20

K Lawrence Tynes wins it with 47-yard FG.

2008

San Diego 23, Indianapolis 17

RB Darren Sproles scores on 22-yard TD run.

2009

Arizona 51, Green Bay 45

LB Karlos Dansby scores on 17-yard FR-TD.

2009

Champ.

New Orleans 31, Minnesota 28

K Garrett Hartley converts 40-yard game-winning FG.

2011

Denver 29, Pittsburgh 23

WR Demaryius Thomas catches 80-yard TD from QB Tim Tebow.

2011

Champ.

NY Giants 20, San Francisco 17

K Lawrence Tynes connects on 31-yard FG.

2013

Div.

Baltimore 38, Denver 35 (2 OT)

K Justin Tucker converts 47-yard game-winning FG.

THE PLAYERS

BREES & RODGERS AMONG POSTSEASON LEADERS: Quarterbacks DREW BREES of New Orleans and AARON RODGERS of Green Bay have both enjoyed postseason success. The two quarterbacks, who have each won Super Bowl MVP honors, rank among the top in many postseason passing categories.

Brees (104.2) and Rodgers (103.6) are two of only four quarterbacks in NFL history with a 100 passer rating in the postseason.

The quarterbacks with the highest postseason passer rating (min. 150 attempts):

QUARTERBACK

ATT.

COMP.

YARDS

INT

RATING

Bart Starr

213

130

1,753

104.8

*Drew Brees

391

262

2,980

104.2

*Aaron Rodgers

292

193

2,312

103.6

Kurt Warner

462

307

3,952

102.8

Joe Montana

734

460

5,772

95.6

*Active

Brees has completed 262 of 391 attempts in his postseason career for a 67.0 completion percentage, the highest in NFL history. Rodgers has completed 193 of 292 passes for a 66.1 completion percentage, the fifth-best mark in league annals.

The quarterbacks with the highest postseason completion percentage (min. 150 attempts):

QUARTERBACK

ATT.

COMP.

PCT.

*Drew Brees

391

262

67.0

Kurt Warner

462

307

66.5

Matt Ryan*

187

124

66.3

Ken Anderson

166

110

66.3

*Aaron Rodgers

292

193

66.1

*Active

Brees has thrown only four interceptions in 391 career attempts in the postseason and his 1.02 interception percentage is the lowest in NFL history. Rodgers ranks third with a 1.7 interception percentage (five interceptions in 292 attempts).

* *

The quarterbacks with the lowest interception percentage in the postseason (min. 150 attempts):

QUARTERBACK

ATT.

INT

PCT.

*Drew Brees

391

1.02

Bart Starr

213

1.41

*Aaron Rodgers

292

1.71

*Active

Brees has five career 300-yard passing games in the postseason, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN FOUTS for fifth in NFL history.

QUARTERBACK

PLAYOFF GAMES

300-YARD GAMES

Peyton Manning*

Joe Montana

Kurt Warner

Tom Brady*

Dan Fouts

*Drew Brees

*Active

Brees has passed for at least 300 yards in each of his past three postseason games, tied for the second-longest streak in NFL history with Pro Football Hall of Famers JIM KELLY and WARREN MOON. With a 300-yard game at Philadelphia on Wild Card Weekend, he will tie Fouts for the longest postseason streak all-time.

Brees has 400 passing yards in those three and is the only player in NFL postseason history with three such games.

PASSING BY: Quarterbacks DREW BREES of New Orleans, PEYTON MANNING of Denver and AARON RODGERS of Green Bay have each had a 400-yard passing game in the postseason.

Brees*(three), Manning (two) and Pro Football Hall of FamerDAN MARINO* (two) are the only quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for at least 400 yards in multiple playoff games.

Brees has thrown for 400 yards in three consecutive playoff games and can extend his NFL-record streak on Wild Card Weekend at Philadelphia.

The 17 400-yard passing performances in NFL postseason history:

QUARTERBACK

TEAM

OPPONENT

DATE

PASS YARDS

Bernie Kosar

Cleveland

New York Jets

1/3/87

489

Drew Brees

New Orleans

Detroit

1/7/12

466

Drew Brees

New Orleans

San Francisco

1/14/12

462

Peyton Manning

Indianapolis

Denver

1/9/05

458

Dan Fouts

San Diego

Miami

1/2/82

433

Kelly Holcomb

Cleveland

Pittsburgh

1/5/03

429

Jeff George

Minnesota

St. Louis

1/16/00

423

Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay

Arizona

1/10/10

423

Dan Marino

Miami

Buffalo

12/30/95

422

Dan Marino

Miami

Pittsburgh

1/6/85

421

Kurt Warner

St. Louis

Tennessee

1/30/00

414

Randall Cunningham

Philadelphia

Chicago

12/31/88

407

Jim Kelly

Buffalo

Cleveland

1/6/90

405

Drew Brees

New Orleans

Seattle

1/8/11

404

Don Strock

Miami

San Diego

1/2/82

403

Peyton Manning

Indianapolis

San Diego

1/13/08

402

Daryle Lamonica

Oakland

New York Jets

12/29/68

401

-- NFL --

SUPER BOWL MVPs: There are four players in the 2013 postseason who have been named Super Bowl MVP: quarterback TOM BRADY of New England (XXXVI, XXXVIII), quarterback DREW BREES of New Orleans (XLIV), quarterback PEYTON MANNING of Denver (XLI with Indianapolis) and quarterback AARON RODGERS of Green Bay (XLV).

Brady is one of only five players in NFL history to be named Super Bowl MVP multiple times and aims to join Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE MONTANA as the only players to win the award three times.

The five players in NFL history to be named Super Bowl MVP multiple times:

PLAYER

TEAM

SUPER BOWL MVPs

Joe Montana

San Francisco

3 (XVI, XIX, XXIV)

Terry Bradshaw

Pittsburgh

2 (XIII, XIV)

*Tom Brady

New England

2 (XXXVI, XXXVIII)

Eli Manning*

New York Giants

2 (XLII, XLVI)

Bart Starr

Green Bay

2 (I, II)

*Active

WHEN IT COUNTS: New England quarterback TOM BRADYhas a 17-7 (.708) career postseason record, the most playoff wins all-time by a starting quarterback.

The starting quarterbacks with the most playoff wins in NFL history:

QUARTERBACK

TEAM(S)

PLAYOFF WINS

Tom Brady

*New England Patriots *

Joe Montana

San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs

Terry Bradshaw

Pittsburgh Steelers

John Elway

Denver Broncos

Brett Favre

Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings

Brady has a 17-7 (.708) postseason record, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers TERRY BRADSHAW and TROY AIKMAN for the best postseason record as a starting quarterback in NFL history (minimum 15 starts).

The quarterbacks with the best records in postseason starts (minimum 15 starts):

QUARTERBACK

RECORD

WIN PCT.

Terry Bradshaw

14-5

.737

Troy Aikman

11-4

.733

Tom Brady

17-7

*.708

Joe Montana

16-7

.696

John Elway

14-7

.667

*Active

-- NFL --

A PROVEN WINNER:New England's TOM BRADY is one of four quarterbacks in NFL history to win at least three Super Bowls.

Only 11 QBs in NFL history have won multiple Super Bowls. Of the 11, three are active and seven have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The starting quarterbacks to win multiple Super Bowls:

QUARTERBACK

SUPER BOWL WINS

Terry Bradshaw*

Joe Montana*

Troy Aikman*

*Tom Brady*

John Elway*

Bob Griese*

Eli Manning**

Jim Plunkett

Ben Roethlisberger**

Bart Starr*

Roger Staubach*

*Member of Pro Football Hall of Fame

**Active

CLIMBING THE CHARTS: Quarterbacks TOM BRADY of New England and PEYTON MANNING of Denver can move up the charts in attempts, completions, passing yards and touchdown passes this postseason.

The playoff leaders in completions, attempts, passing yards and touchdowns:

PLAYER

COMP.

* *

PLAYER

ATTEMPTS

Tom Brady

*553

Tom Brady

*887

Brett Favre

481

Brett Favre

791

Peyton Manning

*481

Peyton Manning

*761

Joe Montana

460

Joe Montana

734

Dan Marino

385

Dan Marino

687

*Active *Active

PLAYER

PASS YARDS

* *

PLAYER

TD PASSES

Tom Brady

*5,949

Joe Montana

Brett Favre

5,855

Brett Favre

Joe Montana

5,772

Tom Brady

*42

Peyton Manning

*5,679

Peyton Manning

*32

John Elway

4,964

Dan Marino

*Active

-- NFL --

YOUNG QUARTERBACKS: Indianapolis' ANDREW LUCK and Seattle's RUSSELL WILSON have led their teams to the postseason for the second consecutive season. Both can join a list of seven quarterbacks during the Super Bowl era who have started a playoff game in each of their first two seasons starting with their rookie season.

The quarterbacks to start a playoff game in their rookie and second seasons in the Super Bowl era (since 1966):

QUARTERBACK

SEASONS

TEAM

Dan Marino

1983-84

Miami Dolphins

Bernie Kosar

1985-86

Cleveland Browns

Shaun King

1999-2000

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ben Roethlisberger

2004-05

Pittsburgh Steelers

Joe Flacco

2008-09

Baltimore Ravens

Mark Sanchez

2009-10

New York Jets

Andy Dalton

2011-12

Cincinnati Bengals

*Andrew Luck

2012-13

Indianapolis Colts

*Russell Wilson

2012-13

Seattle Seahawks

*In 2013 postseason

Wilson has won 24 games in his first two seasons, the most by a quarterback in the Super Bowl era. Luck is tied for second with BEN ROETHLISBERGER with 22 wins.

QUARTERBACK

TEAM

YEARS

WINS

Russell Wilson

Seattle

2012-13

Andrew Luck

Indianapolis

2012-13

Ben Roethlisberger

Pittsburgh

2004-05

Dan Marino

Miami

1983-84

Joe Flacco

Baltimore

2008-09

Matt Ryan

Atlanta

2008-09

FIRST-TIMERS: Two starting quarterbacks – Philadelphia's NICK FOLESand Carolina's CAM NEWTON – will make their playoff debuts this postseason. The players with the most passing yards in their first career postseason start:

PLAYER

TEAM

PASSING YARDS

Kelly Holcomb

Cleveland Browns

429

Aaron Rodgers

Green Bay Packers

423

Randall Cunningham

Philadelphia Eagles

407

Kurt Warner

St. Louis Rams

391

Neil Lomax

St. Louis Cardinals

385

SAINT NICK: Philadelphia quarterback NICK FOLES led the NFL with a 119.2 passer rating, the third-best mark in a season in NFL history.

The quarterbacks with the highest passer rating in a single postseason (min. 50 attempts):

QUARTERBACK

TEAM

SEASON

ATT.

COMP.

YARDS

INT

RATING

Joe Montana

San Francisco

1989

800

146.4

Bart Starr

Green Bay

1966

554

135.6

Phil Simms

New York Giants

1986

494

131.8

Kurt Warner

Arizona

2009

584

129.1

Troy Aikman

Dallas

1992

795

126.4

IT'S ALWAYS SHADY IN PHILADELPHIA: Philadelphia running back LE SEAN MC COY led the NFL with a franchise-record 1,607 yards, becoming the first Eagle to lead the league in rushing since Pro Football Hall of Famer STEVE VAN BUREN in 1949.

The players with the most rushing yards in a single postseason:

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

YARDS

John Riggins, Washington

1982

610

Terrell Davis, Denver

1997

581

Terrell Davis, Denver

1998

468

Marcus Allen, L.A. Raiders

1983

466

Eddie George, Tennessee

1999

449

ROLL LACY: Green Bay running back EDDIE LACY led all rookies with 1,178 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, both franchise rookie records.

The rookies with the most rushing yards in a single postseason:

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

RUSH YARDS

Timmy Smith, Washington

1987

342

Jamal Lewis, Baltimore

2000

338

James Starks, Green Bay

2010

315

Duane Thomas, Dallas

1970

313

Ickey Woods, Cincinnati

1988

307

The rookies with the most rushing touchdowns in a single postseason:

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

RUSH TDs

Norm Standlee, Chicago Bears

1941

Tony Dorsett, Dallas

1977

William Floyd, San Francisco

1994

Jamal Lewis, Baltimore

2000

WELCOME RECEPTION: There are 10 players in the 2013 playoff field who recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in the regular season: Denver's DEMARYIUS THOMAS (1,430), Cincinnati's A.J. GREEN (1,426), Philadelphia's DE SEAN JACKSON (1,332), Green Bay's JORDY NELSON (1,314), Denver's ERIC DECKER (1,288), New Orleans' JIMMY GRAHAM (1,215), San Francisco's ANQUAN BOLDIN (1,179), Indianapolis' T.Y. HILTON (1,083), New England's JULIAN EDELMAN (1,056) and San Diego's KEENAN ALLEN (1,046).

The players with the most receiving yards in a single postseason:

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

REC.

RECEIVING YARDS

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona

2008

546

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants

2011

444

Jerry Rice, San Francisco

1988

409

Steve Smith, Carolina

2003

404

Charlie Brown, Washington

1983

401

There have been seven 200-yard receiving games in NFL postseason history. Denver's Thomas and Carolina's STEVE SMITH each had one of those performances.

The players with the most receiving yards in a postseason game:

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

DATE

OPPONENT

REC.

RECEIVING YARDS

Eric Moulds, Buffalo

1998

1/2/99

Miami

240

Anthony Carter, Minnesota

1987

1/9/88

San Francisco

227

Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis

2004

1/9/05

Denver

221

Steve Smith, Carolina

2005

1/15/06

Chicago

218

Jerry Rice, San Francisco

1988

1/22/89

Cincinnati

215

Calvin Johnson, Detroit

2011

1/7/12

New Orleans

211

Demaryius Thomas, Denver

2011

1/8/12

Pittsburgh

204

-- NFL --

MILE HIGH SALUTE:The Denver Broncos became the first team in NFL history to have five players score at least 10 touchdowns in the same season. The five Broncos with at least 10 touchdowns this season are DEMARYIUS THOMAS (14), KNOWSHON MORENO (13), JULIUS THOMAS (12), ERIC DECKER (11) and WES WELKER (10).

No other NFL team has had more than three different players score at least 10 touchdowns in a season in NFL history.

The players with the most touchdowns in a single postseason:

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

TDs

Terrell Davis, Denver

1997

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona

2008

Many tied

-- NFL --

CATCHING ON: San Francisco wide receiver ANQUAN BOLDIN leads active players in the 2013 playoff field with 806 career postseason receiving yards. Last year with Baltimore, Boldin led the league with 380 postseason receiving yards.

The active players in the 2013 playoffs with the most postseason receiving yards:

PLAYER

CURRENT TEAM

GAMES

RECEPTIONS

YARDS

TDs

Anquan Boldin

San Francisco

806

Steve Smith

Carolina

782

Wes Welker

Denver

686

Marques Colston

New Orleans

628

Vernon Davis

San Francisco

546

ROOKIE RECEIVERS: San Diego wide receiver KEENAN ALLEN led NFL rookies this season in receptions (71) and receiving yards (1,046), the most in both categories by a Chargers rookie.

The rookies with the most receptions and receiving yards in a single postseason:

PLAYER

TEAM

SEASON

RECEPTIONS

Joseph Addai

Indianapolis

2006

Torry Holt

St. Louis

1999

Austin Collie

Indianapolis

2009

Chad Morton

New Orleans

2000

Steve Smith

New York Giants

2007

PLAYER

TEAM

SEASON

RECEIVING YARDS

Torry Holt

St. Louis

1999

242

Austin Collie

Indianapolis

2009

241

DeSean Jackson

Philadelphia

2008

207

Steve Junker

Detroit

1957

201

Ricky Nattiel

Denver

1987

171

-- NFL --

TIGHT ENDS MAKING MARK: Three tight ends had at least 10 touchdown receptions in 2013 and all three are in the postseason – New Orleans' JIMMY GRAHAM (16), San Francisco's VERNON DAVIS (13) and Denver's JULIUS THOMAS (12).

In NFL history, there have been nine tight ends to record at least three touchdown catches in a single postseason, including both Davis (four in 2011) and Graham (three in 2011).

The tight ends with the most touchdown receptions in a single postseason:

TIGHT END

TEAM

SEASON

RECEIVING TDs

Dave Casper

Oakland

1977

Vernon Davis

San Francisco

2011

Seven Tied*

*Including Jimmy Graham (2011)

-- NFL --

SPECIAL DELIVERY: There have been only 21 punt-return touchdowns in playoff history. The last player with a punt-return touchdown in the postseason was Denver's TRINDON HOLLIDAY in the 2012 Divisional round (90 yards, the longest in NFL playoff history). No player has ever recorded more than one in a career.

There have been 24 playoff kickoff-return touchdowns. The last player with a kickoff-return touchdown in the postseason was Baltimore's JACOBY JONES in Super Bowl XLVII (108 yards, the longest in NFL playoff history). RON DIXON of the New York Giants (2000-02) is the only player with two career kickoff-return touchdowns in the playoffs.

Denver's Holliday is the only player in NFL postseason history to return both a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown in the same game (2012 Divisional). He is one of three players in NFL postseason history with both a punt and kickoff return touchdown in a career (DESMOND HOWARD and JERMAINE LEWIS).

SACK ATTACK: Indianapolis' ROBERT MATHIS had a league-best 19.5 sacks and won the NFL's first-ever Deacon Jones Award as the player with the most sacks. Carolina's GREG HARDY tied a franchise-record with 15 sacks and is the first player in NFL history to enter the postseason with at least three sacks in each of his team's final two games.

The players with the most sacks in a postseason game and entire postseason:

MOST SACKS IN PLAYOFF GAME

PLAYER, TEAM

SACKS

OPPONENT

SEASON

DATE

Willie McGinest, New England

4.5

Jacksonville

2005

January 7, 2006

Richard Dent, Chicago

3.5

New York Giants

1985

January 5, 1986

Rich Milot, Washington

3.5

Chicago

1984

December 30, 1984

MOST SACKS IN A POSTSEASON

PLAYER, TEAM

SACKS

SEASON

Richard Dent, Chicago

1985

Michael McCrary, Baltimore

2000

LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh

2008

Willie McGinest, New England

2003

Terrell Suggs, Baltimore

2010

Tony Tolbert, Dallas

1995

-- NFL --

ROOKIE SACKERS: New England defensive tackle CHRIS JONES had six sacks, the most by any rookie in the 2013 postseason field.

The rookies with the most sacks in a playoff game and entire postseason:

MOST SACKS IN PLAYOFF GAME, ROOKIE

PLAYER, TEAM

SACKS

OPPONENT

SEASON

DATE

Garin Veris, New England

N.Y. Jets

1985

December 28, 1985

Brooks Reed, Houston

2.5

Baltimore

2011

January 15, 2012

J.J. Watt, Houston

2.5

Baltimore

2011

January 15, 2012

MOST SACKS IN A POSTSEASON, ROOKIE

PLAYER, TEAM

SACKS

SEASON

Greg Townsend, L.A. Raiders

4.5

1983

Garin Veris, New England

1985

Brooks Reed, Houston

3.5

2011

J.J. Watt, Houston

3.5

2011

Eric Dorsey, N.Y. Giants

1986

Jevon Kearse, Tennessee

1999

Cornelius Griffin, N.Y. Giants

2000

BALL HAWKS: Seattle cornerback RICHARD SHERMAN led the NFL with eight interceptions and the Seahawks topped the league with 28 interceptions and 39 takeaways. Philadelphia's BRANDON BOYKIN tied for second in the NFL with a career-high six interceptions.

The players with the most interceptions in a playoff game and entire postseason:

MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN PLAYOFF GAME

PLAYER, TEAM

INT

OPPONENT

SEASON

DATE

Vernon Perry, Houston

San Diego

1979

December 29, 1979

Many tied

MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN A POSTSEASON

PLAYER, TEAM

INT

SEASON

Lester Hayes, Oakland

1980

Vernon Perry, Houston

1979

Many tied

-- NFL --

ROOKIE DEFENDERS: New England's LOGAN RYAN led all NFL rookies with five interceptions, tied for the fifth-most in the league this season. San Francisco rookie safety ERIC REID led all NFC rookies with four interceptions.

The rookies with the most interceptions in a playoff game and entire postseason:

MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN PLAYOFF GAME, ROOKIE

PLAYER, TEAM

INT

OPPONENT

DATE

Vernon Perry, Houston

San Diego

December 29, 1979

Ricky Manning, Jr., Carolina

Philadelphia

January 18, 2004

Many tied

MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN A POSTSEASON, ROOKIE

PLAYER, TEAM

INT

SEASON

Vernon Perry, Houston

1979

Ricky Manning, Jr., Carolina

2003

Jim Marsalis, Kansas City

1969

Roynell Young, Philadelphia

1980

-- NFL --

MR RELIABLE: Indianapolis kicker ADAM VINATIERI has made 48 postseason field goals, the most in NFL history. Vinatieri (four) also holds the record for the most postseason field goals of 50 yards.

The players with the most field goals made in the postseason all-time:

PLAYER

FIELD GOALS MADE

Adam Vinatieri

*48

David Akers

39*

Gary Anderson

Matt Stover

John Kasay

*Active

BEST NFL PLAYOFF PERFORMANCES

(Single postseason)

* *

PASSING YARDS

Player, Team

Season

Comp.

Att.

YARDS

TD

INT

Eli Manning, New York Giants

2011

106

163

1,219

9

1

Kurt Warner, Arizona

2008

135

1,147

11

3

Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay

2010

132

1,094

9

2

Kurt Warner, St. Louis

1999

121

1,063

8

4

Peyton Manning, Indianapolis

2006

153

1,034

* *

RUSHING YARDS

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

ATT.

YARDS

John Riggins, Washington

1982

136

610

Terrell Davis, Denver

1997

112

581

Terrell Davis, Denver

1998

468

Marcus Allen, L.A. Raiders

1983

466

Eddie George, Tennessee

1999

108

449

RECEIVING YARDS

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

REC.

YARDS

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona

2008

546

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants

2011

444

Jerry Rice, San Francisco

1988

409

Steve Smith, Carolina

2003

404

Charlie Brown, Washington

1983

401

* *

RECEPTIONS

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

REC.

YARDS

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona

2008

546

Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants

2011

444

Steve Smith, Carolina

2005

335

Wes Welker, New England

2007

213

Anthony Carter, Minnesota

1987

391

SCRIMMAGE TOUCHDOWNS

PLAYER, TEAM

SEASON

TOTAL TDs

RUSH TD

REC. TD

Terrell Davis, Denver

1997

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona

2008

Larry Csonka, Miami

1973

Franco Harris, Pittsburgh

1974

John Riggins, Washington

1983

Jerry Rice, San Francisco

1988

Gerald Riggs, Washington

1991

Ricky Watters, San Francisco

1993

Emmitt Smith, Dallas

1995

THE COACHES

HEAD OF THE CLASS: New England Patriots head coach BILL BELICHICK (18) has the third-most playoff wins all-time, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers TOM LANDRY (20) and DON SHULA (19).

With a win, Belichick will tie Shula for the second-most playoff wins.

The head coaches with the most playoff wins:

HEAD COACH

TEAM(S)

PLAYOFF WINS

Tom Landry

Dallas Cowboys

Don Shula

Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins

*Bill Belichick

Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots

Joe Gibbs

Washington Redskins

Chuck Noll

Pittsburgh Steelers

*Active

-- NFL --

FIRST-TIMER: Rookie head coaches CHIP KELLYof the Philadelphia Eagles and MIKE MC COY of the San Diego Chargers will make their postseason debuts in their first year at the helm.

Since 1990, 12 rookie head coaches have won their playoff debuts. In 2011, San Francisco's JIM HARBAUGH led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game as a rookie head coach.

The rookie head coaches who won their first playoff game (since 1990):

HEAD COACH

TEAM

SEASON

Bobby Ross

San Diego Chargers

1992

Barry Switzer

Dallas Cowboys

1994

Ray Rhodes

Philadelphia Eagles

1995

Steve Mariucci

San Francisco 49ers

1997

Jim Haslett

New Orleans Saints

2000

Bill Callahan

Oakland Raiders

2002

Jim Mora

Atlanta Falcons

2004

Sean Payton

New Orleans Saints

2006

John Harbaugh

Baltimore Ravens

2008

Jim Caldwell

Indianapolis Colts

2009

Rex Ryan

New York Jets

2009

Jim Harbaugh

San Francisco 49ers

2011

-- NFL --

THREE'S COMPANY: San Francisco head coach JIM HARBAUGH has guided the 49ers to at least 10 wins and a playoff berth in each of his first three NFL seasons. Harbaugh is the sixth head coach to win at least 10 games and lead his team to the playoffs in each of his first three NFL seasons.

HEAD COACH

TEAM

YEARS

Allie Sherman

New York Giants

1961-63

Chuck Knox

Los Angeles Rams

1973-77

Ted Marchibroda

Baltimore Colts

1975-77

Red Miller

Denver Broncos

1977-79

Barry Switzer

Dallas Cowboys

1994-96

Jim Harbaugh

San Francisco 49ers

2011-13

-- NFL --

2013 PLAYOFF HEAD COACHES & THEIR PLAYOFF WINNING PERCENTAGES

COACH, TEAM

PCT.

Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

.692

Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints

.625

Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers

.600

Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers

.600

John Fox, Denver Broncos

.545

Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

.526

Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks

.429

Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts

.000

Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals

.000

Chip Kelly, Philadelphia Eagles

Mike McCoy, San Diego Chargers

Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers

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