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"SUPER SEASON" KICKS OFF
The NFL playoffs begin on Saturday and Sunday, January 5-6, with Wild Card Weekend. On Saturday, the Cincinnati Bengals play at the Houston Texans (NBC, 4:30 PM ET) and the Minnesota Vikings visit the Green Bay Packers (NBC, 8:00 PM ET). Wild Card Weekend continues Sunday with the Indianapolis Colts at the Baltimore Ravens (CBS, 1:00 PM ET) and the Seattle Seahawks traveling to face the Washington Redskins (FOX, 4:30 PM ET).
The following week (January 12-13), the Denver Broncos (Saturday, CBS, 4:30 PM ET) and New England Patriots (Sunday, CBS, 4:30 PM ET) in the AFC and the Atlanta Falcons (Sunday, FOX, 1:00 PM ET) and San Francisco 49ers (Saturday, FOX, 8:00 PM ET) in the NFC host the Divisional Playoffs. The Broncos and Falcons own home-field advantage for the Conference Championship Games (January 20) if they win their Divisional contests.
The 2013 Pro Bowl will be played Sunday, January 27 in Honolulu, Hawaii followed by Super Bowl XLVII on February 3 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
FRESH FACES & CONSISTENT WINNERS HIGHLIGHT PLAYOFF FIELD
For the first time since 2005, and just the fifth (2005, 2003, 2000, 1986) since the 16-game schedule was adopted in 1978, all teams in the playoff field have won at least 10 games.
AFC TEAM
RECORD
* *
NFC TEAM
RECORD
- Denver
13-3
- Atlanta
13-3
- New England
12-4
- San Francisco
11-4-1
- Houston
12-4
- Green Bay
11-5
- Baltimore
10-6
- Washington
10-6
- Indianapolis
11-5
- Seattle
11-5
- Cincinnati
10-6
- Minnesota
10-6
There are four new playoff teams in 2012: Indianapolis, Minnesota, Seattle and Washington. Since the 12-team playoff format was adopted in 1990, at least four 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)
In the 11 seasons since realignment in 2002, 28 of the 32 NFL teams have won a division title at least once, including the Redskins, who claimed the NFC East for the first time since 1999.
How the 2012 playoff teams have fared in the 11 seasons since realignment in 2002 (2012 division winners in bold/italics):
TEAM
DIVISION TITLES
PLAYOFF BERTHS
New England
9
9
Indianapolis
7
10
Green Bay
6
8
Seattle
5
7
Baltimore
4
7
Atlanta
3
6
Denver
3
5
San Francisco
3
3
Cincinnati
2
4
Houston
2
2
Minnesota
2
4
Washington
1
3
-- NFL --
Washington rebounded to win the NFC East after a last-place finish in 2011. This marked the NFL-record 10th consecutive season that a 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
???
- Tied for last place
The 2012 field also showcases teams that have enjoyed recent postseason success. Since realignment in 2002, the Indianapolis Colts have been to the playoffs 10 times, the most in the NFL. The New England Patriots are second with nine postseason berths and the Green Bay Packers rank third with eight playoff appearances.
The Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks are among the teams tied for the fourth-most postseason berths since 2002 with seven.
Following are the teams with the most playoff appearances since 2002 (includes 2012):
TEAM
POSTSEASON APPEARANCES
Indianapolis Colts
*10
New England Patriots
*9
Green Bay Packers
*8
Baltimore Ravens
*7
Philadelphia Eagles
7
Pittsburgh Steelers
7
Seattle Seahawks
*7
*In 2012 postseason
-- NFL --
Four of this season's 12 playoff teams have won at least one Super Bowl since 2000, capturing six of the past 12 Vince Lombardi Trophies. Those teams are Baltimore (XXXV), Green Bay (XLV), Indianapolis (XLI) and New England (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX).
SUPER BOWL
SEASON
WINNER
XXXV
2000
*Baltimore
XXXVI
2001
*New England
XXXVII
2002
Tampa Bay
XXXVIII
2003
*New England
XXXIX
2004
*New England
XL
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
*In 2012 postseason
ALL-TIME PLAYOFFS
The Green Bay Packers will participate in the playoffs for the 28th time, the third-most postseason appearances in NFL history.
The teams with the most seasons participating in the playoffs (includes 2012):
TEAM
PLAYOFF BERTHS
New York Giants
31
Dallas Cowboys
30
*Green Bay Packers
28
*Minnesota
*27
Pittsburgh Steelers
27
St. Louis Rams
27
*In 2012 playoffs
The 12 playoff teams and their postseason records:
* *
TEAM
WINS LOSSES
PCT.
Green Bay Packers
29
17
.630
San Francisco 49ers
26
18
.591
New England Patriots
23
16
.590
Baltimore Ravens
10
7
.588
Washington Redskins
23
17
.575
Denver Broncos
18
16
.529
Houston Texans
1
1
.500
Indianapolis Colts
19
20
.487
Minnesota Vikings
19
26
.422
Seattle Seahawks
8
11
.421
Atlanta Falcons
6
11
.353
Cincinnati Bengals
5
10
.333
WILD CARD RECORDS
TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
PCT.
Houston Texans
1
0
1.000
Washington Redskins
6
1
.857
Baltimore Ravens
5
1
.833
Green Bay Packers
7
4
.636
Seattle Seahawks
5
4
.556
Minnesota Vikings
6
5
.545
Indianapolis Colts
4
5
.444
Cincinnati Bengals
1
4
.200
DIVISIONAL RECORDS
TEAM
WINS
LOSSES
PCT.
Denver Broncos
8
4
.667
San Francisco 49ers
13
8
.619
New England Patriots
9
6
.600
Atlanta Falcons
2
5
.286
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, seven have won at least one championship.
NFL championships won by the 2012 playoff teams:
TEAM
NFL CHAMPIONSHIP(S)
SEASON(S)
Green Bay Packers
13
1929-31, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961-62, 1965-67, 1996, 2010
San Francisco 49ers
5
1981, 1984, 1988-89, 1994
Washington Redskins
5
1937, 1942, 1982, 1987, 1991
Indianapolis Colts
4
1958-59, 1970, 2006
New England Patriots
3
2001, 2003-04
Denver Broncos
2
1997-98
Baltimore Ravens
1
2000
Atlanta Falcons
0
--
Cincinnati Bengals
0
--
Houston Texans
0
--
Minnesota Vikings
0
--
Seattle Seahawks
0
--
-- NFL --
PLAYOFF SUCCESS: The Green Bay Packers have won 29 postseason games, the most among 2012 playoff teams and the third-most most in NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers have 26 postseason victories, the second-most among 2012 playoff clubs and the fourth-most all-time. The teams with the most playoff victories in NFL history:
TEAM
PLAYOFF WINS
Dallas Cowboys
33
Pittsburgh Steelers
33
*Green Bay Packers
29
*San Francisco 49ers
26
Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
25
*In 2012 playoffs
Postseason victories for the 2012 playoff teams:
TEAM
PLAYOFF WINS
Green Bay Packers
29
San Francisco 49ers
26
New England Patriots
23
Washington Redskins
23
Indianapolis Colts
19
Minnesota Vikings
19
Denver Broncos
18
Baltimore Ravens
10
Seattle Seahawks
8
Atlanta Falcons
6
Cincinnati Bengals
5
Houston Texans
1
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 44 (47.7 percent) No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Super Bowl, with nine No. 1 seeds being crowned champions (20.5 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
???
Atlanta
???
DIVISION DOMINANCE: Since 2000, the New England Patriots have won 10 division titles, the most in the NFL during that span. The Green Bay Packers are tied for first in the NFC with six division titles since 2000.
The teams with the most division titles since 2000:
TEAM
DIVISION TITLES
New England Patriots*
10
Indianapolis Colts
7
Green Bay Packers*
6
Philadelphia Eagles
6
Pittsburgh Steelers
6
Seattle Seahawks
5
San Diego Chargers
5
*2012 division winner
SUPER ENCORE: The New England Patriots posted a 12-4 record this season and became the 13th 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; ???
-- NFL --
POINT PRODUCTION:The New England Patriots scored an NFL-high 557 points this year, the third-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
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
???
1998
Minnesota Vikings
556
15-1
NFC Championship
2011
New Orleans Saints
547
13-3
Divisional
1983
Washington Redskins
541
14-2
Super Bowl XVIII
-- NFL --
HAIL TO THE REDSKINS: The Washington Redskins have won seven in a row and are the fifth team in NFL history to advance to the playoffs after a 3-6 start.
The five teams in NFL history to qualify for the postseason after a 3-6 start:
TEAM
YEAR
RECORD
PLAYOFF RESULT
Cincinnati
1970
8-6
Advanced to Divisional
New England
1994
10-6
Advanced to Wild Card
Detroit
1995
10-6
Advanced to Wild Card
Jacksonville
1996
9-7
Advanced to AFC Championship
Washington
2012
10-6
???
COLTSTRONG:The Indianapolis Colts, who finished 2-14 in 2011, are the second team to win 11 games following a season with two or fewer victories since 1970.
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
Indianapolis Colts
2012
11-5
???
2011
2-14
Miami Dolphins
2008
11-5
Advanced to Wild Card
2007
1-15
-- NFL --
UNDEFEATED AT HOME: The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2012 regular season undefeated at home.
Since 2000, only 20 teams have posted a perfect regular-season record at home. Of the previous 19 teams, five have gone to the Super Bowl (26.3 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
???
-- NFL --
MILE-HIGH MOMENTUM:The Denver Broncos enter the postseason with 11 consecutive victories, the NFL's
longest current winning streak. Denver is the No. 1 seed in the AFC and is tied for the fifth-longest winning streak to
enter the playoffs since 1970.
Following are the longest single-season winning streaks entering the playoffs since 1970:
TEAM
YEAR
CONSECUTIVE WINS
PLAYOFF RESULT
New England Patriots
2007
16*
Advanced to Super Bowl XLII
Miami Dolphins
1972
14*
Won Super Bowl VII
Pittsburgh Steelers
2004
14
Advanced to AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots
2003
12
Won Super Bowl XXXVIII
Denver Broncos
2012
11
???
Houston Oilers
1993
11
Advanced to Divisional
San Diego Chargers
2009
11
Advanced to Divisional
*Undefeated in regular season
OT & PLAYOFFS – WINNING COMBINATION: The playoffs have featured at least one overtime game in 10 of the past 12 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
WC
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
WC
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
WC
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
WC
San Diego 23, Indianapolis 17
RB Darren Sproles scores on 22-yard TD run.
2009
WC
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
WC
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.
An overtime history of the 2012 playoff participants:
TEAM
2012 OT RECORD
ALL-TIME REGULAR-SEASON OT RECORD
PLAYOFF OT RECORD
Atlanta Falcons
0-0
13-20-2 (.400)
1-0
Baltimore Ravens
1-1
10-8-1 (.553)
0-0
Cincinnati Bengals
0-0
15-11-1 (.574)
0-0
Denver Broncos
0-0
25-15-2 (.620)
2-0
Green Bay Packers
0-0
11-15-4 (.433)
2-3
Houston Texans
2-0
3-7-0 (.300)
0-0
Indianapolis Colts
1-0
13-10-1 (.563)
1-4
Minnesota Vikings
1-0
19-18-2 (.513)
0-2
New England Patriots
1-0
18-20-0 (.474)
1-0
San Francisco 49ers
0-1-1
19-15-2 (.556)
0-1
Seattle Seahawks
1-0
9-18-0 (.333)
0-3
Washington Redskins
1-0
23-14-1 (.618)
0-0
THE PLAYERS
MISTER RODGERS' NEIGHBORHOOD: Green Bay Pro Bowl quarterback AARON RODGERS led the Packers to a victory in Super Bowl XLV and was named the MVP of the title game. In seven career playoff games, Rodgers ranks as one of the top postseason quarterbacks in NFL history.
His 105.5 passer rating is the highest mark in NFL postseason history (minimum 150 attempts), just ahead of another Packer, Pro Football Hall of Famer BART STARR (104.8).
The quarterbacks with the highest postseason passer rating (min. 150 attempts):
QUARTERBACK
ATT.
COMP.
YARDS
TD
INT
RATING
*Aaron Rodgers
220
144
1,781
15
4
105.5
Bart Starr
213
130
1,753
15
3
104.8
Drew Brees*
391
262
2,980
22
4
104.2
Kurt Warner
462
307
3,952
31
14
102.8
Joe Montana
734
460
5,772
45
21
95.6
*Active
Rodgers has completed 144 of 220 attempts in his postseason career for a 65.5 completion percentage. He is one of only four quarterbacks in NFL playoff history (minimum 150 attempts) to complete at least 65 percent of his passes.
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
Ken Anderson
166
110
66.3
*Aaron Rodgers
220
144
65.5
Warren Moon
403
259
64.3
*Active
Rodgers has averaged 8.10 yards per pass attempt. He and KURT WARNER are the only quarterbacks in NFL postseason history (minimum 150 attempts) to average at least 8.00 yards per attempt with a completion percentage of at least 65.
The quarterbacks to average at least 8.00 yards per attempt and complete at least 65 percent of his passes in the playoffs (min. 150 attempts):
QUARTERBACK
YARDS/ATT
COMP. PCT.
Kurt Warner
8.55
66.5
*Aaron Rodgers
8.10
65.5
*Active
Rodgers has thrown only four interceptions in 220 career attempts in the postseason. His 1.8 interception percentage is the third-lowest in NFL postseason history (minimum 150 attempts).
The quarterbacks with the lowest interception percentage in the postseason (min. 150 attempts):
QUARTERBACK
ATT.
INT
PCT.
Drew Brees*
391
4
1.02
Bart Starr
213
3
1.41
*Aaron Rodgers
220
4
1.82
*Active
PASSING BY: Pro Bowl quarterbacks PEYTON MANNING of Denver and AARON RODGERS of Green Bay have each had a 400-yard passing game in the postseason. Manning had two 400-yard games with Indianapolis (1/9/05 and 1/13/08) and Rodgers threw for 400 yards in a 2009 playoff game (1/10/10).
DREW 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.
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
SUPER BOWL MVPs: There are five players in the 2012 postseason who have been named Super Bowl MVP: quarterback TOM BRADY of New England (XXXVI, XXXVIII), wide receiver DEION BRANCH of New England (XXXIX), linebacker RAY LEWIS of Baltimore (XXXV), 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
POSTSEASON SUCCESS:New England quarterback TOM BRADY has a 16-6 (.727) postseason record, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers TERRY BRADSHAW and TROY AIKMAN for the third-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
16-6
*.727
Joe Montana
16-7
.696
John Elway
14-7
.667
*Active
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.
Following are the starting quarterbacks to win multiple Super Bowls:
QUARTERBACK
SUPER BOWL WINS
Terry Bradshaw*
4
Joe Montana*
4
Troy Aikman*
3
*Tom Brady*
3
John Elway*
2
Bob Griese*
2
Eli Manning**
2
Jim Plunkett
2
Ben Roethlisberger**
2
Bart Starr*
2
Roger Staubach*
2
*Member of Pro Football Hall of Fame
**Active
-- NFL --
CLIMBING THE CHARTS: All-Star 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
*499
Tom Brady
*793
Brett Favre
481
Brett Favre
791
Joe Montana
460
Joe Montana
734
Peyton Manning
*453
Peyton Manning
*718
Dan Marino
385
Dan Marino
687
*Active *Active
PLAYER
PASS YARDS
* *
PLAYER
TD PASSES
Brett Favre
5,855
Joe Montana
45
Joe Montana
5,772
Brett Favre
44
Peyton Manning
*5,389
Tom Brady
*38
Tom Brady
*5,285
Dan Marino
32
John Elway
4,964
Kurt Warner
31
*Active
Terry Bradshaw
30
Peyton Manning
*29
*Active
ROOKIE QUARTERBACKS: For the first time in the Super Bowl era, three rookie quarterbacks – ROBERT GRIFFIN III (Washington), ANDREW LUCK (Indianapolis) and RUSSELL WILSON (Seattle) – will start a game in the same postseason. Previously, only 11 rookie quarterbacks have started a playoff game in the Super Bowl era.
The rookie quarterbacks to start a playoff game (since 1966):
QUARTERBACK
SEASON
TEAM
PLAYOFF RESULT
Dan Marino
1983
Miami Dolphins
Advanced to Divisional
Bernie Kosar
1985
Cleveland Browns
Advanced to Divisional
Jim Everett
1986
L.A. Rams
Advanced to Wild Card
Todd Marinovich
1991
L.A. Raiders
Advanced to Wild Card
Shaun King
1999
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Advanced to NFC Championship
Ben Roethlisberger
2004
Pittsburgh Steelers
Advanced to AFC Championship
Joe Flacco
2008
Baltimore Ravens
Advanced to AFC Championship
Matt Ryan
2008
Atlanta Falcons
Advanced to Wild Card
Mark Sanchez
2009
New York Jets
Advanced to AFC Championship
Andy Dalton
2011
Cincinnati Bengals
Advanced to Wild Card
T.J. Yates
2011
Houston Texans
Advanced to Divisional
Robert Griffin III
2012
Washington Redskins
???
Andrew Luck
2012
Indianapolis Colts
???
Russell Wilson
2012
Seattle Seahawks
???
The best postseason marks by rookies in NFL history:
MOST PASSING YARDS BY ROOKIE, SINGLE POSTSEASON
Mark Sanchez
New York Jets
2009
539
Joe Flacco
Baltimore Ravens
2008
437
Ben Roethlisberger
Pittsburgh Steelers
2004
407
T.J. Yates
Houston Texans
2011
343
Sammy Baugh
Washington Redskins
1937
335
MOST PASSING TDs BY ROOKIE, SINGLE POSTSEASON
Mark Sanchez
New York Jets
2009
4
Sammy Baugh
Washington Redskins
1937
3
Ben Roethlisberger
Pittsburgh Steelers
2004
3
Many Tied
--
--
2
HIGHEST PASSER RATING BY ROOKIE, SINGLE POSTSEASON
Mark Sanchez
New York Jets
2009
92.7
Ben Roethlisberger
Pittsburgh Steelers
2004
61.3
T.J. Yates
Houston Texans
2011
53.8
Joe Flacco
Baltimore Ravens
2008
50.8
Shaun King
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1999
47.2
(Minimum 50 attempts)
Pro Football Hall of Famer SAMMY BAUGH holds the rookie record for the most passing yards (335) and touchdown passes (three) in a postseason game.
MOST PASSING YARDS BY ROOKIE, PLAYOFF GAME
Sammy Baugh
Washington Redskins
12/12/37
335
Mark Sanchez
New York Jets
1/24/10
257
Andy Dalton
Cincinnati Bengals
1/7/12
257
Ben Roethlisberger
Pittsburgh Steelers
1/23/05
226
FIRST-TIMERS: Six starting quarterbacks – ROBERT GRIFFIN III (Washington), COLIN KAEPERNICK (San Francisco), ANDREW LUCK (Indianapolis), CHRISTIAN PONDER (Minnesota), MATT SCHAUB (Houston) and RUSSELL WILSON (Seattle) – 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
-- NFL --
ALL DAY: Minnesota running back ADRIAN PETERSON rushed for 2,097 yards, the second-most in a season in NFL history (Pro Football Hall of Famer ERIC DICKERSON, 2,105 in 1984).
The players with the most rushing yards in a single postseason:
PLAYER, TEAM
SEASON
YARDS
TD
John Riggins, Washington
1982
610
4
Terrell Davis, Denver
1997
581
8
Terrell Davis, Denver
1998
468
3
Marcus Allen, L.A. Raiders
1983
466
4
Eddie George, Tennessee
1999
449
3
Peterson needs 380 yards to pass TERRELL DAVIS (2,476 in 1998) for the most rushing in a single season in NFL history, including the playoffs. Davis, who rushed for 2,476 yards in 1998 for the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, had 2,008 rushing yards in the regular season and 468 in the postseason.
The players with the most rushing yards in a single season, including the postseason:
PLAYER, TEAM
SEASON
REG SEASON
POSTSEASON
TOTAL RUSH YARDS
Terrell Davis, Denver
1998
2,008
468
2,476
Terrell Davis, Denver
1997
1,750
581
2,331
Eric Dickerson, LA Rams
1984
2,105
107
2,212
Jamal Anderson, Atlanta
1998
1,846
276
2,122
Barry Sanders, Detroit
1997
2,053
65
2,118
-- NFL --
WELCOME RECEPTION: There are nine players in the 2012 playoff field who recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in the regular season: Houston's ANDRE JOHNSON (1,598), Denver's DEMARYIUS THOMAS (1,434), Indianapolis' REGGIE WAYNE (1,355), New England's WES WELKER (1,354), Atlanta's RODDY WHITE (1,351), Cincinnati's A.J. GREEN (1,350), Atlanta's JULIO JONES (1,198), San Francisco's MICHAEL CRABTREE (1,105) and Denver's ERIC DECKER (1,064).
The No. 1 seed in each conference – Denver (AFC) and Atlanta (NFC) – both had two 1,000-yard receivers.
The players with the most receiving yards in a single postseason:
PLAYER, TEAM
SEASON
REC.
RECEIVING YARDS
TD
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
2008
30
546
7
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants
2011
28
444
4
Jerry Rice, San Francisco
1988
21
409
6
Steve Smith, Carolina
2003
18
404
3
Charlie Brown, Washington
1983
14
401
1
There have been seven 200-yard receiving games in NFL postseason history. Denver's Thomas and Indianapolis' Wayne have each had one such performance.
The players with the most receiving yards in a postseason game:
PLAYER, TEAM
SEASON
DATE
OPPONENT
REC.
RECEIVING YARDS
TD
Eric Moulds, Buffalo
1998
1/2/99
Miami
9
240
1
Anthony Carter, Minnesota
1987
1/9/88
San Francisco
10
227
0
Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis
2004
1/9/05
Denver
10
221
2
Steve Smith, Carolina
2005
1/15/06
Chicago
12
218
2
Jerry Rice, San Francisco
1988
1/22/89
Cincinnati
11
215
1
Calvin Johnson, Detroit
2011
1/7/12
New Orleans
12
211
2
Demaryius Thomas, Denver
2011
1/8/12
Pittsburgh
4
204
1
ROOKIE RECEIVERS: Indianapolis wide receiver T.Y. HILTON was second among NFL rookies this season with 861 receiving yards. He was one of only three rookie wide receivers with at least 50 catches (50).
The rookies with the most receptions and receiving yards in a single postseason:
PLAYER
TEAM
SEASON
RECEPTIONS
Joseph Addai
Indianapolis
2006
22
Torry Holt
St. Louis
1999
20
Austin Collie
Indianapolis
2009
17
Chad Morton
New Orleans
2000
15
Steve Junker
Detroit
1957
13
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 --
WAYNE'S WORLD:In 17 career postseason games, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver REGGIE WAYNEhas 83 receptions for 1,128 yards.
Career postseason receiving leaders for receptions and receiving yards:
PLAYER
RECEPTIONS
* *
PLAYER
RECEIVING YARDS
Jerry Rice
151
Jerry Rice
2,245
Hines Ward
88
Michael Irvin
1,315
Michael Irvin
87
Cliff Branch
1,289
Andre Reed
85
Andre Reed
1,229
*Reggie Wayne
83
Hines Ward
1,181
*Active
Fred Biletnikoff
1,167
*Reggie Wayne
1,128
*Active
-- NFL --
SPECIAL DELIVERY: There have been only 20 punt-return touchdowns in playoff history. The last player with a punt-return touchdown in the postseason was New Orleans' REGGIE BUSH in the 2009 Divisional round (83 yards, the third-longest in NFL playoff history). No player has ever recorded more than one in a career.
There have been 22 playoff kickoff-return touchdowns. The last player with a kickoff-return touchdown in the postseason was Atlanta's ERIC WEEMS in last year's Divisional round (102 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.
SACK ATTACK: Four rookies had at least six sacks this season and all four are in this year's playoff field. Seattle defensive end BRUCE IRVIN led NFL rookies with eight sacks, followed by New England's CHANDLER JONES (six), Houston's WHITNEY MERCILUS (six) and Denver's DEREK WOLFE (six).
The rookies with the most sacks in a playoff game and entire postseason:
MOST SACKS IN PLAYOFF GAME, ROOKIE
PLAYER, TEAM
SACKS
OPPONENT
DATE
Garin Veris, New England
3
N.Y. Jets
December 28, 1985
Brooks Reed, Houston
2.5
Baltimore
January 15, 2012
J.J. Watt, Houston
2.5
Baltimore
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
4
1985
Brooks Reed, Houston
3.5
2011
J.J. Watt, Houston
3.5
2011
Eric Dorsey, N.Y. Giants
3
1986
Jevon Kearse, Tennessee
3
1999
Cornelius Griffin, N.Y. Giants
3
2000
-- NFL --
T-SIZZLE: Baltimore Ravens linebacker TERRELL SUGGS has 10 postseason sacks in 11 career playoff games. Suggs is currently tied for the seventh-most postseason sacks.
The players with 10 postseason sacks since the sack became an official statistic in 1982:
PLAYER
SACKS
Willie McGinest
16
Bruce Smith
14.5
Reggie White
12
Charles Haley
11
LaMarr Woodley
11
Richard Dent
10.5
Trace Armstrong
10
Charles Mann
10
*Terrell Suggs
10
Tony Tolbert
10
*Active in 2012 Playoffs
-- NFL --
BALL-HAWK:Baltimore Ravens safety ED REED(eight) needs one interception to tie Pro Football Hall of Famer RONNIE LOTT(nine), BILL SIMPSON(nine) and CHARLIE WATERS (nine) for the most postseason interceptions in league annals. * *
The players with the most interceptions in the postseason all-time:
PLAYER
TEAM(S)
INTs
Ronnie Lott
San Francisco, L.A. Raiders
9
Bill Simpson
L.A. Rams, Buffalo
9
Charlie Waters
Dallas
9
Lester Hayes
Oakland/L.A. Raiders
8
*Ed Reed
Baltimore
8
*Active
ROOKIE DEFENDERS: Green Bay's CASEY HAYWARD led all NFL rookies with six interceptions, tied for the fifth-most in the league this season.
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
4
San Diego
December 29, 1979
Ricky Manning, Jr., Carolina
3
Philadelphia
January 18, 2004
Many players
2
MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN A POSTSEASON, ROOKIE
PLAYER, TEAM
INT
SEASON
Vernon Perry, Houston
5
1979
Ricky Manning, Jr., Carolina
4
2003
Jim Marsalis, Kansas City
3
1969
Roynell Young, Philadelphia
3
1980
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
92
135
1,147
11
3
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay
2010
90
132
1,094
9
2
Kurt Warner, St. Louis
1999
77
121
1,063
8
4
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis
2006
97
153
1,034
* *
3
7
RUSHING YARDS
PLAYER, TEAM
SEASON
ATT.
YARDS
TD
John Riggins, Washington
1982
136
610
4
Terrell Davis, Denver
1997
112
581
8
Terrell Davis, Denver
1998
78
468
3
Marcus Allen, L.A. Raiders
1983
58
466
4
Eddie George, Tennessee
1999
108
449
3
RECEIVING YARDS
PLAYER, TEAM
SEASON
REC.
YARDS
TD
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
2008
30
546
7
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants
2011
28
444
4
Jerry Rice, San Francisco
1988
21
409
6
Steve Smith, Carolina
2003
18
404
3
Charlie Brown, Washington
1983
14
401
1
* *
RECEPTIONS
PLAYER, TEAM
SEASON
REC.
YARDS
TD
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
2008
30
546
7
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants
2011
28
444
4
Steve Smith, Carolina
2005
27
335
3
Wes Welker, New England
2007
27
213
2
Anthony Carter, Minnesota
1987
23
391
1
SCRIMMAGE TOUCHDOWNS
PLAYER, TEAM
SEASON
TOTAL TDs
RUSH TD
REC. TD
Terrell Davis, Denver
1997
8
8
0
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona
2008
7
0
7
Larry Csonka, Miami
1973
6
6
0
Franco Harris, Pittsburgh
1974
6
6
0
John Riggins, Washington
1983
6
6
0
Jerry Rice, San Francisco
1988
6
0
6
Gerald Riggs, Washington
1991
6
6
0
Ricky Watters, San Francisco
1993
6
6
0
Emmitt Smith, Dallas
1995
6
6
0
THE COACHES
HEAD OF THE CLASS: New England Patriots head coach BILL BELICHICK (17) is tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE GIBBS (17) for the third-most playoff wins all-time, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers TOM LANDRY (20) and DON SHULA (19).
With a win in the Divisional Playoffs, Belichick will surpass Gibbs for the third-most playoff wins.
The head coaches with the most playoff wins:
HEAD COACH
TEAM(S)
PLAYOFF WINS
Tom Landry
Dallas Cowboys
20
Don Shula
Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins
19
*Bill Belichick
Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots
17
Joe Gibbs
Washington Redskins
17
Chuck Noll
Pittsburgh Steelers
16
*Active
FIRST-TIMER: Rookie head coach CHUCK PAGANOof the Indianapolis Colts will make his postseason debut in his first year at the helm.
Since 1990, 12 rookie head coaches have won their playoff debuts. Last year, 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 --
POSTSEASON RUN: JOHN HARBAUGHof Baltimore has led the club to a 5-4 postseason record through his first four seasons, including two AFC Championship Game appearances.
Harbaugh can become the sixth head coach in NFL history to win at least six postseason games in his first five seasons as a head coach.
The most postseason wins in a head coach's first five seasons:
HEAD COACH
TEAM
POSTSEASON WINS, 1ST 5 SEASONS
Tom Flores
Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
8
Mike Holmgren
Green Bay Packers
7
Jimmy Johnson
Dallas Cowboys
7
Joe Gibbs
Washington Redskins
6
George Seifert
San Francisco 49ers
6
DIVISION SUCCESS: San Francisco head coach JIM HARBAUGH has guided the 49ers to the NFC West title in each of his first two seasons. Harbaugh is the eighth head coach since 1970 to win a division title in each of his first two seasons.
The eight head coaches to win a division title in each of his first two NFL seasons since 1970:
HEAD COACH
TEAM
YEARS
Chuck Knox
Los Angeles Rams
1973-77
Ted Marchibroda
Baltimore Colts
1975-77
Red Miller
Denver Broncos
1977-78
George Seifert
San Francisco 49ers
1989-90
Barry Switzer
Dallas Cowboys
1994-96
Mike Tomlin
Pittsburgh Steelers
2007-08
Jim Caldwell
Indianapolis Colts
2009-10
Jim Harbaugh
San Francisco 49ers
2011-12
Harbaugh, Knox and Marchibroda are the only head coaches since 1970 to win division titles in each of their first two seasons after inheriting a team with a losing record.
-- NFL --
2012 PLAYOFF HEAD COACHES & THEIR PLAYOFF WINNING PERCENTAGES
COACH, TEAM
W
L
PCT.
Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
17
7
.708
Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers
5
3
.625
Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins
8
5
.615
John Fox, Denver Broncos
6
4
.600
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
5
4
.556
Jim Harbaugh, San Francisco 49ers
1
1
.500
Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans
1
1
.500
Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks
2
3
.400
Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals
0
3
.000
Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons
0
3
.000
Leslie Frazier, Minnesota Vikings
0
0
Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts
0
0
