NFL 2014 Playoffs: Stats and Records
NFL 2014 Playoffs: Stats and Records

 

The NFL playoffs begin on Saturday and Sunday, January 3-4, with Wild Card Weekend. On Saturday, the Arizona Cardinals play at the Carolina Panthers (ESPN, 4:35 PM ET) and the Baltimore Ravens visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (NBC, 8:15 PM ET). Wild Card Weekend continues Sunday with the Cincinnati Bengals at the Indianapolis Colts (CBS, 1:05 PM ET) and the Detroit Lions traveling to face the Dallas Cowboys (FOX, 4:40 PM ET).

The following week (January 10-11), the New England Patriots (Saturday, NBC, 4:35 PM ET) and Denver Broncos (Sunday, CBS, 4:40 PM ET) in the AFC and the Seattle Seahawks (Saturday, FOX, 8:15 PM ET) and Green Bay Packers (Sunday, FOX, 1:05 PM ET) in the NFC host the Divisional Playoffs. The Patriots and Seahawks own home-field advantage for the Conference Championship Games (January 18) if they win their Divisional contests.

The 2015 Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 25 (ESPN, 8:00 PM ET) and Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday, February 1 (NBC, 6:30 PM ET), both at University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona.

Fresh Faces & Consistent Winners Highlight Playoff Field

There are five new playoff teams in 2014: Arizona, Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit and Pittsburgh. 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
Source: NFL
19907 (Cincinnati, Chicago, Kansas City, Los Angeles Raiders, Miami, New Orleans, Washington)
19915 (Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, New York Jets)
19926 (Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco)
19935 (Denver, Detroit, Green Bay, Los Angeles Raiders, New York Giants)
19945 (Chicago, Cleveland, Miami, New England, San Diego)
19954 (Atlanta, Buffalo, Indianapolis, Philadelphia)
19965 (Carolina, Denver, Jacksonville, Minnesota, New England)
19975 (Detroit, Kansas City, Miami, New York Giants, Tampa Bay)
19985 (Arizona, Atlanta, Buffalo, Dallas, New York Jets)
19997 (Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington)
20006 (Baltimore, Denver, New Orleans, New York Giants, Oakland, Philadelphia)
20016 (Chicago, Green Bay, New England, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Francisco)
20025 (Atlanta, Cleveland, Indianapolis, New York Giants, Tennessee)
20038 (Baltimore, Carolina, Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, New England, St. Louis, Seattle)
20045 (Atlanta, Minnesota, New York Jets, Pittsburgh, San Diego)
20057 (Carolina, Chicago, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New York Giants, Tampa Bay, Washington)
20067 (Baltimore, Dallas, Kansas City, New Orleans, New York Jets, Philadelphia, San Diego)
20076 (Green Bay, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Washington)
20087 (Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Carolina, Miami, Minnesota, Philadelphia)
20096 (Cincinnati, Dallas, Green Bay, New England, New Orleans, New York Jets)
20105 (Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, Seattle)
20116 (Cincinnati, Denver, Detroit, Houston, New York Giants, San Francisco)
20124 (Indianapolis, Minnesota, Seattle, Washington)
20135 (Carolina, Kansas City, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Diego)
20145 (Arizona, Baltimore, Dallas, Detroit, Pittsburgh)

 

In the 13 seasons since realignment in 2002, 28 of the 32 NFL teams have won a division title at least once.

How the 2014 playoff teams have fared in the 13 seasons since realignment in 2002:

Team Division Titles Playoff Berths
Source: NFL
New England1111
Indianapolis912
Green Bay810
Seattle79
Pittsburgh68
Baltimore58
Denver57
Carolina45
Cincinnati36
Dallas35
Arizona23
Detroit01

 

The 2014 field also showcases teams that have enjoyed recent postseason success. Since realignment in 2002, the Indianapolis Colts have been to the playoffs 12 times, the most in the NFL. The New England Patriots are second with 11 postseason berths and the Green Bay Packers rank third with 10 playoff appearances.

The teams with the most playoff appearances since 2002 (includes 2014):

Team Postseason Appearances
Source: NFL *In 2014 postseason
Indianapolis Colts12*
New England Patriots11*
Green Bay Packers10*
Seattle Seahawks9*
Baltimore Ravens8*
Philadelphia Eagles8
Pittsburgh Steelers8*

 

Six of this season's 12 playoff teams have won at least one Super Bowl since 2000, capturing 10 of the past 13 Vince Lombardi Trophies. Those teams are Baltimore (XXXV, XLVII), Green Bay (XLV), Indianapolis (XLI), New England (XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX), Pittsburgh (XL, XLIII) and Seattle (XLVIII).

Super Bowl Season Winner
Source: NFL *In 2014 postseason
XXXV2000Baltimore*
XXXVI2001New England*
XXXVII2002Tampa Bay
XXXVIII2003New England*
XXXIX2004New England*
XL2005Pittsburgh*
XLI2006Indianapolis*
XLII2007New York Giants
XLIII2008Pittsburgh*
XLIV2009New Orleans
XLV2010Green Bay*
XLVI2011New York Giants
XLVII2012Baltimore*
XLVIII2013Seattle*

 

All-Time Playoffs Leaders

The Dallas Cowboys will participate in the playoffs for the 31st time, tying the New York Giants for the most postseason appearances in NFL history. The Green Bay Packers are making their 30th postseason appearance, the third-most in league history.

The teams with the most seasons participating in the playoffs (includes 2014):

Team Playoff Berths
Source: NFL *In 2014 playoffs
Dallas Cowboys31*
New York Giants31
Green Bay Packers30*
Pittsburgh Steelers28*

 

The 12 playoff teams and their postseason records:

Team W L PCT
Source: NFL
Baltimore Ravens147.667
Green Bay Packers3019.612
Pittsburgh Steelers3321.611
New England Patriots2518.581
Dallas Cowboys3325.569
Carolina Panthers65.545
Denver Broncos2018.526
Seattle Seahawks1212.500
Indianapolis Colts2022.476
Arizona Cardinals67.462
Detroit Lions711.389
Cincinnati Bengals512.294

 

Wild Card Records

Team W L PCT
Source: NFL
Carolina Panthers201.000
Baltimore Ravens61.857
Arizona Cardinals31.750
Dallas Cowboys55.500
Pittsburgh Steelers44.500
Indianapolis Colts56.455
Cincinnati Bengals16.143
Detroit Lions07.000

 

Divisional Records

Team W L PCT
Source: NFL
Denver Broncos95.643
New England Patriots106.625
Green Bay Packers58.385
Seattle Seahawks36.333

 

The Playoff Teams

Winning Feeling

The Green Bay Packers have won 13 NFL championships, the most in league history. Of the 12 playoff teams this season, 10 have won at least one championship.

NFL championships won by the 2014 playoff teams:

Team Championships Seasons
Source: NFL
Green Bay Packers131929-31, 1936, 1939, 1944, 1961-62, 1965-67, 1996, 2010
Pittsburgh Steelers61974-75, 1978-79, 2005, 2008
Dallas Cowboys51971, 1977, 1992-93, 1995
Detroit Lions41935, 1952-53, 1957
Indianapolis Colts41958-59, 1970, 2006
New England Patriots32001, 2003-04
Arizona Cardinals21925, 1947
Baltimore Ravens22000, 2012
Denver Broncos21997-98
Seattle Seahawks12013
Carolina Panthers0--
Cincinnati Bengals0--

 

Playoff Success

The Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers have each won 33 postseason games, the most in NFL history. The Green Bay Packers have 30 postseason victories, tied for the third-most all-time.

The teams with the most playoff victories in NFL history:

Team Playoff Wins
Source: NFL *In 2014 playoffs
Dallas Cowboys33*
Pittsburgh Steelers33*
Green Bay Packers30*
San Francisco 49ers30
New England Patriots25*
Oakland Raiders25

 

Postseason victories for the 2014 playoff teams:

Team Playoff Wins
Source: NFL
Dallas Cowboys33
Pittsburgh Steelers33
Green Bay Packers30
New England Patriots25
Denver Broncos20
Indianapolis Colts20
Baltimore Ravens14
Seattle Seahawks12
Detroit Lions7
Arizona Cardinals6
Carolina Panthers6
Cincinnati Bengals5

 

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 23 of the 48 (47.9 percent) No. 1 seeds have advanced to the Super Bowl, with 10 No. 1 seeds being crowned champions (20.8 percent). How the No. 1 seeds have fared since 1990:

Season AFC Top Seed Result NFC Top Seed Result
Source: NFL
1990BuffaloLost Super Bowl XXVSan FranciscoLost NFC Championship
1991BuffaloLost Super Bowl XXVIWashingtonWon Super Bowl XXVI
1992PittsburghLost DivisionalSan FranciscoLost NFC Championship
1993BuffaloLost Super Bowl XXVIIIDallasWon Super Bowl XXVIII
1994PittsburghLost AFC ChampionshipSan FranciscoWon Super Bowl XXIX
1995Kansas CityLost DivisionalDallasWon Super Bowl XXX
1996DenverLost DivisionalGreen BayWon Super Bowl XXXI
1997Kansas CityLost DivisionalSan FranciscoLost NFC Championship
1998DenverWon Super Bowl XXXIIIMinnesotaLost NFC Championship
1999JacksonvilleLost AFC ChampionshipSt. LouisWon Super Bowl XXXIV
2000TennesseeLost DivisionalNew York GiantsLost Super Bowl XXXV
2001PittsburghLost AFC ChampionshipSt. LouisLost Super Bowl XXXVI
2002OaklandLost Super Bowl XXXVIIPhiladelphiaLost NFC Championship
2003New EnglandWon Super Bowl XXXVIIIPhiladelphiaLost NFC Championship
2004PittsburghLost AFC ChampionshipPhiladelphiaLost Super Bowl XXXIX
2005IndianapolisLost DivisionalSeattleLost Super Bowl XL
2006San DiegoLost DivisionalChicagoLost Super Bowl XLI
2007New EnglandLost Super Bowl XLIIDallasLost Divisional
2008TennesseeLost DivisionalNew York GiantsLost Divisional
2009IndianapolisLost Super Bowl XLIVNew OrleansWon Super Bowl XLIV
2010New EnglandLost DivisionalAtlantaLost Divisional
2011New EnglandLost Super Bowl XLVIGreen BayLost Divisional
2012DenverLost DivisionalAtlantaLost NFC Championship
2013DenverLost Super Bowl XLVIIISeattleWon Super Bowl XLVIII
2014New England???Seattle???

 

Division Dominance

Since realignment in 2002, the New England Patriots have won 11 division titles, the most in the NFL during that span. The Green Bay Packers lead the NFC with eight division titles since 2002.

The teams with the most division titles since 2002:

Team Titles
Source: NFL *2014 division champion
New England11*
Indianapolis9*
Green Bay8*
Seattle7*
Philadelphia6
Pittsburgh6*

 

Super Encore

The Denver Broncos posted a 12-4 record this season and became the 15th Super Bowl runner-up since 1990 to qualify for the playoffs the following season.

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

Season Team Record Result
Source: NFL
1991Buffalo13-3Won division; Advanced to Super Bowl XXVI
1992Buffalo11-5Wild Card; Advanced to Super Bowl XXVII
1993Buffalo12-4Won division; Advanced to Super Bowl XXVIII
1995San Diego9-7Wild Card; Advanced to Wild Card
1996Pittsburgh10-6Won division; Advanced to Divisional
1997New England10-6Won division; Advanced to Divisional
1998Green Bay11-5Wild Card; Advanced to Wild Card
2000Tennessee13-3Won division; Advanced to Divisional
2006Seattle9-7Won division; Advanced to Divisional
2009Arizona10-6Won division; Advanced to Divisional
2010Indianapolis10-6Won division; Advanced to Wild Card
2011Pittsburgh12-4Wild Card; Advanced to Wild Card
2012New England12-4Won division; Advanced to AFC Championship
2013San Francisco12-4Wild Card; Advanced to NFC Championship
2014Denver12-4Won division; ???

 

Undefeated At Home

The Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers finished the 2014 regular season undefeated at home.

Since 2000, 25 teams -- including two this year -- have posted a perfect regular-season record at home. Of the previous 23 teams before the 2014 season, five have gone to the Super Bowl (21.7 percent).

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

Season Team Overall Result
Source: NFL
2002Green Bay Packers12-4Advanced to Wild Card
2003Kansas City Chiefs13-3Advanced to Divisional
2003New England Patriots14-2Won Super Bowl XXXVIII
2003St. Louis Rams12-4Advanced to Divisional
2003Seattle Seahawks10-6Advanced to Wild Card
2004New England Patriots14-2Won Super Bowl XXXIX
2004Pittsburgh Steelers15-1Advanced to AFC Championship
2005Denver Broncos13-3Advanced to AFC Championship
2005Seattle Seahawks13-3Advanced to Super Bowl XL
2006Indianapolis Colts12-4Won Super Bowl XLI
2006San Diego Chargers14-2Advanced to Divisional
2007New England Patriots16-0Advanced to Super Bowl XLII
2008Carolina Panthers12-4Advanced to Divisional
2009New England Patriots10-6Advanced to Wild Card
2009Minnesota Vikings12-4Advanced to NFC Championship
2010New England Patriots14-2Advanced to Divisional
2011Baltimore Ravens12-4Advanced to AFC Championship
2011Green Bay Packers15-1Advanced to Divisional
2011New Orleans Saints13-3Advanced to Divisional
2012Seattle Seahawks11-5Advanced to NFC Championship
2013Cincinnati Bengals11-5Advanced to Wild Card
2013New England Patriots12-4Advanced to AFC Championship
2013New Orleans Saints11-5Advanced to Divisional
2014Denver Broncos12-4???
2014Green Bay Packers12-4???

 

Road Sweet Road

The Dallas Cowboys finished the 2014 regular season undefeated on the road.

The Cowboys are only the sixth team since 1978 -- when the 16-game schedule was instituted -- to post an 8-0 record on the road. Of the previous five teams to accomplish the feat, four have gone to the Super Bowl (80 percent).

The NFL teams (since 1978) to post an 8-0 road record and their final season result:

Season Team Overall Result
Source: NFL
1984San Francisco 49ers15-1Won Super Bowl XIX
1989San Francisco 49ers14-2Won Super Bowl XXIV
1990San Francisco 49ers14-2Advanced to NFC Championship
2001St. Louis Rams14-2Advanced to Super Bowl XXXVI
2007New England Patriots16-0Advanced to Super Bowl XLII
2014Dallas Cowboys12-4???

 

OT & Playoffs -- Winning Combination

The NFL playoffs have featured at least one overtime game in 11 of the past 14 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
Source: NFL
2000WCMiami 23, Indianapolis 17RB Lamar Smith scores on 17-yard TD run
2001Div.New England 16, Oakland 13K Adam Vinatieri connects on 23-yard FG
2002Div.Tennessee 34, Pittsburgh 31K Joe Nedney wins it with 26-yard FG
2003WCGreen Bay 33, Seattle 27CB Al Harris returns INT 52 yards for TD
2003Div.Carolina 29, St. Louis 23 (2 OT)QB Jake Delhomme connects with WR Steve Smith on 69-yd TD
2003Div.Philadelphia 20, Green Bay 17K David Akers wins game with 31-yard FG
2004WCNY Jets 20, San Diego 17K Doug Brien converts 28-yard FG
2004Div.Pittsburgh 20, NY Jets 17K Jeff Reed connects on 33-yard game-winner
2006Div.Chicago 27, Seattle 24K Robbie Gould converts game-winning FG from 49 yards out
2007Champ.NY Giants 23, Green Bay 20K Lawrence Tynes wins it with 47-yard FG
2008WCSan Diego 23, Indianapolis 17RB Darren Sproles scores on 22-yard TD run
2009WCArizona 51, Green Bay 45LB Karlos Dansby scores on 17-yard FR-TD
2009Champ.New Orleans 31, Minnesota 28K Garrett Hartley converts 40-yard game-winning FG
2011WCDenver 29, Pittsburgh 23WR Demaryius Thomas catches 80-yard TD from QB Tim Tebow
2011Champ.NY Giants 20, San Francisco 17K Lawrence Tynes connects on 31-yard FG
2012Div.Baltimore 38, Denver 35 (2 OT)K Justin Tucker converts 47-yard game-winning FG

 

The Players

Brady, Rodgers & Manning Among Postseason Leaders

Quarterbacks TOM BRADY of New England, PEYTON MANNING of Denver and AARON RODGERS of Green Bay have enjoyed postseason success. The trio of quarterbacks, who have each won Super Bowl MVP honors, rank among the top in many postseason passing categories.

Rodgers (103.1) ranks second all-time in career postseason passer rating, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer BART STARR.

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

Quarterback Att Comp Yards TD INT Rating
Source: NFL *Active
Bart Starr2131301,753153104.8
Aaron Rodgers*3182102,489195103.1
Kurt Warner4623073,9523114102.8
Drew Brees*4643063,539246100.7
Joe Montana7344605,772452195.6

 

Tom Brady is the all-time postseason leader in career pass attempts (950) and completions (590), while Manning (572 completions, 889 attempts) ranks second in each category. Manning (6,589) ranks first in playoff history in passing yards, while Brady (6,424) ranks a close second.

The top five all-time playoff leaders in completions, attempts, passing yards and touchdowns:

Quarterback Comp Quarterback Att
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Tom Brady590*Tom Brady950*
Peyton Manning572*Peyton Manning889*
Brett Favre481Brett Favre791
Joe Montana460Joe Montana734
Dan Marino385Dan Marino687

 

Quarterback Yards Quarterback TDs
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Peyton Manning6,589*Joe Montana45
Tom Brady6,424*Brett Favre44
Brett Favre5,855Tom Brady43*
Joe Montana5,772Peyton Manning37*
John Elway4,964Dan Marino32

 

Peyton Manning has nine career 300-yard passing games in the postseason, the most all-time, while Brady (six) is tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE MONTANA, KURT WARNER and DREW BREES for the second-most in playoff history.

Quarterback Games 300-Yard Games
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Peyton Manning*239
Joe Montana236
Kurt Warner136
Tom Brady*266
Drew Brees116

 

Rodgers has completed 210 of 318 passes for a 66.0 completion percentage, the fourth-best mark in league playoff history.

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

Quarterback Att Comp Pct
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Kurt Warner46230766.5
Matt Ryan18712466.3
Ken Anderson16611066.3
Aaron Rodgers*31821066.0
Drew Brees46430665.9

 

Passing By

Quarterbacks PEYTON MANNING of Denver, AARON RODGERS of Green Bay and ANDREW LUCK of Indianapolis have each had a 400-yard passing game in the postseason.

Manning (three) is one of two quarterbacks in NFL postseason history with three 400-yard passing games (DREW BREES).

The 19 400-yard passing performances in NFL postseason history:

Quarterback Team Opponent Date Yards
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Bernie KosarClevelandNew York Jets1/3/87489
Drew BreesNew OrleansDetroit1/7/12466
Drew BreesNew OrleansSan Francisco1/14/12462
Peyton ManningIndianapolisDenver1/9/05458
Andrew LuckIndianapolisKansas City1/4/14443
Dan FoutsSan DiegoMiami1/2/82433
Kelly HolcombClevelandPittsburgh1/5/03429
Jeff GeorgeMinnesotaSt. Louis1/16/00423
Aaron RodgersGreen BayArizona1/10/10423
Dan MarinoMiamiBuffalo12/30/95422
Dan MarinoMiamiPittsburgh1/6/85421
Kurt WarnerSt. LouisTennessee1/30/00414
Randall CunninghamPhiladelphiaChicago12/31/88407
Jim KellyBuffaloCleveland1/6/90405
Drew BreesNew OrleansSeattle1/8/11404
Don StrockMiamiSan Diego1/2/82403
Peyton ManningIndianapolisSan Diego1/13/08402
Daryle LamonicaOaklandNew York Jets12/29/68401
Peyton ManningDenverNew England1/19/14400

 

Super Bowl MVPs

There are five players in the 2014 postseason who have been named Super Bowl MVP: quarterback TOM BRADY of New England (XXXVI, XXXVIII), quarterback JOE FLACCO of Baltimore (XLVII) quarterback PEYTON MANNING of Denver (XLI with Indianapolis), linebacker MALCOLM SMITH of Seattle (XLVIII) 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
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Joe MontanaSan Francisco3 (XVI, XIX, XXIV)
Terry BradshawPittsburgh2 (XIII, XIV)
Tom Brady*New England2 (XXXVI, XXXVIII)
Eli ManningNew York Giants2 (XLII, XLVI)
Bart StarrGreen Bay2 (I, II)

 

When It Counts

New England quarterback TOM BRADY has an 18-8 (.692) 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) Wins
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Tom Brady*New England Patriots 18
Joe MontanaSan Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs16
Terry BradshawPittsburgh Steelers14
John ElwayDenver Broncos14
Brett FavreGreen Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings13

 

Tom Brady has an 18-8 (.692) 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).

Pittsburgh's BEN ROETHLISBERGER (10-4, .714) and Baltimore's JOE FLACCO (9-4, .692) are also approaching 15 career postseason games and could join the list this year.

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

Quarterback Record Pct.
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Terry Bradshaw14-5.737
Troy Aikman11-4.733
Joe Montana16-7.696
Tom Brady*18-8.692
John Elway14-7.667

 

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
Source: NFL *Member of Pro Football Hall of Fame
**Active in 2014 playoffs
Terry Bradshaw*4
Joe Montana*4
Troy Aikman*3
Tom Brady**3
John Elway*2
Bob Griese*2
Eli Manning2
Jim Plunkett2
Ben Roethlisberger**2
Bart Starr*2
Roger Staubach*2

 

Super Season

Baltimore's JOE FLACCO is poised to be the first quarterback of the Super Bowl era to start a playoff game in six of his first seven seasons in the NFL.

Flacco produced one of the all-time great postseason runs in the 2012 playoffs, passing for 1,140 yards with 11 touchdowns and no interceptions for a 117.2 passer rating. He joined Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE MONTANA (11 TDs, 0 INTs in 1989) as the only players with at least 11 touchdown passes and no interceptions in a single NFL postseason.

Young Quarterbacks

Indianapolis' ANDREW LUCK and Seattle's RUSSELL WILSON have led their teams to the postseason for the third consecutive season. Both can join a list of four quarterbacks during the Super Bowl era who have started a playoff game in each of their first three seasons beginning with their rookie year.

The quarterbacks to start a playoff game in each of their first three seasons in the Super Bowl era (since 1966):

Quarterback Seasons Team
Source: NFL *In 2014 playoffs
Dan Marino1983-85Miami Dolphins
Bernie Kosar1985-87Cleveland Browns
Joe Flacco2008-10Baltimore Ravens
Andy Dalton2011-13Cincinnati Bengals
Andrew Luck*2012-14Indianapolis Colts
Russell Wilson*2012-14Seattle Seahawks

 

Wilson has won 36 regular-season games in his first three seasons, the most by a quarterback in the Super Bowl era. Luck is tied for second with Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO and MATT RYAN with 33 wins.

Quarterback Team Seasons Wins
Source: NFL
Russell WilsonSeattle2012-1436
Andrew LuckIndianapolis2012-1433
Dan MarinoMiami1983-8533
Matt RyanAtlanta2008-1033
Joe FlaccoBaltimore2008-1032

 

Danger-Russ

Seattle quarterback RUSSELL WILSON led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship last year, becoming the fourth quarterback to win a Super Bowl in his first or second season in the league (Kurt Warner, Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger).

Quarterback Team Season Super Bowl
Source: NFL
Kurt WarnerSt. Louis1999XXXIV
Tom BradyNew England2001XXXVI
Ben RoethlisbergerPittsburgh2005XL
Russell WilsonSeattle2013XLVIII

 

Wilson can be the first quarterback to win two Super Bowls in his first three seasons in the league. He would also be the 12th quarterback in NFL history to win multiple Super Bowls.

First-Timer

Arizona quarterback RYAN LINDLEY will make his playoff debut this postseason. The players with the most passing yards in their first career postseason start:

Quarterback Team Yards
Source: NFL
Kelly HolcombCleveland Browns429
Aaron RodgersGreen Bay Packers423
Randall CunninghamPhiladelphia Eagles407
Kurt WarnerSt. Louis Rams391
Neil LomaxSt. Louis Cardinals385

 

Cowboy Way I

Dallas quarterback TONY ROMO led the NFL with a 113.2 passer rating, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer ROGER STAUBACH (104.8 in 1971) for the best mark in franchise history.

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

Quarterback Team Season Att Comp Yards TD INT Rating
Source: NFL
Joe MontanaSan Francisco19898365800110146.4
Bart StarrGreen Bay1966513555461135.6
Phil SimmsNew York Giants1986583849480131.8
Kurt WarnerArizona2009594658451129.1
Troy AikmanDallas1992896179580126.4

 

Cowboy Way II

Dallas running back DE MARCO MURRAY led the NFL with a franchise-record 1,845 rushing yards, surpassing the previous mark set by Pro Football Hall of Famer EMMITT SMITH in 1995 (1,773).

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

Player, Team Season Yards TD
Source: NFL
John Riggins, Washington19826104
Terrell Davis, Denver19975818
Terrell Davis, Denver19984683
Marcus Allen, L.A. Raiders19834664
Eddie George, Tennessee19994493

 

Top Of The Hill

Cincinnati running back JEREMY HILL led all rookies with 1,124 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. He also joined Pro Football Hall of Famers ERIC DICKERSON (five in 1983) and CURTIS MARTIN (four in 1995) as the only rookies in NFL history with at least four 140-yard rushing games.

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

Player, Team Season Yards
Source: NFL
Timmy Smith, Washington1987342
Jamal Lewis, Baltimore2000338
James Starks, Green Bay2010315
Duane Thomas, Dallas1970313
Ickey Woods, Cincinnati1988307

 

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

Player, Team Season TDs
Source: NFL
Norm Standlee, Chicago Bears19414
Tony Dorsett, Dallas19774
William Floyd, San Francisco19944
Jamal Lewis, Baltimore20004

 

Catching On

Indianapolis wide receiver REGGIE WAYNE ranks second all-time in postseason catches (92) and fourth in receiving yards (1,242). He needs eight catches to join Pro Football Hall of Famer JERRY RICE as the only players in playoff history with 100 career receptions and 74 yards to eclipse CLIFF BRANCH (1,289) and Hall of Famer MICHAEL IRVIN (1,315) for No. 2 all-time. Wayne (nine) needs one touchdown catch to become the sixth player in NFL postseason history with 10.

Denver's WES WELKER is currently fifth all-time with 87 postseason catches and needs two to surpass Irvin (87) and HINES WARD (88) for sole possession of third place.

The top five all-time playoff leaders in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown receptions:

Player Receptions Player Yards
Source: NFL *Active
Jerry Rice151Jerry Rice2,245
Reggie Wayne*92Michael Irvin1,315
Hines Ward88Cliff Branch1,289
Michael Irvin87Reggie Wayne*1,242
Wes Welker*87Andre Reed1,229

 

Player TD Receptions
Source: NFL
Jerry Rice22
John Stallworth12
Fred Biletnikoff10
Antonio Freeman10
Randy Moss10

 

Catch Me If You Can

Arizona wide receiver LARRY FITZGERALD holds NFL records for the most catches (30), receiving yards (546) and touchdown receptions (seven) in a single postseason. He set all three marks during the 2008 playoffs when the Cardinals advanced to Super Bowl XLIII.

The players with the most receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches in a single postseason:

MOST CATCHES, SINGLE POSTSEASON

Player Team Season Catches
Source: NFL
Larry FitzgeraldArizona200830
Hakeem NicksNew York Giants201128
Demaryius ThomasDenver201328
Steve Smith, Sr.Carolina200527
Wes WelkerNew England200727

 

MOST RECEIVING YARDS, SINGLE POSTSEASON

Player Team Season Yards
Source: NFL
Larry FitzgeraldArizona2008546
Hakeem NicksNew York Giants2011444
Jerry RiceSan Francisco1988409
Steve Smith, Sr.Carolina2003404
Charlie BrownWashington1983401

 

MOST TD CATCHES, SINGLE POSTSEASON

Player Team Season TDs
Source: NFL
Larry FitzgeraldArizona20087
Jerry RiceSan Francisco19886
Dave CasperOakland19775
Alvin GarrettWashington19825
Jerry RiceSan Francisco19895

 

Welcome Reception

There are 14 players in the 2014 playoff field who recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in the regular season

Pittsburgh's ANTONIO BROWN (1,698), Denver's DEMARYIUS THOMAS (1,619), Green Bay's JORDY NELSON (1,519), Denver's EMMANUEL SANDERS (1,404), Indianapolis' T.Y. HILTON (1,345), Detroit's GOLDEN TATE (1,331), Dallas' DEZ BRYANT (1,320), Green Bay's RANDALL COBB (1,287), New England's ROB GRONKOWSKI (1,124), Detroit's CALVIN JOHNSON (1,077), Baltimore's STEVE SMITH, SR. (1,065), Cincinnati's A.J. GREEN (1,041), Carolina rookie KELVIN BENJAMIN (1,008) and Carolina's GREG OLSEN (1,008).

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

Player, Team Season Rec Yards TD
Source: NFL
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona2008305467
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants2011284444
Jerry Rice, San Francisco1988214096
Steve Smith, Sr., Carolina2003184043
Charlie Brown, Washington1983144011

 

There have been eight 200-yard receiving games in NFL postseason history. Indianapolis' Hilton and Wayne, Baltimore's Smith, Detroit's Johnson and Denver's Thomas each had one of those performances.

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

Player, Team Season Date Opponent Rec Yards TD
Source: NFL
Eric Moulds, Buffalo19981/2/99Miami92401
Anthony Carter, Minnesota19871/9/88San Francisco102270
T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis20131/4/14Kansas City132242
Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis20041/9/05Denver102212
Steve Smith, Sr., Carolina20051/15/06Chicago122182
Jerry Rice, San Francisco19881/22/89Cincinnati112151
Calvin Johnson, Detroit20111/7/12New Orleans122112
Demaryius Thomas, Denver20111/8/12Pittsburgh42041

 

TD Party

Seattle running back MARSHAWN LYNCH (17) and Dallas wide receiver DEZ BRYANT (16) ranked No. 1 and 2 in total touchdowns this season, respectively.

The players with the most touchdowns in a single postseason:

Player, Team Season TDs
Source: NFL
Terrell Davis, Denver19978
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona20087
Many tied--6

 

ROOKIE RECEIVERS

Carolina wide receiver KELVIN BENJAMIN tied for the team lead in receiving yards (1,008), the most among NFL rookies active in the 2014 postseason.

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

Player Team Season Rec
Source: NFL
Joseph AddaiIndianapolis200622
Torry HoltSt. Louis199920
Austin CollieIndianapolis200917
Chad MortonNew Orleans200015
Steve SmithNew York Giants200714

 

Player Team Season Yards
Source: NFL
Torry HoltSt. Louis1999242
Austin CollieIndianapolis2009241
DeSean JacksonPhiladelphia2008207
Steve JunkerDetroit1957201
Ricky NattielDenver1987171

 

Tight Ends Making Mark

Denver's JULIUS THOMAS (12), New England's ROB GRONKOWSKI (12) and San Diego's ANTONIO GATES (12) tied for the most touchdown catches amongst tight ends in 2014. Gronkowski's Patriots (No. 1 seed) and Thomas' Broncos (No. 2) each earned a first-round bye in the 2014 AFC playoffs.

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

Player Team Season TDs
Source: NFL
Dave CasperOakland19775
Vernon DavisSan Francisco20114
Seven Tied----3

 

Special Delivery

There have been 25 playoff kickoff-return touchdowns. Last year, Seattle's PERCY HARVIN returned the opening kickoff of the second half 87 yards for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLVIII. RON DIXON of the New York Giants (2000-02) is the only player with two career kickoff-return touchdowns in the playoffs.

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.

Sack Attack I

Baltimore linebacker TERRELL SUGGS has 12 career postseason sacks and is currently tied for third all-time with Pro Football Hall of Famer REGGIE WHITE. He needs 4.5 sacks to surpass White, Hall of Famer BRUCE SMITH (14.5) and WILLIE MC GINEST (16) for the most sacks in NFL playoff history.

The top five players with the most postseason sacks (since 1982):

Player Sacks
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Willie McGinest16.0
Bruce Smith14.5
Terrell Suggs*12.0
Reggie White12.0
Charles Haley11.0
LaMarr Woodley11.0

 

Sack Attack II

Baltimore's ELVIS DUMERVIL had a franchise-record 17 sacks this season, the most of any player in the 2014 postseason.

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

MOST SACKS IN PLAYOFF GAME

Player, Team Sacks Opponent Season Date
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Willie McGinest, New England4.5Jacksonville2005Jan 7, 2006
Richard Dent, Chicago3.5New York Giants1985Jan 5, 1986
Rich Milot, Washington3.5Chicago1984Dec 30, 1984

 

MOST SACKS IN A POSTSEASON

Player, Team Sacks Season
Source: NFL *Active in 2014 playoffs
Richard Dent, Chicago61985
Michael McCrary, Baltimore62000
LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh62008
Willie McGinest, New England52003
Terrell Suggs, Baltimore52010
Tony Tolbert, Dallas51995

 

ROOKIE SACKERS

Indianapolis linebacker JONATHAN NEWSOME had 6.5 sacks, the most by any rookie in the 2014 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
Source: NFL
Garin Veris, New England3N.Y. Jets1985December 28, 1985
Brooks Reed, Houston2.5Baltimore2011January 15, 2012
J.J. Watt, Houston2.5Baltimore2011January 15, 2012

 

MOST SACKS IN A POSTSEASON, ROOKIE

Player, Team Sacks Season
Source: NFL
Greg Townsend, L.A. Raiders4.51983
Garin Veris, New England41985
Brooks Reed, Houston3.52011
J.J. Watt, Houston3.52011
Eric Dorsey, N.Y. Giants31986
Jevon Kearse, Tennessee31999
Cornelius Griffin, N.Y. Giants32000

 

Ball Hawks

Detroit safety GLOVER QUIN led the NFL with seven interceptions and became the first Lions player to lead the league in INTs since Pro Football Hall of Famer LEM BARNEY in 1967.

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

MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN PLAYOFF GAME

Player, Team INT Opponent Season Date
Source: NFL
Vernon Perry, Houston4San Diego1979December 29, 1979

 

MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN A POSTSEASON

Player, Team INT Season
Source: NFL
Lester Hayes, Oakland51980
Vernon Perry, Houston51979
Many tied4--

 

ROOKIE DEFENDERS

Baltimore linebacker C.J. MOSLEY and Denver cornerback BRADLEY ROBY each had two interceptions this season, tied for the most among NFL rookies in the 2014 playoff field.

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

MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN PLAYOFF GAME, ROOKIE

Player, Team INT Opponent Season Date
Source: NFL
Vernon Perry, Houston4San DiegoDecember 29, 1979
Ricky Manning, Jr., Carolina3PhiladelphiaJanuary 18, 2004

 

MOST INTERCEPTIONS IN A POSTSEASON, ROOKIE

Player, Team INT Season
Source: NFL
Vernon Perry, Houston51979
Ricky Manning, Jr., Carolina42003
Jim Marsalis, Kansas City31969
Roynell Young, Philadelphia31980

 

MR. RELIABLE

Indianapolis kicker ADAM VINATIERI has scored 213 points and made 51 field goals in his playoff career, 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 points scored and field goals made in the postseason all-time:

Player Points Player FG Made
Source: NFL *Active
Adam Vinatieri*213Adam Vinatieri*51
David Akers175David Akers39
Gary Anderson153Gary Anderson32
Jerry Rice132Matt Stover25
Emmitt Smith126John Kasay23
Thurman Thomas126

 

BEST NFL PLAYOFF PERFORMANCES (Single postseason)

PASSING YARDS

Player, Team Season Comp Att Yards TD INT
Source: NFL
Eli Manning, New York Giants20111061631,21991
Kurt Warner, Arizona2008921351,147113
Joe Flacco, Baltimore2012731261,140110
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay2010901321,09492
Kurt Warner, St. Louis1999771211,06384

 

RUSHING YARDS

Player, Team Season Att Yards TD
Source: NFL
John Riggins, Washington19821366104
Terrell Davis, Denver19971125818
Terrell Davis, Denver1998784683
Marcus Allen, L.A. Raiders1983584664
Eddie George, Tennessee19991084493

 

RECEIVING YARDS

Player, Team Season Rec Yards TD
Source: NFL
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona2008305467
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants2011284444
Jerry Rice, San Francisco1988214096
Steve Smith, Carolina2003184043
Charlie Brown, Washington1983144011

 

RECEPTIONS

Player, Team Season Rec Yards TDs
Source: NFL
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona2008305467
Demaryius Thomas, Denver2013283063
Hakeem Nicks, New York Giants2011284444
Steve Smith, Sr., Carolina2005273353
Wes Welker, New England2007272132

 

SCRIMMAGE TOUCHDOWNS

Player, Team Season Total TDs Rush TDs Rec. TDs
Source: NFL
Terrell Davis, Denver1997880
Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona2008707
Larry Csonka, Miami1973660
Franco Harris, Pittsburgh1974660
John Riggins, Washington1983660
Jerry Rice, San Francisco1988606
Gerald Riggs, Washington1991660
Ricky Watters, San Francisco1993660
Emmitt Smith, Dallas1995660

 

THE COACHES

HEAD OF THE CLASS

New England Patriots head coach BILL BELICHICK (19) is tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer DON SHULA (19) for the second-most playoff wins all-time, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famer TOM LANDRY (20).

With a win, Belichick will tie Landry for the most playoff wins.

The head coaches with the most playoff wins:

Head Coach Team(s) Wins
Source: NFL *Active
Tom LandryDallas Cowboys20
Bill Belichick*Cleveland Browns, NPatriots19
Don ShulaBaltimore Colts, Dolphins19
Joe GibbsWashington 17
Chuck NollPittsburgh Steelers16

 

RE-PETE

Seattle head coach PETE CARROLL led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship last year and became the third-oldest head coach to win a Super Bowl. Carroll aims to become the oldest head coach to win back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

The oldest head coaches to win a Super Bowl:

Head Coach Team Super Bowl Date Age
Source: NFL *Active
Tom CoughlinNew York GiantsXVLIFebruary 5, 201265 years, 158 days
Dick VermeilSt. LouisXXXIVJanuary 30, 200063 years, 92 days
Pete CarrollSeattleXLVIIIFebruary 2, 201462 years, 140 days
Weeb EwbankNew York JetsIIIJanuary 12, 196961 years, 251 days
Tom CoughlinNew York GiantsXLIIFebruary 3, 200861 years, 156 days

 

CHARM CITY SUCCESS

Since joining Baltimore in 2008, head coach JOHN HARBAUGH has led the Ravens to the playoffs in six of those seven seasons.

He is the eighth head coach in NFL history to guide his team into the postseason in at least six of his first seven seasons:

Head Coach Team Playoff Years
Source: NFL *Active
Paul BrownCleveland Browns1950-55
John MaddenOakland Raiders1969-70, 1972-75
Dennis GreenMinnesota Vikings1992-94, 1996-98
John RobinsonL.A. Rams1983-86, 1988-89
George SeifertSan Francisco 49ers1989-90, 1992-95
Bill CowherPittsburgh Steelers1992-97
Mike HolmgrenGreen Bay Packers1993-98
John HarbaughBaltimore Ravens2008-12, 2014

 

2014 PLAYOFF HEAD COACHES & THEIR PLAYOFF WINNING PERCENTAGES

Head Coach Team W L Pct
Source: NFL *Active
John HarbaughBaltimore Ravens94.692
Bill BelichickNew England Patriots199.679
Mike TomlinPittsburgh Steelers53.625
Pete CarrollSeattle Seahawks64.600
John FoxDenver Broncos86.571
Mike McCarthyGreen Bay Packers65.545
Jim CaldwellDetroit Lions22.500
Chuck PaganoIndianapolis Colts12.333
Ron RiveraCarolina Panthers01.000
Marvin LewisCincinnati Bengals05.000
Bruce AriansArizona Cardinals00---
Jason GarrettDallas Cowboys00---

 

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