Since 1990, AFC's #2 seed has best playoff record.

[Tyrian]

NFC's #1 has best overall:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d...content_stream

Quite close, though in the AFC. The discrepancy between the conferences in terms of homefield advantage is quite interesting.

[SteelFaninBMore]

#6 seed in the NFC actually having a winning record in the first round (11-10) is amazing. As is the #4 seed in the NFC being 1-14 in the divisional round...and that 1 winner ended up getting to the Super Bowl (and losing).

Of course, this also covers two different playoff formats - pre-2002 and post-2002. I've got a little time to kill, think I'll draw up the same type of chart including just the current playoff format.

[Ravenswintitle]

That is interesting info... although I have to admit I don't see the logic or value in the Total column. Otherwise it's good perspective

[ravensnhokies]

I dig this stuff so feel free to post any stats...

[SteelFaninBMore]

Here we go. From 2002-2010:

AFC Playoffs:
Seed| Wild. (.pct)  |  Div. (.pct)  |  Conf. (.pct)  |  S.B. (.pct)  |  Total (.pct)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
#1  |   0-0 (.000)  |  5-4  (.556) |    4-1  (.800) |   1-3 (.250) |  10-8 (.556)
#2  |   0-0 (.000)  |  5-4  (.556) |    3-2  (.600) |   2-1 (.667) |  10-7 (.588)
#3  |   5-4 (.556)  |  3-2  (.600) |    1-2  (.334) |   1-0 (1.00) |  10-8 (.556)
#4  |   4-5 (.445)  |  1-3  (.250) |    0-1  (.000) |   0-0 (.000) |   5-9 (.357)
#5  |   5-4 (.556)  |  1-4  (.200) |    0-1  (.000) |   0-0 (.000) |   6-9 (.400)
#6  |   4-5 (.445)  |  3-1  (.750) |    1-2  (.334) |   1-0 (1.00) |   9-8 (.529)

NFC Playoffs:
Seed| Wild. (.pct)  |  Div. (.pct)  |  Conf. (.pct)  |  S.B. (.pct)  |  Total (.pct)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
#1  |   0-0 (.000)  |  6-3  (.667) |    4-2  (.667) |   1-3 (.250) |  11-8 (.579)
#2  |   0-0 (.000)  |  6-3  (.667) |    1-5  (.167) |   1-0 (1.00) |   8-8 (.500)
#3  |   4-5 (.445)  |  1-3  (.250) |    1-0  (1.00) |   0-1 (.000) |   6-9 (.400)
#4  |   6-3 (.667)  |  1-5  (.167) |    1-0  (1.00) |   0-1 (.000) |   8-9 (.471)
#5  |   3-6 (.334)  |  2-1  (.667) |    1-1  (.500) |   1-0 (1.00) |   7-8 (.467)
#6  |   5-4 (.556)  |  2-3  (.400) |    1-1  (.500) |   1-0 (1.00) |   9-8 (.529)

I know none of it can predict anything that will happen this postseason. But just for fun, we can make some assumptions based on the past.

The Patriots are likely to get out of the AFC, but if they lose, it will be to the Bengals in the second round (AFC #1s are 9-5 in AFC playoffs, and 4-1 in conference championships....but just 1-3 against the #6 seeds they faced in the divisional round).

If the Patriots do survive and get to the Super Bowl, they'll lose (AFC #1 seeds are 1-3 in Super Bowls).

The winner of Steelers vs Broncos doesn't matter, both are destined to lose in the next round anyway (AFC #4 and #5 seeds a combined 2-7 in divisional round).

The 49ers will not get to the Super Bowl (NFC #2 seeds are a shocking 1-5 in conference championships).

Neither the Patriots, Ravens, Packers, or 49ers will lose in the wildcard round. Top two seeds in both conferences have never lost a wildcard game. Just throwing this one in there so I can make sure I get one of them right.

#1 seeds are not a good bet to win the Super Bowl. They're 2-6 combined. One of those wins was a #1 vs a #1 (IND vs NO, 09), the other was a #1 over a #3 (NE over CAR, 03). Top seeded teams are 1-5 when playing against a lower seeded team in the Super Bowl. If it's Patriots vs Saints, smart money is New Orleans.

[Ravenblue]

It's not really surprising that teams seeded #6 do well, as they are often the team that sneaks in off the back of a good run and are able to maintain that form into the playoffs.

It's not exclusive to football- in the Championship playoffs in English soccer, it's often the team that makes the playoffs on the last day of the season that gets through to the final and wins promotion to the Premier league.

[Paintballguy]

It's not really surprising that teams seeded #6 do well, as they are often the team that sneaks in off the back of a good run and are able to maintain that form into the playoffs.

I agree. Those teams are usually clicking at the right time like the Packers of last season.

[Tyrian]

Thanks, SteelFan, a nice read. Quite interesting how homefield advantage in the wildcards is almost negligable in the AFC these days and is hardly strong in the NFC, either. I suppose some of that has been due to weak divisions (like the West) coming up against the other team in a strong division (like the North). No real surprise that those 4 6th seed wins have been Pittsburgh, the Jets and the Ravens (x 2) - all strong teams in strong divisions who travel well.

[saintmatthew]

The number 4 seed not faring so well isn't surprising as they're the winner typically of the weakest division.

[sailorsam]

The number 4 seed not faring so well isn't surprising as they're the winner typically of the weakest division.

good point. there's usually a weak division (or two) winner and usually a strong division (or two) that sends a 5 seed wi 11-12 wins against a 4 seed with 8-9 wins. Pigs @ Denver this year, Ravens @ KC last year (@ Miami before that).
I think the Falcons will beat the Giants in the NFC. really hoping the Broncs can pull it off.