What To Look For - A Look Back

VIEW FROM THE TOP: Since the NFL moved to a 12-team playoff format in 1990, No. 1 seeds in the NFC are 19-4 (.826) in the Divisional Playoffs. In the AFC, the No. 1 seed has compiled a 13-10 (.565) record.

The top-seeded Atlanta Falcons defeated the Seattle Seahawks 30-28 in the NFC and the No. 1-seed Denver Broncos fell to the Baltimore Ravens 38-35 in double overtime in the AFC.

The No. 1 seeds in Divisional-round play since 1990:

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HOME SWEET HOME: On Sunday, NEW ENGLAND (13-4, AFC No. 2 seed) defeated Houston 41-28 in the Divisional Playoffs. With the win, New England will host its second consecutive AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens.

New England has a 14-3 (.824) all-time record at home during the playoffs, the highest winning percentage in postseason history (minimum 10 games). 

The teams with the highest home winning percentage all-time in the postseason (minimum 10 games):

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ROAD WARRIORS: AFC North champion BALTIMORE (No. 4 seed)traveled to Denver on Saturday and defeated the AFC’s No. 1 seeded Broncos 38-35 in double overtime.

Baltimore now has an 8-5 (.615) all-time road record in the postseason, the highest winning percentage in postseason history (minimum 10 games).

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CHAMPIONSHIP GOAL: SAN FRANCISCO (12-4-1, NFC No. 2 seed) earned a 45-31 victory over Green Bayon Saturday, reaching its second consecutive NFC Championship Game. 

With the win, San Francisco advanced to its 14th NFC Championship Game, tying DALLAS (14) for the second-most appearances in a Conference Championship Game since 1970.

With a 41-28 win over Houston, NEW ENGLAND reached its ninth conference title game, tying LOS ANGELES/ST. LOUIS (9) for the fifth-most appearances in a Conference Championship Game since 1970.

The teams with the most appearances in a Conference Championship Game since 1970:                         

                                                        *Travel to Atlanta for NFC Championship

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WHEN IT COUNTS: New England quarterback TOM BRADY threw for 344 yards and three touchdowns versus zero interceptions with a 115.0 passer rating in the Patriots’ 41-28 win over Houston.

With the win, Brady now has a 17-6 (.739) career postseason record as a starter and surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE MONTANA (16) for the most playoff wins all-time.

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

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MANNING THE END ZONE: Denver quarterback PEYTON MANNING threw three touchdown passes in the Broncos’ loss to Baltimore.

With those three touchdown passes, Manning (32) tied Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (32) for the fourth-most postseason TD passes in NFL history. He surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer TERRY BRADSHAW (30) and KURT WARNER (31).

New England quarterback TOM BRADY (41) ranks third on the all-time list, trailing Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE MONTANA (45) and BRETT FAVRE (44). 

The quarterbacks with the most career postseason touchdown passes in NFL history:

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FOSTER FOLLOW-UP: Houston running back ARIAN FOSTER rushed for 90 yards in the Texans’ loss to New England.

Foster has rushed for 515 yards in his four career playoff games, tying TERRELL DAVIS (515) for the most rushing yards in a player’s first four postseason games.

The players with the most rushing yards in their first four postseason games in NFL history:

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HEAD OF THE CLASS: New England Patriots head coach BILL BELICHICK led his team to a 41-28 win over Houston and has an 18-7 (.720) record in his postseason career.

With the win, Belichick (18) surpassed Pro Football Hall of Famer JOE GIBBS (17) for sole possession of third place on the all-time postseason wins list, trailing only Pro Football Hall of Famers TOM LANDRY (20) and DON SHULA (19).

The head coaches with the most playoff wins in NFL history:

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