GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Nfl Wild Card Teams Statistics

Wild card teams in the NFL have historically shown the ability to compete and make deep playoff runs, with several examples of wild card teams making it to the Super Bowl and even winning the championship.

In this post, we explore the evolution of NFL wild card teams and their impact on the league’s playoff structure. From the history of wild card teams in the Super Bowl era to recent trends and notable statistics, we delve into how these teams have shaped the postseason landscape of the NFL. Join us as we analyze the significance of wild card teams in the NFL playoffs.

Statistic 1

"As of 2020, the NFL expanded its playoffs structure to 14 teams, with 7 teams from each conference now including three wild card teams."

Sources Icon

Statistic 2

"From 1990 until 2001, the NFL wild card consisted of six teams instead of the three it consisted of prior to expansion."

Sources Icon

Statistic 3

"Since the NFL Super Bowl era started, 10 Wild Card teams have won the Super Bowl."

Sources Icon

Statistic 4

"The 2007 New York Giants and 2010 Green Bay Packers are the only NFL teams to win three road games as a Wild Card team and go on to win the Super Bowl."

Sources Icon

Statistic 5

"The 1980 Oakland Raiders were the first wild card team to win the Super Bowl."

Sources Icon

Statistic 6

"During the 2020 season, an extra wild card spot was added, expanding the total from 12 teams to 14."

Sources Icon

Statistic 7

"The Pittsburgh Steelers and Browns played against each other for the Wild Card Playoff Round in January 2021, marking their first postseason meeting since 2002."

Sources Icon

Statistic 8

"The 1971 Miami Dolphins were the first NFL Wild Card team to reach the Super Bowl, in which they lost to the Dallas Cowboys."

Sources Icon

Statistic 9

"From 1978 until 1989, the NFL had a 10-team playoff format with two Wild Card teams."

Sources Icon

Statistic 10

"The 2020 NFC wild-card round was unique in that a 7-9 Washington team hosted a 11-5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers team due to division winners hosting games no matter their record."

Sources Icon

Statistic 11

"Between 2010 and 2019, only 42% of all wild-card teams won their first game."

Sources Icon

Statistic 12

"Since 2008, a whopping 70% of Wild Card winners come from the home team."

Sources Icon

Statistic 13

"Among eight NFL wild-card playoff games between 2015 - 2019, the road teams have actually had a winning record, going 9-7."

Sources Icon

Statistic 14

"Since 2013, the Dallas Cowboys are the only team that's won an NFC wild-card game as a home favorite."

Sources Icon

Statistic 15

"From 2010 to 2019, there were nine instances of Wild Card teams upsetting a higher seed in the Divisional Round."

Sources Icon

Statistic 16

"The 2017 season saw the Tennessee Titans and the Atlanta Falcons as the only Wild Card teams to advance to the next round."

Sources Icon
The evolution of the NFL Wild Card teams over the years has showcased interesting trends and outcomes. The expansion of the playoffs structure in 2020 brought about significant changes, allowing more teams to compete for a Super Bowl victory. While history has seen Wild Card teams struggle in the playoffs, there have been notable exceptions, such as the 2007 New York Giants and 2010 Green Bay Packers completing impressive road victories en route to winning the Super Bowl. The unpredictable nature of Wild Card teams adds an exciting element to the NFL postseason, as highlighted by various upsets and historic achievements.

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!