In the NFL, competitive divisions often produce multiple playoff contenders, and on rare occasions, three teams from the same division qualify for the postseason. However, never in history have four teams from the same quartet ever made it to the playoffs together in the same campaign. That could be set to change in 2024.
Can the NFC North Make History?
The NFC North has emerged as the powerhouse division within the league. The Minnesota Vikings currently top the pile with a record of 5-1 thanks to the brilliance of unheralded quarterback Sam Darnold. The 2018 number three overall pick has been a perennial backup throughout his stint in the NFL, but he has been allowed to replace the outgoing Kirk Cousins at US Bank Stadium this season. His addition has been a revelation, throwing 12 touchdowns and orchestrating some sensational plays along the way.
But it isn’t just the Vikings shining within the division. Last season’s beaten NFC Conference Championship runner-up Detroit KLions are also 5-1, while the Green Bay Packers are 4-2. Those two meet in a crunch inter-divisional clash on week nine, and while the NFL week 9 odds haven’t yet been published – with bookies waiting to see what unfolds on week eight – both teams’ Lombardi chances certainly have. The Lions are currently +750 third favorite for glory, while the Packers are just behind them at +1500.
Finally, the Chicago Bears also harbor genuine postseason ambitions. They too are currently sitting at 4-2, and with rookie first-rounders Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in their ranks – as well as a staunch defense to boot – they will be aiming to snap a four-year playoff drought.
If the season were to end today, then all four NFC North sides would be in the playoffs, as well as the Philadelphia Eagles who would also be a wildcard. However, whether they can continue in a similar vein and go on to make history remains to be seen. Three teams from the same division qualifying for the postseason remain the record, and that has happened on 11 occasions in the past.
NFC East Breaks the Mould
In 2006, The NFC East showcased fierce competition between the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants, with all three teams going on to reach the postseason for the first time ever. Andy Reid’s Philadelphia finished 10-6 to claim the divisional crown and the favorable playoff route it brings with it.
Despite losing their star quarterback Donovan McNabb to injury midseason, backup Jeff Garcia guided the team to a playoff win against the Giants before falling to the Saints in the Divisional Round. America’s team meanwhile lost in the wildcard round to the Seahawks in typically heartbreaking fashion.
A year later, the same division saw the aforementioned trio on song once again. This time around, however, one of their three would write a story for the ages. The Cowboys topped the division with a blistering 13-3 record, but they once again faltered in the postseason, losing a shocker to the 10-6 Giants. But Eli Manning and Co. weren’t done there as they upset the perfect Patriots to complete the greatest Super Bowl shocker of all time.
The AFC South also had three qualifiers in the form of the Colts, Jaguars, and Titans.
The 2010’s
Fast forward four years and the AFC North presented a formidable postseason lineup with the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals all reaching the playoffs. The former of that trio made it all the way to the Conference Championship but were bested by a Patriots side at the beginning of a historic eight-year run under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
In 2013, the AFC West’s Broncos, Chiefs, and Chargers all reached the postseason. Denver, led by Peyton Manning, advanced to the Super Bowl but was dismantled by the Seattle Seahawks in one of the most lop-sided Big Games in history. They would have their revenge the following year.
A year later, the AFC North sent the same three teams to the playoffs as they did three years prior. But once again, none of them would make an impact, allowing the New England Patriots to continue building their dynasty-like status with yet another Lombardi.
After a three-year wait, the NFC South got in on the act as it was represented by the Saints, Panthers, and Falcons. Despite strong regular seasons, none of the teams reached the Super Bowl, with no team making it past the divisional round.
Since 2020
In the 2020 campaign, the AFC North saw the Steelers, Ravens, and Browns all make the playoffs. Cleveland’s historic victory over Pittsburgh in the Wild Card round marked their first playoff win since 1994, ending one of the longest droughts in NFL history.
The following year, the NFC West’s Rams, Cardinals, and 49ers all reached the postseason, and there was to be a happy ending for one of them. Los Angeles managed to make it to the Super Bowl, which was being held at their own SoFI Stadium, and they managed to get the victory. Cooper Kupp’s last-gasp touchdown was enough to knock off Joe Burrow’s upstart Cincinnati, marking the second time in as many seasons in which the Big Game host managed to reign supreme in their home ground.
In 2022, the NFC East witnessed the Eagles, Cowboys, and Giants all reach the postseason. Philadelphia won the division and made it to the Super Bowl, only to be bested by a Patrick Mahomes-inspired KC despite an all-time great performance from Jalen Hurts.
Last season, the AFC North once again demonstrated its prowess with the Ravens, Browns, and Steelers all qualifying for the playoffs. The latter two of those three were ousted in the wildcard round. The former were bested by the Chiefs in the Conference Championship, who would go on to lift the Lombardi at Super Bowl LVIII.
