All Time NFL Tournament - Sweet 16 (Part 2)

 Part 1

Already set for the Elite 8

2007 Patriots v. 2006 Patriots

2008 Ravens v. 2015 Steelers

Here's what the bottom half of the bracket looks like

1978 Dallas Cowboys v. 2019 Kansas City Chiefs

2014 Seattle Seahawks v. 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers

2001 St Louis Rams v. 1987 Cleveland Browns

2022 San Francisco 49ers v. 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers

Region 6 v. Region 11 (at Indianapolis)

1978 Cowboys

18-5

NFC Champs, L SB Steelers 35-31

Region 6 Champions d. 1999 Rams 23-10

HC Tom Landry (54)

QB R.Staubach (36)

RB T.Dorsett (24)

RB P.Pearson (33)

WR T.Hill (22)

WR D.Pearson (27)

LT P.Donovan (25)

RG T.Rafferty (24)

FS C.Harris (30)

RDT R.White (25)

SS C.Waters (30)

RDE H.Martin (28)

MLB T.Henderson (25)

LDE E.Jones (27)

2019 Chiefs

19-4

Super Bowl Champions d. Niners 31-20

Region 11 Champions d. 2016 Falcons 33-27

HC Andy Reid (61)

QB P.Mahomes (24)

RB D.Williams (27)

WR T.Hill (25)

WR M.Hardman (21)

TE T.Kelce (30)

RT M.Schwartz (30)

RDE F.Clark (26)

DT C.Jones (25)

SS T.Mathieu (27)

1978 COWBOYS 27  2019 CHIEFS 19

-The 5th team to reach the elite is the '78 Cowboys.  The Chiefs took took the opening drive right now the field and scored on a Patrick Mahomes 7 yard toss to Travis Kelce, Harrison Butker missed the PAT.  Dallas took the lead on their opening possession, Roger Staubach 3 yard TD pass to Tony Dorsett.  The 7-6 score held until 4:13 left in the half when Dorsett scored again, a 1 yard TD run.  The teams traded short FGs and the halftime score was Dallas 17-9.  Midway through the third qtr the Cowboys put it away, Robert Newhouse 2 yard run.  24-9.  In the 4th qtr, again, short FGs for both teams - KC scored a too late TD on another Mahomes toss to Kelce.  148 yards rushing for Dorsett.  7 sacks for the Cowboy defense, they dominate today, 3 by Harvey Martin.

The '78 Cowboys will face the winners of this next game...

Region 3 v. Region 14 (at Buffalo)

2014 Seahawks

18-5

NFC Champs, L SB Patriots 28-24

Region 3 Champions, d. 1986 Bears 16-7

HC Pete Carroll (63)

Key Contributors (age)

QB R.Wilson (26)

RB M.Lynch (28)

WR D.Baldwin (26)

RT J.Britt (23)

RG JR Sweezy (25)

RCB R.Sherman (26)

FS E.Thomas (25)

MLB B.Wagner (24)

SS K.Chancellor (26)

RDE M.Bennett (29)

LB KJ Wright (25)

2008 Steelers

19-4

Super Bowl Champions d. Cardinals 27-23

Region 14 Champions, d. 1975 Rams 22-0

HC Mike Tomlin (36)

Key Contributors (age)

QB B.Roethlisberger (26)

RB M.Moore (26)

WR H.Ward (33)

WR S.Holmes (24)

RT W.Colon (25)

C J.Hartwig (30)

ROLB J.Harrison (30)

SS T.Polamalu (27)

LILB J.Farrior (33)

LOLB L.Woodley (24)

DE A.Smith (32)

The '78 Cowboys await - will the Steelers join the Patriots with 2 representatives in the Elite 8?

2008 STEELERS 17  2014 SEAHAWKS 14

-The answer is yes, the 2008 Steelers join the 2015 Steelers as one of the 6 teams currently in the Elite 8, they will face the '78 Cowboys.  Pittsburgh led 14-0 at the half, Ben Roethlisberger throwing a first qtr TD pass to Hines Ward and a second qtr TD pass to Nate Washington.  The Seahawks tied it up in the third qtr, Christine Michael had a 41 yard TD run and then Russell Wilson bootlegged in a 9 yard run to make it 14-14, but early in the 4th Jeff Reed hit a 42 yard FG and that turned out to be the last score of the game.  2 sacks each for Lamar Woodley and James Harrison; KJ Wright had 12 tackles and a pick in the loss.

Just 2 spots remain; 2 games left in the Elite 8.

Region 7 v. Region 10 (at Atlanta)

2001 Rams

20-3

NFC Champs, L SB Patriots 20-17

Region 7 Champions d. 1978 Steelers 20-16

HC Mike Martz (50)

Key Contributors (age)

QB K.Warner (30)

RB M.Faulk (28)

WR T.Holt (25)

WR I.Bruce (29)

LT O.Pace (260

RG A.Timmerman (30)

LG T.Nutten (30)

CB A.Williams (33)

MLB L.Fletcher (26)

DE G.Wistrom (25)

1987 Browns

15-6

AFC Central Champs, L AFC Title Broncos 38-33

Region 10 Champions, 2009 Colts 31-30

HC Marty Schottenheimer (44)

Key Contributors (age)

QB B.Kosar (24)

RB E.Byner (25)

RB K.Mack (25)

WR W.Slaughter (23)

WR B.Brennan (25)

TE O.Newsome (31)

RT C.Risien (31)

C M.Baab (28)

CB H.Dixon (29)

CB F.Minnifield (27)

DT B.Golic (30)

DE C.Hairston (35)

It's Browns v. Rams - someone is headed to the Elite 8.

1987 BROWNS 31  2001 RAMS 17

The '87 Browns were the 9th seeded team in Region 10, underdogs in every game they've played in the tournament and they are headed to the Elite 8.  They busted out a 17-3 first half lead and never looked back. Scoreless first qtr, with 8 minutes left in the half, Kevin Mack scored the game's first points with a 6 yard run.  4 minutes later, Jeff Wilkins kicked a 37 yard FG, Cleveland then scored twice more before the end of the half, Bernie Kosar finding Ozzie Newsome with an 8 yard TD pass and then Jeff Jaeger hitting a 52 yard FG as the half ended.  The Rams took the opening drive of the third qtr down the field for a TD, Kurt Warner to Marshall Faulk with a 31 yard TD.  Cleveland went back up 2 scores on a 4th down and goal at the 1 Kosar QB sneak at the end of the third qtr.  The Rams never got closer - a short Earnest Byner TD run in the middle of the 4th qtr essentially ended the game, a late TD pass from Warner to Torry Holt provided the final margin.  Kosar goes 18-24 for 204 yards, both passing for and running for scores.  Frank Minnifield and Hanford Dixon each intercepted Warner - and the Browns reach the elite 8.

One spot remains - to be claimed by the winner of this game:

Region 2 v. Region 15 (at St Louis)

2022 49ers

19-5

NFC West Champs, L NFC Title Eagles 31-7

Region 2 Champions, d. 2023 Ravens 31-23

HC Kyle Shanahan (43)

Key Contributors (age)

QB J.Garoppolo (31)

QB B.Purdy (23)

RB C.McCaffrey (26)

WR B.Aiyuk (24)

WR D.Samuel (26)

TE G.Kittle (29)

LT T.Williams (34)

RT M.McGlinchey (28)

RDE N.Bosa (25)

MLB F.Warner (26)

SS T.Hufanga (23)

RLB D.Greenlaw (25)

1974 Steelers

17-3-1

Super Bowl Champions, d. Vikings 16-6

Region 15 Champions, d. 1968 Cowboys 24-14

HC Chuck Noll (42)

Key Contributors (age)

QB T.Bradshaw (26)

QB J.Gilliam (24)

RB F.Harris (24)

WR F.Lewis (27)

LT J.Kolb (27)

DT J.Greene (28)

DE LC Greenwood (27)

OLB J.Ham (26)

OLB A.Russell (33)

MLB J.Lambert (22)

DE D.White (25)

One game left in the round, can the Steelers earn their 3rd slot in the elite 8?

1974 STEELERS 15   2022 49ERS 13

-They do.  Nothing but FGs until the middle of the 4th qtr, it was 9-6 Steelers, Terry Bradshaw finds Lynn Swann with a 49 yard yard strike, the Steelers missed the PAT to make it 15-6; on the next drive, Brock Purdy ran in a 30 yard busted play to cut the deficit to 2, but the Steelers were able to run out the clock and win the game.  101 yards rushing for Rocky Bleier.  Jack Ham had both a sack and a pick.  12 tackles and a sack for Fred Warner in the loss.

And that sets up the Elite 8 matchups

2007 Patriots v. 2006 Patriots

2008 Ravens v. 2015 Steelers

1978 Cowboys v. 2008 Steelers

1987 Browns v. 1974 Steelers

All Time NFL Tournament-Sweet 16 (Part 1)

 Region 16

 All the games are on neutral sites (chosen by random generator).  Lets do the top half of the bracket.

2007 New England Patriots v. 1942 Chicago Bears

2006 New England Patriots v. 1987 San Francisco 49ers

2008 Baltimore Ravens v. 1994 San Francisco 49ers

2018 New Orleans Saints v. 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers

1978 Dallas Cowboys v. 2019 Kansas City Chiefs

2014 Seattle Seahawks v. 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers

2001 St Louis Rams v. 1987 Cleveland Browns

2022 San Francisco 49ers v. 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers

Records are cumulative, regular season+postseason+tournament

Region 1 v. Region 16 (at Oakland)

2007 Patriots

22-1

AFC Champion, Lost Super Bowl Giants 17-14

Region 1 Champions: d. 1967 Raiders  28-0

HC Bill Belichick (55)

Key Contributors (age)

QB T.Brady (30)

LT M.Light (29)

WR R.Moss (30
LG L.Mankins (25)

C D.Koppen (28)

WR W.Welker (26)

LOLB M.Vrabel (32)

LCB A.Samuel (32)

NT V.Wilfork (26)

RT N.Kaczur (28)

RB L.Maroney (22)

1942 Bears

15-1

NFL West Champion, Lost NFL Title Redskins 14-6

Region 16 Champion d. 1989 49ers 16-10

HC George Halas (47)

Key Contributors

QB S.Luckman (26)

RB H.Gallarneau (25)

RB G.Famigletti (29)

RT L.Artoe (25)

LG D.Fortmann (26)

C B.Turner (23)

RG R.Bray (25)

LT E.Kolman (27)

Both undefeated until losing in the championship game, one will survive to the Elite 8.  Lets go to Oakland to kick off the Sweet 16.

2007 PATRIOTS 27   1942 BEARS 9

-The 2007 Patriots are the first team to make the Elite 8.  They scored first, at 7:55 remaining in the first qtr with a Stephen Gostkowski 24 yard FG. Chicago took the lead with 1:49 left in the qtr Sid Luckman ten yard TD pass to John Siegal.  Gostkowski brought the Patriots within 1, a 33 yarder at 8:27 of the second qtr.  Then the big play - Asante Samuel takes a Luckman pick back 41 yards for a score at 7:26 of the second qtr.  13-7.  With 1:51 left in the half, Danny Fortmann sacked Tom Brady in the end zone for a safety - that was the halftime score, 13-9, Chicago would not score again.

At 6:45 of the third qtr Tom Brady threw a 1 yard TD pass to Ben Watson. And at 11:21 remaining in the game, it was Brady again - this time to Wes Welker from 10 yards.  27-9 and that was the final.

Brady was 21-28, 196 yards and the 2 scores.

The 2007 Patriots advance to the Elite 8 - they'll face the winners of this game:

Region 8 v. Region 9 (at Houston)

2006 Patriots 

18-5

AFC East Champs, L AFC Title Colts 38-34

Region 8 Champions, d. 1952 Lions 17-14

HC Bill Belichick (54)

Key Contributors (age)

QB T.Brady (29)

RB C.Dillon (32)

RB L.Maroney (21)

WR R.Caldwell (27)

LT M.Light (28)

C D.Koppen (27)

LG L.Mankins (24)

RDE R.Seymour (27)

CB A.Samuel (25)

LB M.Vrabel (31)

DE T.Warren (25)

LB T.Bruschi (33)

1987 49ers

17-3 

NFC West Champs, L DivRnd Vikings 36-24

Region 9 Champs d. 1969 Vikings 10-7

HC Bill Walsh (56)

Key Contributors (age)

QB J.Montana (31)

RB R.Craig (27)

RB T.Rathman (25)

WR J.Rice (25)

C R.Cross (33)

T H.Barton (23)

NT M.Carter (27)

FS R.Lott (28)

RDE D.Board (31)

CB D.Griffin (23)

The '06 Patriots are a game away from facing the '07 Patriots in the Elite 8; standing in their way is the last Bill Walsh/Joe Montana team left in the tournament.  

Lets head to the Houston Astrodome for the second matchup in the sweet 16.  

2006 PATRIOTS 20   1987 49ERS 17

-The '06 Patriots will face the '07 Patriots in the Elite 8.  Scoreless first qtr, in the second qtr, Joe Montana found Jerry Rice twice for scores, at 11:29 with a 7 yarder and later at 5:56 with a 37 yarder.  In between was a Stephen Gostkowski 50 yard FG, the Niners leading at the half 14-3.  With 26 seconds left in the third qtr Corey Dillon had a 17 yard TD run to make it 14-10. At 9:19 of the 4th qtr, Tom Brady went to Ben Watson for a 5 yard TD pass and New England led 17-14.  The Niners tied it at 1:37, Ray Wersching hitting a 39 yard FG.  Brady drove the Patriots to the Niner 30 and as the clock hit :00 Gostkowski won it for the Pats with a 47 yard FG.

Rosevelt Colvin sacked Montana 3 times, Joe also threw two interceptions including a huge one in the end zone to Rodney Harrison in the 3rd qtr when the Niners looked to extend that 14-3 lead.  

105 yards receiving and that score for Rice in the loss. 

The '06 Patriots face the '07 Patriots in our first elite 8 matchup - time to find the teams that will faceoff in the second.  

Region 5 v Region 12 (at Dallas)

2008 Ravens

17-6

2nd AFC North, L AFC Title Steelers 23-14

Region 5 Champion, d. 2010 Patriots 10-3

HC John Harbaugh (46)

Key contributors (age)

QB J.Flacco (23)

RB W.McGahee (27)

WR D.Mason (34)

WR M.Clayton (26)

ILB R.Lewis (33)

FS E.Reed (30)

OLB T.Suggs (26)

NT H.Ngata (24)

DE T.Pryce (33)

1994 49ers

20-3

Super Bowl Champions, d. Chargers 49-26

Region 12 Champion d. 2013 Seahawks 19-7

HC George Seifert (54)

Key Contributors (age)

QB S.Young (33)

RB R.Watters (25)

TE B.Jones (31)

C B.Oates (36)

LG J.Sapolu (33)

RG D.Deese (24)

LT S.Wallace (30)

CB D.Sanders (27)

FS M.Hanks (26)

SS T.McDonald (29)

DT D.Stubblefield (24

It's time to head to Texas Stadium for the 5/12 matchup, who will the third team be to make the Elite 8?

2008 RAVENS 23   1994 49ERS  20

Back to back losses for the Niners organization.  Scoreless first qtr - the teams combined for 4 FGs in the second qtr, Doug Brien hit one from 51 yards to give the Niners a 3-0 lead, Matt Stover hit FGs from 38 and 45 to make it 6-3 Ravens.  With 1:49 left in the half, Steve Young found William Floyd for a 10 yard TD pass to make it 10-6 Niners - and at the gun, Stover his his third FG of the quarter, a 56 yarder.  The Ravens regained the lead at 8:39 of the third qtr, Joe Flacco to Derrick Mason, a 14 yard TD.  16-10 Ravens - Doug Brien sliced that in half with a minute left in the qtr with a 38 yard FG.  16-13 Baltimore as we entered the 4th qtr.  At 13:31 came what appeared to be the big play - Deion Sanders, in to return punts - took one back 67 yards for a score - the Niners go up 20-16 -- but with 1:35 left, Flacco again, this time to Todd Heap - 9 yards for the game winning TD.  San Francisco reached midfield but no further and the Ravens move on.  110 yards rushing for Le'Ron McClain.  Joe Flacco throws for under a hundred yards on the day in the win.  2 sacks for Terrell Suggs.  

The '08 Ravens advance and will face the winner of this one:

Region 4 v. Region 13 (at Tampa)

2018 Saints 

18-4

NFC South Champs, L NFC Title Rams 26-23

Region 4 Champions, d. 2006 Ravens 24-21

HC Sean Payton (55)

QB D.Brees (39)

RB A.Kamara (23)

WR M.Thomas (25)

RT R.Ramczyk (24)

C M.Unger (32)

RG L.Warford (27)

LG A.Peat (25)

LT T.Armstead (27)

LDE C.Jordan (29)

LLB D.Davis (29)

2015 Steelers

15-7

2nd AFC North, L Div Rnd, Broncos 23-16

Region 13 Champions, d. 2017 Vikings 16-14

HC Mike Tomlin (43)

QB B.Roethlisberger (33)

RB D.Williams (32)

WR A.Brown (27)

RG D.DeCastro (25)

LG R.Foster (29)

LDE C.Heyward (26)

RILB L.Timmons (29)

The 2008 Ravens await the winner - lets head to Tampa for this contest.

2015 STEELERS 41  2018 SAINTS 35

We'll have an all AFC North matchup in the Elite 8.  The Saints took a 7-0 lead midway through the first qtr on a 19 yard TD pass from Drew Brees to Alvin Kamara.  The teams would then combine for 42 second qtr points.  At 13:38 the Steelers tied the game with a 1 yard Le'Veon Bell TD run.  2 minutes later the Saints went back on top with another Brees TD pass, to Ben Watson, five yards.  Over the next 6 minutes, Pittsburgh had taken the lead, a 5 yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Heath Miller - and then a gadget play, a double reverse to Martavis Bryant, he ran it in from 41 yards out.  The Saints tied it at the 2 minute warning on Drew Brees' third TD pass of the half, 14 yards to Michael Thomas. But at 18 seconds remaining in the half it was Roethlisberger, 18 yards to Markus Wheaton, the Steelers leading at the half 28-21.

In the third, Chris Bowell kicked a 41 yard FG at 8:30 and the Steelers led by 10.  Drew Brees threw his 4th TD pass 3 minutes later, 11 yards to Tre'Quan Smith.  But as the quarter came to a close, the Steelers once again went up double digits as Bryant scored again, on a 4 yard toss from Roethlisberger.

The Steelers basically iced the game at the 5 minute mark to play in the game with a 31 yard Boswell FG, New Orleans scores with under a minute to play on a 14 yard run by Mark Ingram, but it wasnt enough - and the Steelers reach the Elite 8.

140 yards from scrimmage for Le'Veon Bell, the 3 TD passes for Big Ben, 9 tackles and 2 sacks for James Harrison.  Brees threw for 378 yards and the 4 scores in the defeat.

There you go. Half of the Elite 8 is set.

2007 Patriots v. 2006 Patriots

2008 Ravens v. 2015 Steelers

May, 2025 Athlete of the Month

 April

 

Aaron Judge.  Runners-up: Scottie Scheffler, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, Tyrese Haliburton

We're almost halfway through 2025, here are the current nominees for Athlete of the Year.

January-Patrick Mahomes

February-Jalen Hurts

March-Alysa Liu

April-Alex Ovechkin

May-Aaron Judge

All Time NFL Tournament-Region 16

 Region 15

 2007 Patriots

 2022 49ers

 2014 Seahawks

 2018 Saints

 2008 Ravens

 1978 Cowboys

 2001 Rams

 2006 Patriots

 1987 49ers

 1987 Browns

 2019 Chiefs

 1994 49ers

 2015 Steelers

 2008 Steelers

 1974 Steelers

 One region left, one more chance to make the Sweet 16 - winners will turn around and face the top overall seed in the whole field, the 2007 Patriots.  The Niners and Steelers have both won 3 regions - and they are the top two seeds in region 16.

1. 1989 San Francisco 49ers         17-2        Super Bowl Champions

2. 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers           11-5        AFC Central Champs

3. 1967 Green Bay Packers          12-4-1     Super Bowl Champions

4. 2017 Philadelphia Eagles          16-3       Super Bowl Champions

5. 2006 San Diego Chargers         14-3        AFC West Champs

6. 2013 Denver Broncos                15-4       AFC Champs

7. 2011 New Orleans Saints          14-4       NFC South Champs

8. 1973 Dallas Cowboys                11-5        NFC East Champs

9. 1969 Oakland Raiders              13-2-1    AFL West Champs

10. 1987 Washington Redskins     14-4       Super Bowl Champions

11. 2020 Kansas City Chiefs         16-3       AFC Champs

12. 1952 Los Angeles Rams           9-4         2nd NFL National

13. 2008 Indianapolis Colts           12-5       2nd AFC South

14. 1971 Minnesota Vikings          11-4        NFC Central Champs

15. 1942 Chicago Bears                  11-1        NFL West Champs

16. 1957 Cleveland Browns            9-3-1     NFL East Champs

Last chance for a Packer squad to make the sweet 16; also true for the Eagles, Chargers, Broncos, Raiders, Redskins, Colts, Vikes, Bears, Browns

1. 1989 49ERS 23   16. 1957 BROWNS 7

-Cleveland is eliminated.  Roger Craig scores twice, the Niners hold young Jim Brown to 57 yards rushing and the top seeds are safely into round 2.  2 sacks for Charles Haley, a pick for Ronnie Lott.  

8. 1973 COWBOYS 17   9. 1969 RAIDERS 13

-The Raiders are eliminated. Oakland had a 13-0 halftime lead, but Calvin Hill scored 2 second half TDs, the second with under 2 minutes to play, and Dallas moves to round 2. 192 yards from scrimmage for Hill.  2 picks for Dallas; 119 yards receiving and a score for Warren Wells in the loss.

5. 2006 CHARGERS 47   12. 1952 RAMS  21

-The last Charger team remains standing.  192 yards from scrimmage and 2 scores for LaDainian Tomlinson. 4 TD passes for Philip Rivers, 2 picks for Quentin Jammer.  Dan Towler rushed for 166 yards and 2 scores in the loss.

13. 2008 COLTS 40  4. 2017 EAGLES 13

The Eagles are eliminated, their Super Bowl Champion team from '17 gets rolled by the final Colts team in the field.  6 catches for 123 yards and a score for Reggie Wayne.  2 sack day for Robert Mathis. Kelvin Hayden took a Nick Foles pick back for a score.  

6. 2013 BRONCOS 37   11. 2020 CHIEFS 23

-The final Broncos team is still alive, Manning beating Mahomes. 4 TD passes for Peyton Manning, 3 of them going to Demaryius Thomas and 117 yards receiving.  104 yards rushing for Knowshon Moreno.  2 sacks for Robert Ayers.  3 TD passes in the loss for Mahomes.

3. 1967 PACKERS 16   14. 1971 VIKINGS 13

-The Vikings have been eliminated by the final Packers squad. A 3 sack day for Henry Jordan; Clint Jones runs for 143 in the loss.

10. 1987 REDSKINS 35   7. 2011 SAINTS 30

-The final Redskins team in the field will live to see another day.  Down 30-21, Doug Williams threw  TD passes in the final 6 and a half minutes to beat the Saints. 3 TDs total for Williams, Gary Clark caught one, and he had 151 yards receiving. 2 TDs for George Rogers.  5 sacks for the Washington defense, including 2 for Dexter Manley.

15. 1942 BEARS 13  2. 1976 STEELERS 7

-The last Bear team standing needed to win a 15/2 matchup to stay alive and they did.  Ray McLean took back a punt for a TD, Bulldog Turner had a big 4th qtr pick of Terry Bradshaw and the Bears move on.

Second Round

1. 1989 49ers v. 8. 1973 Cowboys

5. 2006 Chargers v. 13. 2008 Colts

3. 1967 Packers v. 6. 2013 Broncos

10. 1987 Redskins v. 15. 1942 Bears

1. 1989 49ERS 21  8. 1973 COWBOYS 16

The Niners drive for their 4th regional champion continues; Dallas led 16-7 with less than 8 minutes to play.  Joe Montana led the Niners 67 yards for a TD in 6 plays, culminating in a Tom Rathman run, it was 16-14, a little over 4 minutes left.  The Niners forced a 3 and out, getting the ball back just ahead of the 2 minute warning at their own 37.  With 31 seconds left, Montana hit Roger Craig over the middle, he high stepped into the end zone for the game winning score from 11 yards out.  194 yards from scrimmage for Craig.  

5. 2006 CHARGERS 33  13. 2008 COLTS 30

-The Chargers stay alive, the Colts are all gone.  San Diego trailed 30-16 early in the 4th qtr and scored 17 unanswered to advance to the regional semi, culminating in a 56 yard Nick Kaeding FG at the gun. 2 TDs for LaDainian Tomlinson. 2 TD passes for Phil Rivers, 2 sacks for Luis Castillo.

3. 1967 PACKERS 24 6. 2013 BRONCOS 13

-The last Packer team reaches a regional semi-final, the Broncos are gone and so is Peyton Manning.  Donny Anderson scores two TDs. 2 sacks for Willie Davis, 2 picks for Willie Wood.  

15. 1942 BEARS 14  10. 1987 REDSKINS 10

-The 15th seed in region 16 has reached the regional final, Frank Maznicki intercepts 2 Doug Williams passes, Danny Fortmann has 2 sacks and Chicago moves on.

Regional Semi

1. 1989 49ers v. 5. 2006 Chargers 

3. 1967 Packers v. 15. 1942 Bears

1. 1989 49ERS 19  5. 2006 CHARGERS 16

-The last Chargers team is gone and the Niners reach the region 16 final. Another 4th qtr comeback for San Francisco; the Chargers led 16-9 midway through the 4th qtr, Roger Craig tied it with a short TD run - and at the gun, Mike Cofer hit a 43 yard FG and the Niners move on.  170 yards from scrimmage for Craig.  Joe Montana was 20-301 for 301 yards.  2 sacks for Kevin Fagan.

15. 1942 BEARS 23  3. 1967 PACKERS 14

-The 15th seed in the region, the '42 Bears have made their way to the region 16 final.  Gary Famigletti rushes for 191 yards and 3 TDs.  Sid Luckman intercepted Bart Starr 3 times.  

Regional Final

1. 1989 49ers v. 15. 1942 Bears

3 49ers teams have reached the Sweet 16, the '89 team hosts the region 16 final.  14-2. Won the NFC West, beat Denver 55-10 to win the SB.  1st in offense, 3rd in defense.  The HC is George Seifert.  Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Ronnie Lott are all first Team All pros and Hall of Famers; they are joined in the HOF by Charles Haley and Steve Young.  

The most unlikely regional champion yet would be the '42 Bears, seeded 15th and decades older than the oldest current sweet 16 representative. They went 11-0, won the NFL West and lost the NFL Title game to Washington 14-6. 1st in offense, 1st in defense and that is all showing up in this tournament.  The HC is George Halas (for the first part of the year; he left for military service). Sid Luckman, Bulldog Turner, Joe Stydahar are all in the Hall of Fame.

We're going to Candlestick, it's the final game of the regionals.

15. 1942 BEARS  16  1. 1989 49ERS 10

-The 1942 Bears knock off the 2nd, 3rd and now the top seeds in the region.  Overtime win for Chicago, they held the Niners to 10 first downs, San Francisco tied the game at the gun with a 44 yard Mike Cofer FG, but in OT, an 18 yard TD run from Hugh Gallarneau moved Chicago into the Sweet 16.  112 yards rushing on the day for Gary Famigiletti.  

So - there you have it - next comes the Sweet 16, 8 games, on neutral sites, that will cut the field to 8.

All Time NFL Tournament-Region 15

 Region 14

 2007 Patriots

 2022 49ers

 2014 Seahawks

 2018 Saints

 2008 Ravens

 1978 Cowboys

 2001 Rams

 2006 Patriots

 1987 49ers

 1987 Browns

 2019 Chiefs

 1994 49ers

 2015 Steelers

 2008 Steelers

 Just 2 regions remain until the Sweet 16 is totally filled; the winners here will face the 2022 Niners, region 2 winners.

1. 1983 Washington Redskins        16-3         NFC Champs

2. 1951 Cleveland Browns              11-2         NFL American Champs

3. 1976 Oakland Raiders                16-1        Super Bowl Champions

4. 2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers     15-4         Super Bowl Champions

5. 2005 Indianapolis Colts              14-3        AFC South Champs

6. 1995 San Francisco 49ers           11-6         NFC West Champs

7. 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers             13-3-1     Super Bowl Champions

8. 1968 Dallas Cowboys                  12-3         NFL Capitol Champs

9. 2015 Denver Broncos                  15-4        Super Bowl Champions

10. 1975 Minnesota Vikings           12-3         NFL Central Champs

11. 1976 Cincinnati Bengals           10-4         2nd AFC Central

12. 2018 Kansas City Chiefs           13-5        AFC West Champs

13. 1977 Los Angeles Rams             10-5        NFC West Champs

14. 2007 Green Bay Packers           14-4        NFC North Champs

15. 2023 Buffalo Bills                      12-7         AFC East Champs

16. 1941 Chicago Bears                   12-1         NFL Champions

16. 1941 BEARS 23  1. 1983 REDSKINS 21

-Region 15 kicks off with a 16/1 upset.  Chicago led 20-0; Washington then scored 3 consecutive TDs, Joe Thiesmann throwing two 4th qtr TD passes to give the Skins a 21-20 lead with just under 3 minutes left.  At the gun, Joe Maniaci hit a 49 yard FG and the Bears move on.  2 sacks for Lee Artoe.

8. 1968 COWBOYS 27  9. 2015 BRONCOS 9

-Dallas will be hosting the round 2 game against those '41 Bears; the Cowboys intercept Peyton Manning 4 times, 2 from Cornell Green, Lee Roy Jordan had both a pick and a sack.

12. 2018 CHIEFS 31  5. 2005 COLTS 24

-Colts have 8 more first downs and 12 minutes more time of possession and they go home.  14-20 for 303 yards and 3 TDs for Patrick Mahomes, 2 of those scores were to Travis Kelce who had 117 yards receiving. Big 4th qtr pick for Charvarius Ward of Peyton Manning.

4. 2002 BUCS 13    13. 1977 RAMS 7

-Super Bowl Champion Bucs are into the second round. 5 sacks for the Tampa defense on Pat Haden, he was held to 6 completions all day.  Isiah Robertson had two sacks in the loss.  

6. 1995 49ERS 19 11. 1976 BENGALS 6

-4 Jeff Wilkins FGs, the Niners hold the Bengals to 9 first downs and advance. 4 sacks, 2 picks of Ken Anderson.  

14. 2007 PACKERS 31  3. 1976 RAIDERS 26

-The Pack spoils the last chance at the All Bay Area matchup by knocking off the Super Bowl Champion Raiders. 143 yards rushing and 2 scores for Ryan Grant.  2 TD passes for Brett Favre. KGB with a pair of sacks.

7. 1974 STEELERS 17  10. 1975 VIKINGS 6

-The Steelers beat the Vikes in '74 to win the SB and they beat the '75 Vikes here.  113 yards rushing and 2 scores for Franco Harris. 2 sacks for Dwight White.  

2. 1951 BROWNS 14  15. 2023 BILLS 6

-5 catches for 129 yards and a score for Mac Speedie and the Browns move into the second round.  2 sacks for George Young.  

Second Round

8. 1968 Cowboys v. 16. 1941 Bears

4. 2002 Bucs v. 12. 2018 Chiefs

6. 1995 49ers v. 14. 2007 Packers

2. 1951 Browns v. 7. 1974 Steelers

8. 1968 COWBOYS 34  16. 1941 BEARS 0

-Dallas shuts out Chicago to reach the region 15 semi.  2 sacks by Jethro Pugh, 2 by Lee Roy Jordan, a punt return for a score by Bob Hayes, Dallas cruises.  

12. 2018 CHIEFS 34  4. 2002 BUCS 27

-The 2019 Chiefs are into the Sweet 16 and the 2018 Chiefs have reached the region 15 semi.  With 9 minutes left Kansas City led 20-17, Brad Johnson led the Bucs on a 10 play 74 yard drive that ended with a 5 yard TD toss to Michael Pittman that gave the Bucs a 24-20 lead with less than 4 to play.  On the first Chiefs play of the next drive, Warren Sapp deflected a Patrick Mahomes pass and brought it in for an interception, at the 2 minute warning a Martin Gramatica FG made it 27-20 Bucs.  On the first play - Mahomes found Travis Kelce over the middle, he bounced off Bucs tacklers for a 69 yard gain, all the way to the Bucs 1 yard line, Spencer Ware took it home on the next play, and the Chiefs had tied the game at 27.  Tampa took over at their own 31 with 1:11 left, they reached the KC 38 - and with 18 seconds left, Martin Gramatica missed what looked to be a shot at a game winning FG. KC is at their own 48, 12 seconds to play and no timeouts - Mahomes had a checkdown completion to get to the Buc 45 with 4 seconds left -- and on the first Hail Mary of the Tournament - Chris Conley pulled down a Mahomes end zone throw and the Chiefs advance.  4 TDs for Mahomes.  

14. 2007 PACKERS 20  6. 1995 49ERS 17

-Packers have their best chance remaining to earn a spot into the sweet 26; Donald Driver with 6 catches for 89 yards and a score.  5 sacks and a pick for the Pack defense against Steve Young.

7. 1974 STEELERS 18  2. 1951 BROWNS 10

-The Super Bowl Champion Steelers head to the regional semis; Pittsburgh looking to win their third straight region. 169 yards from scrimmage for Franco Harris. All the Steeler points come from 6 Roy Gerela FGs.  2 sacks apiece from LC Greenwood and Andy Russell.

Regional Semi

8. 1968 Cowboys v. 12. 2018 Chiefs

7. 1974 Steelers v. 14. 2007 Packers

8. 1968 COWBOYS 31  12. 2018 CHIEFS 13

-The oldest team to win a region is the '78 Cowboys; the '68 Cowboys will play in the region 15 final. Don Meredith goes 15-20, 195 yards, 2 TD passes and he ran one in.  5 Dallas sacks including 2 by Bob Lilly.  3 sack game for Chris Jones in the loss.

7. 1974 STEELERS 34  14. 2007 PACKERS 13

-We will have a new oldest team into the sweet 16; the Steelers had a 31-0 lead and roll onto the Region 15 final. 191 yards rushing and 2 scores for Franco Harris.  Jack Lambert had both a pick and a sack of Brett Favre

Regional Final

7. 1974 Steelers v. 8. 1968 Cowboys

The '74 Steelers went 10-3-1, won the AFC Central, beat the Raiders to win the AFC Title and then won the SB over Minnesota, 16-6. 2nd in defense, 6th in offense. The HC is Chuck Noll; LC Greenwood, Mean Joe Greene and Jack Ham are all first Team All Pros, Greene and Ham are both in the Hall of Fame, along with Bradshaw, Franco, Lambert, Blount, Swann, Stallworth, Shell, Webster

Tom Landry's Cowboys went 12-2, they won the Capitol Division, they lost in the divisional round to Cleveland.  1st in offense, 2nd in defense, Bob Hayes, Bob Lilly, Chuck Howley all all First Team All Pros, all Hall of Famers, along with Mel Renfro and Rayfield Wright

Lets go to Three Rivers Stadium for the Region 15 Final.

7. '74 STEELERS 24  8. '68 COWBOYS 14

-The Steelers win their 3rd straight regional title and this squad will face the '22 Niners in the Sweet 16.  132 yards rushing and a score for Franco.  2 TD passes for Bradshaw. LC Greenwood had two sacks, Jack Ham had a sack and a pick.  

All Time NFL Tournament-Region 14

 Region 13

 2007 Patriots

 2022 49ers

 2014 Seahawks

 2018 Saints

 2008 Ravens

 1978 Cowboys

 2001 Rams

 2006 Patriots

 1987 49ers

 1987 Browns

 2019 Chiefs

 1994 49ers

 2015 Steelers

 Those are the 13 regional champs; 3 to go - the 2014 Seahawks will face the winners of region 14 in the sweet 16.

1. 1969 Kansas City Chiefs        14-3             Super Bowl Champions

2. 1998 Minnesota Vikings         16-2            NFC Central Champs

3. 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers        15-4             Super Bowl Champions

4. 1995 Dallas Cowboys              15-4            Super Bowl Champions

5. 2011 New England Patriots    15-4           AFC Champs

6. 2013 San Francisco 49ers       14-5           2nd NFC West

7. 1982 Washington Redskins     12-1            Super Bowl Champions

8. 1974 Oakland Raiders            13-3           AFC West Champs

9. 1975 Los Angeles Rams          13-3           NFC West Champs

10. 1980 Philadelphia Eagles      14-5           NFC Champs

11. 2021 Kansas City Chiefs       14-6           AFC West Champs

12. 2020 Baltimore Ravens         12-6           2nd NFC North

13. 2003 Tennessee Titans           13-5           2nd AFC South

14. 2017 New Orleans Saints      12-6           NFC South Champs

15. 1952 Cleveland Browns         8-5            NFL American Champs

16. 1944  Green Bay Packers      9-2             NFL Champions

1. 1969 CHIEFS 20   16. 1944 PACKERS 0

-Region 14 opens with a shutout.  Both TDs were scored by Robert Holmes. 5 sacks and 3 picks for the Chiefs, they hold the Pack to 8 first downs.  

9. 1975 RAMS 19  8. 1974 RAIDERS 10

-Oakland cut the Rams lead to 12-10 with 8:30 left to play when Clarence Davis ran in a 12 yard score.  But James Harris ate nearly 6 minutes from the game clock in a 66 yard drive that ended with a Lawrence McCutcheon plunge into the end zone to ice the game.  4 sacks and 2 picks for the Ram defense.

 

 12. 2020 RAVENS 30  5. 2011 PATRIOTS 24

-Baltimore led 30-10 early in the 4th qtr, two Benjarvus Green Ellis TD runs cut the deficit to 6, the Patriots had it again late, 1st down at the Baltimore 26, out of time outs, but future Patriot Matt Judon got a big sack of Tom Brady that essentially ended the game.  Lamar Jackson threw for a score and ran for a score.  JK Dobbins had 134 yards from scrimmage and a score. 2 sack game for Patrick Queen.  Wes Welker had over a hundred yards receiving in the loss.

4. 1995 COWBOYS 24  13. 2003 TITANS 12

-177 yards from scrimmage and a TD for Emmitt Smith and Dallas heads to round 2. 3 TD passes for Troy Aikman.

 

 11. 2021 CHIEFS 20 6. 2013 49ERS 14

-A 49er team from the prior generation falls to Mahomes' Chiefs.  He throws for a score, Chris Jones forces a fumble, Tyrann Mathieu intercepts a pass.  2 TD passes for Colin Kapernick in the loss.  

 3. 2008 STEELERS 30 v. 14. 2017 SAINTS 14

-2 TDs for Willie Parker; the 3rd seeded Steelers will head to KC in round 2. 2 TD passes for Roethlisberger.  99 yards rushing and a score for Mark Ingram in the loss.

7. 1982 REDSKINS 25  10. 1980 EAGLES 14

-Super Bowl Champion Redskins head to round 2.  Philly had a 14-0 lead early in the second qtr, but the games final 25 were scored by Washington. 4 Mark Moseley FGs. 116 yards rushing and a score for John Riggins.  7 tackles and a pick for Mark Murphy. 

 15. 1952 BROWNS 21  2. 1998 VIKINGS 7

-The second seeded Vikings flame out quickly in region 14; Otto Graham ran and threw for touchdowns. Len Ford sacked Randall Cunningham twice and the Browns move on.

Round 2

1. 1969 Chiefs v. 9. `1975 Rams

4. 1995 Cowboys v. 12. 2020 Ravens

3. 2008 Steelers v. 11. 2021 Chiefs

7. 1982 Redskins v. 15. 1952 Browns

-Note, two Chiefs teams in region 14, that was error and now they both sit in round 2.  

9. 1975 RAMS 13  1. 1969 CHIEFS 3

-That double Chiefs problem is solved quickly; the Chiefs had a 3-0 halftime lead, two third quarter Tom Dempsey FGs made it 6-3 LA and a Lawrence McCutcheon 27 yard TD run provided the final margin of the upset victory.  110 yards rushing for McCutcheon.  Jack Youngblood sacked Len Dawson 3 times.  

4. 1995 COWBOYS 23  12. 2020 RAVENS 17

-17-17 early 4th qtr, but two Chris Boniol FGs later and the Super Bowl Champions reached the region 14 semifinals.  198 yards from scrimmage and a TD for Emmitt Smith. 97 yards receiving for Michael Irvin, 2 sacks for Charles Haley.  

3. 2008 STEELERS  33 11. 2021 CHIEFS 27

-Super Bowl Champion Steelers win in an OT thriller.  30 first downs for the Steelers. Pittsburgh took a 20-13 lead with 4 and a half minutes left on a 24 yard Roethlisberger TD pass to Nate Washington. 6 plays later, Patrick Mahomes had driven 65 yards for a tying score, a short TD pass to Clyde Edwards Helaire with just under 2 minutes left.  On the next play - Tyrann Mathieu took a Roethlisberger pass back 43 yards for what appeared to be the game winning score, the Chiefs having scored 14 points in consecutive plays.  But in the final 90 seconds, Roethlisberger shook off the interception and tied the score with a 36 yard toss to Santonio Holmes.  In OT, a short Willie Parker run ended the game and moved Pittsburgh to the regional semi. 106 yards rushing and that score for Parker. 3 TD passes for Mahomes in the loss.

15. 1952 BROWNS 20  7. 1982 REDSKINS 10

-The oldest regional champ is the '78 Cowboys, but this Paul Brown team reaches the region 14 semi.  Ken Carpenter scored both Browns TDs.  Len Ford had 2 sacks, Joe Washington ran for 110 in the loss.

Regional Semi

4. 1995 Cowboys v. 9. 1975 Rams

3. 2008 Steelers v. 15. 1952 Browns

Two Super Bowl Champions will host the regional semis; it's the last chance for those Aikman/Emmitt/Irvin Cowboys teams.  One of these franchises will join New England with their second regional champ, one behind the Niners 3.

9. 1975 RAMS 20  4. 1995 COWBOYS 14

-The Rams overcome 3 James Harris interceptions to beat the Cowboys and reach the region 14 semis. 2 sacks each for Fred Dryer and Jack Youngblood; Emmitt Smith ran wild in the loss, 178 yards rushing and a score. LA holds Troy Aikman to 100 yards passing.  

3. 2008 STEELERS 10  15. 1952 BROWNS 6

-The '15 Steelers won region 13; the Super Bowl Champion '08 Steelers will be hosting the region 14 final.  The only TD was in the game's first drive, Ben Roethlisberger 29 yard TD pass to Nate Washington. 7 Steeler sacks on the day, 2 each from James Harrison and James Farrior.  

Regional Final

3. 2008 Steelers v. 9. 1975 Rams

-Winner to face the '14 Seahawks in the Sweet 16; the Steelers trying to win consecutive regions; the LA Rams trying to join the St Louis Rams as regional champs.  Mike Tomlin coaches the Steelers, they went 12-4, won the AFC North, beat the Cardinals to win the SB.  1st in defense, 20th in offense.  James Harrison and Troy Polamalu were first team All Pros. Polamalu is in the Hall of Fame

-Chuck Knox coaches the Rams, 12-2, won the NFC West, lost the NFC Title game to the Cowboys. 1st in defense, 11th in offense, we expect a low scoring tilt.  Jack Youngblood was first team All Pro and is in the Hall of Fame, along with Merlin Olsen and Tom Mack.  

We're heading to Heinz Field for the Region 14 final.

3. 2008 STEELERS 22  9. 1975 RAMS 0

-A shutout in the region 14 final.  The only TD was on the first play of the game, Roethlisberger 82 yards to Hines Ward - the rest of the scoring, 5 Jeff Reed FGs. The Steelers force 4 James Harris interceptions, 3 by Troy Polamalu.  

All Time NFL Tournament-Region 13

 Region 12

 We have 12 regional champions; the winners of Region 13 will face the 2018 New Orleans Saints in the Sweet 16.

 2007 Patriots

 2022 49ers

 2014 Seahawks

 2018 Saints

 2008 Ravens

 1978 Cowboys

 2001 Rams

 2006 Patriots

 1987 49ers

 1987 Browns

 2019 Chiefs

 1994 49ers

 So - who is missing?  There's not a Packer team, not Lombardi or Favre or Rodgers.  There's not a Steeler team. No Dolphins or Raiders from the 70s.  No Peyton Manning.  We do have Brady and Brees, Montana and Young.  The Legion of Boom and the Greatest Show on Turf.  There's Mahomes and Staubach.  Even though most of the teams here are not Super Bowl Champions - they're around Super Bowl Champions (meaning, the '78 Cowboys didn't win the SB, but the '77 Cowboys did, you see that type of thing with every non Champion here...except....the 1987 Cleveland Browns, a true Cinderella has made the sweet 16)

1. 1950 Cleveland Browns          12-2             NFL Champions

2. 1972 Miami Dolphins             17-0              Super Bowl Champions

3. 1992 San Francisco 49ers       15-3            NFC West Champs

4. 2012 New England Patriots    13-5            AFC East Champs

5. 1977 Dallas Cowboys              15-2             Super Bowl Champions

6. 1990 New York Giants            16-3             Super Bowl Champions

7. 2002 Oakland Raiders            13-6             AFC Champs

8. 1968 New York Jets                 12-4            Super Bowl Champions

9. 1966 Kansas City Chiefs        12-3-1          AFL Champs

10. 2022 Cincinnati Bengals       14-5            AFC North Champs

11. 2017 Minnesota Vikings        14-4            NFC North Champs

12. 2018 Los Angeles Rams         15-4            NFC Champs

13. 2015 Pittsburgh Steelers       11-7            2nd AFC North

14. 2010 Baltimore Ravens          13-5           2nd AFC North

15. 2003 Green Bay Packers        11-7            NFC North Champs

16. 1949 Philadelphia Eagles       12-1           NFL Champions

1. 1950 BROWNS  27   16.  1949 EAGLES 24

-Region 13 kicks off with an OT win for the top seeded Browns.  Cleveland trailed 24-10 early in the second half, Otto Graham halved the deficit with a third qtr TD pass to Mac Speedie, that was still the score with 44 seconds left when the Eagles lined up for a 44 yard FG attempt - Cliff Patton missed it and the Browns took possession at their own 34 yard line, no timeouts and down 7.  With 16 seconds left at their own 47 - Graham found Horace Gillom, 42 yard gain, out of bounds at the Eagle 11 with 6 seconds left - and on the last play of regulation - Graham hit Dante Lavelli for the game tying TD.  A Lou Groza 40 yard OT FG finished off a very, very improbable comeback win for the Browns. 111 yards rushing for Marion Motley; Steve Van Buren had 142 yards rushing and a score in the loss for the Eagles.

8. 1968 JETS  20   8.  1966 CHIEFS  17

-A second OT game to open region 13 moves the Jets into round 2.  Kansas City led 14-3 at the half, Joe Namath had a third qtr TD pass to Emerson Boozer and a 4th Qtr TD pass to Don Maynard to give the Jets a 17-14 lead - the Chiefs tied it with a late FG, but in OT, Jim Turner hit a 32 yarder to give the Jets the win.  Very good 20-34 for Namath, 210 yards and those 2 scores.  137 yards from scrimmage and 2 scores for Mike Garrett in the loss.

5. 1977 COWBOYS  42   12. 2018 RAMS 24

-Super Bowl Champion Cowboys bust open a 21-17 lead with 3 straight 4th qtr TDs and advance.  167 yards from scrimmage and 3 TDs for Tony Dorsett.  Cliff Harris with a sack and a pick.  Robert Woods had over a hundred yards receiving in the loss.

13. 2015 STEELERS  40   4. 2012 PATRIOTS 35

-First upset in the region, Big Ben Roethlisberger hits the Pats with 4 TD passes and the Steelers will advance to face the Cowboys in round 2.  7 catches for 100 yards and 2 scores for Antonio Brown. Lawrence Timmons had 12 tackles and a sack.  Stevan Ridley had a big game in the loss, 184 yards rushing and 2TDs, Tom Brady threw 3 scoring passes.  

11. 2017 VIKINGS 27  6. 1990 GIANTS 9

-Another double digit upset, Case Keenum throws for 3 scores and knocks off the Super Bowl Champs.  Harrison Smith gets a pick. Everson Griffen gets a sack and forces a fumble.  

14. 2010 RAVENS 16  3. 1992 49ERS 10

-The third seeded 49ers are gone; only 12 first downs on the day for San Francisco.  Big 3 sack day for Terrell Suggs.  

7. 2002 RAIDERS  38   10. 2022 BENGALS  17

-178 yards from scrimmage and two TDs for Charlie Garner and Oakland reaches round 2.  40 year old Jerry Rice has 117 yards receiving and a score.  Rich Gannon goes 16-22, 259 yards, 3 TDs.  

2. 1972 DOLPHINS 36  15. 2003 PACKERS 20

-The Perfect Dolphins remain perfect.  3 TDs for Mercury Morris. 130 yards rushing for Larry Csonka.  2 TDs for Howard Twilley.  

Round 2

1. 1950 Browns v. 8. 1968 Jets

5. 1977 Cowboys v. 13. 2015 Steelers

11. 2017 Vikings v. 14. 2010 Ravens 

2. 1972 Dolphins v. 7. 2002 Raiders

1. 1950 BROWNS 17  8. 1968 JETS  14

-Marion Motley runs for 111 and a score and the Browns move on.  Warren Lahr has a big 4th qtr pick to seal the win.

13. 2015 STEELERS  23  5. 1977 COWBOYS 19

-The Steelers do not yet have a regional title, but the '15 squad takes out the Super Bowl Champion Cowboys. Ben Roethlisberger threw his second TD of the game, a 13 yarder to Markus Wheaton, early in the 4th qtr to put Pittsburgh up 23-19.  With 1:46 left, the Cowboys had a first down at the Steeler 26 - and that's when James Harrison took over the game, back to back sacks of Roger Staubach and then a game sealing interception.  118 yards receiving for Drew Pearson in the loss.  Hollywood Henderson had a strip sack in the loss.

11. 2017 VIKINGS 27  14. 2010 RAVENS 7

-Case Keenum has reached the region 13 semi-final. Baltimore had a 7-0 lead midway through the first quarter and the Vikes responded with 27 unanswered.  2 sacks each by Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter, 4 FGs for Kai Forbath. Ray Lewis had 11 tackles and a sack in the loss. 

2. 1972 DOLPHINS 30  15. 2002 RAIDERS 20

-The Perfect Dolphins remain perfect.  Miami led 24-3 at the half after scoring 3 second qtr TDs and then held on.  139 yards rushing and a TD for Larry Csonka. 2 TD passes for Earl Morrall. The Dolphins sacked Rich Gannon 7 times, the tournament high mark.  

Regional Semi-Final

1. 1950 Browns v. 13. 2015 Steelers

2. 1972 Dolphins v. 11. 2017 Vikings

As was the case with Region 12, the top two seeds of Region 13 have reached the semi-final.

13. 2015 STEELERS 20   1. 1950 BROWNS 3

-The 13th seed makes its way to the region 13 final.  2 TDs for Le'Veon Bell; James Harrison has a 12 tackles, a sack and a pick. Lawrence Timmons had 11 tackles and a sack.  

11. 2017 VIKINGS 14  2. 1972 DOLPHINS 9

-The '72 Dolphins are no longer undefeated.  A really surprising regional final ahead, the 2015 Steelers will head to Minnesota to face the '17 Vikings.  Miami had a 9-7 lead in the middle of the 4th qtr when Case Keenum threw a 10 yard TD pass to Dalvin Cook. Miami's last chance came when Mercury Morris hit a 51 yard run to give Miami a 1st and ten at the Vikings 28 with 1:46 to play.  On 4th and 4, Earl Morrall was sacked by Everson Griffen and the Vikings advanced. An outstanding game for Case Keenum, 18-24, 229 yards, 2 scores.  

Regional Final

11. 2017 VIKINGS v. 13. 2015 STEELERS

-Winners to face the 2018 Saints in the sweet 16. The Vikes went 13-3, won the NFC North, lost the NFC Championship to the Eagles. 1st in defense, 10th in offense.  Mike Zimmer is the HC.  Xavier Rhodes and Harrison Smith were both first team All Pros.  The Steelers went 10-6, 2nd in the AFC North, lost to Denver in the divisional round, they are the the most unlikely team to reach a regional final.  4th in offense, 11th in defense. Mike Tomlin is the HC.  Antonio Brown and David DeCastro are first team all pros. 

Lets go to Minneapolis - one of these teams is about to win region 13.

13. 2015 STEELERS 16  11. 2017 VIKINGS 14

-It'll be a 13th seed v a 9th seed in the sweet 16.  The Steelers had this game most of the way, the Vikes picked up a too late TD to achieve the final score.  Big Big was 18-25, 205 yards.  Cameron Heyward had a big strip sack early in the game to set up the Steelers first score.  

All Time NFL Tournament-Region 12

 Region 11

We have 11 regional champions; the winners of Region 12 will face the 2008 Baltimore Ravens in the Sweet 16.

 2007 Patriots

 2022 49ers

 2014 Seahawks

 2018 Saints

 2008 Ravens

 1978 Cowboys

 2001 Rams

 2006 Patriots

 1987 49ers

 1987 Browns

 2019 Chiefs

 1. 2013 Seattle Seahawks           16-3           Super Bowl Champions

 2. 1994 San Francisco 49ers      16-3           Super Bowl Champions

 3. 2007 Indianapolis Colts         13-4           AFC South Champs

 4. 2009 New Orleans Saints       16-3           Super Bowl Champions

 5. 1965 Green Bay Packers        12-3-1       NFL Champions

 6. 1977 Oakland Raiders            12-4          2nd AFC West

 7. 1962 Detroit Lions                  11-3          2nd NFL West

 8. 1979 San Diego Chargers       12-5          AFC West Champs

 9. 2015 Kansas City Chiefs         12-6          2nd AFC West

 10. 1968 Los Angeles Rams        10-3-1       2nd NFL Coastal

 11. 2018 New England Patriots   14-5         Super Bowl Champions

 12. 1972 Pittsburgh Steelers        12-4         AFC Central Champs

 13. 2008 Philadelphia Eagles       11-7-1     2nd NFC East

 14. 1950 New York Giants            10-3        NFL American Champs

 15. 1985 Miami Dolphins             13-5         AFC East Champs

 16. 1943 Chicago Bears                9-1-1       NFL Champions

1. 2013 SEAHAWKS  27   16. 1943 BEARS  9

-Region 12 kicks off with an easy win for the top seeded Seahawks. 102 yards rushing for Marshawn Lynch, 2 interceptions for Earl Thomas, 2 sacks for Bruce Irvin

8. 1979 CHARGERS 30  9. 2015 CHIEFS 17

-The '79 Chargers will head to Seattle in round 2; Dan Fouts throws TD passes to John Jefferson and Charlie Joiner; Derrick Johnson sets the tournament high with 16 tackles in the loss

12. 1972 STEELERS 7  5. 1965 PACKERS 3

-Defensive battle in Green Bay; Franco Harris scored the game's only TD on a 26 yard third qtr run.  Jack Ham had a sack and a pick. The Pack had a chance, getting the ball back at the 2 minute mark, but couldn't get past midfield.

4. 2009 SAINTS 38  13. 13. 2008 EAGLES 20

-Super Bowl Champion Saints had a 31-7 halftime lead and roll into round 2.  Drew Brees is 18-27, 364 yards and 3 scores, two of them to Robert Meachem.  2 picks for Darren Sharper.

11. 2018 PATRIOTS 37   6. 1977 RAIDERS 34

-Overtime win for the 11th seeded Super Bowl Champion Patriots, Stephen Gostkowski tied the game with a minute left in regulation and then won it in OT with a 42 yard FG.  Tom Brady goes 23-33, 330 yards, 2 scores.  Sony Michel had 2 TDs.  2 sacks for Trey Flowers.  Both Clarence Davis and Mark van Eeghen rushed for over a 100 yards with a score in the loss.

3. 2007 COLTS 30   14. 1950 GIANTS  0

-Easy win for the third seeded Colts; we'll see Manning/Brady in the next round. 3 TD passes for Manning in this one. Bob Sanders with a sack and a pick. 

10. 1968 RAMS 20  7. 1962 LIONS 10

-Jack Snow caught 5 balls for 98 yards and a score, the Rams roll into round 2.  3 sack game for Deacon Jones.  

2. 1994 49ERS 24  15. 1985 DOLPHINS 20

-It took a big 4th qtr comeback for the Super Bowl Champion Niners to advance.  When Dan Marino threw a 5 yard TD strike to Mark Clayton with 13 minutes left in the game, Miami took a 20-10 lead; on the next drive Steve Young took the Niners 71 yards in 12 plays, scoring on a William Floyd 4 yard run.  Miami still led 20-17 with a little over 7 minutes left. The 49ers forced a punt, getting the ball back at their own 29, a little less than 5 minutes to play.  On 3rd and 9 at the Dolphin 17, with 44 seconds left, Young found Jerry Rice over the middle for what became the game winning TD.  7 catches for 79 yards and the score for Rice.  Deion Sanders had an interception of Dan Marino.

Second Rnd

1. '13 Seahawks v. 8. '79 Chargers

4. '09 Saints v. 12. '72 Steelers

3. '07 Colts v. 11. '18 Patriots

2. '94 49ers v. 10. '68 Rams

This is the first region with 4 SB Champions, each region heading home will have the same number of 4 - and all 4 of them make round 2.

1. '13 SEAHAWKS   23   8. '79 CHARGERS 16

-Steven Hauschka hit 4 FGs, including the only 6 points scored in the 4th Qtr, and Seattle reaches the region 12 semi.  Russell Wilson throws for 2 scores, Kam Chancellor has 2 interceptions.  

12. '72 STEELERS 24   4. '09 SAINTS 14

-It's a Steeler team before Swann and Stallworth - but Franco Harris rushed for 113 yards with 2 scores and they knock off the Super Bowl Champion Saints.  Mike Wagner and Mel Blount each intercept Drew Brees.  

11. '18 PATRIOTS  36   '07 COLTS 30

-They're the 11th seed, but they're also a Super Bowl Champion; 41 year old Tom Brady knocks out 31 year old Peyton Manning in OT.  23-23 when the teams traded 4th qtr TDs, a Sony Michel 1 yard score followed by Manning, 48 yards to Reggie Wayne.  Michel scored again, in OT on the first drive, a 13 yard run for the win.  125 yards rushing and 3 TDs for Michel.  114 yards receiving for Wayne in the loss. 

2. '94 49ERS 24  10. '68 RAMS 3

-We'll get a Brady/Steve Young matchup in the region 12 semi.  The Niners never trailed in beating their rivals.  6 catches, 115 yards and a score for Jerry Rice. Rickey Jackson had two sacks of Roman Gabriel

Regional Semi

1. '13 Seahawks v. 12. '72 Steelers

2. '94 49ers v. 11. '18 Patriots

I think this is the first region where the top two seeds reached the final; that second game features the end of the Niners dynasty against the end of the Patriots dynasty.  

1. '13 SEAHAWKS 24  12. '72 STEELERS 22

The top seeded Seahawks reach the region 12 final.  The Steelers had a 16-3 lead late in the second quarter, just before the end of the half, Russell Wilson found Percy Harvin for a streaking 67 yard score.  Marshawn Lynch scored in the third and fourth quarters and the Seahawks led 24-16. With 89 seconds left, the Steelers were at their own 6 yard line; 8 plays later, Frenchy Fuqua ran it in from 10 yards out and the Steelers were lining up for a potential game tying 2 pt conversion.  Terry Bradshaw looked for Ron Shanklin - broken up by Richard Sherman and the Seahawks advanced.  2 Brandon Mebane sacks on the day.  

2. '94 49ERS 41  11. '18 PATRIOTS 27

-We will see the top two seeds battle it out for the region 12 title.  Steve Young went 17-22, 226 yards and 3 scores; with the game in doubt, Niners up 31-27 in the 4th qtr, and the Patriots driving, Merton Hanks took a Tom Brady pass back 41 yards the other way for a score.  

Regional Final

1. 2013 SEAHAWKS v. 2. 1994 49ERS

-1 v 2, the Super Bowl Champion Seahawks, who beat the 49ers to win the NFC Title, against the Super Bowl Champion 49ers.  Winners to the sweet 16 to face the region 5 champs, the 2008 Ravens.  The '14 Seahawks are already in the sweet 16, having won region 3 - the Niners look to become the first franchise with 3 regional champions.  Seattle went 13-3, won the NFC West, trounced the Broncos 43-8 to win the SB.  1st in defense, 8th in offense.  The HC is Pete Carroll. Future Niners coaches Robert Saleh and Nick Sorensen are part of the staff - as is Ken Norton, who starts for the Niners in this matchup.  Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas are first team All Pros.  

The Niners also went 13-3, also won the NFC West, also trounced their SB opponent, the Chargers, 49-26.  1st in offense, 6th in defense. The HC is George Seifert.  Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Deion Sanders are all First Team All Pros, all in the Hall of Fame as are Bryant Young, Rickey Jackson and Richard Dent.  

We go out to Seattle for the Region 12 final.

2. 1994 49ERS  19   1. 2013 SEAHAWKS 7

-The '94 Niners join the '22 Niners and the '87 Niners in the sweet 16.  Jerry Rice would not be contained in this one, 6 catches, 146 yards and a score. Ricky Watters went for 104 on the ground.  Dennis Brown had two sacks; Marshawn Lynch rushed for over 100 yards in the loss.

3/4 of the field is complete, still to come - the Perfect Dolphins, Joe Namath's Jets, Deion's other SB winners, the '95 Cowboys; Kenny Stabler's SB champion Raiders, the first Steeler SB champion, another 49ers SB champion, one more Lombardi Packer title team.  We head to Region 13 and the last 1/4 of the field.  

All Time NFL Tournament-Region 11

 Region 10

 Here are the 10 regional champions.

 2007 Patriots

 2022 49ers

 2014 Seahawks

 2018 Saints

 2008 Ravens

 1978 Cowboys

 2001 Rams

 2006 Patriots

 1987 49ers

 1987 Browns

 The '78 Cowboys, region 6 winners, will take on the winners of this region.

 

 1. 1984 San Francisco 49ers        18-1          Super Bowl Champions

 2. 1992 Dallas Cowboys               16-3          Super Bowl Champions

 3. 2019 Kansas City Chiefs          15-4         Super Bowl Champions

 4. 2024 Detroit Lions                    15-3         NFC North Champs

 5. 2015 Seattle Seahawks             11-7          2nd NFC West

 6. 1973 Los Angeles Rams            12-3         NFC West Champs

 7. 1997 Green Bay Packers          15-4          NFC Champs

 8. 1964 Baltimore Colts                12-3          NFL West Champs

 9. 2016 Atlanta Falcons                13-6          NFC Champs

10. 2020 Buffalo Bills                     15-4          AFC East Champs

11. 2014 Denver Broncos               12-5          AFC West Champs

12. 2001 Philadelphia Eagles         13-6         NFC East Champs

13. 2009 San Diego Chargers        13-4         AFC West Champs

14. 1985 New England Patriots     14-6         AFC Champs

15. 1983 Miami Dolphins               12-5          AFC East Champs

16. 2008 New York Giants             12-5          NFC East Champs

1. 1984 49ERS  38  16.  GIANTS  14

-Easy round one win for the top seeded Niners. 2 TDs for 29 year old Wendell Tyler. 23-29 for 222 yards and 2 scores for 28 year old Joe Montana. Dana McLemore took a punt back for a TD.  

9. 2016 FALCONS 31  8. 1964 COLTS  24

-The Kyle Shanahan offense will face the Bill Walsh offense in round 2, the '16 Falcons winning here. With 47 seconds left, Matt Ryan throws a Mohamed Sanu 16 yard TD to break a 24-24 tie.  That was the 31 year old Ryan's 4th TD pass on the afternoon.  Johnny Unitas threw for 2 and ran for a third for the Colts.  

5. 2015 SEAHAWKS 41  12. 2001 EAGLES 3

-5th seeded Seahawks unload on the Eagles to move forward.  Thomas Rawls sets the tournament mark with 4 TDs.  Marshawn Lynch runs for 110 yards.  2 sack day for Michael Bennett.

4. 2024 LIONS 35   13. 2009 CHARGERS 17

-Strong performances by the top seeds in region 11.  7 catches and 2 TDs for Amon-Ra St Brown, 30 year old Jared Goff throws 5 TD passes.  A 2 interception day for Brian Branch.

 11. 2014 BRONCOS  29   6. 1973 RAMS  17

-The 11th seeded Broncos get the first real upset of the bracket, moving into the second round.  2 sacks apiece for DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller, Aqib Talib took a pick back for a score.  Lawrence McCutcheon ran for 148 and a score.

 3. 2019 CHIEFS 22   14. 1985 PATRIOTS 13

-Super Bowl Champion Chiefs are onto round two, we'll get old Manning v young Mahomes.  6 catches for 108 yards for Travis Kelce; Andre Tippet had a strip sack TD in the first qtr for the Patriots TD.  

7. 1997 PACKERS  42  10. 2020 BILLS  25

-Brett Favre joins Montana/Mahomes/Manning in the second round of region 11.  Big Dorsey Levens game, 156 yards from scrimmage and 4 TDs (3 in the first half) 185 yards receiving and 2 scores for Antonio Freeman.  Reggie White gets the hat trick, 3 sacks of Josh Allen.  

 2. 1992 COWBOYS 55  15. 1983 DOLPHINS  15

-The top seeds in region 11 really showed up in round one; 128 yards rushing and 2 scores for Emmitt Smith; 130 yards receiving and 2 scores for Michael Irvin.  Kelvin Martin had a kickoff return for a score.  

Round 2

1984 49ers v. 2016 Falcons

2024 Lions v. 2015 Seahawks

2019 Chiefs v. 2014 Broncos

1992 Cowboys v. 1997 Packers

2016 FALCONS 26  1984 49ERS  21

-The region's top seed is gone; the Falcons went up 20-0 in the first half and held on.  Matt Ryan threw 2 first half TD passes.  The Niners reached midfield in a 2 minute drive, but an Adrian Clayborn sack snuffed out the possible comeback.  The '16 Falcons hold the lead this time and move to the regional semi-final.

2015 SEAHAWKS 32   2024 LIONS  17

-The '15 Seahawks will host the '16 Falcons in the semi.  113 yards and a score for Thomas Rawls, Russell Wilson goes 18-24, 223 yards and a score. Steven Hauschka kicks 6 FGs to set the mark for the tournament.  

2019 CHIEFS 40  2014 BRONCOS 27

-Super Bowl Champion Chiefs roll on. 3 TD passes for Patrick Mahomes - 3 picks for Peyton Manning, including a Tyrann Mathieu pick 6.  4 FGs for Harrison Butker

1992 COWBOYS 31  1997 PACKERS 7

-The second seeded Cowboys move to the regional semi.  161 yards rushing and a score for Emmitt Smith. 2 TDs for Jay Novacek. Cowboys pick Brett Favre 3 times.  

Semi-Final

5. 2015 Seahawks v. 9. 2016 Falcons

2. 1992 Cowboys v. 3. 2019 Chiefs

The winners here play the '78 Cowboys in the sweet 16; we may see our first intra-organization matchup.

2016 FALCONS 24  2015 SEAHAWKS  19

-The Falcons (coached by Dan Quinn, who was the DC for the Seahawks in 2014) suffered the biggest blown lead in SB history, but they have reached the region 11 Final.  102 yards rushing and a TD by Devonta Freeman. 6 catches for 81 yards and 2 scores for Julio Jones.  13 tackles and a sack for KJ Wright in the loss.

2019 CHIEFS 20  19992 COWBOYS 16

-Dallas had a 16-13 lead with 2 minutes left, Patrick Mahomes drove 65 yards and hit Damien Williams with an 8 yard game winning score at the gun to send the Chiefs into the region 11 final. Mahomes was 21-28 for 209 yards and 2 scores.  122 yards rushing for Emmitt Smith, 109 yards receiving for Michael Irvin in the loss.

Regional Final

3. 2019 Chiefs v. 9. 2016 Falcons

-The Chiefs look to become the first Super Bowl Champions to win a regional final. 5th in offense, 7th in defense, they went 12-4, won the west, beat Kyle Shanahan's 49ers 31-20 to win the Super Bowl. Andy Reid is the HC; the only first team All Pro is Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Mahomes is 24 years old.  

-And they face the Falcons; 1st in offense, 27th in defense, by far, the Falcons defense is the worst unit to make a regional final.  They went 11-5, won the NFC South, lost the Super Bowl to New England, blowing a 119 point lead (approx).  The HC is Dan Quinn. Matt Ryan Julio Jones and Vic Beasley are all first team All Pros.

We're headed to Arrowhead for the Region 11 Final.

3. '19 CHIEFS 33 9. 16 FALCONS 27

-An OT win for Kansas City, the first Super Bowl Champion to reach the Sweet 16 where they will face the '78 Cowboys.  Atlanta, and stop me if you've heard something like this before, had a 27-12 lead midway through the 4th qtr.  Mahomes took the ball at his 29 with 6:37 left trailing by 15. 2 minutes later, at 4th at 10 at the Falcon 38, Mahomes found Tyreek Hill for 13 yards and a first down.  At 3:23 left, Mahomes again faced a 4th down, 4th and 3 at the 18, he hit Sammy Watkins for a quick four yard gain.  A minute later, Hill was in the end zone with a 5 yard TD reception.  Mahomes and Hill hoop up again for the 2 pt conversion and it is 27-20 Falcons.  

Atlanta starts their drive with 2:31 to play at their own 18 yard line with a 7 point lead. They ran the ball 3 times, burning the remaining Chiefs timeouts, punting the ball back to KC with 1:40 to play.  Kansas City starting at their own 37.  3rd and goal, 12 seconds left at the Falcons 12 - Mahomes to Hill again.  Touchdown.  And the game goes into OT.

The Falcons never saw the ball - the Chiefs won the toss, started the drive at their own 33 - it took just 4 plays, Damien Williams scooting 27 yards for the game winning score and Kansas City wins Region 12. 28-39, 305 yards for Mahomes and 2 scores.  2 TDs for Devonta Freeman in the loss.

11 regions down, 5 to go.