256 Team NFL Tournament - Region 1/Play In Game

previews 

Up through the regional finals, better seed gets home field, home field for play in games settled by coin flip.  (Having now played a few games, it takes a couple to settle in on a format)

Play In Game:

1977 NFC CHAMPION MINNESOTA VIKINGS AT 1983 DALLAS COWBOYS

1983 DALLAS COWBOYS

Record: 12-4

Pythag Record: 11-5

Offense: 2nd pts/gm

Defense: 20th pts/gm

2nd NFC East

Lost WC Rams 24-17

HC: Tom Landry, DC: Ernie Staunter

Offense (Pro Bowl in bold, All Pro designated)

QB Danny White (31)

RB Tony Dorsett (29)

FB Ron Springs (27)

WR Tony Hill (27)

WR Drew Pearson (32)

TE Doug Cosbie (27)

LT Pat Donovan (30) 

LG Herbert Scott (30) 

C Tom Rafferty (29)

RG Kurt Petersen (26)

RT Jim Cooper (28)

Defense

LDE Too Tall Jones (32)

LDT John Dutton (32)

RDT Randy White (30) ALL PRO

RDE Harvey Martin (33)

LLB Mike Hegman (30)

MLB Bob Breunig (30)

RLB Anthony Dickerson (26)

LCB Everson Walls (24) ALL PRO

RCB Dennis Thurman (27)

SS Dexter Clinkscale (25)

FS Michael Downs (24)

PK Rafael Septien (30)

P John Warren (23-Rookie)

1974 NFC CHAMPION MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Record: 10-4

Pythag Record: 11-3

Off: 5th pts scored/gm

Def: 3rd pts allowed/gm

1st NFC Central

d. Cards 30-14 Division Rnd

d. Rams 14-10 NFC Title

Lost Super Bowl Steelers 16-6

HC: Bud Grant, OC: Jerry Burns, DC: Neill Armstrong

Offense (Pro Bowl in bold, All Pro designated)

QB Fran Tarkenton (34)

RB Dave Osborn (31)

FB Chuck Foreman (24)

WR John Gilliam (29) 

WR Jim Lash (23)

TE Stu Voigt (26)

LT Charles Goodrum (24) 

LG Ed White (27)

C Mick Tingelhoff (34)

RG Andy Maurer (26)

RT Ron Yary (28) -- ALL PRO

Defense

LDE Carl Eller (32)

LDT Doug Southerland (26)

RDT Alan Page (29)--ALL PRO

RDE Jim Marshall (37)

LLB Roy Winston (34)

MLB Jeff Siemon (24)

RLB Wally Hilgenberg (32)

LCB Nate Wright (27)

RCB Jackie Wallace (23-Rookie)

SS Jeff Wright (24)

FS Paul Krause (32)

PK Fred Cox (36)

P Mike Eischeid (34)

First Quarter:

Dallas kicks.  Vikes start at their own 34.

1st/10 - Chuck Foreman runs for 2 yds.

2nd/8 - Toss to Foreman, he picks up 5.

3rd/3 - Foreman goes off tackle to the right side for 8 yards and a first down.

1st down.  Vikes at their own 41.  12:47 left in the first.

1st/10 - Too Tall Jones, a Pro Bowler at the age of 32, blasts in for a sack on Tarkenton, who loses 8.  

2nd/18- Foreman draw play, 8 up the middle.

3rd/10- Pitch to Dave Osborn - he gets only a yard and the Vikes punt.  Dallas returns to their 26 where they take over with 10:34 to go in the first.

1st/10 - Dorsett, 1 yard.

2nd/9 - Dorsett, 1 yard.

3rd/8 - Big play - Paul Krause picks off Danny White - returns it to the Dallas 38 yard line and the Vikes will start tthere with 9:01 left in the qtr.

1st/10 - Foreman, 6 yards.

2nd/4 - Tarkenton to Osborn in the flat for four yards and a first down at the Dallas 28.  

1st/10 - Foreman busts one, 24 yards and the Vikings have first and goal at the 4.

1st/goal - Tarkenton rolling right  - firing over the middle to Jim Lash in the back of the endzone - TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS. The kick is good, at 6:45 left in the qtr, Vikes go up 7-0.  Dallas will take over at their own 31.  6:38 left.

1st/10 - Alan Page is the best player on the Vikings; he sacks White for a loss of 6.

2nd/16 - Ron Springs runs for 4.  

3rd/12- Pass in the flat to Dorsett, he gets 5 and the Cowboys punt - Vikes will take over at their own 34 with 4:15 left in the qtr.

1st/10 - Foreman for 3. 

2nd/7 - Osborn for 7 and a first down at their own 44, 2:58 left in the 1st.

1st/10- Broken play, Tarkenton keeps it alive and finds the TE Stu Voigt for 15 - the Vikes are at the Cowboy 41. 2:14 left in the first.

1st/10 - Tarkenton scramble gets 3

2nd/7 - Foreman is buried in the backfield by Randy White for a four yard loss.

3rd/11 - Tarkenton finds John Gilliam on the slideline for a 23 yard gain - the Vikes have a first down at the Cowboy 19, 5 seconds left in the qtr. 

1st/10 - Foreman stopped at the line of scrimmage in the last play of the qtr.

Second Quarter:

Vikes have 2nd and 10 at the Dallas 29.

2nd/10-Osborn picks up 8 yards off tackle left.  

3rd/2 - Tarkenton rolling right - finds Osborn in the back of the end zone - deflected by Everson Walls.  Fred Cox lines up for a 28 yard field goal - and he misses it - the Cowboy defense holds and Dallas takes over at their own 20 with 14:11 left.

3 and out for the Cowboys.  Vikes take over at their own 46 with 12:05 left.

3 and out for the Vikes.  Dallas takes over at their own 25 with 9:52 left. 

1st/10 - Timmy Newsome is on for Dorsett and he breaks a big one, 43 yards down to the Viking 32.  9:02 left.

1st/10 - Here's Dorsett, he picks up 7.

2nd/3 - Ron Springs now with the carry, he's brought down by Carl Eller for a 3 yard loss and its 3rd and 6 at the Viking 28, 7:45 left in the half.

3rd/6 - Dorsett - tough running, 8 yards to the 20.  

1st/10 - Page brings down Newhouse for a 2 yard loss.

2nd/12 - Newhouse again, he picks up 4 yards.  

3rd/8 - Danny White finds Tony Hill crossing over the middle - he breaks a tackle and is headed to the endzone TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS. The kick is good and this game is tied 7-7. Aftet the kick, the Vikes take over at their own 25 with 5:29 left in the half.

Tarkenton hit Gilliam for a 9 yard gain; a play later, Foreman picked up the first down on a 2 yard run.  Vikes at their own 36 with 3:21 left.  On second and 9, John Dutton sacks Tarketon for a 7 yard loss, the Vikes will punt a play later - the 23 year old punt returner out of Hawaii, Gary Allen, returns it back to the Minnesota 33 where Dallas takes over with 1:40 left.

After 2 incomplete passes White finds Doug Cosbie for a 14 yard gain to the 19.  1:23 left.

On second and ten, White hits Hill for four yards - Page comes through with a big sack on third down; Rafael Septien hits a 37 yard FG to give Dallas a 10-7 lead.  After the kick, the Vikes take over at their own 31 with 56 seconds left.  

Foreman took a swing pass and rumbled for 44 yards down the sideline -- but it's called back for holding.  Tarkenton hits Voigt for 6 on first and 20; they run a simple handoff then to Osborn - but Randy White forces a fumble - it's scooped up by DD Lewis and with 35 seconds left in the half, the Cowboys have the ball at the Viking 35.  

A couple of Dorsett runs net 4 yards, White throws an incomplete pass on 3rd/6 - Septien hits a 42 yard FG with 18 seconds left and the Cowboys are going to go into the locker room up 13-7 at the half.

Third Quarter:

After the kick, Dallas opens at their own 29 - on second and 9, Danny White hits a streaking Butch Johnson down the right sideline, he breaks a tackle -- and he is going to go - Butch Johnson all the way to the end zone on the second play of the half - TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS. The kick is good and Dallas goes up 20-7.  

After the kick, Minnesota starts at their own 24, 13:57 left.

1st/10 - Tarkenton to Osborn, 11 yds.

1st/10 - Osborn stopped at the line.

2nd/10 - Foreman breaks a 38 yarder to the Cowboy 27 yard line.  11:56 left in the third.

Dallas offsides.  

1st/5 - incomplete

2nd/5 - Tarkenton to Lash for 11 and a first down at the Dallas 11 with 11:10 left.

1st/10-Foreman 1 yard.

2nd/9 - Tarkenton finds Osborn at the goal line - he surges ahead and is in the endzone TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS.  The kick is good and it's 20-13 Cowboys; after the kick Dallas will start at their own 15 with 10:22 left in the third.

1st/10 - Dorsett 1 yd

2nd/9 - White to Cosbie, 14 yards to the Cowboy 30.  First down.

1st/10 - A 4 yard pass to Dorsett is wiped out by Dallas offensive pass interference 

1/20 - Dorsett loses 4 yards.

2/24 - 10 yard pass to Springs. 

3/14 - incomplete.

The Cowboys punt, a Minnesota holding call on the return takes the ball back 10 yards, at 7:13 left in the third, Vikes take over at their own 25 yard line trailing 20-14.

1/10 - Osborn runs for 18 yards to the Viking 43.  

1/10 - Inc

2/10-Foreman 2 yard un

3/8 - Inc - and the Vikings punt, at 5:32, Dallas regains at their own 27.

1/10-Danny White gains 4 on a busted play.

2/6 - White to Cosbie for 6 and the first down.

1/10-Inc

2/10-Dorsett for 4

3/6 - 7 yards for Ron Springs and another Dallas first.  They're up to their own 48 with 2:52 left in the third.

1/10-Alan Page with his third sack of the game, White loses 6.

2/16 - Dorsett stuffed.

3/16 - Paul Krause comes through with his second interception of the day - the Vikings will take possession at their 43 yard line with 1:17 to go in the third, trailing 20-14.  

1/10 - Big run by Osborn, 31 yards all the way to the Dallas 26.

1/10 - Oscar Reed gains a yard, that's the end of the quarter.  

Fourth Quarter

Vikings ball, 2nd and 9 at the Dallas 25.  Cowboys lead 20-14

2/9-Inc

3/9-Tarkenton to Gilliam for 12 - big, big first down and the Vikes are at the Cowboy 13.

1/10- Foreman gains a yard.

2/9-Tarkenton to Voigt over the middle - he gets to the goal and is stopped just short - Minnesota has first and goal with about a foot to go.

1/10-Play action - Tarkenton rolls out - flips to Foreman in the end zone -- TOUCHDOWN VIKINGS and Minnesota kicks the XP to take a 21-20 lead.  

After the kick, Dallas takes over at their own 22, 12:32 left, down 1

1/10-Dorsett gains 2

2/8-White's flushed, manages to gain a yard.

3/7-White finds Tony Hill for 16, that's a first down and the Cowboys are on their own 41 with 10:29 left.

1/10-Dorsett, 13 yards.  First down at the Vikings 46. 

1/10-Dorsett gains 3.

2/7-White hits Springs, he is out of bounds with a 7 yard gain and a first down at the Vikings 36 yard line with 8:35 to play.

1/10-Dorsett for 1.

2/9-Inc

3/9-Inc.

Well, game decision here for Landry.  Dallas is down by a point at the Viking 35, that's a 52 yard FG attempt.  Or a punt.  Or...they go for it.  Which Dallas decides to do.  Heck of a way to start the tournament.  

4/9 - White finds Tony Hill for 15 - huge, huge first down and with 7:06 left Dallas is at the 20.

1/10-White to Springs for 12.

1st and Goal at the 8.  Marshall stops Springs at the line.  Loss of a yard.

2nd and Goal at the 9.  White to Springs - he gains 6, brought down at the 3.  

3rd and goal, 5:04 left.  The pitch is to Dorsett, Dorsett breaks a tackle in the backfield - and Dorsett is going to score!  TOUCHDOWN COWBOYS!!  The 2 pt conversion is available in the tournament - Dallas fails.  After the kickoff - Minnesota will take over at their own 32 yard line, Dallas 26 Minnesota 21, 4:53 left.  Are we about to see an Alcoa Fantastic Finish?

1/10 - Foreman is stopped at the line.  Minnesota is then backed up 5 on a false start.

2/15 - Foreman for 3.

3/12 - Incomplete.

So, Vikes are up against it.  4th and 12 at their own 30, 3:28 left.  

4/12 - Tarkenton hits Gilliam for 18 and the huge first down.  Minnesota matches Dallas's 4th down conversion and they've got 1st down at their own 48 with 2:39 left.

1/10- Osborn for 4.

2/6-Tarkenton finds Sam McCullum, the rookie from Michigan St, for a 14 yard gain, Minnesota is at the Dallas 34 with 2:03 left, trailing by 5.

1/10-Tarkenton to Lash, 8 yard gain.

2/2 - Tarkenton runs for 4.  That's a first down at the Dallas 22 yard line, 1:52 to go.

1/10-Osborn gets 1.  Vikes call time out.  

2/9 - Incomplete, Walls with the big pass breakup.  

3/9-Takenton is hounded - scrambles - throws - incomplete.

1:37 left.  4th down and 9 at the Cowboy 21. 

4/9 - Tarkenton is under heavy pressure - he's met by both Randy White and Harvey Martin, they crunch him to the turf for an 8 yard loss - and Dallas takes possession at their own 29 yard line with 1:32 left.

1/10 - Dorsett gains a dozen - that will do it, White can kneel down the rest of the way and the Dallas Cowboys win the play in game 

FINAL: COWBOYS 26 VIKINGS 21

White: 12/22 192 yards 2 TD/2 INT

Tarkenton: 16/26 162 yards 3 TD

Dorsett: 18 carries/58 yards/1 TD

Foreman: 16 carries/94 yards

Hill: 4 catches/53 yards/1 TD

Gilliam: 4 catches 62 yards

Krause 2 INT, Page 3 sacks

PLAYER OF THE GAME: RANDY WHITE

256 Team NFL Tournament Preview - Region 16

Region 16 

16 teams to go. Well, 17, with the play in.  Actually 20 - we're going to find homes for the last 3 SB Champs who aren't in the field.

The 16th overall seed...

1. 1976 PITTSBURGH STEELERS v. 16. Play In Winner 1983 MIAMI DOLPHINS/2011 NEW YORK GIANTS

1. 1976 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pythag: 13-1

Off: 5th

Def: 1st

d. Colts Div Rnd 40-14

lost Raiders AFC Title 24-7

HC Chuck Noll DC Bud Carson

1st TM AP: MLB J.Lambert (24) LLB J.Ham (28) 

16. 1983 MIAMI DOLPHINS 

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 7th

Def: 1st

lost Div Rnd Seahawks 27-20

HC Don Shula DC Bill Arnsparger 

1st TM AP LDE D.Betters (27) NT B.Baumhower (28) 

16. 2011 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

Pythag: 8-8

Off: 9th

Def: 25th

d. Falcons WC 24-2 

d. Packers Div Rnd 37-20

d. Niners NFC Title 20-17

d. Packers Super Bowl Title 21-17

HC Tom Coughlin OC Kevin Gilbride DC Perry Fewell 

1st TM AP RDE J.Pierre-Paul (22) 

Easy to find a spot for the '11 Giants; it belonged to the '10 Jets, but they didn't reach the floor.  They'll face the best defense from '83, Shula's Dolphins for the right to take on the last number one seed in the field, the '76 Steelers.  

8. 2008 BALTIMORE RAVENS v. 9. 1975 MINNESOTA VIKINGS

8. 2008 BALTIMORE RAVENS 

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 11th

Def: 3rd

d. Dolphins WC 27-9

d. Titans Div Rnd 13-10

lost Steelers AFC Title 23-14

HC John Harbaugh OC Cam Cameron DC Rex Ryan

1st TM AP FB L.McClain (24) FS E.Reed (30) LILB R.Lewis (33) 

9. 1975 MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 3rd

Def: 3rd

lost Div Rnd Cowboys 17-14

HC Bud Grant OC Jerry Burns DC Neill Armstrong

1st TM AP: QB F.Tarkenton (35) RB C.Foreman (25) FS P.Krause (33) RDT A.Page (30)

One more Bud Grant team in the field, the '75 Vikes were 3rd in offense and defense and they go to Baltimore where the '08 Ravens had the third best defense in football.

5. 2005 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS v. 12. 1997 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

5. 2005 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 2nd

Def: 2nd

lost Div Rnd Steelers 21-18

HC Tony Dungy OC Tom Moore DC Ron Meeks

1st TM AP QB P.Manning (29) FS B.Sanders (24) RDE D.Freeney (25) C J.Saturday (30) 

12. 1997 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 5th

Def: 1st

lost Div Rnd 14-10

HC Marty Schottenheimer OC Paul Hackett DC Gunther Cunningham

1st TM AP None

The last Chiefs team in the field is the '97 squad that had the best defense in football - they go to Indianapolis to face a Colts team that was second in both offense and defense in 2005.

4. 2013 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS v. 13. 1970 DALLAS COWBOYS

4. 2013 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 11th

Def: 3rd

d. Packers WC 23-20

d. Panthers Div Rnd 23-10

lost Seahawks NFC Title 23-17

HC Jim Harbaugh OC Greg Roman DC Vic Fangio

1st TM AP LILB N.Bowman (25) 

13. 1970 NFC CHAMPION DALLAS COWBOYS 

Pythag: 9-5

Off: 10th

Def: 4th

d. Lions Div Rnd 5-0

d. Niners NFC Title 17-10

lost Super Bowl Colts 16-13

1st TM AP RLB C.Howley (34) 

The last Cowboy team to make the field was the 1970 squad with the 4th best defense in football; the third best defense in 2011 was the 49ers, and the Cowboys head to San Francisco here.

3. 1967 GREEN BAY PACKERS v. 14. 2015 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

3. 1967 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION GREEN BAY PACKERS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 9th

Def: 3rd

d. Rams Div Rnd 28-7

d. Cowboys NFC Title 21-17

d. Raiders Super Bowl 33-14

HC Vince Lombardi DC Phil Bengsten 

1st TM AP RS W.Wood (31) LLB D.Robinson (26) RCB B.Jeter (30) LDE W.Davis (33) RT F.Gregg (34) RG J.Kramer (31) 

14. 2015 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 4th

Def: 11th

d. Bengals WC 18-16

lost Broncos Div Rnd 23-16

HC Mike Tomlin OC Todd Haley DC Keith Butler

1st TM AP WR A.Brown (27) 

Last Packer team in the field is the winner of Super Bowl 2, the '67 Packers, they host the last Steelers team in the field, the 2015 squad had the 4th best offense.

6. 2009 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS v. 11. 1953 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

6. 2009 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 20th

d. Cards Div Rnd 45-14

d. Vikings NFC Title 31-28

d. Colts Super Bowl 31-17

HC Sean Payton OC Pete Carmichael DC Gregg Williams

1st TM AP FS D.Sharper (34) 

11. 1953 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 9-3

Off: 1st

Def: 6th

Did not make playoffs

HC Buck Shaw

1st TM AP RB H.McElhenny (25) FB J.Perry (26) RDT L.Nomellini (29) 

The Saints team that won the Super Bowl is here; they had 2009's best offense - they host the team with 1953s best offense, the Niners.  

7. 1990 BUFFALO BILLS v. 10. 1968 LOS ANGELES RAMS

7. 1990 AFC CHAMPION BUFFALO BILLS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 6th

d. Dolphins Div Rnd 44-34

d. Raiders AFC Title 51-3

lost Super Bowl Giants 20-19

HC Marv Levy OC Ted Marchibroda DC Walt Corey

1st TM AP: RB T.Thomas (24) RDE B.Smith (27) 

10. 1968 LOS ANGELES RAMS

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 5th

Def: 3rd

Did not make playoffs

HC George Allen 

1st TM AP RS E.Meador (31) RDT M.Olsen (28) LDE D.Jones (30)

The only one of those Bills Super Bowl losing teams in the field is the first one; the '90 squad had the best offense in football. They'll host a Rams team that was top 5 in offense and defense in '68. 

16 SB losers did not make the field:

1975 Cowboys 

1979 Rams 

1986 Broncos 

1988 Bengals 

1991 Bills 

1992 Bills 

1993 Bills 

1994 Chargers 

1995 Steelers 

1996 Patriots 

1999 Titans 

2000 Giants 

2003 Panthers

2004 Eagles

2008 Cards 

2021 Bengals 

One game left.

2. 1989 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS v. 16. Play In Winner: 1984 LOS ANGELES RAIDERS/2007 NEW YORK GIANTS/1970 BALTIMORE COLTS

2. 1989 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 1st

Def: 3rd

d. Vikings Div Rnd 41-13

d. Rams NFC Title 30-3

d. Broncos Super Bowl 55-10

HC George Seifert OC Mike Holmgren DC Bill McPherson

1st TM AP: QB J.Montana (33) WR J.Rice (27) K M.Cofer (25) FS R.Lott (30) 

16. 1984 LOS ANGELES RAIDERS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 9th

Def: 4th

lost Seahawks WC 13-7

HC Tom Flores 

1st TM AP LDE H.Long (24) ROLB R.Martin (30) RCB M.Haynes (31) 

16. 2007 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

Pythag: 9-7

Off: 14th

Def: 17th

d. Bucs WC 24-14

d. Cowboys Div Rnd 21-17

d. Packers AFC Title 23-20

d. Patriots Super Bowl 17-14

HC Tom Coughlin OC Kevin Gilbride DC Steve Spagnuolo

1st TM AP None

16. 1970 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION BALTIMORE COLTS

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 6th

Def: 7th

d. Bengals Div Rnd 17-0

d. Raiders AFC Title 27-17

d. Cowboys Super Bowl 16-13

HC Don McCafferty OC John Idzik

1st TM AP 

And that's a wrap.

The Colts will meet the Giants in a battle of the last two SB winners yet to be placed in the field; the winner will then play the Raiders in the play in game --- and that winner advances to round one to take on the 17th seed in the tournament, the 1989 Super Bowl Champion 49ers.

Good people, one and all. Time to play the games.  

256 Team NFL Tournament Preview - Region 15

 region 15

Two regions to go. Who is the 15th overall seed?  

1. 1969 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS v. 16. Play In Round 2003 GREEN BAY PACKERS/1960 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

1. 1969 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 2nd

Def: 1st

d. Jets Div Rnd 13-6

d. Raiders AFL Title 17-7

d. Vikings Super Bowl 23-7

HC Hank Stram 

1st TM AP: LLB B.Bell (29) RS J.Robinson (31) RDT B.Buchanan (30) 

16. 2003 GREEN BAY PACKERS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 4th

Def: 11th

d. Seahawks WC 33-27

lost Div Rnd Eagles 20-17

HC Mike Sherman OC Tom Rossley DC Ed Donatell

1st TM AP: None

16. 1960 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Pythag: 8-4

Off: 3rd

Def: 7th

d. Packers NFL Title 17-13

HC Buck Shaw 

1st TM AP QB N. Van Brocklin (34) C C.Bednarik (35) RCB T.Brookshier (29) 

The '69 Chiefs are the 15th overall seed - best defense, second best offense in the AFL; if the '60 Eagles win the play in game we'll have an opportunity at a second Champion v. Champion first round matchup.  The Eagles will need to get by the 4th best offense in 2003, the Green Bay Packers, to make that game.

8. 1990 NEW YORK GIANTS v. 9. 1985 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

8. 1990 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW YORK GIANTS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 15th

Def: 1st

d. Bears Div Rnd 31-3

d. Niners NFC Title 15-13

d. Bills Super Bowl 20-19

HC Bill Parcells OC Ron Erhardt DC Bill Belichick

1st TM AP P S.Landetta (28) RILB P.Johnson (26) 

9. 1985 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 5th

Def 2nd

lost WC Giants 17-3

HC Bill Walsh DC George Seifert

1st TM AP RCB E.Wright (26) 

The '85 Niners had their season come to an end via the Giants.  The '90 Niners had their season come to an end via the Giants.  Might as well have the '85 Niners head to the Meadowlands to face the Super Bowl Champion '90 Giants.  

5. 2017 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS v. 12. 2002 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

5. 2017 AFC CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 2nd

Def: 5th

d. Titans Div Rnd 35-14

d. Jags AFC Title 24-20

lost Super Bowl Eagles 41-33

HC Bill Belichick OC Josh McDaniels DC Matt Patricia

1st TM AP QB T.Brady (40) TE R.Gronkowski (28) 

12. 2002 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 4th

Def: 2nd

d. Falcons Div Rnd 20-6

lost NFC Title 27-10 Bucs

HC Andy Reid OC Brad Childress DC Jim Johnson

1st TM: FS B.Dawkins (29) LCB T.Vincent (32) 

The '02 Eagles and '17 Patriots were top 5 in both offense and defense; the Patriots lost the SB to the Eagles and look for some type of revenge against an Eagle team from 15 years prior.

4. 2008 PITTSBURGH STEELERS v. 13. 2010 BALTIMORE RAVENS

4. 2008 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 20th

Def: 1st

d. Chargers Div Rnd 35-24

d. Ravens AFC Title 23-14

d. Cards Super Bowl 27-23

HC Mike Tomlin OC Bruce Arians DC Dick LeBeau

1st TM AP ROLB J.Harrison (30) SS T.Polamalu (27) 

13. 2010 BALTIMORE RAVENS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 16th

Def: 3rd

d. Chiefs WC 30-7

lost Div Rnd Steelers 31-24

HC John Harbaugh OC Cam Cameron DC Greg Mattison

1st TM AP: FS E.Reed (32) K B.Cundiff (30) LDE H.Ngata (26) 

The '08 Steelers took out the Ravens to win the AFC Title; the '10 Ravens season ended in the playoffs at the hands of the Steelers - the '10 Ravens will head to Pittsburgh to face the '08 Super Bowl Champion Steelers and their topped ranked defense.

3. 2019 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS v. 14. 1985 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

3. 2019 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 5th

Def: 7th

d. Texans Div Rnd 51-31

d. Titans AFC Title 35-24

d. Niners Super Bowl 31-20

HC Andy Reid OC Eric Bieniemy DC Steve Spagnuolo 

1st TM AP: SS T.Mathieu (27) 

14. 1985 AFC CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Pythag: 10-6

Off: 10th

Def: 6th

d. Jets WC 26-14

d. Raiders Div Rnd 27-20

d. Dolphins AFC Title 31-14

lost Bears Super Bowl 46-10

HC Ray Berry DC Rod Rust

1st TM AP A.Tippett (26) 

The 4th Super Bowl Champion in Region 15 is the '19 Chiefs; they'll host the second Patriots Super Bowl losers in the region, the '85 Pats.

6. 1977 DALLAS COWBOYS v. 11. 1970 LOS ANGELES RAMS

6. 1977 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION DALLAS COWBOYS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 2nd

Def: 8th

d. Bears Div Rnd 37-7

d. Vikes NFC Title 23-6

d. Broncos Super Bowl 27-10

HC Tom Landry OC Dan Reeves DC Ernie Stautner

1st TM AP: WR D.Pearson (26) FS C.Harris (29) K E.Herrera (26) 

11. 1970 LOS ANGELES RAMS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 4th

Def: 2nd

Did not make playoffs

HC George Allen OC Ray Prochaska

1st TM AP: LDT M.Olsen (30) 

Another SB Champion here in Region 15, the second best defense from '70, the Fearsome Foursome, will head to Dallas to face the second best offense in '77, the World Champion Cowboys.

7. 1964 BALTIMORE COLTS v. 10. 1998 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

7. 1964 BALTIMORE COLTS

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 1st

Def: 1st

lost NFL Title Browns 27-0

HC Don Shula DC Charley Winner

1st TM AP: QB J.Unitas (31) RB L.Moore (31) LCB B.Boyd (27) LDE G.Marchetti (37) LG J.Parker (30) 

10. 1998 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 3rd

Def: 13th

d. Packers WC 30-27

lost Div Rnd Falcons 20-18

HC Steve Mariucci OC Marty Morhinweg DC John Marshall

1st TM AP None

The '64 Colts were first in both offense and defense - they host the '98 Niners who had the 3rd best offense in the NFL.

2. 1983 WASHINGTON REDSKINS v. 15. 1985 MIAMI DOLPHINS

2. 1983 NFC CHAMPION WASHINGTON REDSKINS 

Pythag: 12-4

Off 1st

Def: 11th

d. Rams Div Rnd 51-7

d. Niners NFC Title 24-21

lost Super Bowl Raiders 38-9

HC Joe Gibbs OC Joe Bugel DC Richie Petitbon

1st TM AP QB J.Theismann (34) RB J.Riggins (34) KR M.Nelms (28) LDT D.Bunz (33) FS M.Murphy (28) 

15. 1985 MIAMI DOLPHINS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 4th

Def: 12th

d. Browns Div Rnd 24-21

lost AFC Title Patriots 31-14

HC Don Shula DC Chuck Studley

1st TM AP QB D.Marino (24) 

In '82, the Skins beat the Dolphins in the SB - here's the '83 Skins, with the best offense in football, hosting the '85 Dolphins, with the 4th best offense, to close out region 15.  

256 Team NFL Tournament Preview - Region 14

 region 13

3 regions to go.  The 14th overall seed in the tournament -- the 1994 San Francisco 49ers

1. 1994 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS v. 16. Play in Winner: 2009 NEW YORK JETS/1987 WASHINGTON REDSKINS

1. 1994 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 1st

Def: 6th

d. Bears Div Rnd 44-15

d. Cowboys NFC Title 38-28

d. Chargers Super Bowl 49-26

HC George Seifert OC Mike Shanahan DC Ray Rhodes

1st TM AP: QB S.Young (33) WR J.Rice (32) RCB D.Sanders (27) 

16. 2009 NEW YORK JETS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 17th

Def: 1st

d. Bengals WC 24-14

d. Chargers Div Rnd 17-14

Lost AFC Title Colts 30-17

HC Rex Ryan OC Brian Schottenheimer SC Mike Pettine 

1st TM AP: LCB D.Revis (24) 

16. 1987 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Pythag: 10-5

Off: 4th

Def: 6th

d. Bears Div Rnd 21-17

d. Vikings NFC Title 17-10

d. Broncos Super Bowl 42-10

HC Joe Gibbs OC Joe Bugel DC Richie Petitbon

1st TM AP WR G.Clark (25) RCB B.Wilburn (24) 

The 2007 Jags got bounced from this slot; my last replacement team was the '86 Seahawks, and they didn't make it.  So - we need a team.  There are 5 Super Bowl Champions who did not make the field; the first Colts team, the second Ravens team, the 2 Giants teams that beat New England -- but the best and solidly so is the '87 Redskins. If they beat the Jets, they'll face the '94 Niners in the first round one matchup of World Champions.  With just four SB Champions out of the field, I may look for a way to squeeze them in.  

8. 1974 PITTSBURGH STEELERS v. 9. 1980 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

8. 1974 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 6th

Def: 2nd

d. Bills Div Rnd 32-14

d. Raiders AFC Title 24-13

d. Vikings Super Bowl 16-6

HC Chuck Noll DC Bud Carson

1st TM AP LDT J.Greene (28) LDE LC Greenwood (28) LLB J.Ham (26) 

9. 1980 NFC CHAMPION PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 6th

Def: 1st

d. Vikings Div Rnd 31-16

d. Cowboys NFC Title 20-7

Lost Super Bowl 27-10

HC Dick Vermeil DC Marion Campbell

1st TM AP: NT C.Johnson (28) 

Third Super Bowl Champion of the region is the '74 Steelers; they'll host their intra-state rivals, the '80 Eagles who had the best defense in football.

5. 2011 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS v. 12. 1974 MIAMI DOLPHINS

5. 2011 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 2nd

Def: 13th

d. Lions WC 45-28

lost Niners Div Rnd 36-32

HC Sean Payton OC Pete Carmichael DC Gregg Williams

1st TM AP: None

12. 1974 MIAMI DOLPHINS

Pythag: 10-4

Off: 3rd

Def: 6th

lost Raiders Div Rnd 28-26

HC Don Shula OC Monte Clark DC Vince Costello

1st TM AP FS J.Scott (29) 

The '74 Dolphins were the 3rd best offense in football - they go to New Orleans, where the 2nd best offense from 2011 belonged to the Saints.

4. 2007 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS v. 13. 2013 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

4. 2007 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 3rd

Def: 1st

lost Chargers Div Rnd 28-24

HC Tony Dungy OC Tom Moore DC Ron Meeks

1st TM AP: SS B.Sanders (26) 

13. 2013 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 3rd

Def: 10th

d. Colts Div Rnd 43-22

lost AFC Title Broncos 26-16

HC Bill Belichick OC Josh McDaniels DC Matt Patricia

1st TM AP: None

Top half of the region ends in Indianapolis with a Manning/Brady battle- the '07 Colts were top 3 in offense and defense - the '13 Pats 3rd in offense.

3. 1987 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS v. 14. 2012 BALTIMORE RAVENS

3. 1987 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 12-3

Off: 1st

Def: 3rd

lost WC Vikings 36-24

HC Bill Walsh DC George Seifert 

1st TM AP: QB J.Montana (31) WR J.Rice (25) FS R.Lott (28) NT M.Carter (27) 

14. 2012 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION BALTIMORE RAVENS

Pythag: 9-7

Off: 10th

Def: 12th

d. Colts WC 24-9

d. Broncos Div Rnd 38-35

d. Patriots AFC Title 28-13

d. Niners Super Bowl 34-31

HC John Harbaugh OC Cam Cameron DC Dean Pees

1st TM AP: FB V.Leach (31) KR J.Jones (28) 

The '86 Redskins were here, but they didn't reach the floor, so one of the 4 remaining SB Champions out of the field - makes the field.  The Ravens beat the Niners in the SB - and they head to San Francisco in round 1 to face an '87 Niners squad that was 1st in offense and 3rd in defense.  

6. 2006 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS v. 11. 2000 OAKLAND RAIDERS

6. 2006 SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 7th

lost Div Rnd 24-21 Patriots

HC Marty Schottenheimer OC Cam Cameron DC Wade Phillips

1st TM AP: RB L.Tomlinson (27) FB L.Neal (36) TE A.Gates (26) LOLB S.Merriman (22) NT J.Williams (30) 

11. 2000 OAKLAND RAIDERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 3rd

Def: 9th

d. Dolphins Div Rnd 27-0

lost AFC Title Ravens 16-3

HC Jon Gruden OC Bill Callahan DC Chuck Bresnahan

1st TM AP: QB R.Gannon (35) P S.Lechler (24) 

The Raiders, with the third best offense from 2000 go to San Diego to face the top offense from 2006, the Chargers.

7. 1968 DALLAS COWBOYS v. 10. 2020 GREEN BAY PACKERS

7. 1968 DALLAS COWBOYS

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 1st

Def: 2nd

lost Div Rnd Browns 31-20

HC Tom Landry 

1st TM AP: LE B.Hayes (26) RT R.Neely (25) RDT B.Lilly (29) LLB C.Howley (32) 

10. 2020 GREEN BAY PACKERS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 1st

Def: 13th

d. Rams Div Rnd 32-18

lost Bucs NFC Title 31-26

HC Matt LaFleur OC Nathaniel Hackett DC Mike Pettine

1st TM AP: QB A.Rodgers (37) WR D.Adams (28) LCB J.Alexander (23)

The '68 Cowboys were first in offense, second in defense - they host the 2020 Packers who had the best offense in football.  

2. 1951 CLEVELAND BROWNS v. 15. 2001 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

2. 1951 CLEVELAND BROWNS

Pythag: 10-2

Off: 3rd

Def: 1st

Lost NFL Title Rams 24-17

HC Paul Brown 

1st TM AP: QB O.Graham RB D.Jones (27) RDE L.Ford (25) MG B.Willis (30) 

15. 2001 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 6th

Def: 6th

d. Raiders Div Rnd 16-13

d. Steelers AFC Title 24-17

d. Rams Super Bowl 20-17

HC Bill Belichick OC Charlie Weis DC Romeo Crennel

1st TM AP: None

Region 14 closes in Cleveland; the '51 Browns were top 3 in offense and defense - they host the first Patriots SB Champion, the '01 squad.  

256 Team NFL Tournament Preview - Region 13

 Region 12

3/4 of the field is locked.  Still 4 regions to go if you continue to await to see your team.  

The top seed in Region 13?  Pop the champagne.  It's the Perfect Dolphins.

1. 1972 MIAMI DOLPHINS v. 16. Play In Winner 1991 HOUSTON OILERS/1973 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

1. 1972 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION MIAMI DOLPHINS

Pythag: 12-2

Off: 1st

Def: 1st

d. Browns Div Rnd 20-14

d. Steelers AFC Title 21-17

d. Redskins Super Bowl 14-7

HC Don Shula OC Howard Schnellenberger DC Bill Arnsbarger

1st TM AP: QB E.Morrall (38) SS D.Anderson (26) RDE B.Stanfill (25) 

16. 1991 HOUSTON OILERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 4th

Def: 6th

d. Jets WC 17-10

lost Div Rnd Broncos 26-24

HC Jack Pardee OC Kevin Gilbride DC Jim Eddy

1st TM AP: WR H.Jeffires (27) LCB C.Dishman (26) 

16. 1973 PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 4th

Def: 8th

lost Div Rnd Raiders 33-14

HC Chuck Noll DC Bud Carson

1st TM AP: RDT J.Greene (27) 

The 13th overall seed in the tournament is the '72 Dolphins - first in offense and defense; they may face the '73 Steelers in round 1, if Pittsburgh can get past the '91 Oilers.

8. 1974 WASHINGTON REDSKINS v. 9. 1992 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

8. 1974 WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 4th

Def: 4th

lost Div Rnd 19-10 Rams

HC George Allen OC Ted Marchibroda DC LaVern Torgeson

1st TM AP: None

9. 1992 PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 5th

Def: 6th

d. Saints WC 36-20

lost Cowboys Div Rnd 34-10

HC Rich Kotite DC Bud Carson

1st TM AP: RDE C.Simmons (28) 

The '92 Eagles just escaped getting cut with a 5th ranked offense in '92; they will head to DC to face the '74 Skins who were 4th in both offense and defense.

5. 1995 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS v. 12. 1984 DENVER BRONCOS

5. 1995 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 1st

Def: 2nd

lost Packers Div Rnd 27-17

HC George Seifert OC Marc Trestman DC Pete Carroll

1st TM AP WR J.Rice (33) FS M.Hanks (27) MLB K.Norton (29) LCB E.Davis (27) 

12. 1984 DENVER BRONCOS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 11th

Def: 2nd

lost Div Round Steelers 24-17

HC Dan Reeves DC Joe Collier

1st TM AP None

First in offense, second in defense - the '95 Niners could be a tough out; they host the '84 Broncos who had the second best defense in football.

4. 2011 GREEN BAY PACKERS v. 13. 1966 DALLAS COWBOYS

4. 2011 GREEN BAY PACKERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 19th

lost Div Rnd 37-20

HC Mike McCarthy OC Joe Philbin DC Dom Capers

1st TM AP QB A.Rodgers (28) LCB C.Woodson (35) 

13. 1966 DALLAS COWBOYS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 1st

Def: 4th

lost NFL Title Packers 34-27

HC Tom Landry DC Dick Nolan

1st TM AP LE B.Hayes (24) LLB C.Howley (30) RDT B.Lilly (27) LCB C.Green (26) 

Upper half of Region 13 closes with the '66 Cowboys, top 4 in offense and defense, headed to Lambeau to face the best offense in 2011, the Packers.

3. 2012 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS v. 14. 1987 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

3. 2012 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 1st

Def: 9th

d. Texans Div Rnd 41-28

lost Ravens AFC Title 28-13

HC Bill Belichick OC Josh McDaniels DC Matt Patricia 

1st TM AP: LDT V.Wilfork (31) 

14. 1987 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Pythag: 11-4

Off: 2nd

Def: 5th

lost WC 44-10 Vikings

HC Jim Mora OC Carl Smith DC Steve Sidwell 

1st TM AP: K M.Andersen (27) 

Bottom half of Region 13 - this Patriots team had the best offense in 2012 and they host the '87 Saints who were top 5 in both offense and defense.  

6. 1963 GREEN BAY PACKERS v. 11. 1980 DALLAS COWBOYS

6. 1963 GREEN BAY PACKERS

Pythag: 11-3

Off: 2nd

Def: 2nd

Did not make playoffs

HC: Vince Lombardi DC Phil Bengsten

1st TM AP: LCB H.Adderley (24) RG J.Kramer (27) RDT H.Jordan (28) RT F.Gregg (30) 

11. 1980 DALLAS COWBOYS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 1st

Def: 13th

HC: Tom Landry OC Dan Reeves DC Ernie Stautner

1st TM AP None

The '63 Packers were second in offense and defense; they will be the home team against the top offense from 1980, the Cowboys.

7. 1983 LOS ANGELES RAIDERS v. 10. 2020 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

7. 1983 SUPER BOWL CHAMPION LOS ANGELES RAIDERS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 3rd

Def: 13th

d. Steelers Div Rnd 38-10

d. Seahawks AFC Title 30-14

d. Redskins Super Bowl 38-9

HC Tom Flores DC Charlie Sumner

1st TM AP TE T.Christiansen (27) 

10. 2020 AFC CHAMPION KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Pythag: 11-5

Off: 6th

Def: 10th

d. Browns Div Rnd 22-7

d. Bills AFC Title 38-24

lost Bucs Super Bowl 31-9

HC Andy Reid OC Eric Bieniemy DC Steve Spagnuolo

1st TM AP: TE T.Kelce (31) WR T.Hill (26) SS T.Mathieu (28) 

The Raiders are the second Super Bowl Champion in the region; the Chiefs just squeak into the field with the AFC Title; I see a scenario, if the tournament is extended, where the 2022 season ends during the first round - if that happens, my inclination will be to add in the 2022 teams that would qualify and this is a good example of a team that would get bounced.  

2. 2001 ST LOUIS RAMS v. 15. 2011 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

2. 2001 NFC CHAMPION ST LOUIS RAMS

Pythag: 13-3

Off: 1st

Def: 7th

d. Packers Div Rnd 45-17

d. Eagles NFC Title 29-24

lost Super Bowl Patriots 20-17

HC Mike Martz OC Bobby Jackson DC Lovie Smith

1st TM AP; K.Warner (30) RB M.Faulk (28) LCB A.Williams (33) LT O.Pace (26) 

15. 2011 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Pythag: 12-4

Off: 11th

Def: 2nd

d. Div Rnd Saints 36-32

lost NFC Title Giants 20-17

HC Jim Harbaugh OC Greg Roman DC Vic Fangio

1st TM AP: K D.Akers (37) P A.Lee (29) RILB P.Willis (26) RDE J.Smith (32) 

Region 13 ends with a battle of rivals; the Greatest Show on Turf hosting the 2nd best defense from 2011, Harbaugh's Niners.