All Time NFL Tournament-Elite 8

Sweet 16

2007 Patriots v. 2006 Patriots

2008 Ravens v. 2015 Steelers

1978 Cowboys v. 2008 Steelers

1987 Browns v. 1974 Steelers

2 Tom Brady teams, 2 Big Bens.  Bradshaw.  Staubach.  And - Flacco and Kosar.  

We start off with the Patriots matchup; the '07 Pats were the top overall seed in the entire field, the '06 team the 7th seed in region 8 - but they meet here, lets go out to Foxborough to find out which New England team makes the Final Four.  

2007 PATRIOTS 29    2006 PATRIOTS 6

The 2007 Patriots entered the tournament as the favorite and now they have made the final four.  The '06 team scored first on a 38 yard Stephen Gostkowski FG - the '07 team led 9-3 at the half, with a second quarter Kevin Faulk 5 yard TD run (missed XP) and a 43 yard FG from Gostkowski.  The third quarter ended it - Faulk scored again, this time a one yard run - and then after the '06 Gostkowski kicked a 43 yard FG to make it 16-6, the '07 team wrapped it up when Tom Brady hit Wes Welker for an 81 yard TD.  A couple FGs in the 4th from '07 Gostkowski and its a wrap.  

112 yards rushing for '07 Lawrence Maroney. 3 sacks for '07 Mike Vrabel.  

The 2007 Pats are headed to the Final Four.

We head to Candlestick to find out who they will face.

2015 STEELERS  22   2008 RAVENS 17

They finished 2nd in their own division, they were a 13th seed in this tournament -- and they are in the final four.  Baltimore scored first - Joe Flacco to Derrick Mason culminated the first drive of the game - a short Chris Boswell FG ended the quarter, the Ravens up 7-3.  Baltimore scored the next ten, a 49 yard Matt Stover FG early in the second qtr and then a second Flacco TD, this one to Mark Clayton.  2 more Boswell FGs closed the half, 17-9 Ravens.  Halfway through the third, Boswell hits his 4th FG and its 17-12, and with 2:57 left in the quarter, Big Ben hit Heath Miller from 5 yards out, the Steelers taking their first lead, 19-17.  Boswell adds one more FG in the middle of the 4th for the final score.  At the 2 minute warning, the Ravens had crossed midfield into Steeler territory - but a James Harrison interception sealed the win.  105 yards rushing for LeVeon Bell.  Harrison added 2 sacks to that pick.  

The 2007 Patriots will meet the 2015 Steelers.

The '08 Ravens played in that game - coming up in this one, the '08 Steelers, facing the '78 Cowboys - we are playing this one in Texas, in the Houston Astrodome.

2008 STEELERS 17  1978 COWBOYS 3

Did you expect two Ben Roethlisberger teams to reach the Final Four?  No TDs in this game, 5 Jeff Reed FGs and a safety got them their 17 points.  A seven sack game for the Steelers, they batter Roger Staubach, including two from James Farrior.  

One spot left.  This one is being played in Oakland, will a third Steeler team make the Final Four or will the Browns continue their Cinderella story?

1987 BROWNS 17  1974 STEELERS 12

The Cleveland Browns are in the Final Four.  

The Steelers led 9-7 at the half, Cleveland scored in the middle of the first quarter on a 17 yard Earnest Byner RD run, at the end of the quarter, Rocky Bleier countered with an 11 yard TD run of his own, Pittsburgh missed the PAT, at the end of the half, Roy Gerela made up for that miss with a 31 yard FG to give the Steelers the 9-7 lead.  Cleveland took their opening third quarter drive down the field, Kevin Mack scoring from 5 yards out to make it 14-9. With 10:21 left in the game, Gerela hit a short FG to cut the deficit to 2.  With 2:34 left, Jeff Jaeger hit a 34 yarder and it was 17-12 with the Steelers getting the ball one last time; they were unable to cross midfield and the Cleveland Browns will move on to face the '08 Steelers in the Final Four.

Bernie Kosar goes 12-16, 174 yards.  Carl Hairston has two sacks.

And there we go.  4 teams remain.  

2007 Patriots, the top overall seed in the field

2015 Steelers, a 13th seed in their region.

2008 Steelers, Big Ben and Mike Tomlin, half of the Final Four

And the 1987 Cleveland Browns, the slipper still nestled snugly, midnight not yet upon them.

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.