have a lower winning percentage than division-winning teams in the playoffs.
- In the past 20 years, only two wildcard teams have made it to the super bowl but did not win.
Being a wildcard team in the nfl playoffs can have its advantages and disadvantages. However, as we have seen in history, anything is possible, and any team can win with determination and focus.
The Role Of Wildcard Teams In The Nfl Playoffs
In the national football league (nfl) playoffs, teams that haven’t won their division automatically get another chance to make it to the super bowl through ‘wildcard’ status. These teams are often viewed as underdogs, but they can still use certain strategies to advance to the next round.
In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the role of wildcard teams in the playoffs.
Strategies Wildcard Teams Use To Advance To The Next Round
Wildcard teams don’t get home advantage, but they can still use some strategies to advance to the next round, including:
- Playing aggressively: Wildcard teams can take more risks, such as going for it on fourth down or attempting a trick play, to take advantage of their underdog status.
- Sticking to their strengths: Wildcard teams can capitalize on their strengths, such as a strong passing game or a dominating defense, to control the game and increase their chances of winning.
- Building momentum: Winning games back-to-back is a critical factor in moving to the next round. Wildcard teams that build momentum can use that positivity to fuel their performance.
Comparison Of Wildcard Teams Vs Divisional Winners
Wildcard teams face a different scenario in the playoffs than divisional winners. Divisional winners have home-field advantage, which generally gives them a strong edge, while wildcard teams have to play on the road. However, wildcard teams have an opportunity to study their stronger opponents’ gameplay, which can give them an edge they might not have had otherwise.
Analysis Of Wildcard Teams Vs Conference Opponents
Some wildcard teams have ended up winning their conference and making it to the super bowl. A wildcard team competing against a conference foe has a greater chance of success than going against a team from the other conference, considering this is a team they have already played in the regular season.
However, in both cases, teams need the right mindset and sound strategy to overturn the odds in their favor.
To sum up, wildcard teams don’t have the advantage of home-field, but can still make it to the next round. They need to play aggressively, stick to their strengths, and build momentum. The comparisons they face in a match-up with either a divisional winner or a conference opposition, require techniques customized toward their challenger.
The key is always having the right mindset and skill set to navigate the way to the super bowl.
Notable Wildcard Playoff Games And Performances
Top Wildcard Playoff Games In Nfl History
Wildcard games are considered one of the most exciting events in the nfl playoffs. In history, there have been many intense wildcard games that went down to the wire. Here are some of the most memorable wildcard games to date:
- 1999: Tennessee titans vs buffalo bills—this game is known as “the music city miracle” where titans’ frank wycheck completed a lateral pass to kevin dyson who then ran 75 yards to score the winning touchdown in the final seconds.
- 2016: Green bay packers vs new york giants—in this game, packers’ quarterback aaron rodgers made an incredible hail mary pass to end the first half, which put green bay ahead for the rest of the game.
- 1988: Seattle seahawks vs houston oilers—oilers were leading 23-20 in the final quarter, but seahawks’ running back curt warner ran the ball 32 yards to score the winning touchdown and seal the game.
Breakdown Of Wildcard Performances By Team Rankings
Sometimes, teams that barely make the playoffs as wildcards end up performing exceptionally well, giving their opponents a run for their money. Here’s the team ranking breakdown of wildcard performances:
- Teams ranked 4th or lower have won eleven su