Has an NFL Team Ever Started 8-0 and Missed the Playoffs?
Many football fans remember the L.A. Raiders' thrilling 8-0 start in the 1989 season, followed by a dramatic collapse. But the fact is, an NFL team has indeed started 8-0 and missed the playoffs. In this article, we will explore this unique situation in the history of the NFL, examining multiple instances where strong starts have not equated to playoff success.
Notable Examples from NFL History
One of the most prominent examples in NFL history is the 1970 Minnesota Vikings. Under the leadership of coach Bud Grant, the Vikings started the season with an amazing 8-0 record. However, they finished the season with a 10-4 record, resulting in their first-place division record being trumped by the Green Bay Packers, which led to them missing the playoffs.
Another similar case is the 2001 Miami Dolphins. They also began the season with an impressive 8-0 record, but their season ended with a 9-7 record, leading to their early exit from the playoffs. These instances underscore the fact that a perfect or near-perfect start to the season does not guarantee playoff qualification.
The 1967 Baltimore Colts: An Unprecedented 11-0 Start
The real surprise comes from the 1967 Baltimore Colts. This team not only started 8-0 but eventually improved their record to 11-0. The Colts played their first 13 games without losing, which was an extraordinary feat in a league where regular-season games were still a central part of tournament qualification.
Interestingly, the Colts had two ties in weeks 5 and 6. After 10 weeks, their record was recorded as 8-0-2, making it an 8-0 start in the strict sense. As ties were not counted in the standings at that time, the Colts' official record was marked as 8-0, aligning with what we generally consider an 8-0 start. They pushed this to 11-0 by winning their next three games against the New York Jets, Baltimore Colts (again), and the Cincinnati Bengals.
Divisional Football and the NFL’s Tiebreaker Rules
However, despite this spectacular start, the Colts did not secure their playoff spot. In those days, the NFL (then known as the AFL-NFL merged league) required teams to win their own division to qualify for the playoffs. The Los Angeles Rams, who were in the same division, had a strong record of 10-1-2. The two teams faced off in the final game of the season. The Rams won, handing the Colts a single loss and securing a division title, which was crucial for winning the tiebreaker.
The tiebreaker rule back then was the head-to-head record between the two teams, as well as their earlier matchup. The Rams had won both games, leaving the Colts with a 11-1-2 record, consisting of 11 wins, 1 loss, and 2 ties, but still not securing a playoff spot due to the tiebreakers.
Conclusion: The Complexity of NFL Playoffs
These cases illustrate the intricacies and complexities of the NFL playoffs. While an 8-0 or even an 11-0 start is a remarkable accomplishment, success in the league is not solely determined by these initial records. Various external factors, including divisional opponents' performance and tiebreaker rules, play significant roles in playoff qualification.
Understanding these nuances is crucial for fans, analysts, and team owners alike. It adds an additional layer of excitement and unpredictability to NFL seasons, making every game crucial, right from the start.
Was there an NFL team that started 8-0 and missed the playoffs? Absolutely. But every story has its unique twist, and the 1967 Baltimore Colts remind us that a strong start is just the beginning of a long journey in the world of professional football.