Detroit Lions Weblog

USA Today Factoid

USA Today had another interesting factoid in regards to playoff contention. Several teams went into last week with a 5-4 record. Throughout NFL history 69 of 143 (48.3%) teams that were 5-4, made it to the playoffs. The tenth game was even more decisive in the potential for a team to enter the playoffs. 5-4 teams that lost and became 5-5, were 29 of 122 (23.8%), relatively unlikely to make the playoffs. However, 5-4 teams that won, becoming 6-4, were 76 of 123 (61.8%). There were no odds posted for 4-6 teams but judging by the likelihood of entering the playoffs at 5-5, the chances of making the playoffs at 4-6 are slim and none. Many teams realize that there season is over around this time of the season once they have hit 6 losses.