What does history say about No. 1 seeds vs. No. 3 seeds in the playoffs?
Sunday’s conference championship games include two matchups of No. 1 seeds hosting No. 3 seeds. In NFL history, things don’t bode very well for the No. 3 seed, and the numbers aren’t very reassuring if you are a Chiefs or Lions fan.
There have been 15 total matchups between No. 1 and No. 3 seeds. Obviously, both teams have overcome their fair share of obstacles this season. They also have trump cards in the form of Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) and momentum (Lions).
Here is how these teams historically have fared by the numbers:
– The No. 1 seed has won 14 of 15 matchups with No. 3 seeds.
– The only upset came in 2003 when the Panthers defeated the Eagles.
– No. 1 seeds are averaging 26.3 points per game, while the No. 3 seeds are averaging 14.8 points per game.
The Chiefs and Lions both are hoping to be able to shape history to their own outcome come Sunday. None of these teams are following these numbers but the NFL is a numbers league. History repeats itself more in the NFL than in any other sports league one could argue.
The Bills and Chiefs will be the first to try and re-shape history when they faceoff before the 49ers and Lions on Sunday.
