Rise of the divisional underdogs!

January 11, 2020 at 6:36AM
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) is brought down by Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) during the first half of an NFL divisional football AFC playoff game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018. (AP Photo/Don Wright)
The Jaguars brought down Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers as a seven-point underdog two years ago. (Ken Chia — AP/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Three of the four NFL divisional games this weekend have a point spread of seven or more points. The Ravens and Chiefs are favored by 9½ points over the Titans and Texans, respectively, while the 49ers are favored by seven over the Vikings. Since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, 24 road teams have won as underdogs of seven or more points in the divisional round. Here they are:

1996: Jaguars 30, Steelers (-12½) 27

1987: Vikings 36, 49ers (-11) 24

2007: Chargers 28, Colts (-11) 24

2008: Cardinals 33, Panthers (-10) 13

1995: Packers 27, 49ers (-9½) 17

2010: Jets 28, Patriots (-9½) 21

1984: Bears 23, Redskins (-9) 19

2009: Jets 17, Chargers (-9) 14

2012: Ravens 38, Broncos (-9) 35

1979: Rams 21, Cowboys (-8½) 19

2005: Steelers 21, Colts (-8½) 18

1975: Cowboys 17, Vikings (-8) 14

1977: Vikings 14, Rams (-8) 7

1979: Oilers 17, Chargers (-8) 14

1983: Seahawks 27, Dolphins (-8) 20

1995: Colts 10, Chiefs (-8) 7

2011: Giants 37, Packers (-8) 20

1970: 49ers 17, Vikings (-7) 14

1986: Redskins 27, Bears (-7) 13

1993: Chiefs 28, Oilers (-7) 20

2003: Panthers 29, Rams (-7) 23

2007: Giants 21, Cowboys (-7) 17

2014: Colts 24, Broncos (-7) 13

2017: Jaguars 45, Steelers (-7) 42

about the writer

about the writer