Since the current 12-team playoff format was instituted in 1990, 14 teams have reached the postseason despite having a losing record after 11 games. This includes the current streak in which a sub-.500 team after 11 games has reached the playoffs for six consecutive seasons. The New York Jets advanced to the AFC Championship Game after a 5-6 start last season. Since 1990, these are the teams with a losing record after 11 games that rebounded to make the playoffs:
YEAR
TEAM
RECORD AFTER 11 GAMES
FINAL RECORD
ADVANCED TO
1990
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
5-6
8-8
WILD CARD
-----
1993
MINNESOTA VIKINGS
5-6
9-7
WILD CARD
-----
1994
DETROIT LIONS
5-6
9-7
WILD CARD
-----
1994
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
5-6
10-6
WILD CARD
-----
1995
DETROIT LIONS
5-6
10-6
WILD CARD
-----
1995
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
4-7
9-7
WILD CARD
-----
1996
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
4-7
9-7
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
-----
1997
DETROIT LIONS
5-6
9-7
WILD CARD
-----
2004
ST. LOUIS RAMS
5-6
8-8
DIVISIONAL
-----
2005
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
5-6
10-6
DIVISIONAL
-----
2006
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES
5-6
10-6
DIVISIONAL
-----
2007
WASHINGTON REDSKINS
5-6
9-7
WILD CARD
-----
2008
SAN DIEGO CHARGERS
4-7
8-8
DIVISIONAL
-----
2009
NEW YORK JETS
5-6
9-7
AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Maybe there is hope for the Tennessee Titans yet. If they want to be the 15th team to accomplish that feat, then they will have to start with a win on Sunday at home against the Jaguars.
- Darren McFarland
- co-publiser of TitanInsider - TitanInsider