Putting the NFL Season in Perspective

By Steve Helmer
Associated Content

The nice thing about the NFL is the easy to follow format when it comes to the playoff hunt. Each team plays the same amount of games. Each division winner is automatically in the playoffs followed by the two teams with the best record from each conference.

But, while this is easy to follow, it doesn't give the average NFL fan the full story. Sure, some of the unmentioned details really have nothing to do with the outcome of the season. But, knowing them will give you the edge the next time you're having a football-related conversation with your friends.

So, today I'm going to focus on giving you information you might not be able to get anywhere else; just so you can say you know something your buddies didn't.

Through 13 weeks of NFL action:

NFC Teams hold a slight edge over the AFC with an overall record of 97-95. The AFC teams have a 95-97 record. However, the AFC has 7 teams with 7 wins or more. The NFC only has 5 teams. AFC teams have also scored 174 more points than the NFC.

Teams that have an animal mascot (Dolphins, Ravens, etc) have an average of 5 wins for the year. Teams with non-animal names have won, on average, 7 games.

Teams that have a state or region in their name (Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots) have an average of 7 wins for the year. Teams that use a specific city (St. Louis Rams, Denver Broncos) have won an average of only 6 games for the year.

Teams that play in the same state as another NFL team have an average of 5 wins this season. Teams that have their state all to themselves have an average of 6 wins. Florida is the only state to have multiple teams with a winning record (Jaguars and Buccaneers).

Of the teams that play their home games indoors, the Indianapolis Colts are the only one with a winning record. The other dome teams have averaged just 5 wins this year.

Teams that have won at least one Super Bowl have averaged 6 wins so far this season. Teams that haven't won a Super Bowl have averaged 5 wins for the season. There are 6 teams that have never played in a Super Bowl; Detroit Lions, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars, Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans. The Jaguars and Browns are the only two currently above .500. The Cardinals and Lions are both 6-6.