Throughout the second half of the regular season, one division separated itself from the rest as the best in the NFL.
That success has carried over into the playoffs.
[ 2026 NFL Divisional Round Bracket & Schedule ]
With the Los Angeles Rams beating the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers beating the Philadelphia Eagles, three of the 4 Divisional Spherical spots within the NFC belong to groups within the West.
This would be the fourth time within the historical past of the Divisional Spherical that one division may have three representatives at this level within the playoffs. The frequent theme is that, unsurprisingly, all three earlier situations noticed one of many three groups make it to the Tremendous Bowl.
2022 NFC East
In 2022, the Eagles blew out the Giants, 38-7. The rating was 28-0 at halftime behind a dominant Philly dashing assault.
Kenneth Gainwell and Miles Sanders mixed for 202 dashing yards, whereas Jalen Hurts and Boston Scott every added a dashing landing, as nicely. Hurts was additionally strong via the air, going 16-of-24 for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
The Giants received a memorable win on the street over the Vikings within the Wild Card Spherical, however Daniel Jones’ spectacular season led to Philly.
Daniel Jones could not match Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ dashing assault within the 2022 NFL Divisional Spherical. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Photographs)
In the meantime, the Cowboys fell simply brief in opposition to the 49ers. It was a 9-9 sport coming into the fourth quarter, however Christian McCaffrey opened the ultimate interval with a 2-yard landing run that separated the groups for good.
The Eagles blew out the 49ers within the NFC Championship Recreation after Brock Purdy tore his UCL within the first quarter. Finally, although, Philadelphia fell to the Chiefs within the Tremendous Bowl, regardless of a unbelievable efficiency from Hurts.
1997 NFC Central
This was again when there have been three five-team divisions, which explains why the Buccaneers, Packers and Vikings all represented the identical division: the NFC Central.
The Vikings fell to the 49ers within the Divisional Spherical behind 120 dashing yards and two touchdowns from working again Terry Kirby and a gradual efficiency from Steve Younger beneath middle.
The Packers, in the meantime, have been ignited by working again Dorsey Levens’ 112 dashing yards and rating to beat the Buccaneers. Brett Favre had a day to neglect, going 15-of-28 for 190 yards, one landing and two interceptions.
Inexperienced Bay made it to the Tremendous Bowl that yr, though it fell to John Elway’s Broncos.
Reggie White was a key participant for the Packers of their second straight journey to the Tremendous Bowl. (James V. Biever/Getty Photographs)
1992 NFC East
Again within the 1992 season, Dallas, Philadelphia and Washington all made the Divisional Spherical.
Washington ran right into a juggernaut 49ers workforce that went 14-2 in the course of the common season. Younger was 20-of-30 for 227 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, however he additionally ran for a powerful 73 yards. Fellow Corridor of Famer Jerry Rice led the passing sport with six receptions for 88 yards. Mark Rypien by no means received it going for Washington, going 19-of-40 for 270 yards and two interceptions whereas being sacked 5 occasions.
Within the different sport, the Eagles by no means stood an opportunity in opposition to the Cowboys. Troy Aikman was 15-of-25 for 200 yards and a landing, whereas Emmitt Smith had 25 carries for 114 yards and a TD. Dallas gained the Tremendous Bowl after beating the 49ers within the NFC Championship Recreation, dispatching of the Payments by a dominant 52-17 scoreline.
Jimmy Johnson’s Cowboys have been dominant within the 1992 playoffs. (Joseph Patronite/Getty Photographs)
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