Recent history not kind to high playoff seeds

Back in the day, landing a No. 1 or No. 2 playoff seed and subsequent first-round bye meant an almost guaranteed victory in the divisional round of the NFL’s post-season.

From 1990 until 2004, No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the NFC recorded a lopsided 27-3 advantage in divisional playoff games. It was believed a week off to rest in the first round of the playoffs gave the top two seeds a major advantage.

But times have changed. Since the 2005 season, No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the NFC have posted an 8-6 record in the divisional playoffs.

The Packers were the top seed last season with a 15-1 record and were well-rested for their divisional home playoff game against the New York Giants, who came to Lambeau Field and upset Green Bay 37-20.

The trend in the AFC is similar. From 1990 to 2004 the top two seeds in the AFC posted a 22-8 record in divisional playoff games, but since 2005 are just 7-7.

A No. 1 or No. 2 seeded team won the Super Bowl in 13 of 15 years from 1990 to 2004. But since 2005, a No. 1 or No. 2 seed has won the Super Bowl just two of seven years.

The Packers in 2010 won a championship as a No. 6 seed. Pittsburgh won it all as a No. 6 seed in 2005, Indianapolis won as a No. 3 seed in 2006, and the New York Giants won as a No. 5 seed in 2007 and a No. 4 seed in 2011.

Only one No. 1 seed has won the Super Bowl since the 2003 season -- New Orleans in 2009. Only one No. 2 seed has won the championship since the 2004 season – Pittsburgh in 2008.

So while the Packers (9-4) are battling San Francisco (9-3-1) for the No. 2 seed in the NFC, it should be noted that a high playoff seeding isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.