Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

In light of the discussion 74_75_78_79 started on the 84 Men of Steel, one thing that jumped out was their resume of good wins (SF, both LA teams) and baffling losses (HOU, IND)

In other words, playing up and down to the competition- get up for the contenders, but not take the lesser likes seriously

What teams stand out for you here?

For me, the poster boys are the 2002 Saints: beat 4 playoff teams (Packers, 49ers, Steelers, Bucs) but lost to the NFL’s two worst teams of in Detroit and Cincinnati

How about the 2003 Vikings?

They went 9-7 and lost to four teams that finished 4-12 (Cardinals, Raiders, Chargers, Giants), also narrowly lost to a 7-9 Bears team. Their wins included victories against the playoff bound Chiefs, Seahawks, Broncos and Packers (whom they split that season).

That sounds like an example of this.