The 2010 Green Bay Packers season is historic, but for another reason than their Super Bowl appearance.
The Packers are the only team in NFL history to have six losses all by four points or fewer, according to Stats Inc. This team is also the first one to make the Super Bowl with only losses by four points or less since the 2000 Tennessee Titans.
Tennessee had three losses. The 1987 Washington Redskins are the only-four loss team with the same stat line and they had four losses.
This seemingly benign stat is the main reason the Packers are favored over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A closer look at the Packers’ six losses, however, shows why Green Bay is better than its record would indicate, and why the Packers are the favorites: They played close, competitive games even in defeat, in a way no NFL team ever had.
Of the Packers six losses, four came by three points and two came by four. While often infuriating and disappointing to watch, it’s also a sign this Packers team can play with anyone.
It’s prompted The Wall Street Journal’s Michael David Smith to ask whether they’re the greatest six-loss team in NFL history.
That will most likely be determined on the field, on Feb. 6.
Here are the teams with only losses by four points or fewer in NFL history.
TEAM | RECORD |
2010 Packers | 10-6 |
1987 Redskins | 11-4 |
2000 Titans | 13-3 |
1962 Lions | 11-3 |
1960 Browns | 8-3-1 |
1953 Rams | 8-3-1 |
1953 49ers | 9-3 |
1934 Lions | 10-3 |