Although it’s only September, it’s never too early to start talking about the playoffs. The first three games of the season are a true barometer of a team’s chances of making a run to the post season and at 1-1 the Ravens are already at a fork in the road. Based on a team’s record in the first three games, going 1-2 vs. 2-1 or better makes a huge difference.
Since 2000, teams that started the season at 1-2 or worse made the playoffs only 16% of the time while a team with 2-1 record or better record made the playoffs 58% rate. You might not think a game this early in the season carries a lot of weight, but don’t be fooled. If the Ravens improve to 2-1 you can be fairly certain they will be playing in January.
Playoff percentage based on record in first three games since 2000
|
Year |
Teams with 2-1 or better record |
Playoffs (%) |
Teams with 1-2 or worse record |
Playoffs (%) |
|
2000 |
16 |
62.5% (10) |
15 |
13.3% (2) |
|
2001 |
19 |
52.6 (10) |
12 |
16.7% (2) |
|
2002 |
16 |
50.0% (8) |
16 |
25.0% (4) |
|
2003 |
16 |
56.2% (9) |
16 |
18.7% (3) |
|
2004 |
16 |
56.2% (9) |
16 |
18.7% (3) |
|
2005 |
16 |
62.5% (10) |
16 |
12.5% (2) |
|
2006 |
16 |
62.5% (10) |
16 |
12.5% (2) |
|
2007 |
16 |
62.5% (10) |
16 |
12.5% (2) |
|
2008 |
16 |
50.0% (8) |
16 |
25.0% (4) |
|
2009 |
16 |
68.7% (11) |
16 |
6.2% (1) |
|
Avg. |
|
58.4% |
|
16.1% |
Check back for more BTN later this year.
