Losing to teams twice in a season

[SHOWTIME15]

Even the divisionsal game thing is something of a myth. I saw an analysis done not long ago that showed winning percentage and margin of victory is largely unaffected by whether the opponent is a division member.

The reason I focused on playoff teams is because that's the real discrepancy. Facing a team twice is common, three times is not. But once the playoffs roll around they're all tough outs, division or no.

The only reason I say its tougher is because Divisional opponents tend to have more information on you than otherwise...if they are in the playoffs they are already good and they have additional knowledge of your tendencies
They have the advantage of having prepared for you 2X already...

 

[SHOWTIME15]

Actually the record for the team that’s 2-0 is pretty good in the 3rd matchup

I'd be interesting in seeing the numbers. The last time we saw this was in 2007 when the giants and cowboys played 3X, and of course, the cowboys won the 2 regular season games but lost in the divisional round to them allowing the giants to go on their lucky run

 

[Oswlek]

The only reason I say its tougher is because Divisional opponents tend to have more information on you than otherwise...if they are in the playoffs they are already good and they have additional knowledge of your tendencies
They have the advantage of having prepared for you 2X already...

Oh, I know the rationale behind that thought process, it just isn't borne out by the data. It's mostly a case of confirmation bias; close divisional games are remembered and attributed bto their "divisional-ness", but games like the one against the Giants earlier are ignored or are close more due to randomness.

 

[fightingirish595]

I'd be interesting in seeing the numbers. The last time we saw this was in 2007 when the giants and cowboys played 3X, and of course, the cowboys won the 2 regular season games but lost in the divisional round to them allowing the giants to go on their lucky run

Since the merger. There have been 21 instances of a team beating a divisional rival both times in the regular season and then having to play them for a 3rd time in the playoffs. In 14 of those games, the team who was 2-0 won the 3rd matchup

 

[maust]

I’m petrified of Baltimore.

Someone fetch NG his brown pants.
Every playoff opponent merits respect. If for no other reason than simply by virtue of their being good enough to make it that far. Of course in Baltimore's case it goes further, they are a formidable opponent. That said, respect all but fear none.

 

[DaBronxPats14]

Let any of them come to Gillette. In Jan. Playoffs. I'll take TB BB JM & Mother Nature.

 

[SHOWTIME15]

I’m petrified of Baltimore. They are built to beat us. Brady is going to have to put on one of his ATG performances and at age 42, I hope he still has 1 or two left in him

They are a great team, but how QBs in their first full season make it to the super bowl?