What was the official title of the American football tournament that took place from January 8 to February 6, 2011?

The American football tournament that occurred from January 8 to February 6, 2011, was officially known as the National Football League playoffs for the 2010 season. This postseason event determined the champion of the NFL.

Which teams participated in the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, and how many games were played?

A total of 12 teams participated in the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, and 11 games were played throughout the tournament. These teams competed across various rounds to reach the Super Bowl.

Where was Super Bowl XLV, the championship round of the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, held?

Super Bowl XLV was held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This venue served as the neutral site for the final championship game of the season.

Who were the defending champions entering the 2010–11 NFL playoffs?

The New Orleans Saints were the defending champions entering the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, having won the Super Bowl in the previous season.

Which team emerged as the champion of the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, and who was the runner-up?

The Green Bay Packers emerged as the champion of the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were the runner-up, in Super Bowl XLV.

What was notable about the Green Bay Packers' seeding in Super Bowl XLV?

The Green Bay Packers made history in Super Bowl XLV as the first NFC representative to be a #6 seed and only the second #6 seed overall to reach the Super Bowl. The previous instance was the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XL.

What unusual circumstance regarding team records occurred in the 2010–11 NFL playoffs?

The 2010–11 NFL playoffs marked only the second postseason in NFL history to include a team with a losing record, and the first to do so following a full regular season. The Seattle Seahawks won their division with a 7–9 record, as all four teams in the NFC West had losing seasons that year.

Which team with a losing record made history in the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, and what did they achieve?

The Seattle Seahawks, with a 7–9 record, made history by becoming the first playoff team with a losing record to win a postseason game. They achieved this by defeating the defending Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card round.

How did away teams perform in the opening wildcard round of the 2010–11 NFL playoffs?

In the opening wildcard round of the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, three of the four home teams had fewer wins than the away team. Overall, away teams finished with a 6–4 record in the 2010 postseason.

What was a significant outcome regarding the number one playoff seeds in the 2010–11 NFL playoffs?

The 2010–11 NFL playoffs marked the second time since the 1979 NFL season that neither of the number one playoff seeds advanced to their conference's respective championship game. The other instance occurred in the 2008–09 NFL playoffs.

What new overtime rules were in effect for the 2010–11 NFL playoffs, and were they utilized?

New postseason overtime rules were in effect for the first time, changing from a straight sudden death format. Under these rules, if the coin toss winner scores a field goal on its first possession, the other team gets a possession. If the second team then scores a touchdown, they win. If the score remains tied after both teams have had a possession, it reverts to sudden death. However, none of the playoff games this season went into overtime, so these new rules were not utilized.

How do teams qualify for the NFL playoffs within each conference?

Within each conference, the four division winners and the top two non-division winners with the best overall regular season records qualify for the playoffs. This system ensures both division champions and strong wild card teams compete.

How are teams seeded in the NFL playoffs?

The four division winners are seeded 1–4 based on their overall won-lost-tied record, while the wild card teams are seeded 5–6. The NFL does not use a fixed bracket system, and teams from the same division can match up in any round.

What is the structure of the first round of the NFL playoffs, known as the wild-card playoffs?

In the wild-card playoffs, the third-seeded division winner hosts the sixth-seed wild card team, and the fourth seed hosts the fifth seed. The 1 and 2 seeds from each conference receive a first-round bye, meaning they do not play in this round.

How are matchups determined in the divisional playoffs, the second round of the NFL postseason?

In the divisional playoffs, the number 1 seed hosts the worst-surviving seed from the first round (either seed 4, 5, or 6). Concurrently, the number 2 seed plays the other remaining team (either seed 3, 4, or 5). This ensures the top seeds play lower-ranked opponents.

Which teams were the #1 seeds in the AFC and NFC for the 2010–11 NFL playoffs?

The New England Patriots were the #1 seed in the AFC as the East winner, and the Atlanta Falcons were the #1 seed in the NFC as the South winner for the 2010–11 NFL playoffs.

Which teams were the #6 wild card seeds in the AFC and NFC for the 2010–11 NFL playoffs?

The New York Jets were the #6 wild card seed in the AFC, and the Green Bay Packers were the #6 wild card seed in the NFC for the 2010–11 NFL playoffs.

Which television networks broadcast the 2010–11 NFL playoffs in the United States?

In the United States, NBC broadcast the first two Wild Card playoff games. CBS then televised the remaining AFC playoff games, while Fox broadcast the rest of the NFC games and Super Bowl XLV.

What was the final score and key outcome of the NFC Wild Card game between the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks?

The Seattle Seahawks defeated the New Orleans Saints 41–36. The Seahawks made history by becoming the first 7–9 team to win a playoff game, highlighted by Marshawn Lynch's 67-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter, an event colloquially known as the Beast Quake.

What individual postseason record did Drew Brees set in the Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks?

Drew Brees set a postseason record with 39 completions in the Wild Card game against the Seattle Seahawks, where he also threw for 404 yards and two touchdowns.

What was the final score and key outcome of the AFC Wild Card game between the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts?

The New York Jets defeated the Indianapolis Colts 17–16. The game was decided by a Nick Folk 32-yard field goal as time expired, avenging the Jets' loss to Indianapolis in the previous season's AFC title game.

What significant career event for Peyton Manning occurred during the AFC Wild Card game against the New York Jets?

The AFC Wild Card game against the New York Jets turned out to be Peyton Manning's final game in a Colts uniform. He missed the entire 2011 season due to neck surgery and later signed with the Denver Broncos.

What was the final score and key outcome of the AFC Wild Card game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs?

The Baltimore Ravens defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 30–7. Baltimore dominated the game, out-gaining Kansas City significantly in total yards and forcing five turnovers, extending the Chiefs' playoff losing streak to seven consecutive games.

What was a notable individual performance by a Ravens player in the Wild Card game against the Chiefs?

Joe Flacco became the first Ravens quarterback ever to throw multiple touchdown passes in a playoff game, completing 25 of 34 passes for 265 yards and two touchdowns against the Chiefs. Tight end Todd Heap also set a franchise record with 10 receptions for 106 yards in a postseason game.

What was the final score and key outcome of the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 31–24. Rashard Mendenhall's 2-yard touchdown run with 1:33 left, set up by a 58-yard completion to Antonio Brown, secured the Steelers' victory in a defensive battle marked by turnovers.

What was the final score and key outcome of the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons?

The Green Bay Packers blew out the Atlanta Falcons 48–21. Aaron Rodgers had a nearly perfect performance, throwing for 366 yards and three touchdowns, and adding a rushing touchdown. Cornerback Tramon Williams also contributed significantly with two interceptions, including a 70-yard pick-six.

What NFL postseason record did Aaron Rodgers set during the Divisional Playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons?

Aaron Rodgers set an NFL postseason record by achieving 10 touchdown passes in his first three playoff games, a feat accomplished during the Divisional Playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons.

What was the final score and key outcome of the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears?

The Chicago Bears defeated the Seattle Seahawks 35–24. Chicago dominated early, scoring 28 unanswered points, with Jay Cutler leading the offense with two passing and two rushing touchdowns. Seattle mounted a late comeback but ultimately fell short.

What historical achievement did Jay Cutler accomplish in his first career playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks?

In his first career playoff game, Jay Cutler completed 15 of 28 passes for 274 yards and two touchdowns, and also rushed for 43 yards and two scores. He joined Otto Graham as one of only two players ever to run and throw for multiple touchdowns in a playoff game.

What was the final score and key outcome of the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots?

The New York Jets defeated the New England Patriots 28–21. Mark Sanchez led the Jets to victory with three touchdown passes, avenging a significant regular season loss to New England. The game featured several key turnovers and special teams plays.

What NFL record did Tom Brady's interception end during the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the New York Jets?

Tom Brady's interception in the AFC Divisional Playoff game against the New York Jets ended his NFL record of consecutive passes without an interception at 340. This streak had lasted since Week 6 of the regular season.

What was the final score and key outcome of the NFC Championship game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears?

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears 21–14. Green Bay's defense was pivotal, knocking starting quarterback Jay Cutler out of the game and intercepting three passes, including an 18-yard pick-six by B. J. Raji, to secure their Super Bowl berth.

What historical milestone did the Green Bay Packers achieve by winning the NFC Championship game?

By winning the NFC Championship game, the Green Bay Packers became the first NFC #6 seed to advance to the Super Bowl, achieving this by defeating the top three seeded teams on the road.

What was the significance of B. J. Raji's interception return for a touchdown in the NFC Championship game?

B. J. Raji's 18-yard interception return for a touchdown in the NFC Championship game was significant because, at 338 pounds, he became the heaviest player in NFL history to score a touchdown.

What controversy surrounded Jay Cutler's injury and exit from the NFC Championship game?

Jay Cutler's injury and exit from the NFC Championship game sparked a social media attack from other NFL players, criticizing him for not returning to the game. However, Bears coach Lovie Smith later clarified that the decision to bench Cutler was made by the medical and training staff, not Cutler himself, after an MRI revealed an MCL sprain.

What was the final score and key outcome of the AFC Championship game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers?

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New York Jets 24–19. Pittsburgh jumped to an early 24–0 lead and then held off a desperate comeback rally from the Jets to earn their third Super Bowl bid in six years.

What was a notable historical fact about the AFC Championship game between the Jets and Steelers, as of 2025?

As of 2025, the AFC Championship game between the Jets and Steelers remains the Jets' most recent playoff game, and it is also the latest AFC Championship Game to not feature either the New England Patriots or the Kansas City Chiefs.

What was the final score of Super Bowl XLV, and which teams competed?

The Green Bay Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31–25 in Super Bowl XLV. This marked the first Super Bowl meeting between these two historic franchises.

Who were the conference runners-up in the 2010–11 NFL playoffs?

The Chicago Bears were the NFC conference runner-up, and the New York Jets were the AFC conference runner-up in the 2010–11 NFL playoffs.

What was the game attendance for Super Bowl XLV?

The game attendance for Super Bowl XLV, held at Cowboys Stadium, was 103,219 spectators.

What was the weather condition for the NFC Wild Card game between the Saints and Seahawks?

The NFC Wild Card game between the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks was played in cloudy weather with a temperature of 40°F (4°C) at Qwest Field in Seattle.

What was the weather condition for the AFC Wild Card game between the Jets and Colts?

The AFC Wild Card game between the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts was played with the retractable roof closed at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, meaning the weather outside did not affect the game.

What was the weather condition for the AFC Wild Card game between the Ravens and Chiefs?

The AFC Wild Card game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs was played in cloudy weather with a temperature of 26°F (-3°C) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.

What was the weather condition for the NFC Wild Card game between the Packers and Eagles?

The NFC Wild Card game between the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles was played in sunny weather with a temperature of 30°F (-1°C) at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

What was the weather condition for the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Ravens and Steelers?

The AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers was played in cloudy weather with a temperature of 36°F (2°C) at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

What was the weather condition for the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Packers and Falcons?

The NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons was played indoors at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, as it was a domed stadium, so external weather was not a factor.

What was the weather condition for the NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Seahawks and Bears?

The NFC Divisional Playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears was played in cloudy weather with a temperature of 24°F (-4°C) at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

What was the weather condition for the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jets and Patriots?

The AFC Divisional Playoff game between the New York Jets and New England Patriots was played in clear weather with a temperature of 30°F (-1°C) at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

What was the weather condition for the NFC Championship game between the Packers and Bears?

The NFC Championship game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears was played in partly cloudy weather with a temperature of 20°F (-7°C) at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

What was the weather condition for the AFC Championship game between the Jets and Steelers?

The AFC Championship game between the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers was played in partly cloudy weather with a temperature of 15°F (-9°C) at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

2010 U201311 Nfl Playoffs Wiki: Gridiron Grandeur: An Analytical Retrospective of the 2010-11 NFL Postseason

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Season Overview

Key Dates and Outcome

The National Football League playoffs for the 2010 season commenced on January 8, 2011, culminating in Super Bowl XLV on February 6, 2011. This postseason tournament saw the Green Bay Packers emerge victorious, defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers with a final score of 31–25. The championship game was hosted at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Unprecedented Narratives

The 2010-11 playoffs were notable for several historical occurrences. It marked the first Super Bowl appearance for an NFC representative as a #6 seed, and only the second time overall for any #6 seed (the 2005 Pittsburgh Steelers being the first). Furthermore, this was only the second postseason in NFL history to include a team with a losing record, and the first to do so with a full regular season. The Seattle Seahawks, with a 7–9 record, not only won their division but also became the first playoff team with a losing record to secure a postseason victory.

Home Field Disadvantage

A peculiar trend observed in this postseason was the performance of home teams. In the opening Wild Card round, three of the four home teams had fewer regular-season wins than their away opponents. Overall, away teams concluded the 2010 postseason with a 6–4 record. This was also the second time since the 1979 NFL season that neither of the number one playoff seeds advanced to their respective conference championship games.

New Overtime Rules

A Shift from Sudden Death

The 2010-11 NFL playoffs were the inaugural postseason to implement a revised overtime rule structure. Prior to this, all overtime periods were decided by a "sudden death" format, where the first team to score any points would immediately win the game. The new rules introduced a modification specifically for postseason contests.

The Modified Format

Under the new changes, if the team that wins the coin toss scores a field goal on its initial possession, the game does not conclude immediately. Instead, the opposing team is granted an opportunity to possess the ball. If the coin toss loser then scores a touchdown, they are declared the winner. If the score remains tied after both teams have had a possession, the game reverts to the traditional sudden death format, where the next score of any kind wins. It is noteworthy that none of the playoff games in this particular season extended into the extra period, thus these new rules were not put into practice during this postseason.

Participating Teams

Qualification Criteria

Within each conference (AFC and NFC), a total of twelve teams qualified for the postseason. This included the four division winners, who were seeded 1–4 based on their overall regular season records. Additionally, the top two non-division winners with the best overall regular season records from each conference qualified as "wild card" teams, seeded 5–6. The NFL employs a flexible bracket system, meaning there are no restrictions preventing teams from the same division from competing in any round.

Playoff Seeding Structure

The top two seeds in each conference received a first-round bye, advancing directly to the Divisional Playoffs. In the Wild Card round, the third-seeded division winner hosted the sixth-seed wild card, and the fourth seed hosted the fifth. In the Divisional Playoffs, the number 1 seed played the lowest-seeded surviving team from the Wild Card round, while the number 2 seed played the other remaining team. The two victorious teams from each conference's Divisional Playoffs then met in their respective Conference Championship games, with the higher seed hosting. The Super Bowl, as the championship round, is played at a neutral site, with the designated home team determined by an annual conference rotation.

2010-11 Playoff Seeds

The following table outlines the seeding for the 2010-11 NFL playoffs:

Seed	AFC	NFC
1	New England Patriots (East winner)	Atlanta Falcons (South winner)
2	Pittsburgh Steelers (North winner)	Chicago Bears (North winner)
3	Indianapolis Colts (South winner)	Philadelphia Eagles (East winner)
4	Kansas City Chiefs (West winner)	Seattle Seahawks (West winner)
5	Baltimore Ravens (wild card)	New Orleans Saints (wild card)
6	New York Jets (wild card)	Green Bay Packers (wild card)

Playoff Progression

The Road to Super Bowl XLV

The 2010-11 NFL playoffs featured a compelling series of matchups across four rounds: Wild Card, Divisional, Conference Championships, and finally, Super Bowl XLV. The structure ensured that higher-seeded teams generally enjoyed home-field advantage, though this season saw several upsets and notable performances by lower seeds.

AFC Playoff Path:

Wild Card Round:
- #6 New York Jets defeated #3 Indianapolis Colts (17-16)
- #5 Baltimore Ravens defeated #4 Kansas City Chiefs (30-7)
Divisional Round:
- #2 Pittsburgh Steelers defeated #5 Baltimore Ravens (31-24)
- #6 New York Jets defeated #1 New England Patriots (28-21)
AFC Championship:
- #2 Pittsburgh Steelers defeated #6 New York Jets (24-19)

NFC Playoff Path:

Wild Card Round:
- #4 Seattle Seahawks defeated #5 New Orleans Saints (41-36)
- #6 Green Bay Packers defeated #3 Philadelphia Eagles (21-16)
Divisional Round:
- #2 Chicago Bears defeated #4 Seattle Seahawks (35-24)
- #6 Green Bay Packers defeated #1 Atlanta Falcons (48-21)
NFC Championship:
- #6 Green Bay Packers defeated #2 Chicago Bears (21-14)

Notable Outcomes

This postseason was particularly remarkable for the journey of the Green Bay Packers, who, as the #6 seed in the NFC, successfully navigated three road playoff games against higher-seeded opponents to reach the Super Bowl. Their path included victories over the #3 Eagles, #1 Falcons, and #2 Bears. Similarly, the New York Jets, also a #6 seed in the AFC, made an impressive run, defeating the #3 Colts and the #1 Patriots before falling to the #2 Steelers in the AFC Championship. Had the Jets won, it would have been the first Super Bowl contested between two #6 wild card teams.

Game Schedule

All times listed are Eastern Standard Time (UTC−05).

Round	Away Team	Score	Home Team	Date	Kickoff (ET)	TV
Wild Card	New Orleans Saints	36–41	Seattle Seahawks	January 8, 2011	4:30 pm	NBC
	New York Jets	17–16	Indianapolis Colts	January 8, 2011	8:00 pm	NBC
	Baltimore Ravens	30–7	Kansas City Chiefs	January 9, 2011	1:00 pm	CBS
	Green Bay Packers	21–16	Philadelphia Eagles	January 9, 2011	4:30 pm	Fox
Divisional	Baltimore Ravens	24–31	Pittsburgh Steelers	January 15, 2011	4:30 pm	CBS
	Green Bay Packers	48–21	Atlanta Falcons	January 15, 2011	8:00 pm	Fox
	Seattle Seahawks	24–35	Chicago Bears	January 16, 2011	1:00 pm	Fox
	New York Jets	28–21	New England Patriots	January 16, 2011	4:30 pm	CBS
Conference Championships	Green Bay Packers	21–14	Chicago Bears	January 23, 2011	3:00 pm	Fox
Conference Championships	New York Jets	19–24	Pittsburgh Steelers	January 23, 2011	6:30 pm	CBS
Super Bowl XLV	Pittsburgh Steelers	25–31	Green Bay Packers	February 6, 2011	6:30 pm	Fox

Wild Card Playoffs

Seattle Seahawks 41, New Orleans Saints 36

The Seattle Seahawks, with a regular season record of 7–9, made history by becoming the first team with a losing record to win a playoff game. This high-scoring affair was highlighted by Marshawn Lynch's iconic 67-yard touchdown run, famously dubbed the "Beast Quake," which registered as a small earthquake on local seismographs. The Saints, the defending Super Bowl champions, were eliminated.

The game saw the Saints take an early 10-0 lead due to Seahawks miscues. However, Seattle, led by quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, consistently fought back. Hasselbeck threw for 271 yards and four touchdowns. Despite a record-setting 39 completions for 404 yards and two touchdowns by Saints quarterback Drew Brees, and two rushing touchdowns by Julius Jones, the Seahawks' offensive explosion, including Lynch's game-sealing run, proved too much. Seattle's victory marked the fifth consecutive year a Super Bowl champion failed to win a playoff game the following season.

New York Jets 17, Indianapolis Colts 16

In a dramatic contest, the New York Jets avenged their previous season's AFC Championship loss to the Colts with a last-second field goal. This game marked the final appearance of Peyton Manning in a Colts uniform, as he would miss the entire 2011 season due to injury.

The game was a defensive struggle in the first quarter. Indianapolis broke the deadlock with a 57-yard touchdown pass from Peyton Manning to Pierre Garçon. The Jets tied it in the third quarter with a LaDainian Tomlinson touchdown run. The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle of field goals, with Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri giving his team a two-point lead with 53 seconds left. However, a crucial 47-yard kickoff return by Antonio Cromartie and key passes from Mark Sanchez set up Nick Folk's 32-yard field goal as time expired, securing the Jets' victory. Reggie Wayne, the Colts' leading receiver, was notably held to just one reception by Darrelle Revis.

Baltimore Ravens 30, Kansas City Chiefs 7

The Baltimore Ravens delivered a dominant performance, overwhelming the Kansas City Chiefs on both offense and defense. The Chiefs suffered their seventh consecutive playoff loss, extending a drought that spanned 17 years.

Baltimore controlled the game, outgaining Kansas City significantly in total yards (390 to 161) and time of possession (44:44 to 18:16). Despite an early 41-yard touchdown run by Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs, the Ravens' defense forced five turnovers. Quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 265 yards and two touchdowns, with tight end Todd Heap setting a franchise record with 10 receptions for 106 yards. Charles, who had a strong first half, was held to negative yardage in the second half as Baltimore scored 20 unanswered points to seal the win.

Green Bay Packers 21, Philadelphia Eagles 16

The Green Bay Packers secured a hard-fought road victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, with a late interception sealing the win. This game showcased strong performances from Aaron Rodgers and running back James Starks.

Green Bay never trailed, with Aaron Rodgers throwing for 180 yards and three touchdowns, and James Starks rushing for 123 yards. The Eagles had early scoring opportunities but missed two field goals. Michael Vick led a comeback attempt for Philadelphia, throwing for 290 yards and a touchdown, and adding a rushing touchdown. However, Tramon Williams' interception in the end zone with 33 seconds left secured the Packers' victory. This was a rematch of the 2003 NFC Divisional playoffs, famously known for the "4th and 26" play, which Philadelphia had won.

Divisional Playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Baltimore Ravens 24

In a fierce rivalry matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers overcame an early deficit to defeat the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the high score, the game was characterized by intense defense and numerous turnovers.

The Ravens jumped to a 21-7 lead in the first half, capitalizing on Steelers turnovers, including a fumble return for a touchdown by Cory Redding. However, Pittsburgh dominated the third quarter, forcing three turnovers and scoring 14 unanswered points to tie the game. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 226 yards and two touchdowns, while Rashard Mendenhall scored two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winner with 1:33 left, set up by a 58-yard pass to Antonio Brown. Steelers linebacker James Harrison recorded three sacks, while Terrell Suggs also had three sacks for the Ravens.

Green Bay Packers 48, Atlanta Falcons 21

The Green Bay Packers delivered a stunning offensive display, setting a franchise playoff record with 48 points against the top-seeded Atlanta Falcons. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was nearly flawless in this dominant performance.

Despite an early lead for the Falcons, including a 102-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Eric Weems, the Packers scored 35 unanswered points. Aaron Rodgers completed 31 of 36 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns, adding a rushing touchdown. Cornerback Tramon Williams was a defensive standout with two interceptions, one returned 70 yards for a touchdown as time expired in the first half. The Packers never punted in the game, and Rodgers set an NFL postseason record with 10 touchdown passes in his first three playoff games. This loss marked the third time in four seasons that the NFC's top seed failed to advance past its first playoff game.

Chicago Bears 35, Seattle Seahawks 24

The Chicago Bears asserted their dominance from the outset, securing a comfortable victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Quarterback Jay Cutler delivered a multifaceted performance in his first career playoff game.

Chicago built a commanding 28-0 lead through the first three quarters, with Jay Cutler throwing for 274 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for 43 yards and two scores. Cutler joined Otto Graham as one of only two players in NFL history to achieve multiple rushing and passing touchdowns in a playoff game. Despite a late surge by the Seahawks, scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter, the Bears maintained control. Matt Hasselbeck threw for 258 yards and three touchdowns for Seattle, but it was not enough to overcome Chicago's early lead. This was Matt Hasselbeck's final game in a Seahawks uniform.

New York Jets 28, New England Patriots 21

The New York Jets achieved a significant upset, defeating the top-seeded New England Patriots on the road. This victory avenged a substantial regular-season loss to the Patriots and propelled the Jets to their second consecutive AFC Championship Game.

Mark Sanchez led the Jets with 194 passing yards and three touchdowns. Tom Brady's streak of 340 consecutive passes without an interception ended early in the game. The Jets built a 14-3 halftime lead, capitalizing on a fake punt fumble by the Patriots. New England attempted a comeback in the second half, cutting the deficit to three points, but Sanchez's touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes and a Shonn Greene rushing touchdown extended the lead. Despite a late touchdown by Deion Branch, the Patriots' onside kick attempts failed, securing the Jets' win. This marked the last time the Patriots were eliminated before the AFC Championship Game until 2019, and the last playoff win by an AFC East team other than New England until the Bills in 2021.

Conference Championships

NFC: Green Bay Packers 21, Chicago Bears 14

In a historic rivalry game, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears to claim the NFC Championship. This victory made the Packers the first NFC #6 seed to advance to the Super Bowl, having defeated the top three seeded teams on the road.

Green Bay's defense was pivotal, knocking starting quarterback Jay Cutler out of the game with an MCL sprain and intercepting three passes. Aaron Rodgers scored an early rushing touchdown, and James Starks added another. The Bears' backup quarterbacks, Todd Collins and Caleb Hanie, struggled, though Hanie led a late comeback attempt. Defensive tackle B. J. Raji, at 338 pounds, made NFL history by returning an interception 18 yards for a touchdown. Despite a late touchdown pass from Hanie to Earl Bennett, Sam Shields' second interception of the game sealed the Packers' victory with 37 seconds remaining. This was only the second postseason meeting in the Bears-Packers rivalry, with Chicago having won the prior meeting in 1941.

AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, New York Jets 19

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured their third Super Bowl bid in six years by holding off a determined comeback effort from the New York Jets. Pittsburgh established a significant early lead before the Jets mounted a spirited rally.

The Steelers jumped to a 24-0 lead in the first half, fueled by Rashard Mendenhall's rushing touchdown, a Shaun Suisham field goal, a Ben Roethlisberger rushing touchdown, and a 19-yard fumble return for a touchdown by William Gay. The Jets managed a field goal before halftime. In the second half, Mark Sanchez led a comeback, throwing a 45-yard touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes and a 4-yard touchdown pass to Jerricho Cotchery. A safety on Roethlisberger further narrowed the gap. However, the Steelers' offense secured two crucial first downs late in the game, allowing them to run out the clock and preserve their 24-19 lead. Mendenhall finished with 121 rushing yards and a touchdown. As of 2025, this remains the Jets' most recent playoff game and the latest AFC Championship Game not to feature either the New England Patriots or the Kansas City Chiefs.

Super Bowl XLV

Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25

Super Bowl XLV pitted two of the NFL's most storied franchises against each other for the first time in the championship game. The Green Bay Packers, as the NFC's #6 seed, faced the AFC's #2 seed, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in a highly anticipated contest at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The Packers established an early lead, scoring 14 points in the first quarter with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to Jordy Nelson and a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown by Nick Collins. Green Bay extended their lead to 21-3 in the second quarter with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings. The Steelers mounted a comeback, with Hines Ward catching an 8-yard touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger before halftime, and Rashard Mendenhall scoring an 8-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter, narrowing the score to 21-17. However, Rodgers connected with Jennings for another 8-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Despite a 25-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace and a successful two-point conversion, the Packers secured a 23-yard field goal from Mason Crosby, ultimately winning 31-25. Rodgers was named Super Bowl MVP, completing 24 of 39 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns.

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References

When Was the Last Time the New York Jets Made the NFL Playoffs?, SportsCasting, December 15, 2022

A full list of references for this article are available at the 2010–11 NFL playoffs Wikipedia page

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Gridiron Grandeur

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Season Overview ℹ️

🗓️ Key Dates and Outcome

🌟 Unprecedented Narratives

📉 Home Field Disadvantage

New Overtime Rules ⚙️

📜 A Shift from Sudden Death

🔄 The Modified Format

Participating Teams 👥

🏆 Qualification Criteria

🔢 Playoff Seeding Structure

📊 2010-11 Playoff Seeds

Playoff Progression 📈

➡️ The Road to Super Bowl XLV

AFC Playoff Path:

NFC Playoff Path:

🌟 Notable Outcomes

Game Schedule 📅

Wild Card Playoffs 🎲

🌊 Seattle Seahawks 41, New Orleans Saints 36

✈️ New York Jets 17, Indianapolis Colts 16

🐦 Baltimore Ravens 30, Kansas City Chiefs 7

🦅 Green Bay Packers 21, Philadelphia Eagles 16

Divisional Playoffs ⚔️

⚙️ Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Baltimore Ravens 24

⚜️ Green Bay Packers 48, Atlanta Falcons 21

🐻 Chicago Bears 35, Seattle Seahawks 24

🗽 New York Jets 28, New England Patriots 21

Conference Championships 👑

🧀 NFC: Green Bay Packers 21, Chicago Bears 14

🌉 AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, New York Jets 19

Super Bowl XLV 🏆

🏈 Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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Gamer's Corner 🎮

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References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

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Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Season Overview

Key Dates and Outcome

Unprecedented Narratives

Home Field Disadvantage

New Overtime Rules

A Shift from Sudden Death

The Modified Format

Participating Teams

Qualification Criteria

Playoff Seeding Structure

2010-11 Playoff Seeds

Playoff Progression

The Road to Super Bowl XLV

Notable Outcomes

Game Schedule

Wild Card Playoffs

Seattle Seahawks 41, New Orleans Saints 36

New York Jets 17, Indianapolis Colts 16

Baltimore Ravens 30, Kansas City Chiefs 7

Green Bay Packers 21, Philadelphia Eagles 16

Divisional Playoffs

Pittsburgh Steelers 31, Baltimore Ravens 24

Green Bay Packers 48, Atlanta Falcons 21

Chicago Bears 35, Seattle Seahawks 24

New York Jets 28, New England Patriots 21

Conference Championships

NFC: Green Bay Packers 21, Chicago Bears 14

AFC: Pittsburgh Steelers 24, New York Jets 19

Super Bowl XLV

Green Bay Packers 31, Pittsburgh Steelers 25

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice