by Kyle Standerfer
Super Bowl Sunday is finally here. And my goal is to get this posted before kickoff. If I don't, oh well.
Here are my impressions of the 48 Super Bowls based on the uniforms the participants wore.
First, the 8 "sour cream" games.
January 15, 1967; Chiefs-Packers- Super Bowl I: I hate to rate the very first one this way, It's just that I never was a fan of Kansas City in white-on-white, even though they never adopted red pants until two years later.
January 30, 1983; Dolphins-Redskins - Super Bowl XVII: So many things are wrong IMO about how Washington dressed that day. First is them being the designated "host" team and wearing white. Second is the burgundy pants they had with their white tops for 31 solid years (and most of the next two). I'll leave it at that for now.
January 22, 1984; Redskins-Raiders - Super Bowl XVIII: same as the year before, even though this time Washington was the official "road" team.
January 31, 1988; Redskins-Broncos - Super Bowl XXII: aside from the devastation the 2nd quarter laid on my Broncos, it's the same uniform as they wore twice previously under Joe Gibbs.
January 26, 1992; Redskins-Bills - Super Bowl XXVI: once again, Washington had those abominable uniforms.
January 29, 1995; Chargers-49ers - Super Bowl XXIX: aside from being the ultimate inevitable mismatch, I couldn't stand the white pants San Francisco wore for most of that season, or the drop shadow #s they had. Doesn't look like the Niners to me.
February 5, 2006; Seahawks-Steelers - Super Bowl XL: Bill Cowher decided to go with a superstition that said they won their previous three games on the road - all in white jerseys, thus they couldn't mess with the juju by going back to black, even as the designated host team for this game. Thus, for me, that aspect of the game just didn't look right.
February 3, 2013; Ravens-49ers - Super Bowl XLVII: I'll say it again. One thing I hate about John Harbaugh becoming coach of the Baltimore Birdies is how they made black their primary pants color to go with white jerseys (and all too often with purple jerseys or, even worse, black jerseys). To me those black pants dull out their uniforms.
February 2, 2014; Seahawks-Broncos - Super Bowl XLVIII: Apart from the horrible result, I don't like Seattle in blue pants with white jerseys. I want the gray pants on them.
Now the 39 games eligible for ranking.
39. January 17, 1971; Colts-Cowboys - Super Bowl V: both teams had royal blue. Baltimore had white and Dallas had their gray/silver (whatever you called it). Hardly anything to wow me.
38. January 31, 1999; Broncos-Falcons - Super Bowl XXXIII: Atlanta's home uniforms needed an opponent with bright colors to provide a decent contrast. Denver's white and navy didn't really do that.
37. February 1, 2004; Panthers-Patriots - Super Bowl XXXVIII: the game thus far with the most Roman "digits" was pretty underwhelming when it came to the two teams' duds.
36. February 5, 2012; Giants-Patriots - Super Bowl XLVI: since it was a repeat of the game four years earlier, it had the gusto of oatmeal.
35. January 25, 1987; Broncos-Giants - Super Bowl XXI: some contrasts but pretty underwhelming uniform-wise.
34. January 28, 2001; Ravens-Giants - Super Bowl XXXV: not the mot inspiring uniform matchup, but Baltimore's purple at least provided somewhat of a contrast.
33. January 27, 1991; Bills-Giants - Super Bowl XXV: Both teams had their red white and blue, but Buffalo's red helmets made it salvageable.
32. January 12, 1969; Jets-Colts - Super Bowl III: three was also the number for the fewest combined colors in one game. New York in their Kelly green and white against Baltimore in their blue and white.
31. February 3, 2008; Giants-Patriots - Super Bowl XLII: both teams had red white and blue and both had gray or silver pants but their were enough subtle differences to make this one passable.
30. January 12, 1975; Steelers-Vikings - Super Bowl IX: the colors contrasted well, and this is one game I believe I might be underrating, but I just like 29 others better. It might have looked better if it were sunny that day.
29. February 6, 2011; Steelers-Packers - Super Bowl XLV: the only Big Game played thus far in North Texas had a lot of gold, but it was Pittsburgh's black and white against Green Bay's green and white.
28. February 4, 2007; Colts-Bears- Super Bowl XLI: not a lot of colors, but the ones on the field contrasted well enough. It was Indy in their classic white and blue against Chicago in their classic navy, white and orange.
27. January 31, 1993; Bills-Cowboys - Super Bowl XXVII: these same two teams met one year later in the same uniforms. I just liked the one the next year that much better.
26. January 30, 2000; Rams-Titans - Super Bowl XXXIV: not a bad uni contrast. I just liked 25 games better.
25. January 16, 1972; Cowboys-Dolphins - Super Bowl VI: I'm not the biggest fan of the pants the Cowboys wore in the early 70s. Looks a little too much like cement mix to me. But those unis contrasted well against Miami in their Howard Johnson colors that day in Tulane Stadium.
24. January 25, 1981; Raiders-Eagles - Super Bowl XV: Oakland in their classic road unis against Philly in their home uniforms they wore from 1974-1984 (with a few variations in the amount of striping on the sleeves). Not the greatest, but not bad.
23. January 26, 1986; Bears-Patriots - Super Bowl XX: Chicago in their white jerseys with navy pants and helmets with hints of orange against New England in their classic red, white and blue looked very good in the Superdome that day.
22. January 11, 1970; Vikings-Chiefs - Super Bowl IV: Kansas City in their red and white with hints of gold contrasted decently against Minnesota in their white and purple with hints of gold. Those two uniforms may have looked better at night or under sunshine.
21. February 6, 2005; Patriots-Eagles - Super Bowl XXXIX: Philly in their midnight green and white against New England in their white and navy with silver helmets looked pretty good that evening in Jacksonville.
20. January 28, 1996; Cowboys-Steelers - Super Bowl XXX: as you well see below, all 3 matchups between these two traditional powers crack the top half (20) of the ranked games. I just like 19 games better than this one, including the two other matchups between Pittsburgh and Dallas.
19. January 20, 1980; Rams-Steelers - Super Bowl XIV: Yes there was a lot of gold that day, as evidenced by both teams' pants. But Pittsburgh's black and white against Los Angeles' blue and white sparkled well that day in Pasadena, both before and after the sun went down.
18. February 3, 2002; Rams-Patriots- Super Bowl XXXVI: New England's current home uniforms aren't exactly a jolt to my senses, but their unis that day were sparkling brand new and contrasted well against St. Louis in their navy and gold in the Superdome.
17.January 14, 1973; Dolphins-Redskins - Super Bowl VII: it was Miami's last game in the stripeless white jerseys, worn by Griese, Csonka, and Jake Scott to name a few. Difference is - that season, some Dolphins players had the white jerseys with the sleeve stripes - such as Mercury Morris, Jim Kiick and Paul Warfield. Their white and aqua with coral trim contrasted well with Washington's burgundy and gold.
16. January 25, 1998; Packers-Broncos - Super Bowl XXXII: I have always preferred Denver in their classic orange, but the navy blue jerseys with orange trim were acceptable to me, and they clashed beautifully against Green Bay. It was also the Packers' first season in their jerseys with fewer sleeve stripes. That game also gave me my all-time favorite Super Bowl logo.
15. January 24, 1982; 49ers-Bengals - Super Bowl XVI: the first Super Bowl played in a cold-weather city provided a beautiful color contrast. It was also Cincinnati's first year in their orange and black tiger stripes, which was on their helmets, pants, and shoulders.
14. January 18. 1976; Cowboys-Steelers- Super Bowl X: this was the first ever Super Bowl where both teams wore the same patch on their respective uniforms. The two teams' unis contrasted well in the last game at the Orange Bowl ever played on an artificial surface.
13. January 28, 1990; 49ers-Broncos - Super Bowl XXIV: I hated the 55-10 result. But . . . this was the first season the Broncos widened, or enlarged, if you will, the middle sleeve stripe between the blue outer sleeve stripes (on both jerseys). The two uniforms contrasted well on the Superdome turf that evening.
12. January 26. 1997; Patriots-Packers - Super Bowl XXXI: the Packers green shone through sharply that evening in the Superdome. And I was a huge fan of New England's road unis in the late 90s. Watching Desmond Howard streak past the Patriots' coverage unit was beautiful not only in a football sense, but in a uniform color sense.
11. January 21, 1979; Steelers-Cowboiys - Super Bowl XIII: I just like 10 others better than this one. And I just like this one better than the other two matchups between these two heavyweights. The Steelers' gold pants had more luster in my eyes than the game 3 years earlier.
10. February 7, 2010; Saints-Colts - Super Bowl XLIV: New Orleans' gold helmets and pants sparkled well with their white jerseys and black numbers/trim against Indy in their classic blue and white. Looked great that evening in Miami Gardens.
9. February 1, 2009; Steelers-Cardinals - Super Bowl XLIII: in what ended up as John Madden's last broadcast, Pittsburgh's black, gold and white looked great at Raymond James Stadium against Arizona's red and white. Furious action on the field can bring out the best in those colors, and that game had plenty of furious action.
8. January 30, 1994; Cowboys-Bills - Super Bowl XXVIII: the only SB rematch to happen in back-to-back seasons, I just preferred this one to the one in Pasadena one year earlier. Dallas and Buffalo's uniforms contrasted beautifully back then. It looked better under the Georgia Dome lights than in the Rose Bowl to me.
7. January 22, 1985; Dolphins-49ers - Super Bowl XIX: Miami's white uniforms with aqua numerals and aqua/coral trim looked great that day against San Francisco in their classic colors. ABC's first crack at the Big Game was also a colorful treat.
6. January 13, 1974; Vikings-Dolphins - Super Bowl VIII: this is the only time in any game that Minnesota was in their white jerseys against Miami (other than maybe a few preseason games). Played on a cloudy day at Rice Stadium in Houston, Miami's aqua-green jeresys with white pants and helmets and coral trim contrasted well against Minnesota's white jerseys and pants with purple helmets and gold trim. But what makes this game a high-ranker for me is the Vikings' purple socks, where the color burst out in a big way.
5. January 14, 1968; Packers-Raiders - Super Bowl II: at least one of the very early games that wasn't yet officially dubbed the "Super Bowl" cracks the top 5. Green Bay in their classic gold helmets and pants with white jerseys and green numbers and trim against Oakland in their silver and black. This was not only Vince Lombardi's last game roaming the Packers' sidelines, it was a good uniform game.
4, January 15, 1978; Cowboys-Broncos - Super Bowl XII: Unlike the game the year before, this was the first one played indoors, and the first one to start at prime time. But Dallas in their classic colors against Denver in their orange blue and white was a color treat for me.
3. January 26, 2003; Raiders-Buccaneers - Super Bowl XXXVII: Oakland in their road whites with black numerals, silver pants and helmets against Tampa Bay in their pewter power with red jerseys. I just enjoyed looking at these two uniforms going against each other.
2. January 22, 1989; Bengals-49ers - Super Bowl XXIII: these two met seven seasons earlier in a dome in their opposite jersey colors. This time it was the first Super Bowl at the then new Joe Robbie Stadium (now Sun Life Stadium), Cincinnati's white, orange and black contrasted gorgeously against San Francisco's classic red and gold. It looked even better once the sun went down.
1. January 9, 1977; Raiders-Vikings - Super Bowl XI: It has now been 38 seasons since the Big Game started and ended in daylight. I just loved the way Oakland's white, silver and black clashed against Minesota's grape-juice purple with white pants and yellow trim in the California sunshine.
 |
2014 Conference Championship matchup rankings
by Tim Brulia
This will be our last uniform rankings for 2014. We hope you have enjoyed them.
2) Colts-Patriots: IND in white/white, NE in navy/silver. In many ways a very boring matchup. In some ways, not all that bad. The Colts, in their understated all whites, with only blue trim and a rather conservative presentation, is well liked by a lot of people for that very reason. No frills, basic block numbers, a two stripe shoulder pattern, two simple stripes on the pants, solid blue socks, topped by a white helmet with a single blue stripe and a blue horseshoe on the sides. The basics of which haven't changed in well over 50 years (though there was some tweaking in the 1980's). The Patriots meanwhile, underwent numerous changes to their wardrobe throughout their rather zig-zag history until they struck gold in 2000 with a look adopted then that has barely changed since then. Navy jersey, with double trimmed white numbers, logos on the sleeves, some side panel trim, pants that are silver/gray with bold navy striped edged in red, solid navy socks topped off with a silver helmet featuring the so called "Flying Elvis" logo facing forward on both sides. When these two looks match up, it combines fairly well, though dominated by the blue and the Colts in all white, save for the blue socks. Silver then speaks to us, with the scant red trim giving some perspective. Not one of my favorite uni clashes, but I have certainly seen worse.
1) Packers-Seahawks: GB in white/yellow, SEA in navy/navy. Compared to the AFC matchup, this one is a lot more exciting. In my youth, I admit to enjoying the NFC uniforms more than the AFC digs. I found them to be more colorful, imaginative, vibrant. I still do. Both teams resonate with me. The Packers in their legendary green and (yellow) trimmed white jerseys, brilliant yellow pants with green and white stripes and solid green socks topped the legendary yellow helmet with the iconic white and green oval G. A design (like the Colts, tweaked some over the years) that hearkens back to the time Saintly Vince Lombardi personally designed the unis back in 1959. The Seahawks on the other hand, sport a uniform that is a bout as modern in design as there is in the NFL, in only its third season, the all navy approach from head to ankle is unmistakably Seahawk. Spruced up with modern elements, including gray patterned numbers flanked by that modern scourge of neon green, the V-styled trim on the sleeves include an area of neon green specifically for the Nike logo to be shown off. The navy pants with a series of a "wing pattern" horizontally positioned inside the neon green stripe. solid navy socks, and capped by a helmet with the updated Seahawk logo with a sublimated front pattern section, perhaps the first ode to the 21st Century helmet model. Pairing these two distinctly different uniforms for game action works very well. The clash of traditional and modern is great as are the colors. Green, yellow and white meet a uniform distinguished by navy, gray, and hot green. designs that are carried off well in spite of the old vs. new clash. Not the best matchup, but one that I feel is a lot better than average.
As stated before, this is the last ranking for the season. I will likely review the Pro Bowl and perhaps a little review of the Super Bowl matchup. But as they will be the only game in town on those specific weeks, there will be no rankings.
Till next time, take care!
This will be our last uniform rankings for 2014. We hope you have enjoyed them.
2) Colts-Patriots: IND in white/white, NE in navy/silver. In many ways a very boring matchup. In some ways, not all that bad. The Colts, in their understated all whites, with only blue trim and a rather conservative presentation, is well liked by a lot of people for that very reason. No frills, basic block numbers, a two stripe shoulder pattern, two simple stripes on the pants, solid blue socks, topped by a white helmet with a single blue stripe and a blue horseshoe on the sides. The basics of which haven't changed in well over 50 years (though there was some tweaking in the 1980's). The Patriots meanwhile, underwent numerous changes to their wardrobe throughout their rather zig-zag history until they struck gold in 2000 with a look adopted then that has barely changed since then. Navy jersey, with double trimmed white numbers, logos on the sleeves, some side panel trim, pants that are silver/gray with bold navy striped edged in red, solid navy socks topped off with a silver helmet featuring the so called "Flying Elvis" logo facing forward on both sides. When these two looks match up, it combines fairly well, though dominated by the blue and the Colts in all white, save for the blue socks. Silver then speaks to us, with the scant red trim giving some perspective. Not one of my favorite uni clashes, but I have certainly seen worse.
1) Packers-Seahawks: GB in white/yellow, SEA in navy/navy. Compared to the AFC matchup, this one is a lot more exciting. In my youth, I admit to enjoying the NFC uniforms more than the AFC digs. I found them to be more colorful, imaginative, vibrant. I still do. Both teams resonate with me. The Packers in their legendary green and (yellow) trimmed white jerseys, brilliant yellow pants with green and white stripes and solid green socks topped the legendary yellow helmet with the iconic white and green oval G. A design (like the Colts, tweaked some over the years) that hearkens back to the time Saintly Vince Lombardi personally designed the unis back in 1959. The Seahawks on the other hand, sport a uniform that is a bout as modern in design as there is in the NFL, in only its third season, the all navy approach from head to ankle is unmistakably Seahawk. Spruced up with modern elements, including gray patterned numbers flanked by that modern scourge of neon green, the V-styled trim on the sleeves include an area of neon green specifically for the Nike logo to be shown off. The navy pants with a series of a "wing pattern" horizontally positioned inside the neon green stripe. solid navy socks, and capped by a helmet with the updated Seahawk logo with a sublimated front pattern section, perhaps the first ode to the 21st Century helmet model. Pairing these two distinctly different uniforms for game action works very well. The clash of traditional and modern is great as are the colors. Green, yellow and white meet a uniform distinguished by navy, gray, and hot green. designs that are carried off well in spite of the old vs. new clash. Not the best matchup, but one that I feel is a lot better than average.
As stated before, this is the last ranking for the season. I will likely review the Pro Bowl and perhaps a little review of the Super Bowl matchup. But as they will be the only game in town on those specific weeks, there will be no rankings.
Till next time, take care!
All-Time Uniform Matchups - Conference Championships Edition
By Kyle Standerfer
Note: this list will not include yesterdays games. It's ranking each of the AFC and NFC championship games by the uniforms each participant wore. I will only include the games since the 1970 merger.
First, the "sour cream" games.
January 3, 1971; Raiders-Colts - AFC Championship: it's a shame that the very first one of these isn't ranked. But I just am not a fan of the silver numbers Oakland wore with white jerseys that year.
December 30, 1973; Vikings-Cowboys - NFC Championship - Minnesota's purple jerseys without stripes looked like the life was sucked out of them.
December 30. 1973; Raiders-Dolphins - AFC Championship: Miami goes WAH - and not against Dallas. No likey.
January 11, 1981; Raiders-Chargers - AFC Championship: the Air Coryell era Chargers went WAH every game from 1978-1983. Thus not enough of them in their blue. This game is no exception.
January 22, 1983; Cowboys-Redskins - NFC Championship: double SC. The Redskins in those awful burgundy pants, and always going WAH under Joe Gibbs.
January 23, 1983; Jets-Dolphins - AFC Championship: Miami does the same thing again and again.
January 8, 1984; 49ers-Redskins - NFC Championship: Washington's unis made them dead to me for 3 decades.
January 6, 1985; Steelers-Dolphins - AFC Championship: and again.
January 12, 1986; Patriots-Dolphins - AFC Championship: and again.
January 11, 1987; Broncos-Browns - AFC Championship: Cleveland was all WAH 1985-1988. That has been an on and off again tradition for the Brownies. But I just don't like it.
January 11, 1987; Redskins-Giants - NFC Championship: my "SC" rule applies to Washington's unis in road games too. And when they actually wore burgundy jerseys. They were just dead to me uni wise.
January 17, 1988; Vikings-Redskins - NFC Championship: and again.
January 12, 1992; Lions-Redskins - NFC Championship: and again.
January 17, 1993; Bills-Dolphins - AFC Championship: last one of Miami involved in this.
January 23, 1994; Chiefs-Bills - AFC Championship: KC in all white was no good in my view.
January 15, 1995; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Championship: both teams contributed to this bad uni matchup. Dallas' retro-mutant unis against SF in white pants. Made me ill.
January 11, 1998; Packers-49ers - NFC Championship: same as DAL-SF 3 years earlier. At least GB didn't contribute to that.
January 21, 2007; Saints-Bears - NFC Championship: the good part of Sean Payton is he helped make them competitive most of the time. The bad part: those black pants, whether with white or black jerseys.
January 18, 2009; Eagles-Cardinals - NFC Championship: Philly in green pants - its just wrong.
January 18, 2009; Ravens-Steelers - AFC Championship: BAL in black pants, a bad by-product of the John Harbaugh era.
January 23, 2011; Jets-Steelers - AFC Championship: NYJ in green pants - gross.
January 22, 2012; Ravens-Patriots - AFC Championship: see BAL-PIT from three years earlier.
January 20, 2013; Ravens-Patriots - AFC Championship: once again.
That leaves 65 games - slightly less than 3/4 of such games, for me to rank.
65. January 8, 1984; Seahawks-Raiders - AFC Championship: Seattle's first season with their logo on the sleeves instead of the stripes. Just so underwhelming.
64. January 18, 2004; Colts-Patriots - AFC Championship: Indy's last game ever with the blue face mask. It was the first of IND-NE overload.
63. January 20, 2008; Chargers-Patriots - AFC Championship: both wore their regular stuff, but quite dull. NE red trim and SD gold trim didn't do enough to liven it.
62. January 15, 1995; Chargers-Steelers - AFC Championship: I just wasn't "wowed" by the uniforms in this game.
61. January 12, 1992; Broncos-Bills - AFC Championship: I don't know, but for some reason this game just didn't do it for me, the way a few regular season games between these same two in the exact same unis in Orchard Park, did.
60. January 21, 2007; Patriots-Colts - AFC Championship: good thing each teams' blue is of a different shade, and that NE had silver and hints of red.
59. January 14, 2001; Vikings-Giants - NFC Championship: their were different palettes, but I just find it a little underwhelming.
58. December 31, 1972; Dolphins-Steelers - AFC Championship: the aqua numerals on Miami's white jerseys look a lot shinier on depictions of them on this site than they do on NFL Films clips. Pittsburgh's black and gold isn't enough to merit this game a higher ranking.
57. January 22, 2006; Panthers-Seahawks - NFC Championship: Carolina and Seattle were decent enough, but not memorable, either in the actual game, or the uniforms.
56. January 1, 1978; Vikings-Cowboys - NFC Championship: both of them in their regular stuff, and it's the Cowboys involved, so WAH is acceptable. But it just doesn't have that "wow" factor.
55. January 17, 1988; Browns-Broncos - AFC Championship: a decent looking uniform game. But I like so many better.
54. January 4, 1976; Raiders-Steelers - AFC Championship: the one of the three penultimate games of the season between these two played at Three Rivers - on a sheet of ice. That seemed to diminish the uniforms. Especially Oakland's.
53. January 12, 1997; Jaguars-Patriots - AFC Championship: there was enough teal in Jacksonville's numbers and trim to make the contrast against NEs blue and silver decent. But so many are better IMO.
52. January 6, 1985; Bears-49ers - NFC Championship: overall, I've always liked Chicago in white pants better, even with white jerseys. But their navy pants with white jerseys are acceptable.
51. January 7, 1979; Oilers-Steelers - AFC Championship: the unis were the same as they were one year later, but the wet stuff diminished their shine.
50. January 2, 1972; 49ers-Cowboys - NFC Championship: I kind of feel like I'm underrating this game too. The two teams unis contrasted well not just in a vacuum, but on the Texas Stadium turf that day, where both end zones were painted, one with Dallas' colors; the other with San Francisco's colors.
49. January 14, 2001; Ravens-Raiders - AFC Championship: Baltimore with the purple numbers and black helmets, and the purple stripe down their white pants, provided a decent enough contrast with the silver and black.
48. January 14, 1996; Packers-Cowboys - NFC Championship: the colors contrasted well like always. Just that seeing them on the Texas Stadium turf every year got a little stale.
47. January 23, 1994; 49ers-Cowboys - NFC Championship: this just seems like an afterthought.
46. January 11, 1981; Cowboys-Eagles - NFC Championship: Philly in their Kelly green against Dallas in white wouldn't have been bad. Just that this break with what they normally did (but ended up doing a lot more a few years after - going WAH) was at the time a good thing - because it was an example of Dallas and an opponent engaging in uniform gamesmanship.
45. January 6, 1980; Rams-Buccaneers - NFC Championship: I'm underrating this game. Oh well.
44. January 19, 2003; Buccaneers-Eagles - NFC Championship: these two teams met in Philly in the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons, and in the regular season in '02. Thus, although the color contrasts are good, it happening every year took some of the shine off of it.
43. January 10, 1982; Chargers-Bengals - AFC Championship: the Freezer Bowl pitted against each other two teams with distinct color palettes. I just liked so many better.
42. December 29, 1974; Rams-Vikings - NFC Championship: so this game is in the lower portion of the third quartile of ranked games, while the one two years later, in the same time slot, and more or less the same sunlight, was in the top ten. It shows that my ranking aren't 100% consistent, and I'm not trying to make them that way. It's all because . . . feelings. I mean that seriously.
41. January 22, 2006; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Championship: black, gold and white against navy, white and orange. Both teams wore their regular stuff, and it looked decent. Even though I hated the final score.
40. January 3, 1971; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Championship: the last game ever at old Kezar Stadium was a good uni contrast. Just that newer iterations of DAL-SF looked better IMO. I don't find the Cowboys pants from that era, which looked more like mixed cement, very flattering on them.
39. January 23, 2005; Patriots-Steelers - AFC Championship: I ranked the game 3 years earlier not too insignificantly higher. But this was a good color contrast too.
38. January 17, 1999; Jets-Broncos - AFC Championship: I was never a fan of the Broncos going to navy as their primary color, even as they won back-to-back SBs the first two years they went that way. But that uniform contrasted well with NYJs green and white that day.
37. January 20, 2008; Giants-Packers - NFC Championship: this is one game that I've underrated, but I just liked some others better.
36. January 12, 1997; Panthers-Packers - NFC Championship: good color contrast in the first championship game in Wisconsin in 29 years.
35. January 2, 1972; Colts-Dolphins - AFC Championship: the only time thus far we saw Miami in their aqua jerseys in an AFC Title game. Other matchups are better, but I have to appreciate the one time Miami did that in that round.
34. January 12, 1986; Rams-Bears - NFC Championship: LA in their white, blue and gold against CHI in their classic colors.
33. January 19, 2003; Titans-Raiders - AFC Championship: TEN-OAK was a decent enough color contrast, and at night it looked even better.
32. January 20, 2013; 49ers-Falcons - NFC Championship: both teams had red and white, but SF had gold helmets and pants and Atlanta had black helmets. And under the Georgia Dome lights, it looked good.
31. January 11, 1998; Broncos-Steelers- AFC Championship: Denver's road unis aren't the greatest, but Pittsburgh's home uniforms that day enhanced them. And I'm sure they will when they meet at Heinz Field next season.
30. January 17, 1999; Falcons-Vikings - NFC Championship: not my favorite uniforms of all time from either side, but put them together and it looked good on TV and in highlight clips. White, black, red and silver against purple and white with hints of gold is fine by me.
29. January 14, 1996; Colts-Steelers - AFC Championship: I like this matchup more than I thought I would. Indy in their white and blue against Pittsburgh in their black and gold.
28. January 14, 1990; Browns-Broncos - AFC Championship: one minor point about Denver's uniforms during that era. I liked that they changed their sleeve striping scheme when they did - made it go better IMO with the pant striping scheme they changed in 1986. Plus in the sunshine it looked good against Cleveland in their orange helmets, with brown numbers and orange/brown trim.
27. January 24, 2010; Jets-Colts - AFC Championship: the there were a combined 3 colors between the two teams, but put them together, and it shows me how you can take a little and make it a lot. Those two look great at Lucas Oil Stadium. And NYJ wore white pants, which they haven't always done the last decade.
26. December 31, 1972; Cowboys-Redskins - NFC Championship: I don't like WAS nickname or logo, but I have always loved their color scheme. I see no hypocrisy in that. It always looked good against Dallas.
25. January 27, 2002; Eagles-Rams - NFC Championship: Philly in their white jerseys with midnight green helmets, numbers and trim against STL in their navy and gold, Great to see.
24. January 14, 1990; Rams-49ers - NFC Championship: I just like 23 others better, but this was a great uni game.
23. January 18, 2004; Panthers-Eagles - NFC Championship: Carolina's white, silver, black and light blue against Philly in midnight green and white looked good. I just liked 22 other games better.
22. January 23, 2000; Buccaneers-Rams - NFC Championship: TB in their pewter helmets and pants with red (almost orange) numbers against STL in the last time they would wear that version of blue jerseys as their regular home uniforms (now they do twice a year as throwbacks).
21. January 6, 1980; Oilers-Steelers - AFC Championship: these same two teams met one year earlier in the same round, in the same time slot, but this time their unis weren't dipped constantly in puddles of cold wet stuff, thus their colors came through better.
20. January 23, 2011; Packers-Bears - NFC Championship: GB-CHI - classic NFL matchup, and that day the color contrast shined through. GB in their white jerseys with green numbers, plus gold pants and helmets, against Chicago in their dark navy, white and orange.
19. January 27, 2002; Patriots-Steelers - AFC Championship: this was in the sunshine. NE's road uni is dull on it's own, but an opponent's unis can do wonders for it. Pittsburgh in their black and gold is a classic example of this.
18. January 4, 1976; Cowboys-Rams - NFC Championship: unlike 3 years later, Los Angeles wore their blue jerseys against Dallas in their whites. It looked great in the California sunshine.
17. January 10, 1982; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Championship: the classic nature of this matchup is legend. The classic nature of the uniforms is for us geeks. It's the last game with Dallas in that number and letter style. It looked good against SF in their scarlet and gold.
16. December 29, 1974; Steelers-Raiders - AFC Championship: same as their matchup two years later, but I liked the '76 matchup better.
15. January 20, 1991; Raiders-Bills - AFC Championship: LA (later Oakland) and Buffalo always looked great together whether in upstate New York or California. This game was no exception.
14. January 8, 1989; 49ers-Bears - NFC Championship: SF in one of their 3 NFC title games in white jerseys, out of 15 total, in white jerseys. Contrasted well against Chicago's navy (almost black) helmets and jerseys with white pants and numerals plus orange trim. Good matchup for a twilight game in the bitter cold.
13. January 19, 2014; Patriots-Broncos - AFC Championship: it's the first time in 22 years that Denver wore orange jerseys against New England. And it looked great that day.
12. January 7, 1979; Cowboys-Rams - NFC Championship: the Rams decided to wear WAH for all except the two home prime time games and against SF in 1978. That means two games against Dallas in their blue jerseys. Cowboys games are when WAH is OK by me, whether in Dallas or anywhere else. And it looked good each time I saw it.
11. January 23, 2000; Titans-Jaguars - AFC Championship: Tennessee in their first year with those colors against JAX in their teal and black with white pants and hints of gold. I was working when that game was played but the highlights and NFL Films clips showed me how great it looked.
10. January 19, 2014; 49ers-Seahawks - NFC Championship: SF in the road version of their classic uniform against Seattle in their dark blue, spiced with plenty of neon green, with gray numerals, and those blue helmets. It looked great watching it last year. As you'll see below, I find that the NFC Title games seem to have, overall, better quality uniform matchups than the AFC games.
9. January 20, 1991; Giants-49ers - NFC Championship: NY had more blue in their road unis - it was in their numerals and more prominent in the pant stripes. Plus the helmet was a darker shade of blue. But it still contrasted beautifully with SF's classic colors.
8. December 26, 1976; Rams-Vikings - NFC Championship: LA in their blue and gold with white jerseys against Minnesota in their grape-juice-like purple jerseys and helmets white white pants and gold trim. One of the best ever, even better than the same matchup two years earlier.
7. January 8, 1989; Bills-Bengals - AFC Championship: Buffalo in their red white and blue done their way in the Marv Levy era against Cincy in their black, orange and white with stripes all over. Looked beautiful that day.
6. December 26, 1976; Steelers-Raiders - AFC Championship: I don't know why, I just liked the unis on those two - at the same time - a lot more than many other conference championship matchups. Even more than the one these two had two years earlier.
5. January 22, 2012; Giants-49ers - NFC Championship: it was at night and raining, but the colors still contrasted beautifully. NY in their blue helmets, white jerseys with bright red numbers and trim, plus gray pants. On the other side, it was SF in their classic home colors.
4. January 24, 2010; Vikings-Saints - NFC Championship: in an era when the Saints got their uniforms wrong so often, they got it right all 3 times in their championship run. This game was no exception. The fact that they wore gold pants meant that I could highlight what I like best about their black jerseys - the gold numbers plus the gold names on the back - with that type of font. Contrasted with Minnesota's white and purple - with hints of gold, one of the best matchups ever.
3. January 1, 1978; Raiders-Broncos - AFC Championship: Oakland in their white jerseys with black numbers, silver pants and helmets, against Denver in their orange jerseys white white pants and numbers, blue and white sleeve stripes, orange and blue pant stripes, and blue helmets. Love this visual.
2. January 17, 1993; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Championship: the muddy field dirtied a lot of uniforms. But that still didn't take away one of the most beautiful uniform color contrasts of all time. Add to that the fact that there was both sunshine and the sun blocked by cloud cover, and I could see the beauty in more than one way.
1. January 23, 2005; Falcons-Eagles - NFC Championship: these two teams have met 5 times at the Link since they both are in their current uni iterations. This NFC Title tilt is the only time both of them got it right, when in the other 4 contests (all regular season), at least one of them got it wrong. Anyway, Atlanta in their white jerseys and pants with red numbers and trim that jump out at you, along with their black helmets. Contrast that with Philly's midnight green jerseys and helmets along with white pants plus some black trim (which is kept at a nice minimum). It was a beautiful look that day.
Note: this list will not include yesterdays games. It's ranking each of the AFC and NFC championship games by the uniforms each participant wore. I will only include the games since the 1970 merger.
First, the "sour cream" games.
January 3, 1971; Raiders-Colts - AFC Championship: it's a shame that the very first one of these isn't ranked. But I just am not a fan of the silver numbers Oakland wore with white jerseys that year.
December 30, 1973; Vikings-Cowboys - NFC Championship - Minnesota's purple jerseys without stripes looked like the life was sucked out of them.
December 30. 1973; Raiders-Dolphins - AFC Championship: Miami goes WAH - and not against Dallas. No likey.
January 11, 1981; Raiders-Chargers - AFC Championship: the Air Coryell era Chargers went WAH every game from 1978-1983. Thus not enough of them in their blue. This game is no exception.
January 22, 1983; Cowboys-Redskins - NFC Championship: double SC. The Redskins in those awful burgundy pants, and always going WAH under Joe Gibbs.
January 23, 1983; Jets-Dolphins - AFC Championship: Miami does the same thing again and again.
January 8, 1984; 49ers-Redskins - NFC Championship: Washington's unis made them dead to me for 3 decades.
January 6, 1985; Steelers-Dolphins - AFC Championship: and again.
January 12, 1986; Patriots-Dolphins - AFC Championship: and again.
January 11, 1987; Broncos-Browns - AFC Championship: Cleveland was all WAH 1985-1988. That has been an on and off again tradition for the Brownies. But I just don't like it.
January 11, 1987; Redskins-Giants - NFC Championship: my "SC" rule applies to Washington's unis in road games too. And when they actually wore burgundy jerseys. They were just dead to me uni wise.
January 17, 1988; Vikings-Redskins - NFC Championship: and again.
January 12, 1992; Lions-Redskins - NFC Championship: and again.
January 17, 1993; Bills-Dolphins - AFC Championship: last one of Miami involved in this.
January 23, 1994; Chiefs-Bills - AFC Championship: KC in all white was no good in my view.
January 15, 1995; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Championship: both teams contributed to this bad uni matchup. Dallas' retro-mutant unis against SF in white pants. Made me ill.
January 11, 1998; Packers-49ers - NFC Championship: same as DAL-SF 3 years earlier. At least GB didn't contribute to that.
January 21, 2007; Saints-Bears - NFC Championship: the good part of Sean Payton is he helped make them competitive most of the time. The bad part: those black pants, whether with white or black jerseys.
January 18, 2009; Eagles-Cardinals - NFC Championship: Philly in green pants - its just wrong.
January 18, 2009; Ravens-Steelers - AFC Championship: BAL in black pants, a bad by-product of the John Harbaugh era.
January 23, 2011; Jets-Steelers - AFC Championship: NYJ in green pants - gross.
January 22, 2012; Ravens-Patriots - AFC Championship: see BAL-PIT from three years earlier.
January 20, 2013; Ravens-Patriots - AFC Championship: once again.
That leaves 65 games - slightly less than 3/4 of such games, for me to rank.
65. January 8, 1984; Seahawks-Raiders - AFC Championship: Seattle's first season with their logo on the sleeves instead of the stripes. Just so underwhelming.
64. January 18, 2004; Colts-Patriots - AFC Championship: Indy's last game ever with the blue face mask. It was the first of IND-NE overload.
63. January 20, 2008; Chargers-Patriots - AFC Championship: both wore their regular stuff, but quite dull. NE red trim and SD gold trim didn't do enough to liven it.
62. January 15, 1995; Chargers-Steelers - AFC Championship: I just wasn't "wowed" by the uniforms in this game.
61. January 12, 1992; Broncos-Bills - AFC Championship: I don't know, but for some reason this game just didn't do it for me, the way a few regular season games between these same two in the exact same unis in Orchard Park, did.
60. January 21, 2007; Patriots-Colts - AFC Championship: good thing each teams' blue is of a different shade, and that NE had silver and hints of red.
59. January 14, 2001; Vikings-Giants - NFC Championship: their were different palettes, but I just find it a little underwhelming.
58. December 31, 1972; Dolphins-Steelers - AFC Championship: the aqua numerals on Miami's white jerseys look a lot shinier on depictions of them on this site than they do on NFL Films clips. Pittsburgh's black and gold isn't enough to merit this game a higher ranking.
57. January 22, 2006; Panthers-Seahawks - NFC Championship: Carolina and Seattle were decent enough, but not memorable, either in the actual game, or the uniforms.
56. January 1, 1978; Vikings-Cowboys - NFC Championship: both of them in their regular stuff, and it's the Cowboys involved, so WAH is acceptable. But it just doesn't have that "wow" factor.
55. January 17, 1988; Browns-Broncos - AFC Championship: a decent looking uniform game. But I like so many better.
54. January 4, 1976; Raiders-Steelers - AFC Championship: the one of the three penultimate games of the season between these two played at Three Rivers - on a sheet of ice. That seemed to diminish the uniforms. Especially Oakland's.
53. January 12, 1997; Jaguars-Patriots - AFC Championship: there was enough teal in Jacksonville's numbers and trim to make the contrast against NEs blue and silver decent. But so many are better IMO.
52. January 6, 1985; Bears-49ers - NFC Championship: overall, I've always liked Chicago in white pants better, even with white jerseys. But their navy pants with white jerseys are acceptable.
51. January 7, 1979; Oilers-Steelers - AFC Championship: the unis were the same as they were one year later, but the wet stuff diminished their shine.
50. January 2, 1972; 49ers-Cowboys - NFC Championship: I kind of feel like I'm underrating this game too. The two teams unis contrasted well not just in a vacuum, but on the Texas Stadium turf that day, where both end zones were painted, one with Dallas' colors; the other with San Francisco's colors.
49. January 14, 2001; Ravens-Raiders - AFC Championship: Baltimore with the purple numbers and black helmets, and the purple stripe down their white pants, provided a decent enough contrast with the silver and black.
48. January 14, 1996; Packers-Cowboys - NFC Championship: the colors contrasted well like always. Just that seeing them on the Texas Stadium turf every year got a little stale.
47. January 23, 1994; 49ers-Cowboys - NFC Championship: this just seems like an afterthought.
46. January 11, 1981; Cowboys-Eagles - NFC Championship: Philly in their Kelly green against Dallas in white wouldn't have been bad. Just that this break with what they normally did (but ended up doing a lot more a few years after - going WAH) was at the time a good thing - because it was an example of Dallas and an opponent engaging in uniform gamesmanship.
45. January 6, 1980; Rams-Buccaneers - NFC Championship: I'm underrating this game. Oh well.
44. January 19, 2003; Buccaneers-Eagles - NFC Championship: these two teams met in Philly in the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons, and in the regular season in '02. Thus, although the color contrasts are good, it happening every year took some of the shine off of it.
43. January 10, 1982; Chargers-Bengals - AFC Championship: the Freezer Bowl pitted against each other two teams with distinct color palettes. I just liked so many better.
42. December 29, 1974; Rams-Vikings - NFC Championship: so this game is in the lower portion of the third quartile of ranked games, while the one two years later, in the same time slot, and more or less the same sunlight, was in the top ten. It shows that my ranking aren't 100% consistent, and I'm not trying to make them that way. It's all because . . . feelings. I mean that seriously.
41. January 22, 2006; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Championship: black, gold and white against navy, white and orange. Both teams wore their regular stuff, and it looked decent. Even though I hated the final score.
40. January 3, 1971; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Championship: the last game ever at old Kezar Stadium was a good uni contrast. Just that newer iterations of DAL-SF looked better IMO. I don't find the Cowboys pants from that era, which looked more like mixed cement, very flattering on them.
39. January 23, 2005; Patriots-Steelers - AFC Championship: I ranked the game 3 years earlier not too insignificantly higher. But this was a good color contrast too.
38. January 17, 1999; Jets-Broncos - AFC Championship: I was never a fan of the Broncos going to navy as their primary color, even as they won back-to-back SBs the first two years they went that way. But that uniform contrasted well with NYJs green and white that day.
37. January 20, 2008; Giants-Packers - NFC Championship: this is one game that I've underrated, but I just liked some others better.
36. January 12, 1997; Panthers-Packers - NFC Championship: good color contrast in the first championship game in Wisconsin in 29 years.
35. January 2, 1972; Colts-Dolphins - AFC Championship: the only time thus far we saw Miami in their aqua jerseys in an AFC Title game. Other matchups are better, but I have to appreciate the one time Miami did that in that round.
34. January 12, 1986; Rams-Bears - NFC Championship: LA in their white, blue and gold against CHI in their classic colors.
33. January 19, 2003; Titans-Raiders - AFC Championship: TEN-OAK was a decent enough color contrast, and at night it looked even better.
32. January 20, 2013; 49ers-Falcons - NFC Championship: both teams had red and white, but SF had gold helmets and pants and Atlanta had black helmets. And under the Georgia Dome lights, it looked good.
31. January 11, 1998; Broncos-Steelers- AFC Championship: Denver's road unis aren't the greatest, but Pittsburgh's home uniforms that day enhanced them. And I'm sure they will when they meet at Heinz Field next season.
30. January 17, 1999; Falcons-Vikings - NFC Championship: not my favorite uniforms of all time from either side, but put them together and it looked good on TV and in highlight clips. White, black, red and silver against purple and white with hints of gold is fine by me.
29. January 14, 1996; Colts-Steelers - AFC Championship: I like this matchup more than I thought I would. Indy in their white and blue against Pittsburgh in their black and gold.
28. January 14, 1990; Browns-Broncos - AFC Championship: one minor point about Denver's uniforms during that era. I liked that they changed their sleeve striping scheme when they did - made it go better IMO with the pant striping scheme they changed in 1986. Plus in the sunshine it looked good against Cleveland in their orange helmets, with brown numbers and orange/brown trim.
27. January 24, 2010; Jets-Colts - AFC Championship: the there were a combined 3 colors between the two teams, but put them together, and it shows me how you can take a little and make it a lot. Those two look great at Lucas Oil Stadium. And NYJ wore white pants, which they haven't always done the last decade.
26. December 31, 1972; Cowboys-Redskins - NFC Championship: I don't like WAS nickname or logo, but I have always loved their color scheme. I see no hypocrisy in that. It always looked good against Dallas.
25. January 27, 2002; Eagles-Rams - NFC Championship: Philly in their white jerseys with midnight green helmets, numbers and trim against STL in their navy and gold, Great to see.
24. January 14, 1990; Rams-49ers - NFC Championship: I just like 23 others better, but this was a great uni game.
23. January 18, 2004; Panthers-Eagles - NFC Championship: Carolina's white, silver, black and light blue against Philly in midnight green and white looked good. I just liked 22 other games better.
22. January 23, 2000; Buccaneers-Rams - NFC Championship: TB in their pewter helmets and pants with red (almost orange) numbers against STL in the last time they would wear that version of blue jerseys as their regular home uniforms (now they do twice a year as throwbacks).
21. January 6, 1980; Oilers-Steelers - AFC Championship: these same two teams met one year earlier in the same round, in the same time slot, but this time their unis weren't dipped constantly in puddles of cold wet stuff, thus their colors came through better.
20. January 23, 2011; Packers-Bears - NFC Championship: GB-CHI - classic NFL matchup, and that day the color contrast shined through. GB in their white jerseys with green numbers, plus gold pants and helmets, against Chicago in their dark navy, white and orange.
19. January 27, 2002; Patriots-Steelers - AFC Championship: this was in the sunshine. NE's road uni is dull on it's own, but an opponent's unis can do wonders for it. Pittsburgh in their black and gold is a classic example of this.
18. January 4, 1976; Cowboys-Rams - NFC Championship: unlike 3 years later, Los Angeles wore their blue jerseys against Dallas in their whites. It looked great in the California sunshine.
17. January 10, 1982; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Championship: the classic nature of this matchup is legend. The classic nature of the uniforms is for us geeks. It's the last game with Dallas in that number and letter style. It looked good against SF in their scarlet and gold.
16. December 29, 1974; Steelers-Raiders - AFC Championship: same as their matchup two years later, but I liked the '76 matchup better.
15. January 20, 1991; Raiders-Bills - AFC Championship: LA (later Oakland) and Buffalo always looked great together whether in upstate New York or California. This game was no exception.
14. January 8, 1989; 49ers-Bears - NFC Championship: SF in one of their 3 NFC title games in white jerseys, out of 15 total, in white jerseys. Contrasted well against Chicago's navy (almost black) helmets and jerseys with white pants and numerals plus orange trim. Good matchup for a twilight game in the bitter cold.
13. January 19, 2014; Patriots-Broncos - AFC Championship: it's the first time in 22 years that Denver wore orange jerseys against New England. And it looked great that day.
12. January 7, 1979; Cowboys-Rams - NFC Championship: the Rams decided to wear WAH for all except the two home prime time games and against SF in 1978. That means two games against Dallas in their blue jerseys. Cowboys games are when WAH is OK by me, whether in Dallas or anywhere else. And it looked good each time I saw it.
11. January 23, 2000; Titans-Jaguars - AFC Championship: Tennessee in their first year with those colors against JAX in their teal and black with white pants and hints of gold. I was working when that game was played but the highlights and NFL Films clips showed me how great it looked.
10. January 19, 2014; 49ers-Seahawks - NFC Championship: SF in the road version of their classic uniform against Seattle in their dark blue, spiced with plenty of neon green, with gray numerals, and those blue helmets. It looked great watching it last year. As you'll see below, I find that the NFC Title games seem to have, overall, better quality uniform matchups than the AFC games.
9. January 20, 1991; Giants-49ers - NFC Championship: NY had more blue in their road unis - it was in their numerals and more prominent in the pant stripes. Plus the helmet was a darker shade of blue. But it still contrasted beautifully with SF's classic colors.
8. December 26, 1976; Rams-Vikings - NFC Championship: LA in their blue and gold with white jerseys against Minnesota in their grape-juice-like purple jerseys and helmets white white pants and gold trim. One of the best ever, even better than the same matchup two years earlier.
7. January 8, 1989; Bills-Bengals - AFC Championship: Buffalo in their red white and blue done their way in the Marv Levy era against Cincy in their black, orange and white with stripes all over. Looked beautiful that day.
6. December 26, 1976; Steelers-Raiders - AFC Championship: I don't know why, I just liked the unis on those two - at the same time - a lot more than many other conference championship matchups. Even more than the one these two had two years earlier.
5. January 22, 2012; Giants-49ers - NFC Championship: it was at night and raining, but the colors still contrasted beautifully. NY in their blue helmets, white jerseys with bright red numbers and trim, plus gray pants. On the other side, it was SF in their classic home colors.
4. January 24, 2010; Vikings-Saints - NFC Championship: in an era when the Saints got their uniforms wrong so often, they got it right all 3 times in their championship run. This game was no exception. The fact that they wore gold pants meant that I could highlight what I like best about their black jerseys - the gold numbers plus the gold names on the back - with that type of font. Contrasted with Minnesota's white and purple - with hints of gold, one of the best matchups ever.
3. January 1, 1978; Raiders-Broncos - AFC Championship: Oakland in their white jerseys with black numbers, silver pants and helmets, against Denver in their orange jerseys white white pants and numbers, blue and white sleeve stripes, orange and blue pant stripes, and blue helmets. Love this visual.
2. January 17, 1993; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Championship: the muddy field dirtied a lot of uniforms. But that still didn't take away one of the most beautiful uniform color contrasts of all time. Add to that the fact that there was both sunshine and the sun blocked by cloud cover, and I could see the beauty in more than one way.
1. January 23, 2005; Falcons-Eagles - NFC Championship: these two teams have met 5 times at the Link since they both are in their current uni iterations. This NFC Title tilt is the only time both of them got it right, when in the other 4 contests (all regular season), at least one of them got it wrong. Anyway, Atlanta in their white jerseys and pants with red numbers and trim that jump out at you, along with their black helmets. Contrast that with Philly's midnight green jerseys and helmets along with white pants plus some black trim (which is kept at a nice minimum). It was a beautiful look that day.
2014 Divisional Playoff uniform matchup rankings
by Tim Brulia
I'll be honest, I wasn't too thrilled with what the Divisional Round had to offer. But, here we go:
4) Ravens-Patriots: BAL in white/black, NE in navy/silver. A playoff matchup we've seen plenty of in recent years. No special thing these days. But the colors do vary, I have to say what with black, navy some silver and purple and hints of red and gold mixed in and they're not that bad. But repetition dulls the senses, I reckon. With the Patriots refusing to go all navy, the Ravens could have tried their hand at, oh, all white? Still say a pair of purple pants as an option would certainly be interesting for the Ravens.
3) Panthers-Seahawks: CAR in white/white, SEA in navy/navy. You know, I was ready to call this one a yawner. But the more I see photos from this game, the more I like it. Not enough to bump it from 3 to 2, but a much firmer #2. It hit me what would really make the Panthers white jerseys pop, change the numbers from black over carolina blue to carolina blue over black. The Seahawks in the bold all navy and their success in them is quickly becoming the signature uniform of this franchise, more than the blue/silver/green of the early days, more than the gunmetal blue of the 2002-2011 years. I'm not complaining. A nice blend of colors, unique colors,
2) Colts-Broncos: IND in white/white, DEN in orange/white. The Colts in blue jerseys can work well if complimented well. Last week against the Bengals was a great example. The Colts in white needs a TON of help to work right. And really, only a very small handful of teams can do that. Fortunately for them, the Broncos are one of them. The Broncos beautiful combo of navy helmet, orange jerseys and white pants brings the best of the rather mundane Colt whites. That's not easy. An all white ensemble (well, fortunately the socks are blue) with only blue to mark the stripes, helmet logo, numerals and NOB's makes for a uni that needs a better than average companion to make a matchup worthwhile. Thanks, Broncos.
1) Cowboys-Packers: DAL in white/mint, GB in green/yellow. Ice Bowl II? Sorry, Fox, No. But these unis aren't too far from what they looked like way back then. Same somewhat design principles, with a 21st century cut and helmet mode. The Cowboy whites are overused and tired but as always, the Packers green over yellow comes to the rescue. Paired against the Packer green, the Cowboys batch of blues burst forth with more vibrancy and spark. A good one!
Next up, the Conference Championships.
Take care!
I'll be honest, I wasn't too thrilled with what the Divisional Round had to offer. But, here we go:
4) Ravens-Patriots: BAL in white/black, NE in navy/silver. A playoff matchup we've seen plenty of in recent years. No special thing these days. But the colors do vary, I have to say what with black, navy some silver and purple and hints of red and gold mixed in and they're not that bad. But repetition dulls the senses, I reckon. With the Patriots refusing to go all navy, the Ravens could have tried their hand at, oh, all white? Still say a pair of purple pants as an option would certainly be interesting for the Ravens.
3) Panthers-Seahawks: CAR in white/white, SEA in navy/navy. You know, I was ready to call this one a yawner. But the more I see photos from this game, the more I like it. Not enough to bump it from 3 to 2, but a much firmer #2. It hit me what would really make the Panthers white jerseys pop, change the numbers from black over carolina blue to carolina blue over black. The Seahawks in the bold all navy and their success in them is quickly becoming the signature uniform of this franchise, more than the blue/silver/green of the early days, more than the gunmetal blue of the 2002-2011 years. I'm not complaining. A nice blend of colors, unique colors,
2) Colts-Broncos: IND in white/white, DEN in orange/white. The Colts in blue jerseys can work well if complimented well. Last week against the Bengals was a great example. The Colts in white needs a TON of help to work right. And really, only a very small handful of teams can do that. Fortunately for them, the Broncos are one of them. The Broncos beautiful combo of navy helmet, orange jerseys and white pants brings the best of the rather mundane Colt whites. That's not easy. An all white ensemble (well, fortunately the socks are blue) with only blue to mark the stripes, helmet logo, numerals and NOB's makes for a uni that needs a better than average companion to make a matchup worthwhile. Thanks, Broncos.
1) Cowboys-Packers: DAL in white/mint, GB in green/yellow. Ice Bowl II? Sorry, Fox, No. But these unis aren't too far from what they looked like way back then. Same somewhat design principles, with a 21st century cut and helmet mode. The Cowboy whites are overused and tired but as always, the Packers green over yellow comes to the rescue. Paired against the Packer green, the Cowboys batch of blues burst forth with more vibrancy and spark. A good one!
Next up, the Conference Championships.
Take care!
All-time Uniform Matchups - Divisional Playoffs Edition
by Kyle Standerfer
Here are my observations and rankings of each of the AFC and NFC Divisional Playoff Games since the 1970 season. Why 1970? Because before then NFL players didn't have names on the backs of their jerseys. But, as a little side observation, my favorite AFL uniform game played to decide who was in the AFL Championship Game was the '69 Chiefs-Jets clash, and my favorite NFL one was the '68 Cowboys-Browns matchup. There were, through the 2013 season, 176 AFC and NFC semifinals, so this will be lengthier than last week. This does not include this past weekend's games.
First, the sour cream games:
December 26, 1971; Colts-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: sorry, I can't rank a Browns home game from that time. Again, I know they always wore white at home, but there wasn't the gamemanship with it for them like there was for the Cowboys.
December 24, 1972; Browns-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: this time it was Cleveland in brown, but only because Miami was just a WAH team the vast majority of the time.
December 23, 1973; Bengals-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: see above.
December 30, 1978; Broncos-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: can't do Denver in those orange pants. Sorry.
December 31, 1978; Vikings-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: for some reason the Rams only wore blue at the Coliseum in their two prime time games and against SF.
December 29, 1979; Oilers-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: I hated that SD ditched their blue jerseys for home games 1978-1983.
January 3, 1981; Bills-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: those two met at the Murph 4 times in 3 years, not once was it anything but BUF in blue and SD in white.
January 15, 1983; Vikings-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: those white and red Washington unis for a 30-year span made them dead to me. Doubly bad for constant WAH.
January 16, 1983; Chargers-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: even the two wore the opposite colors one year before, I just can't.
December 31, 1983; Seahawks-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: here we go again.
January 1, 1984; Rams-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: ugh.
December 29, 1984; Seahawks-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: rinse and repeat.
December 30, 1984; Bears-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: um, no. Just, no.
January 4, 1986; Browns-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: once again.
January 3, 1987; Jets-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: one of the few times we saw the Jets in green in those days, but I still just can't rank it.
January 3, 1987; Redskins-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: first of two straight years of this.
January 9, 1988; Colts-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: nope.
January 10, 1988; Redskins-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: same as the year before.
January 12, 1991; Redskins-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: more of the same.
January 4, 1992; Falcons-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: the Falcons black uniforms was my least favorite of theirs too.
January 5, 1992; Chiefs-Bills - AFC Divisional Playoff: the first of the Chiefs divisional playoff uni failures.
January 9, 1993; Redskins-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: 2nd time in 3 years for this.
January 16, 1994; Chiefs-Oilers - AFC Divisional Playoff: I was robbed of KC's red pants for a whole decade.
January 7, 1995; Bears-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: those 49ers throwback-alt mutant hybrids were just wrong. I don't think too many Niner fans liked them either. Even in a year when they won it all.
January 8, 1995; Packers-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only thing worse than those Niners '94 unis was the monstrosities Dallas had late in that season.
January 4, 1997; 49ers-Packers - NFC Divisional Playoff: SF in white pants just doesn't look like the Niners.
January 3, 1998; Vikings-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: same as the year before.
January 15, 2000; Redskins-Buccaneers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Washington rears its ugly uni head in the playoffs again.
January 15, 2005; Jets-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: those green pants - ugh!
January 14, 2006; Redskins-Seahawks - NFC Divisional Playoff: Washington's white pants looked like practice pants.
January 13, 2007; Eagles-Saints - NFC Divisional Playoff: both teams wearing the wrong pants.
January 10, 2009; Ravens-Titans - AFC Divisional Playoff: John Harbaugh's teams in black pants - not good.
January 11, 2009; Eagles-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: Eagles blow it once again.
January 16, 2010; Ravens-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: not good on Baltimore's part.
January 15, 2011; Ravens-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: rinse and repeat.
January 16, 2011; Jets-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: NY in green bottoms again - no es bueno.
January 15, 2012; Texans-Ravens - AFC Divisional Playoff: Texans came correct. Baltimore in purple over black - no, just, no.
January 12, 2013; Ravens-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: almost as bad as the result that day was Baltimore once again in black pants.
January 13, 2013; Seahawks-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff: just can't do Seattle in white pants.
January 13, 2013; Texans-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: I can't get into "Liberty White".
January 12, 2014; 49ers-Panthers - NFC Divisional Playoff: all black on Carolina? More like all blech!
That leaves me 135 games from this round of the playoffs to rank.
135. December 26, 1970; Lions-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas's silver pants back in those days looked more like cement mix. And Detroit's uniforms were a few years away from having any luster. Put those two together - hardly any improvement.
134. January 19, 2002; Raiders-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: the blizzard in Foxboro only made these two unis together look even more drab. New England going away from red two decades ago then darkening their blue before the start of the 2000 season was a uniform regression done twice. Oakland's unis don't bring out anything in New England's in those games in the Northeast.
133. January 16, 2005; Cols-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: in the elements the two teams just don't have much shine in their uni contrasts. The games in Indy look a little better.
132. January 13, 2008; Giants-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: just have never felt much vibe in NYG-DAL uni matchups. The games in the late 70s had at least a little flavor.
131. January 11, 2014; Colts-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: these two teams met in Foxboro twice in this round within a 10-year span, and in the same unis. Both very underwhelming.
130. January 13, 2008; Chargers-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: SD had enough gold in their uni plus their blue was of a darker shade than Indy's. But it's just not memorable for me.
129. January 5, 1992; Cowboys-Lions - NFC Divisional Playoff: the two teams look so much alike, but there were subtle differences that were noticeable.
128. January 14, 2007; Patriots-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: NE had silver and hints of red in their road uni while SD had hints of gold to go with their dark blue and white. Not much else is memorable uniform wise about this game. Even though this game football-wise is the source of big-time memories for many, good and bad - depending on who you ask.
127. January 16, 2000; Titans-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: Tennessee's first postseason game in the white jerseys and helmets with darker blue pants and numbers plus the light blue on the shoulders. Makes it passable if underwhelming against Indy's blue and white.
126. January 14, 2012; Broncos-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: NE's silver helmets and pants, plus their hint of red, and DEN's hint of orange, made up for navy being laid on thick in this game, but only a little.
125. January 1, 1989; Vikings-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the two teams contrast beautifully on the field, and, proof that consistency is not what I'm shooting for, I ranked the games between these two the year before and the year after significantly higher.
124. December 26, 1977; Vikings-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: white and purple with gold trim against blue and gold is a good contrast. But the problem with this game wasn't just that at one point L.A. Coliseum topsoil became an unofficial color of each teams' unis. Before their unis got soiled, the color contrasts seemed to be concealed by the weather that day.
123. January 14, 2006; Patriots-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: Denver's orange piping down the sides of their uniforms gave this a passable contrast. But the Broncos in orange at home is so much better than the navy blue jerseys. New England's road uniforms need a lot of contrast from their opponents for their games to get a decent ranking.
122. January 10, 2004; Titans-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: Tennessee's white helmets and two-tone blue going against NE dark blue, silver and hints of red were passable, but not memorable.
121. January 12, 2008; Jaguars-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: Jacksonville's road unis those were not my favorite. And NE's home uniforms didn't do enough to give this game a higher ranking, but they both wore what I wanted, so it was passable.
120 January 14, 2012; Saints-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: they wore what I wanted, and NO's black numbers made the contrast enough for me, but so many other games in this round through the years were preferable for me.
119. December 23, 1973; Rams-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: LA's first game in the pure blue and gold against Dallas's traditional colors. I like the 7 other matchups between them better.
118. December 30, 1979; Dolphins-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the colors contrasted in a decent way, but it just was underwhelming for me.
117. January 3, 1981; Vikings-Eagles - NFC Divisional Playoff: MIN in white with purple helmets and numbers with yellow trim against the Kelly green, silver and white of Philadelphia was decent, but so many others were much better. It seems to me that back in those days Philly's home jerseys blended too much with the Veterans Stadium turf.
116. December 25, 1971; Cowboys-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: DAL-MIN always color clashed nicely. I just prefer some other of their matchups better.
115. January 5, 1986; Giants-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: NY in their white jerseys and pants with the dark blue helmet and not quite as dark blue numbers and trim, along with hints of red, against CHI's classic almost-black navy and white with hints of orange. But I think those colors work together better in an overcast day, or after the sun goes down.
114. December 27, 1970; Dolphins-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: MIA and OAK color schemes clash well (white, aqua and coral against silver and black), but in the mud and muck of the Oakland Coliseum - that got diminished.
113. December 23, 1972 - Raiders-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the game was known for an "Immaculate" play, and silver, white and black contrasts decently enough with black and gold, but clips of the game don't make the unis get my attention.
112. January 10, 1999; Jaguars-Jets - AFC Divisional Playoff: NYJ's first postseason game in their new "retro' unis was against teal and black. A nice enough contrast, but so many others were more compelling for me.
111. January 17, 2010; Cowboys-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: DAL in their classic colors against the '06-'12 version of Minnesota's home uniform. The colors clashed nicely but I just liked many others better.
110. January 7, 1990; Rams-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: there was a lot of blue in this game but the Rams gold on their helmets, pants, and part of their white jerseys gave this game at least a semblance of flavor.
109. January 4, 1997; Jaguars-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: it's one of the most disappointing losses for me as a fan, but that's not why this game is ranked as low as it is. Black and teal contrast nicely with blue and orange, and it's the Broncos last game ever with the "D" on their helmets. But Jacksonville's uniforms their first two years were underwhelming for me. Denver's unis don't do enough to change that.
108. January 7, 2001; Ravens-Titans - AFC Divisional Playoff: BAL-TEN was decent enough in those days. But not the greatest.
107. January 11, 2003; Steelers-Titans - AFC Divisional Playoff: this is one game I think I'm underrating, but like a few below, this game was, among other things, an afterthought for me uniform-wise. This is true even though the two teams' unis contrasted well.
106. January 15, 2000; Dolphins-Jaguars - AFC Divisional Playoff: aqua and white with a dash of coral against teal black and white. Not bad, but so many are better.
105. December 22, 1973; Steelers-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: decent PIT-OAK uni matchup but I just like so many others better.
104. January 16, 1983; Packers-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: the colors looked great against each other that day in Texas Stadium - but it's another one of those uni matchups that doesn't reach out and grab me.
103. January 11, 2003; Falcons-Eagles - NFC Divisional Playoff: this was the last game with Atlanta in those uniforms. Their new ones were an improvement. The ones they wore that night, though, contrasted great with Philly's midnight green and white. So this may be one of those games I'm underrating, but it was kind of an afterthought for me.
102. January 7, 2001; Eagles-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: Philly in their midnight green and white against NY in their first year with the "going retro" unis. Looked good enough.
101. January 16, 2000; Vikings-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota in their best road white uniform - with the gold sleeve stripes, purple numbers and gold trim; against St. Louis' blue and gold in the first playoff game in the Trans World Dome.
100. January 4, 1986; Cowboys-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: The last of 8 times these two met in a 13-year span. Eric Dickerson in blue and gold running past Dallas defenders in their classic colors was good in itself, but wasn't in a uniform matchup sense time-capsule worthy.
99. January 4, 1998; Broncos-Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff: Denver's first postseason game in their white jerseys with navy blue numbers and navy blue/orange trim with the new navy blue helmet. Then KC in their classic red and white with hints of gold. Not a bad contrast. Just many that I liked better.
98. January 3, 1982; Giants-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the first of 3 between those two at the Stick. NY with their blue helmets with white pants and jerseys with blue numerals and blue/red trim. Then it's SF with their gold helmets and pants with red jerseys and white numbers, then red and white trim on the pants. I just liked the two matchups that came later better.
97. December 30, 1978; Falcons-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: the colors contrasted well at Texas Stadium. It's just not a uni matchup that instantly jumps out at me for this round of the playoffs.
96. January 17, 2010; Jets-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: Not a lot of color, but NY's white and green contrasted passably against SD's white with navy and gold trim.
95, January 9, 1999; 49ers-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff; SF in the metallic gold helmets and pants with whie jerseys and red numbers/trim; against Atlanta's black helmets and jerseys with white numerals and gray pants with red and white trim. The colors contrasted decently enough but not among my favorite uni matchups.
94. January 5, 1997; Steelers-Patriots - Pittsburgh's first game of any kind in Massachusetts in 17 years. Also this was the Patriots first playoff game in blue jerseys. It was also Pittsburgh's last ever game in the block numerals.
93. January 10, 1993; Chargers-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: the colors contrast beautifully on their own, but the downpour in Miami that day diluted the beauty of it. Rain darkened Miami aqua.
92. January 16, 2011; Seahawks-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: same uniforms as the matchup four years earlier. That's just how the rankings fell for me. See the January, '07 review further down.
91. January 20, 2002; Ravens-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the one postseason game between these two where both teams wore what I wanted. Baltimore's purple stripe down the sides of their white pants makes their road matchups more agreeable for me.
90. January 13, 1991; Bears-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: Chicago in their white jerseys with navy (almost black) pants, helmets and numbers with hints of orange, against New York in the dark blue helmet of that era with a lighter shade of blue jerseys and white pants with red trim. I liked Chicago better in white pants, but this was a decent enough uniform pairing.
89. December 27, 1975; Colts-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: Baltimore in their white with blue and Pittsburgh in their black and gold. Another good color contrast.
88. January 6, 1996; Packers-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: I liked the 2012 matchup better, but this one was no slouch. Both teams in their classic looks.
87. December 21, 1974 - Dolphins-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: the "Sea of Hands" game shows the unis looked good in contrast with each other as depicted on our website, but not so much in actual film clips. But it's still passable.
86. January 19, 2002; Eagles-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: Philly in the white pants and jerseys with midnight green numbers and helmets against Chicago's classic home look: good to see.
85. December 25, 1971; Dolphins-Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff: the longest game in league history had enough contrast - Miami in white and aqua with hints of coral against KC in red and white with hints of gold.
84. January 6, 2001; Saints-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: just like ARI-MIN two years before, I feel like I'm underrating this one too. Oh, well. But those colors contrasted well.
83. January 7. 1996; Eagles-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: this was the last time the Eagles wore that uniform. It always looked good in North Texas. I just liked the January, 1993 matchup better.
82. December 31, 1988; Seahawks-Bengals - AFC Divisional Playoff: Seattle's road uniform was pretty bland back in the day, but Cincinnati's black and orange stripes with white pants brought life to it.
81. January 10, 1999; Cardinals-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: I feel like I'm underrating this game. The colors contrast nicely. I just like many others better.
80. January 11, 2009; Chargers-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: SD in their white jerseys and navy pants and numerals with hints of gold against Pittsburgh's black and gold. It's passable but I like many better.
79. January 14, 2007; Seahawks-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: Seattle's white and pacific blue contrasted nicely enough with Chicago's traditional colors in Soldier Field. Those look better when it's cloudy.
78. January 11, 2004; Colts-Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff: the sun was out for this game unlike the one 8 years before. The colors always contrast nicely. I just prefer the 1995 matchup better.
77. December 26, 1977; Bears-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Chicago in their dark navy and white with hints of orange against Dallas in their clean look. Looked wonderful in Texas Stadium that day.
76. January 1, 1989; Oilers-Bills - AFC Divisional Playoff: I ranked these two teams - in Buffalo - at the very top for Wild Card matchups. I just liked that one much better than this one. And I just happen to like 75 Divisional matchups better than this one. But the two still contrasted nicely with their colors. One difference - Houston's sleeve stripes between then and what they went to two years later.
75. December 29, 1984; Giants-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: it was gray in SF that day but those two have always clashed their colors well. This day was no exception.
74. December 23, 1972; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: I'm not a fan of Dallas' pants from the early 70s. But those unis have always contrasted well against SF. There was enough cloud cover to make the colors shine the right way.
73. January 11, 2014; Saints-Seahawks - NFC Divisional Playoff: one week before New Orleans wore those awful black pants. This time they rocked the gold pants thus it looked better against Seattle blue and neon green with silver numbers.
72. January 4, 1981; Raiders-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: I never was a fan of Cleveland in their brown jerseys with orange pants, but in the cold on the shores of Lake Erie, it was a good look against Oakland in their white and silver with black numbers.
71. January 11, 2004; Packers-Eagles - NFC Divisional Playoff: green for both teams but lots of gold for the Pack plus their white jerseys against Philly. Looked even better after the sun went down.
70. December 19, 1976; Rams-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only differences between this and the '79 game were Dallas going red, white and blue for their stripes down the middle of the helmet and their pants were a little more gray than blue, but got bluer as years went by. The two teams still contrasted nicely at Texas Stadium.
69. December 24, 1977; Raiders-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: this marathon affair looked better as the sun began to recede. Oakland in their white jerseys with silver pants and helmets plus black numbers against the Colts in their blue and white in their last playoff game in Baltimore.
68. January 5, 1997; Cowboys-Panthers - NFC Divisional Playoff: I ranked these two teams in the top 20 for the Wild Card round for their January, 2004 meeting. I just liked that one better than this one.
67. January 6, 1996; Bills-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: same uniforms the two teams wore 3 years earlier. Buffalo in their red, white and blue against Pittsburgh's black and gold. I just liked the '92 matchup better.
66. December 30, 1979; Rams-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Los Angeles and Dallas contrasted well in the 70s.
65. December 24, 1972; Packers-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: the "young and lusty, eager and inspired" (as John Facenda put it) Green Bay team going into RFK. This was the only game in the George Allen era in this round with Washington in red jerseys. In fact this was the only season in the 70s they wore red in the playoffs - all 3 games.
64. January 15, 2006; Panthers-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: Carolina in their silver, white, black and hints of light blue against Chicago in their nearly-black navy with white and hints of orange. Looked great under the lights.
63. January 10, 1988; Vikings-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: this one of three straight at the Stick between these two teams in the Divisional round was under overcast skies. The colors still contrasted well.
62. December 31, 1978; Oilers-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: only one of two playoff games with New England in that red jersey set. It contrasted well against Houston's white and Columbia blue with hints of red.
61. December 28, 1975; Bengals-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: Cincinnati in the orange helmets with white pants and jerseys with black numbers and orange/black trim in other spots against Oakland's silver and black. Good look for both together.
60. January 12, 2013; Packers-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only one of the 4 games that weekend to qualify for a ranking, it makes the top half. Those two unis look better together after the sun goes down.
59. January 5, 1986; Patriots-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: the Pats had gone to the retro sleeve stripes and red pants with white jerseys back then. It looked good that day against the silver and black.
58. January 4, 1981; Cowboys-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas' classic colors against Atlanta in red helmets and jerseys with silver and hints of black and white. Good look for TV and NFL Films clips. And good that they played a 4pm Eastern game.
57. January 12, 2008; Seahawks-Packers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Seattle in their white jerseys and pants with Pacific blue numbers, helmets and trim against classic GB green and gold. And in the snow. Looked great on TV.
56. December 22, 1974; Redskins-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: Washington in their burgundy, gold and white against LA in their blue and gold. A lot of gold but the blue and red with Washington's white jerseys made it contrast well.
55. January 12, 2003; Jets-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: NY in their white and green against the silver and black. Great look that day.
54. January 10, 1999; Dolphins-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: I've always preferred Denver in orange to blue jerseys, but that uniform contrasted well with Miami in their white and aqua.
53. January 4, 1987; 49ers-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only game in this round played in East Rutherford. Both unis contrasted well whether on the East Coast or West Coast.
52. January 12, 1991; Dolphins-Bills - AFC Divisional Playoff; it was good that the scoreboard was lit up like a pinball machine because that was plenty of opportunities for Miami (white helmets and jerseys with aqua numbers and pants) against Buffalo (red helmets with blue jerseys and white pants). And playing in the elements made it look better.
51. January 1, 1984; Steelers-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: these same teams had the same color scheme 10 years earlier in the same round. One difference was Pittsburgh had a gray face mask that was changed to black by 1977. These two unis looked good together in the bright L.A. sunshine.
50. December 26, 1971; Redskins-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the last game ever with Washington in that yellow helmet with the red "R" in the white circle. I just wish the nickname and logo were something else. But the color combos and contrast looked good.
49. January 10, 1993; Eagles-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Philly's green jerseys of that era, with their green helmets and silver pants, jumped out against Dallas' classic colors. These two teams met 3 years later in the same round, same time slot, in the exact same unis. But I liked this one better.
48. January 4, 1998; Buccaneers-Packers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only "Bay of Pigs" playoff matchup ever was a good color contrast as it was Tampa in their first road playoff affair in the pewter, white and red against GB's green and gold.
47. January 7, 1995; Browns-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: Cleveland in their orange helmets, white pants with brown and orange trim, and white jerseys with brown numbers, against the Steelers in their black and gold has always been a good uniform game to see.
46. January 7, 1990; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: the 3rd of 3 PIT-DEN divisional games @ Mile High Stadium. The Broncos started making their middle sleeve stripe thicker in 1989. Their colors still contrasted well against Pittsburgh's black, gold and white.
45. January 2, 1982; Buccaneers-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas dominated on the field that day. Both teams looked good together - Tampa in creamsicle orange and white against Dallas in their classic two-tone blue, white and silver.
44. December 31, 1983; Lions-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Detroit in their silver helmets and pants with white jerseys and blue numbers against SF in their classic 49er red and gold. Great look together.
43. December 27, 1970; 49ers-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: SF in their gold helmet and pants with white jerseys and red numbers/letters against Minnesota in their classic purple and white with hints of gold. Good to see.
42. January 16, 2005; Vikings-Eagles - NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota in that version of their road jerseys against Philly in midnight green and white. Nice look for that pairing that day.
41. January 15, 2006; Steelers-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: good color contrast for these two @ the RCA Dome. I just liked the '76 matchup better.
40. January 16, 1994; Packers-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: GB in their classic green and gold against Dallas in their classic color. Nicely done.
39. January 13, 2007; Colts-Ravens - 2006 AFC Divisional Playoff: Indy in their white and blue against Baltimore in their last playoff game under Brian Billick. And their last home playoff in purple jerseys and white pants.
38. December 28, 1975; Cowboys-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas' silver helmets with metallic silver-blue pants and white jerseys with royal blue numbers looked great against Minnesota in purple and white with hints of gold. The Vikings jerseys looked like grape juice regardless of cloud cover.
37. January 10, 1988; Oilers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: back then Houston's sleeve stripes were a little more spread out, and Denver's sleeve stripes were an equal distribution of blue-white-blue.
36. January 7, 1996; Colts-Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff: I liked that these two met in these colors in the cold and under gray flannel skies, then under the dark of night. It looked better to me than the two of them in sunshine. It just does.
35. January 4, 1987; Patriots-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: both teams with plenty of bright colors in bright sunshine, and after sundown. Looked great on NBC. A Broncos win made the two look even better in my eyes. But, seriously, NE in their white and red with blue trim against Denver orange and blue - you can't go wrong there.
34. January 2, 1982; Chargers-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: the Epic in Miami was no slouch when it came to duds, either. SD in their blue, gold and white against Miami in their aqua jerseys with white helmets and pants with hints of coral. Looked good during daylight and after the sun went down.
33. January 15, 1983; Jets-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: Lyle Alzado exhibited ugly behavior by using his helmet as a weapon against Chris Ward. but Kelly green and white looked awesome against silver and black.
32. January 8, 1995; Dolphins-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the game looked great on TV and in the sunshine with Miami in their white and aqua with hints of coral against SDs dark blue and white uni with hints of yellow.
31. December 26, 1970; Bengals-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: seeing footage of Ed Hinton, Roy Jefferson and John Mackey catching those passes in classic Baltimore blue and white against Cincinnati in the old Bengals helmets and white and black was a thing to behold.
30. January 20, 2002; Packers-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: Brett Favre had his worst game that day. But he and his teammates in gold, white and green looked great against St. Louis in their dark blue and gold.
29. January 10, 2009; Cardinals-Panthers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Larry Fitzgerald in the red and white streaking past Carolina's black, silver and light blue clad defense was great on prime time TV that night.
28. January 3, 1998; Patriots-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: loved New England's road uniform in the late 90s - with the bright red italicized numbers. It contrasted great with so many other teams, including Pittsburgh's home uniforms - their first season with the rounded, italicized numbers.
27. December 22, 1973; Redskins-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: these two teams met three years later with the exact same uniforms in the exact same time slot with almost identical weather and sunlight. But I liked the '76 matchup better.
26. January 12, 2014; Chargers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: SD in their white and navy uniform isn't great by itself. But it looks great contrasted against Denver's orange, navy and white. Even better when part of the game is played after the sun goes down.
25. January 9, 1993; Bills-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: Buffalo's road uniform from that era.contrasted so well against many other teams, especially Pittsburgh in their black and gold.
24. January 15, 2012; Giants-Packers - NFC Divisional Playoff: NY in those white jerseys with bright red numbers, silver pants, and blue helmets; against Green Bay in their green and gold. Great color matchup.
23. January 4, 1992; Oilers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: I loved Houston's white jerseys with Columbia blue pants, blue numbers and white helmet. Going against Denver's classic orange and blue, it looked great on TV. Plus the ending left me giddy.
22. December 27, 1975; Cardinals-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: St. Louis in the white jerseys with those deep red short and fat numbers, against Los Angeles in that classic blue and gold uniform. Merlin Olsen vs. Conrad Dobler looked awesome with that color contrast.
21. January 15, 1994; Giants-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: this is my favorite of the 3 divisional round matchups between these two teams at the Stick. The Original LT's and Phil Simms' last game was them in their classic blue and white against SFs classic red and 49er gold. In the sunshine, unlike the other two times these two met at the Bay in this round of the playoffs.
20. January 6, 2001; Dolphins-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: Miami's last postseason game in aqua green pants. That, and their white jerseys and coral trim against Oakland's silver and black was splendid.
19. December 24, 1977; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: see below for my explanation for this and the '84 matchup. This game was very nice too.
18. December 22, 1974; Bills-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the only season the Bills had their new helmets but with the old jerseys, they made it to the postseason. Their blue and white contrasted so beautifully against Pittsburgh's black and gold.
17. January 12, 1991; Bengals-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: Cincinnati's last postseason before a 15-year playoff hibernation, plus Bo Jackson's last game, was a color delight. I've always liked Bengals @ Raiders games.
16. January 15, 2011; Packers-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff: GB in their classic gold helmets and pants with white jerseys and green numbers, against Atlanta in their black helmets with red jerseys and white pants. What's not to love?
15. January 6, 1990; Vikings-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff:these two met at the same stadium, with the exact same uniforms, in the exact same time slot, in the exact same round of the playoffs, for three straight years. And in two straight seasons they played in sunshine. I just liked this one the best.
14. December 31, 1988; Eagles-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: you couldn't see most of the game. But the parts I could see, the color contrast was beautiful. Philly in the Kelly green helmets and numbers on their white jerseys, with silver pants. Then Chicago with their classic almost-black navy blue jerseys and helmets with white pants and orange trim. Great looking matchup.
13. December 30, 1984; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: this is proof that I'm not 100% consistent in my rankings; and I'm not trying to be. This same matchup happened seven seasons earlier. In the same time slot. Both teams had everything the same - pant stripes, face mask color, etc. Even the color analyst (Merlin Olsen) was the same. Only difference was Denver had it's 25th anniversary patch. I just liked the uniform matchup in this game better, even though I liked the '77 actual game result better.
12. January 3, 1982; Bills-Bengals - AFC Divisional Playoff: Buffalo in their white and blue with hints of red against Cincy in their black and orange tiger stripes. Beautiful game.
11. January 15, 1994; Raiders-Bills - AFC Divisional Playoff: Al Davis's men in their road whites with silver helmet and pants (with black numbers and letters) against the K-Gun version of red, white and blue.Great to see that day.
10. December 19, 1976; Steelers-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: Pittsburgh dominated on the field. Both teams with their colors clashing made for a dominant pair - black helmets with gold pants and white jerseys against Baltimore's blue and white.
9. January 12, 2003; 49ers-Buccaneers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Steve Mariucci's last Niner game wasn't kind to him, but the two teams looked great going against each other. SF in their metallic gold helmets and pants with white jerseys featuring red numbers, letters and stripes, plus Tampa's red and pewter.
8. December 18, 1976; Redskins-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: full disclosure - I'm one who believes Washington should change their nickname and logo. But the burgundy/gold color scheme, when done with gold pants, is very delightful. And going against the classic Minnesota purple jerseys in the bright sunshine that day was great to see.
7. December 29, 1979; Eagles-Buccaneers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only time these two met in Tampa with both of them wearing those unis at the same time. And it was delightful - Kelly green, silver and white against the creamsicles.
6. January 10,2004: Panthers-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: the last playoff game in St. Louis showed dark and bright colors in all the right spots. White, silver and hints of light blue against navy and gold. Beautiful.
5. January 15, 2005; Rams-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff: the last Rams playoff game was a color feast as it was them in their navy, gold and white (with gold pants, no less) against Atlanta's black helmet, red jerseys and white pants. Great thing to see.
4. January 6, 1990; Bills-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: red white and blue the way Buffalo did it in the K-Gun era against Cleveland's browns, orange and white. Plus Cleveland was in brown jerseys. Another visual delight.
3. December 18, 1976; Patriots-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: yes, 3 games from that season made the top 10. That season was dominant uni wise during that round of the playoffs the way the SEC West was dominant in the polls for a good portion of 2014. My favorite New England uniform is the one they had when Steve Grogan, Mike Haynes, Russ Francis, John Hannah, Sam "Bam" Cunningham and others were doing their exploits. That red white and blue set going against silver and black was a treat for me.
2. January 15, 2010; Cardinals-Saints - NFC Divisional Playoff: when the Saints wear the gold pants with the white top, I can rave about the best thing about their black jerseys - the gold letters with that font on the nameplate. Those two going against each other that day was a work of uniform art.
1. December 21, 1974; Cardinals-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: Yes - the top two games are the first of two Saturday games that day. Both involve 10-win Cardinal teams who lost on the road scoring 14 points while allowing 30 or more. That's just a koinkydink. Now, onto the uni matchup. Not a whole lot of color, but it's two teams who made the most of what they had. It was two of my all-time favorites: St Louis back then in their white jerseys with short, fat, deep red numbers. And Minnesota - with the purple jerseys that looked like grape juice - regardless of the weather. Seeing those two in "the Championship Chase" in that game and other highlight films makes it a clear #1 for me.
Here are my observations and rankings of each of the AFC and NFC Divisional Playoff Games since the 1970 season. Why 1970? Because before then NFL players didn't have names on the backs of their jerseys. But, as a little side observation, my favorite AFL uniform game played to decide who was in the AFL Championship Game was the '69 Chiefs-Jets clash, and my favorite NFL one was the '68 Cowboys-Browns matchup. There were, through the 2013 season, 176 AFC and NFC semifinals, so this will be lengthier than last week. This does not include this past weekend's games.
First, the sour cream games:
December 26, 1971; Colts-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: sorry, I can't rank a Browns home game from that time. Again, I know they always wore white at home, but there wasn't the gamemanship with it for them like there was for the Cowboys.
December 24, 1972; Browns-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: this time it was Cleveland in brown, but only because Miami was just a WAH team the vast majority of the time.
December 23, 1973; Bengals-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: see above.
December 30, 1978; Broncos-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: can't do Denver in those orange pants. Sorry.
December 31, 1978; Vikings-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: for some reason the Rams only wore blue at the Coliseum in their two prime time games and against SF.
December 29, 1979; Oilers-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: I hated that SD ditched their blue jerseys for home games 1978-1983.
January 3, 1981; Bills-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: those two met at the Murph 4 times in 3 years, not once was it anything but BUF in blue and SD in white.
January 15, 1983; Vikings-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: those white and red Washington unis for a 30-year span made them dead to me. Doubly bad for constant WAH.
January 16, 1983; Chargers-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: even the two wore the opposite colors one year before, I just can't.
December 31, 1983; Seahawks-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: here we go again.
January 1, 1984; Rams-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: ugh.
December 29, 1984; Seahawks-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: rinse and repeat.
December 30, 1984; Bears-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: um, no. Just, no.
January 4, 1986; Browns-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: once again.
January 3, 1987; Jets-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: one of the few times we saw the Jets in green in those days, but I still just can't rank it.
January 3, 1987; Redskins-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: first of two straight years of this.
January 9, 1988; Colts-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: nope.
January 10, 1988; Redskins-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: same as the year before.
January 12, 1991; Redskins-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: more of the same.
January 4, 1992; Falcons-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: the Falcons black uniforms was my least favorite of theirs too.
January 5, 1992; Chiefs-Bills - AFC Divisional Playoff: the first of the Chiefs divisional playoff uni failures.
January 9, 1993; Redskins-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: 2nd time in 3 years for this.
January 16, 1994; Chiefs-Oilers - AFC Divisional Playoff: I was robbed of KC's red pants for a whole decade.
January 7, 1995; Bears-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: those 49ers throwback-alt mutant hybrids were just wrong. I don't think too many Niner fans liked them either. Even in a year when they won it all.
January 8, 1995; Packers-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only thing worse than those Niners '94 unis was the monstrosities Dallas had late in that season.
January 4, 1997; 49ers-Packers - NFC Divisional Playoff: SF in white pants just doesn't look like the Niners.
January 3, 1998; Vikings-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: same as the year before.
January 15, 2000; Redskins-Buccaneers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Washington rears its ugly uni head in the playoffs again.
January 15, 2005; Jets-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: those green pants - ugh!
January 14, 2006; Redskins-Seahawks - NFC Divisional Playoff: Washington's white pants looked like practice pants.
January 13, 2007; Eagles-Saints - NFC Divisional Playoff: both teams wearing the wrong pants.
January 10, 2009; Ravens-Titans - AFC Divisional Playoff: John Harbaugh's teams in black pants - not good.
January 11, 2009; Eagles-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: Eagles blow it once again.
January 16, 2010; Ravens-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: not good on Baltimore's part.
January 15, 2011; Ravens-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: rinse and repeat.
January 16, 2011; Jets-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: NY in green bottoms again - no es bueno.
January 15, 2012; Texans-Ravens - AFC Divisional Playoff: Texans came correct. Baltimore in purple over black - no, just, no.
January 12, 2013; Ravens-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: almost as bad as the result that day was Baltimore once again in black pants.
January 13, 2013; Seahawks-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff: just can't do Seattle in white pants.
January 13, 2013; Texans-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: I can't get into "Liberty White".
January 12, 2014; 49ers-Panthers - NFC Divisional Playoff: all black on Carolina? More like all blech!
That leaves me 135 games from this round of the playoffs to rank.
135. December 26, 1970; Lions-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas's silver pants back in those days looked more like cement mix. And Detroit's uniforms were a few years away from having any luster. Put those two together - hardly any improvement.
134. January 19, 2002; Raiders-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: the blizzard in Foxboro only made these two unis together look even more drab. New England going away from red two decades ago then darkening their blue before the start of the 2000 season was a uniform regression done twice. Oakland's unis don't bring out anything in New England's in those games in the Northeast.
133. January 16, 2005; Cols-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: in the elements the two teams just don't have much shine in their uni contrasts. The games in Indy look a little better.
132. January 13, 2008; Giants-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: just have never felt much vibe in NYG-DAL uni matchups. The games in the late 70s had at least a little flavor.
131. January 11, 2014; Colts-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: these two teams met in Foxboro twice in this round within a 10-year span, and in the same unis. Both very underwhelming.
130. January 13, 2008; Chargers-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: SD had enough gold in their uni plus their blue was of a darker shade than Indy's. But it's just not memorable for me.
129. January 5, 1992; Cowboys-Lions - NFC Divisional Playoff: the two teams look so much alike, but there were subtle differences that were noticeable.
128. January 14, 2007; Patriots-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: NE had silver and hints of red in their road uni while SD had hints of gold to go with their dark blue and white. Not much else is memorable uniform wise about this game. Even though this game football-wise is the source of big-time memories for many, good and bad - depending on who you ask.
127. January 16, 2000; Titans-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: Tennessee's first postseason game in the white jerseys and helmets with darker blue pants and numbers plus the light blue on the shoulders. Makes it passable if underwhelming against Indy's blue and white.
126. January 14, 2012; Broncos-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: NE's silver helmets and pants, plus their hint of red, and DEN's hint of orange, made up for navy being laid on thick in this game, but only a little.
125. January 1, 1989; Vikings-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the two teams contrast beautifully on the field, and, proof that consistency is not what I'm shooting for, I ranked the games between these two the year before and the year after significantly higher.
124. December 26, 1977; Vikings-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: white and purple with gold trim against blue and gold is a good contrast. But the problem with this game wasn't just that at one point L.A. Coliseum topsoil became an unofficial color of each teams' unis. Before their unis got soiled, the color contrasts seemed to be concealed by the weather that day.
123. January 14, 2006; Patriots-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: Denver's orange piping down the sides of their uniforms gave this a passable contrast. But the Broncos in orange at home is so much better than the navy blue jerseys. New England's road uniforms need a lot of contrast from their opponents for their games to get a decent ranking.
122. January 10, 2004; Titans-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: Tennessee's white helmets and two-tone blue going against NE dark blue, silver and hints of red were passable, but not memorable.
121. January 12, 2008; Jaguars-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: Jacksonville's road unis those were not my favorite. And NE's home uniforms didn't do enough to give this game a higher ranking, but they both wore what I wanted, so it was passable.
120 January 14, 2012; Saints-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: they wore what I wanted, and NO's black numbers made the contrast enough for me, but so many other games in this round through the years were preferable for me.
119. December 23, 1973; Rams-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: LA's first game in the pure blue and gold against Dallas's traditional colors. I like the 7 other matchups between them better.
118. December 30, 1979; Dolphins-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the colors contrasted in a decent way, but it just was underwhelming for me.
117. January 3, 1981; Vikings-Eagles - NFC Divisional Playoff: MIN in white with purple helmets and numbers with yellow trim against the Kelly green, silver and white of Philadelphia was decent, but so many others were much better. It seems to me that back in those days Philly's home jerseys blended too much with the Veterans Stadium turf.
116. December 25, 1971; Cowboys-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: DAL-MIN always color clashed nicely. I just prefer some other of their matchups better.
115. January 5, 1986; Giants-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: NY in their white jerseys and pants with the dark blue helmet and not quite as dark blue numbers and trim, along with hints of red, against CHI's classic almost-black navy and white with hints of orange. But I think those colors work together better in an overcast day, or after the sun goes down.
114. December 27, 1970; Dolphins-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: MIA and OAK color schemes clash well (white, aqua and coral against silver and black), but in the mud and muck of the Oakland Coliseum - that got diminished.
113. December 23, 1972 - Raiders-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the game was known for an "Immaculate" play, and silver, white and black contrasts decently enough with black and gold, but clips of the game don't make the unis get my attention.
112. January 10, 1999; Jaguars-Jets - AFC Divisional Playoff: NYJ's first postseason game in their new "retro' unis was against teal and black. A nice enough contrast, but so many others were more compelling for me.
111. January 17, 2010; Cowboys-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: DAL in their classic colors against the '06-'12 version of Minnesota's home uniform. The colors clashed nicely but I just liked many others better.
110. January 7, 1990; Rams-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: there was a lot of blue in this game but the Rams gold on their helmets, pants, and part of their white jerseys gave this game at least a semblance of flavor.
109. January 4, 1997; Jaguars-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: it's one of the most disappointing losses for me as a fan, but that's not why this game is ranked as low as it is. Black and teal contrast nicely with blue and orange, and it's the Broncos last game ever with the "D" on their helmets. But Jacksonville's uniforms their first two years were underwhelming for me. Denver's unis don't do enough to change that.
108. January 7, 2001; Ravens-Titans - AFC Divisional Playoff: BAL-TEN was decent enough in those days. But not the greatest.
107. January 11, 2003; Steelers-Titans - AFC Divisional Playoff: this is one game I think I'm underrating, but like a few below, this game was, among other things, an afterthought for me uniform-wise. This is true even though the two teams' unis contrasted well.
106. January 15, 2000; Dolphins-Jaguars - AFC Divisional Playoff: aqua and white with a dash of coral against teal black and white. Not bad, but so many are better.
105. December 22, 1973; Steelers-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: decent PIT-OAK uni matchup but I just like so many others better.
104. January 16, 1983; Packers-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: the colors looked great against each other that day in Texas Stadium - but it's another one of those uni matchups that doesn't reach out and grab me.
103. January 11, 2003; Falcons-Eagles - NFC Divisional Playoff: this was the last game with Atlanta in those uniforms. Their new ones were an improvement. The ones they wore that night, though, contrasted great with Philly's midnight green and white. So this may be one of those games I'm underrating, but it was kind of an afterthought for me.
102. January 7, 2001; Eagles-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: Philly in their midnight green and white against NY in their first year with the "going retro" unis. Looked good enough.
101. January 16, 2000; Vikings-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota in their best road white uniform - with the gold sleeve stripes, purple numbers and gold trim; against St. Louis' blue and gold in the first playoff game in the Trans World Dome.
100. January 4, 1986; Cowboys-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: The last of 8 times these two met in a 13-year span. Eric Dickerson in blue and gold running past Dallas defenders in their classic colors was good in itself, but wasn't in a uniform matchup sense time-capsule worthy.
99. January 4, 1998; Broncos-Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff: Denver's first postseason game in their white jerseys with navy blue numbers and navy blue/orange trim with the new navy blue helmet. Then KC in their classic red and white with hints of gold. Not a bad contrast. Just many that I liked better.
98. January 3, 1982; Giants-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the first of 3 between those two at the Stick. NY with their blue helmets with white pants and jerseys with blue numerals and blue/red trim. Then it's SF with their gold helmets and pants with red jerseys and white numbers, then red and white trim on the pants. I just liked the two matchups that came later better.
97. December 30, 1978; Falcons-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: the colors contrasted well at Texas Stadium. It's just not a uni matchup that instantly jumps out at me for this round of the playoffs.
96. January 17, 2010; Jets-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: Not a lot of color, but NY's white and green contrasted passably against SD's white with navy and gold trim.
95, January 9, 1999; 49ers-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff; SF in the metallic gold helmets and pants with whie jerseys and red numbers/trim; against Atlanta's black helmets and jerseys with white numerals and gray pants with red and white trim. The colors contrasted decently enough but not among my favorite uni matchups.
94. January 5, 1997; Steelers-Patriots - Pittsburgh's first game of any kind in Massachusetts in 17 years. Also this was the Patriots first playoff game in blue jerseys. It was also Pittsburgh's last ever game in the block numerals.
93. January 10, 1993; Chargers-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: the colors contrast beautifully on their own, but the downpour in Miami that day diluted the beauty of it. Rain darkened Miami aqua.
92. January 16, 2011; Seahawks-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: same uniforms as the matchup four years earlier. That's just how the rankings fell for me. See the January, '07 review further down.
91. January 20, 2002; Ravens-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the one postseason game between these two where both teams wore what I wanted. Baltimore's purple stripe down the sides of their white pants makes their road matchups more agreeable for me.
90. January 13, 1991; Bears-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: Chicago in their white jerseys with navy (almost black) pants, helmets and numbers with hints of orange, against New York in the dark blue helmet of that era with a lighter shade of blue jerseys and white pants with red trim. I liked Chicago better in white pants, but this was a decent enough uniform pairing.
89. December 27, 1975; Colts-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: Baltimore in their white with blue and Pittsburgh in their black and gold. Another good color contrast.
88. January 6, 1996; Packers-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: I liked the 2012 matchup better, but this one was no slouch. Both teams in their classic looks.
87. December 21, 1974 - Dolphins-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: the "Sea of Hands" game shows the unis looked good in contrast with each other as depicted on our website, but not so much in actual film clips. But it's still passable.
86. January 19, 2002; Eagles-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: Philly in the white pants and jerseys with midnight green numbers and helmets against Chicago's classic home look: good to see.
85. December 25, 1971; Dolphins-Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff: the longest game in league history had enough contrast - Miami in white and aqua with hints of coral against KC in red and white with hints of gold.
84. January 6, 2001; Saints-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: just like ARI-MIN two years before, I feel like I'm underrating this one too. Oh, well. But those colors contrasted well.
83. January 7. 1996; Eagles-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: this was the last time the Eagles wore that uniform. It always looked good in North Texas. I just liked the January, 1993 matchup better.
82. December 31, 1988; Seahawks-Bengals - AFC Divisional Playoff: Seattle's road uniform was pretty bland back in the day, but Cincinnati's black and orange stripes with white pants brought life to it.
81. January 10, 1999; Cardinals-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: I feel like I'm underrating this game. The colors contrast nicely. I just like many others better.
80. January 11, 2009; Chargers-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: SD in their white jerseys and navy pants and numerals with hints of gold against Pittsburgh's black and gold. It's passable but I like many better.
79. January 14, 2007; Seahawks-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: Seattle's white and pacific blue contrasted nicely enough with Chicago's traditional colors in Soldier Field. Those look better when it's cloudy.
78. January 11, 2004; Colts-Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff: the sun was out for this game unlike the one 8 years before. The colors always contrast nicely. I just prefer the 1995 matchup better.
77. December 26, 1977; Bears-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Chicago in their dark navy and white with hints of orange against Dallas in their clean look. Looked wonderful in Texas Stadium that day.
76. January 1, 1989; Oilers-Bills - AFC Divisional Playoff: I ranked these two teams - in Buffalo - at the very top for Wild Card matchups. I just liked that one much better than this one. And I just happen to like 75 Divisional matchups better than this one. But the two still contrasted nicely with their colors. One difference - Houston's sleeve stripes between then and what they went to two years later.
75. December 29, 1984; Giants-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: it was gray in SF that day but those two have always clashed their colors well. This day was no exception.
74. December 23, 1972; Cowboys-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: I'm not a fan of Dallas' pants from the early 70s. But those unis have always contrasted well against SF. There was enough cloud cover to make the colors shine the right way.
73. January 11, 2014; Saints-Seahawks - NFC Divisional Playoff: one week before New Orleans wore those awful black pants. This time they rocked the gold pants thus it looked better against Seattle blue and neon green with silver numbers.
72. January 4, 1981; Raiders-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: I never was a fan of Cleveland in their brown jerseys with orange pants, but in the cold on the shores of Lake Erie, it was a good look against Oakland in their white and silver with black numbers.
71. January 11, 2004; Packers-Eagles - NFC Divisional Playoff: green for both teams but lots of gold for the Pack plus their white jerseys against Philly. Looked even better after the sun went down.
70. December 19, 1976; Rams-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only differences between this and the '79 game were Dallas going red, white and blue for their stripes down the middle of the helmet and their pants were a little more gray than blue, but got bluer as years went by. The two teams still contrasted nicely at Texas Stadium.
69. December 24, 1977; Raiders-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: this marathon affair looked better as the sun began to recede. Oakland in their white jerseys with silver pants and helmets plus black numbers against the Colts in their blue and white in their last playoff game in Baltimore.
68. January 5, 1997; Cowboys-Panthers - NFC Divisional Playoff: I ranked these two teams in the top 20 for the Wild Card round for their January, 2004 meeting. I just liked that one better than this one.
67. January 6, 1996; Bills-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: same uniforms the two teams wore 3 years earlier. Buffalo in their red, white and blue against Pittsburgh's black and gold. I just liked the '92 matchup better.
66. December 30, 1979; Rams-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Los Angeles and Dallas contrasted well in the 70s.
65. December 24, 1972; Packers-Redskins - NFC Divisional Playoff: the "young and lusty, eager and inspired" (as John Facenda put it) Green Bay team going into RFK. This was the only game in the George Allen era in this round with Washington in red jerseys. In fact this was the only season in the 70s they wore red in the playoffs - all 3 games.
64. January 15, 2006; Panthers-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: Carolina in their silver, white, black and hints of light blue against Chicago in their nearly-black navy with white and hints of orange. Looked great under the lights.
63. January 10, 1988; Vikings-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: this one of three straight at the Stick between these two teams in the Divisional round was under overcast skies. The colors still contrasted well.
62. December 31, 1978; Oilers-Patriots - AFC Divisional Playoff: only one of two playoff games with New England in that red jersey set. It contrasted well against Houston's white and Columbia blue with hints of red.
61. December 28, 1975; Bengals-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: Cincinnati in the orange helmets with white pants and jerseys with black numbers and orange/black trim in other spots against Oakland's silver and black. Good look for both together.
60. January 12, 2013; Packers-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only one of the 4 games that weekend to qualify for a ranking, it makes the top half. Those two unis look better together after the sun goes down.
59. January 5, 1986; Patriots-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: the Pats had gone to the retro sleeve stripes and red pants with white jerseys back then. It looked good that day against the silver and black.
58. January 4, 1981; Cowboys-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas' classic colors against Atlanta in red helmets and jerseys with silver and hints of black and white. Good look for TV and NFL Films clips. And good that they played a 4pm Eastern game.
57. January 12, 2008; Seahawks-Packers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Seattle in their white jerseys and pants with Pacific blue numbers, helmets and trim against classic GB green and gold. And in the snow. Looked great on TV.
56. December 22, 1974; Redskins-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: Washington in their burgundy, gold and white against LA in their blue and gold. A lot of gold but the blue and red with Washington's white jerseys made it contrast well.
55. January 12, 2003; Jets-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: NY in their white and green against the silver and black. Great look that day.
54. January 10, 1999; Dolphins-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: I've always preferred Denver in orange to blue jerseys, but that uniform contrasted well with Miami in their white and aqua.
53. January 4, 1987; 49ers-Giants - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only game in this round played in East Rutherford. Both unis contrasted well whether on the East Coast or West Coast.
52. January 12, 1991; Dolphins-Bills - AFC Divisional Playoff; it was good that the scoreboard was lit up like a pinball machine because that was plenty of opportunities for Miami (white helmets and jerseys with aqua numbers and pants) against Buffalo (red helmets with blue jerseys and white pants). And playing in the elements made it look better.
51. January 1, 1984; Steelers-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: these same teams had the same color scheme 10 years earlier in the same round. One difference was Pittsburgh had a gray face mask that was changed to black by 1977. These two unis looked good together in the bright L.A. sunshine.
50. December 26, 1971; Redskins-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the last game ever with Washington in that yellow helmet with the red "R" in the white circle. I just wish the nickname and logo were something else. But the color combos and contrast looked good.
49. January 10, 1993; Eagles-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Philly's green jerseys of that era, with their green helmets and silver pants, jumped out against Dallas' classic colors. These two teams met 3 years later in the same round, same time slot, in the exact same unis. But I liked this one better.
48. January 4, 1998; Buccaneers-Packers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only "Bay of Pigs" playoff matchup ever was a good color contrast as it was Tampa in their first road playoff affair in the pewter, white and red against GB's green and gold.
47. January 7, 1995; Browns-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: Cleveland in their orange helmets, white pants with brown and orange trim, and white jerseys with brown numbers, against the Steelers in their black and gold has always been a good uniform game to see.
46. January 7, 1990; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: the 3rd of 3 PIT-DEN divisional games @ Mile High Stadium. The Broncos started making their middle sleeve stripe thicker in 1989. Their colors still contrasted well against Pittsburgh's black, gold and white.
45. January 2, 1982; Buccaneers-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas dominated on the field that day. Both teams looked good together - Tampa in creamsicle orange and white against Dallas in their classic two-tone blue, white and silver.
44. December 31, 1983; Lions-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Detroit in their silver helmets and pants with white jerseys and blue numbers against SF in their classic 49er red and gold. Great look together.
43. December 27, 1970; 49ers-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: SF in their gold helmet and pants with white jerseys and red numbers/letters against Minnesota in their classic purple and white with hints of gold. Good to see.
42. January 16, 2005; Vikings-Eagles - NFC Divisional Playoff: Minnesota in that version of their road jerseys against Philly in midnight green and white. Nice look for that pairing that day.
41. January 15, 2006; Steelers-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: good color contrast for these two @ the RCA Dome. I just liked the '76 matchup better.
40. January 16, 1994; Packers-Cowboys - NFC Divisional Playoff: GB in their classic green and gold against Dallas in their classic color. Nicely done.
39. January 13, 2007; Colts-Ravens - 2006 AFC Divisional Playoff: Indy in their white and blue against Baltimore in their last playoff game under Brian Billick. And their last home playoff in purple jerseys and white pants.
38. December 28, 1975; Cowboys-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: Dallas' silver helmets with metallic silver-blue pants and white jerseys with royal blue numbers looked great against Minnesota in purple and white with hints of gold. The Vikings jerseys looked like grape juice regardless of cloud cover.
37. January 10, 1988; Oilers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: back then Houston's sleeve stripes were a little more spread out, and Denver's sleeve stripes were an equal distribution of blue-white-blue.
36. January 7, 1996; Colts-Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff: I liked that these two met in these colors in the cold and under gray flannel skies, then under the dark of night. It looked better to me than the two of them in sunshine. It just does.
35. January 4, 1987; Patriots-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: both teams with plenty of bright colors in bright sunshine, and after sundown. Looked great on NBC. A Broncos win made the two look even better in my eyes. But, seriously, NE in their white and red with blue trim against Denver orange and blue - you can't go wrong there.
34. January 2, 1982; Chargers-Dolphins - AFC Divisional Playoff: the Epic in Miami was no slouch when it came to duds, either. SD in their blue, gold and white against Miami in their aqua jerseys with white helmets and pants with hints of coral. Looked good during daylight and after the sun went down.
33. January 15, 1983; Jets-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: Lyle Alzado exhibited ugly behavior by using his helmet as a weapon against Chris Ward. but Kelly green and white looked awesome against silver and black.
32. January 8, 1995; Dolphins-Chargers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the game looked great on TV and in the sunshine with Miami in their white and aqua with hints of coral against SDs dark blue and white uni with hints of yellow.
31. December 26, 1970; Bengals-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: seeing footage of Ed Hinton, Roy Jefferson and John Mackey catching those passes in classic Baltimore blue and white against Cincinnati in the old Bengals helmets and white and black was a thing to behold.
30. January 20, 2002; Packers-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: Brett Favre had his worst game that day. But he and his teammates in gold, white and green looked great against St. Louis in their dark blue and gold.
29. January 10, 2009; Cardinals-Panthers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Larry Fitzgerald in the red and white streaking past Carolina's black, silver and light blue clad defense was great on prime time TV that night.
28. January 3, 1998; Patriots-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: loved New England's road uniform in the late 90s - with the bright red italicized numbers. It contrasted great with so many other teams, including Pittsburgh's home uniforms - their first season with the rounded, italicized numbers.
27. December 22, 1973; Redskins-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: these two teams met three years later with the exact same uniforms in the exact same time slot with almost identical weather and sunlight. But I liked the '76 matchup better.
26. January 12, 2014; Chargers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: SD in their white and navy uniform isn't great by itself. But it looks great contrasted against Denver's orange, navy and white. Even better when part of the game is played after the sun goes down.
25. January 9, 1993; Bills-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: Buffalo's road uniform from that era.contrasted so well against many other teams, especially Pittsburgh in their black and gold.
24. January 15, 2012; Giants-Packers - NFC Divisional Playoff: NY in those white jerseys with bright red numbers, silver pants, and blue helmets; against Green Bay in their green and gold. Great color matchup.
23. January 4, 1992; Oilers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: I loved Houston's white jerseys with Columbia blue pants, blue numbers and white helmet. Going against Denver's classic orange and blue, it looked great on TV. Plus the ending left me giddy.
22. December 27, 1975; Cardinals-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: St. Louis in the white jerseys with those deep red short and fat numbers, against Los Angeles in that classic blue and gold uniform. Merlin Olsen vs. Conrad Dobler looked awesome with that color contrast.
21. January 15, 1994; Giants-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff: this is my favorite of the 3 divisional round matchups between these two teams at the Stick. The Original LT's and Phil Simms' last game was them in their classic blue and white against SFs classic red and 49er gold. In the sunshine, unlike the other two times these two met at the Bay in this round of the playoffs.
20. January 6, 2001; Dolphins-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: Miami's last postseason game in aqua green pants. That, and their white jerseys and coral trim against Oakland's silver and black was splendid.
19. December 24, 1977; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: see below for my explanation for this and the '84 matchup. This game was very nice too.
18. December 22, 1974; Bills-Steelers - AFC Divisional Playoff: the only season the Bills had their new helmets but with the old jerseys, they made it to the postseason. Their blue and white contrasted so beautifully against Pittsburgh's black and gold.
17. January 12, 1991; Bengals-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: Cincinnati's last postseason before a 15-year playoff hibernation, plus Bo Jackson's last game, was a color delight. I've always liked Bengals @ Raiders games.
16. January 15, 2011; Packers-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff: GB in their classic gold helmets and pants with white jerseys and green numbers, against Atlanta in their black helmets with red jerseys and white pants. What's not to love?
15. January 6, 1990; Vikings-49ers - NFC Divisional Playoff:these two met at the same stadium, with the exact same uniforms, in the exact same time slot, in the exact same round of the playoffs, for three straight years. And in two straight seasons they played in sunshine. I just liked this one the best.
14. December 31, 1988; Eagles-Bears - NFC Divisional Playoff: you couldn't see most of the game. But the parts I could see, the color contrast was beautiful. Philly in the Kelly green helmets and numbers on their white jerseys, with silver pants. Then Chicago with their classic almost-black navy blue jerseys and helmets with white pants and orange trim. Great looking matchup.
13. December 30, 1984; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Divisional Playoff: this is proof that I'm not 100% consistent in my rankings; and I'm not trying to be. This same matchup happened seven seasons earlier. In the same time slot. Both teams had everything the same - pant stripes, face mask color, etc. Even the color analyst (Merlin Olsen) was the same. Only difference was Denver had it's 25th anniversary patch. I just liked the uniform matchup in this game better, even though I liked the '77 actual game result better.
12. January 3, 1982; Bills-Bengals - AFC Divisional Playoff: Buffalo in their white and blue with hints of red against Cincy in their black and orange tiger stripes. Beautiful game.
11. January 15, 1994; Raiders-Bills - AFC Divisional Playoff: Al Davis's men in their road whites with silver helmet and pants (with black numbers and letters) against the K-Gun version of red, white and blue.Great to see that day.
10. December 19, 1976; Steelers-Colts - AFC Divisional Playoff: Pittsburgh dominated on the field. Both teams with their colors clashing made for a dominant pair - black helmets with gold pants and white jerseys against Baltimore's blue and white.
9. January 12, 2003; 49ers-Buccaneers - NFC Divisional Playoff: Steve Mariucci's last Niner game wasn't kind to him, but the two teams looked great going against each other. SF in their metallic gold helmets and pants with white jerseys featuring red numbers, letters and stripes, plus Tampa's red and pewter.
8. December 18, 1976; Redskins-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: full disclosure - I'm one who believes Washington should change their nickname and logo. But the burgundy/gold color scheme, when done with gold pants, is very delightful. And going against the classic Minnesota purple jerseys in the bright sunshine that day was great to see.
7. December 29, 1979; Eagles-Buccaneers - NFC Divisional Playoff: the only time these two met in Tampa with both of them wearing those unis at the same time. And it was delightful - Kelly green, silver and white against the creamsicles.
6. January 10,2004: Panthers-Rams - NFC Divisional Playoff: the last playoff game in St. Louis showed dark and bright colors in all the right spots. White, silver and hints of light blue against navy and gold. Beautiful.
5. January 15, 2005; Rams-Falcons - NFC Divisional Playoff: the last Rams playoff game was a color feast as it was them in their navy, gold and white (with gold pants, no less) against Atlanta's black helmet, red jerseys and white pants. Great thing to see.
4. January 6, 1990; Bills-Browns - AFC Divisional Playoff: red white and blue the way Buffalo did it in the K-Gun era against Cleveland's browns, orange and white. Plus Cleveland was in brown jerseys. Another visual delight.
3. December 18, 1976; Patriots-Raiders - AFC Divisional Playoff: yes, 3 games from that season made the top 10. That season was dominant uni wise during that round of the playoffs the way the SEC West was dominant in the polls for a good portion of 2014. My favorite New England uniform is the one they had when Steve Grogan, Mike Haynes, Russ Francis, John Hannah, Sam "Bam" Cunningham and others were doing their exploits. That red white and blue set going against silver and black was a treat for me.
2. January 15, 2010; Cardinals-Saints - NFC Divisional Playoff: when the Saints wear the gold pants with the white top, I can rave about the best thing about their black jerseys - the gold letters with that font on the nameplate. Those two going against each other that day was a work of uniform art.
1. December 21, 1974; Cardinals-Vikings - NFC Divisional Playoff: Yes - the top two games are the first of two Saturday games that day. Both involve 10-win Cardinal teams who lost on the road scoring 14 points while allowing 30 or more. That's just a koinkydink. Now, onto the uni matchup. Not a whole lot of color, but it's two teams who made the most of what they had. It was two of my all-time favorites: St Louis back then in their white jerseys with short, fat, deep red numbers. And Minnesota - with the purple jerseys that looked like grape juice - regardless of the weather. Seeing those two in "the Championship Chase" in that game and other highlight films makes it a clear #1 for me.
Wild Card Weekend 2014 uniform matchup rankings
by Tim Brulia
We welcome you to the NFL Post season. And with it, the Wild Card edition, The Opening Salvo on the road to Super Bowl XLIX.
4) Lions-Cowboys: DET in honolulu blue/silver, DAL in white/mint. Speculation on the Cowboys' Nike collars that make the impression that there are blue ziggy-zags on the neckline? I dunno for sure, but even that can't save this one from the bottom matchup this past weekend. The teams are too similar. Silvery helmets, silvery pants, and bluesy jerseys/trim, even the hint of black on the Cowboys sleeve stripes and all around on the Lions gear. You've heard me say two unis that separately are rather unattractive, but paired together can look great? Well, this might be the case in reverse. Two uniforms that are pretty good separately (the Cowboys blue mash-up notwithstanding) but combined lose their visual appeal. Not quite what I like.
3) Ravens-Steelers: BAL in white/black, PIT in black/yellow. The NFL's most intense rivalry features much black. Both in black lids, the Ravens in black pants, the Steelers in black jerseys. Perhaps due to the letdown from Saturday's early game, which was more visually entertaining in my eyes, or whatever, I think this emphasized that somehow, the Ravens need to expose more of the purple in the white set. Maybe purple pants, or at least more purple trim on the black pants? The Steelers black over yellow is a fine set. Maybe the Ravens could have even gone all white for this one? I don't know. I just wasn't feeling this one.
2) Bengals-Colts: CIN in white/white, IND in blue/white. What stood out here was the color opposites. Bengals with orange trim dominating over black trim. The Colts, whose blue jerseys seemed to vibrate with radiance. Coupling two of my favorite separate colors and this game somehow rocked. I know I bash on the Colts dullness when wearing their all whites, but when they are in blue and the opponent looks good and if the potential exists, it can make for a bang-up matchup. This one succeeds.
1) Cardinals-Panthers: ARZ in red/red, CAR in white/white. While the Panthers going to the all whites for a home encounter in the playoffs was a surprise to some, it was not without precedent. Frankly, I was a little more surprised that the Cardinals chose to go all red for this match. And it seemed to work rather well. If I had my precious druthers, the Panthers would have used this opportunity to go all black since they had not done so in the regular season. But, I prefer this choice as opposed to the tired black over silver. The Cardinals, while looking sparkling on the field uni-wise, performed rather dreadfully in execution. Still, a pleasing encounter visually.
Next week, the Divisional Round, where the big boys enter the fray. See you then!
We welcome you to the NFL Post season. And with it, the Wild Card edition, The Opening Salvo on the road to Super Bowl XLIX.
4) Lions-Cowboys: DET in honolulu blue/silver, DAL in white/mint. Speculation on the Cowboys' Nike collars that make the impression that there are blue ziggy-zags on the neckline? I dunno for sure, but even that can't save this one from the bottom matchup this past weekend. The teams are too similar. Silvery helmets, silvery pants, and bluesy jerseys/trim, even the hint of black on the Cowboys sleeve stripes and all around on the Lions gear. You've heard me say two unis that separately are rather unattractive, but paired together can look great? Well, this might be the case in reverse. Two uniforms that are pretty good separately (the Cowboys blue mash-up notwithstanding) but combined lose their visual appeal. Not quite what I like.
3) Ravens-Steelers: BAL in white/black, PIT in black/yellow. The NFL's most intense rivalry features much black. Both in black lids, the Ravens in black pants, the Steelers in black jerseys. Perhaps due to the letdown from Saturday's early game, which was more visually entertaining in my eyes, or whatever, I think this emphasized that somehow, the Ravens need to expose more of the purple in the white set. Maybe purple pants, or at least more purple trim on the black pants? The Steelers black over yellow is a fine set. Maybe the Ravens could have even gone all white for this one? I don't know. I just wasn't feeling this one.
2) Bengals-Colts: CIN in white/white, IND in blue/white. What stood out here was the color opposites. Bengals with orange trim dominating over black trim. The Colts, whose blue jerseys seemed to vibrate with radiance. Coupling two of my favorite separate colors and this game somehow rocked. I know I bash on the Colts dullness when wearing their all whites, but when they are in blue and the opponent looks good and if the potential exists, it can make for a bang-up matchup. This one succeeds.
1) Cardinals-Panthers: ARZ in red/red, CAR in white/white. While the Panthers going to the all whites for a home encounter in the playoffs was a surprise to some, it was not without precedent. Frankly, I was a little more surprised that the Cardinals chose to go all red for this match. And it seemed to work rather well. If I had my precious druthers, the Panthers would have used this opportunity to go all black since they had not done so in the regular season. But, I prefer this choice as opposed to the tired black over silver. The Cardinals, while looking sparkling on the field uni-wise, performed rather dreadfully in execution. Still, a pleasing encounter visually.
Next week, the Divisional Round, where the big boys enter the fray. See you then!
Week 17 2014 weekly uniform rankings
by Tim Brulia
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all from the GUD!!
This will be an abbreviated edition of the rankings. They are listed from 17 to 1 as usual, but only some thoughts will be presented here.
16) Rams-Seahawks: STL in white/navy, SEA in navy/navy. Along with navy helmets and navy socks, it's more Navy than the U.S. Naval Academy.
15) Jaguars-Texans: JAX in white/black, HOU in navy/white. Just another day at the office.
14) Jets-Dolphins: NYJ in green/white, MIA in white/white. Guess I can't expect the Jets to go green bottomed in South Florida and of course Dolphins won't go aqua panted at home anymore. Dear me.
13) Colts-Titans: IND in blue/white, TEN in white/navy. Titans go 7 of 8 in WAH and that's as much as the Cowboys and Dolphins do. Good to see somebody other than these two do so as often. I'd personally like to see about six teams go WAH as often.
12) Browns-Ravens: CLE in white/white. BAL in purple/white, Some folks lamenting the supposed end of the classic Browns look as the Browns have already announced a new look for 2015. Um, excuse me. The Browns have worn white helmets, orange jerseys, orange pants, trimmed numbers, and even jersey numbers on their helmets in the past. Not to mention brown pants and all brown in recent times. Maybe a good old-fashioned jolt to the senses is needed.
11) Cardinals-49ers: ARZ in white/white, SF in red/gold. Good of the Cardinals to stash the red pants for this one. Could have been too much red. Then again...I do like that white over red look...
10) Saints-Buccaneers: NO in white/black, TB in red/pewter. Lots of possible combos here, but this one is better that some others. Red socks by the Bucs is a good choice.
9) Bills-Patriots: BUF in white/blue, NE in navy/silver. Thanks, Bills for wearing the blue pants. Big plus for this encounter.
8) Eagles-Giants: PHI in white/green, NYG in blue/gray. A good one, but me thinks a pair of white pants (on the Giants, not the Eagles) would have sparked this one up a tad.
7) Panthers-Falcons: CAR in white/white, ATL in red/white. I know, I know, we're not going to see it, but jeez, I really would like to see a little uni mash-up from the Panthers when in the white jerseys.
6) Bengals-Steelers: CIN in white/black, PIT in black/yellow. While a lot of black, it's not black overload. Enough orange and yellow to make it zesty.
5) Raiders-Broncos: OAK in white/silver, DEN in orange/white. Every opponent looks better when they head to Denver and the Broncos wear orange jerseys. It just works that way.
4) Lions-Packers: DET in white/silver, GB in green/yellow. Every opponent looks better when they head to Lambeau and the Packer wear green over yellow. It just works that way.
3) Chargers-Chiefs: SD in white/navy, KC in red/white. A good old standby.
2) Bears-Vikings: CHI in white/navy, MIN in purple/white. Vikes spend a season with perfect symmetry. Either white over purple or purple over white. No all whites, no all purples. I approve.
1) Cowboys-Redskins: DAL in white/mint, WSH in burgundy/yellow. Classic clash brings out the best in both.
Be here for the Wild Card round!
HAPPY NEW YEAR to all from the GUD!!
This will be an abbreviated edition of the rankings. They are listed from 17 to 1 as usual, but only some thoughts will be presented here.
16) Rams-Seahawks: STL in white/navy, SEA in navy/navy. Along with navy helmets and navy socks, it's more Navy than the U.S. Naval Academy.
15) Jaguars-Texans: JAX in white/black, HOU in navy/white. Just another day at the office.
14) Jets-Dolphins: NYJ in green/white, MIA in white/white. Guess I can't expect the Jets to go green bottomed in South Florida and of course Dolphins won't go aqua panted at home anymore. Dear me.
13) Colts-Titans: IND in blue/white, TEN in white/navy. Titans go 7 of 8 in WAH and that's as much as the Cowboys and Dolphins do. Good to see somebody other than these two do so as often. I'd personally like to see about six teams go WAH as often.
12) Browns-Ravens: CLE in white/white. BAL in purple/white, Some folks lamenting the supposed end of the classic Browns look as the Browns have already announced a new look for 2015. Um, excuse me. The Browns have worn white helmets, orange jerseys, orange pants, trimmed numbers, and even jersey numbers on their helmets in the past. Not to mention brown pants and all brown in recent times. Maybe a good old-fashioned jolt to the senses is needed.
11) Cardinals-49ers: ARZ in white/white, SF in red/gold. Good of the Cardinals to stash the red pants for this one. Could have been too much red. Then again...I do like that white over red look...
10) Saints-Buccaneers: NO in white/black, TB in red/pewter. Lots of possible combos here, but this one is better that some others. Red socks by the Bucs is a good choice.
9) Bills-Patriots: BUF in white/blue, NE in navy/silver. Thanks, Bills for wearing the blue pants. Big plus for this encounter.
8) Eagles-Giants: PHI in white/green, NYG in blue/gray. A good one, but me thinks a pair of white pants (on the Giants, not the Eagles) would have sparked this one up a tad.
7) Panthers-Falcons: CAR in white/white, ATL in red/white. I know, I know, we're not going to see it, but jeez, I really would like to see a little uni mash-up from the Panthers when in the white jerseys.
6) Bengals-Steelers: CIN in white/black, PIT in black/yellow. While a lot of black, it's not black overload. Enough orange and yellow to make it zesty.
5) Raiders-Broncos: OAK in white/silver, DEN in orange/white. Every opponent looks better when they head to Denver and the Broncos wear orange jerseys. It just works that way.
4) Lions-Packers: DET in white/silver, GB in green/yellow. Every opponent looks better when they head to Lambeau and the Packer wear green over yellow. It just works that way.
3) Chargers-Chiefs: SD in white/navy, KC in red/white. A good old standby.
2) Bears-Vikings: CHI in white/navy, MIN in purple/white. Vikes spend a season with perfect symmetry. Either white over purple or purple over white. No all whites, no all purples. I approve.
1) Cowboys-Redskins: DAL in white/mint, WSH in burgundy/yellow. Classic clash brings out the best in both.
Be here for the Wild Card round!
All-time Uniform Games Rankings - Wild Card Weekend Edition
by Kyle Standerfer
Here's to a great 2015 to all of you. Thanks to all for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to this blog.
In my first post, I want to take the 126 games that have been played during Wild Card Weekend since 1978 and rank them by the uniforms worn. I include in this the 8 games played in the first round of the 1982 "Super Bowl Tournament" played in January of 1983. Just like Tim, there's no science to this, just based on things that I like, or dislike, then my subjective feelings about how they look to me. This will be lengthy, but think of it as one of those games that has to have a 2nd OT period.
First the games I call "sour cream". If you wonder why, sour cream is the one food that puts my gag reflex on overdrive, or as if it had a shot of steroids. There are so far 41 such Wild Card games that fit that bill.
December 24, 1978; Oilers-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: Miami went white at home (WAH), and it doesn't involve the Cowboys, so it fails in my book. Shula's Dolphins sometimes wore WAH in a 4pm EST kickoff playoff game, while at other times they went with aqua.
December 23, 1979; Broncos-Oilers - AFC Wild Card Game: I just cannot get into the orange pants that Denver wore in '78 and '79.
December 28, 1980; Oilers-Raiders - AFC Wild Card Game: Bum Phillips' Houston teams were 0 for 3 uniform-wise during this round of the playoffs. In 1980, Houston decided for some reason to ditch the Columbia blue pants. Thus, away from the Astrodome, they didn't look like the Oilers.
January 8, 1983; Patriots-Dolphins - AFC 1st Round Playoff Game: see Oilers-Dolphins - 1978.
December 28, 1985; Patriots-Jets - AFC Wild Card Game: for some reason the J-E-T-S decided to go exclusively WAH during the entire 2nd half of the 1980s. Thus the first ever playoff game in the state of New Jersey was a sour cream game.
December 28, 1986; Chiefs-Jets - AFC Wild Card Game; exactly one year later, the Jets made the same mistake in the only KC playoff game between Hank Stram and Marty Schottenheimer.
December 28, 1986; Rams-Redskins - NFC Wild Card Game: for the first time, no playoff games in one round in one season are eligible for ranking. See Lions-Redskins above for why.
December 24, 1988; Oilers-Browns - AFC Wild Card Game: I know at the time it was traditional for the Brownies to go WAH. But I don't care. Unlike the Cowboys, the Browns and their opponents didn't add any uniform gamesmansuip to it. When Cleveland went on the road, teams didn't make them wear Brown jerseys to mess with their heads as far as I know.
December 31, 1989; Rams-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: for some reason, Philly went almost exclusively WAH during the late 80s. Even late in the season. Thus I was denied the chance to see them in Kelly green unless they were in Irving, TX or Washington, DC.
January 5, 1991; Redskins-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: this year the Eagles wore their green jerseys, but it had to be the Skins in town. Thus it was ruined.
January 5, 1991; Chiefs-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: here Miami went with aqua, but I was never a fan of KC in white on white.
January 2, 1993; Redskins-Vikings - NFC Wild Card Game: it's Washington again.
January 2, 1993; Chiefs-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game: once again, KC in all white. No es bueno.
December 31, 1994; Chiefs-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: rinse and repeat.
December 30, 1995; Lions-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: Philly in 1995 reverted back to their bad late 80s habit of going WAH every game.
December 29, 1996; Eagles-49ers - NFC Wild Card Game: it felt like someone stole SF's identity in '96 and '97. Them in white pants - they don't look like the 49ers.
January 2, 1999; Bills-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game - Dolphins hosting a 1pm kickoff thus they go WAH. Made me sad.
January 8, 2000; Lions-Redskins - NFC Wild Card Game: after a lengthy absence, those awful Washington burgundy pants reappeared.
December 30, 2000; Colts-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: once again, Miami goes WAH.
December 30, 2000; Rams-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: later that day, it was the Saints turn to ruin a game uni-wise. Maybe it was because that year they went 7-1 on the road and 3-5 at home, and because just six days earlier the Rams went down to NOLA and beat the Saints. Whatever it was, the result was a shame.
January 12, 2002; Ravens-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: Dolphins rinse and repeat.
January 8, 2005; Jets-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game; Gang Green in green pants - excuse me while I head off to porcelain church.
January 7, 2006; Redskins-Buccaneers - NFC Wild Card Game: Washington once again. If there was one thing worse than them in burgundy pants, it was them in white on white.
January 8, 2006; Steelers-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: Cincy's first playoff game in 15 years wasn't just disappointing for people in the Queen City. It disappointed me for them going black on black.
January 6, 2007; Chiefs-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: I know Lamar Hunt had recently passed on, and that white on white was his favorite uniform. It still is displeasing to my uni watching eyes.
January 7, 2007; Jets-Patriots - AFC Wild Card Game: green pants again - smh.
January 5, 2008; Redskins-Seahawks - NFC Wild Card Game: last time we see them in that uni in the playoffs ever, thankfully.
January 6, 2008; Giants-Buccaneers - NFC Wild Card Game: Bucs in white jerseys at home in a playoff game - not involving Dallas? That, to me, was the ultimate uniform example of going to a drive through, asking for a Coke, taking a drink, and tasting unsweetened iced tea. Why, Tampa Bay, why?
January 3, 2009; Colts-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game: I'm the ultimate NFL uni enthusiast heretic in that I am not enamored by the Bolts' powder blues.
January 4, 2009; Ravens-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: rinse and repeat of seven years earlier.
January 4, 2009; Eagles-Vikings - Philly in green pants? No, just, no.
January 10, 2010; Ravens-Patriots - AFC Wild Card Game: the bad thing about the John Harbaugh era is the Baltimore Birdies going with those black speedos way too much.
January 8, 2011; Saints-Seahawks - NFC Wild Card Game: the "Beast Quake" game was a uniform fail as an unfortunate staple of the Sean Payton era - NO in black speedos, happened once again.
January 9, 2011; Ravens-Chiefs - AFC Wild Card Game: BAL goes wrong again.
January 7, 2012; Lions-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: NO blows it again. This time at home.
January 5, 2013; Bengals-Texans - AFC Wild Card Game: both teams in dark pants? I think I'm gonna be sick.
January 6. 2013; Colts-Ravens - AFC Wild Card Game: Ray Lewis' last home game is Ravens uniform fail.
January 6, 2013; Seahawks-Redskins - NFC Wild Card Game: Washington finally went back to gold pants, but Seattle ruined it with white on white. I just want them to wear gray pants with white tops.
January 4, 2014: Chiefs-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: repeat of seven years earlier.
January 4, 2014; Saints-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: NOLA once again goes wrong.
That's 41 "sour cream" games, leaving 85 eligible for ranking. Here are those 85 games.
85. December 28, 1991; Falcons-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: even though it's eligible for ranking, it's the uniform version of eating gruel. Very underwhelming.
84. December 22, 1984; Raiders-Seahawks - AFC Wild Card Game: pretty lifeless when it came to uniforms.
83. January 1, 1995; Bears-Vikings - NFC Wild Card Game: CHI-MIN was much better when the Vikes were at the Met. The colors together just never had a splash. Especially those Vikings unis when worn at the HHH Metrodome.
82. January 7, 2006; Jaguars-Patriots - AFC Wild Card Game: that game just didn't do much for me.
81. December 31, 1995; Colts-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game: not horrible, but lacks the "wow" factor.
80. January 6, 2007; Cowboys-Seahawks - NFC Wild Card Game - the colors displayed in this game - meh!
79. December 24, 1983; Broncos-Seahawks - AFC Wild Card Game: Denver going to the Pacific Northwest never did much for me uniform wise.
78. January 3, 1988; Seahawks-Oilers - AFC Wild Card Game: Seattle road unis couldn't bring out the best in Houston's home unis. In fact, they kind of buried their greatness.
77. January 5, 2008; Jaguars-Steelers - AFC Wild Card Game: Jacksonville's road unis back then were just dull. Pittsburgh's home unis didn't do enough to save it.
76. January 9, 1983; Chargers-Steelers - AFC 1st Round Playoff Game: the gold on SD's pants back then looked dingy. Thus even their blue helmets and numbers contrasted with Pittsburgh's black helmets and jerseys didn't do anything to elevate this uniform matchup.
75. January 9, 1994; Vikings-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: just didn't do much for me.
74. December 29, 1991; Cowboys-Bears - NFC Wild Card Game: not the worst, but DAL-CHI was never a matchup I gave eager anticipation when it came to uniforms.
73. December 26, 1988; Rams-Vikings - NFC Wild Card Game: Rams-Vikings at the Met in the 70s in daylight was a thing of beauty. In the 80s in the dark Metrodome - meh!
72. January 8, 2006; Panthers-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: not the absolute worst, but these two getting together in New Jersey has never wowed me.
71. January 5, 2014; 49ers-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: somehow the weather hovering over Lambeau ruined the look of the two unis that day last year.
70. January 9, 2000; Cowboys-Vikings - NFC Wild Card Game: the Vikings purple jerseys they started wearing in the late 90s were an improvement over their previous gear in the Metrodome.
69. December 30, 1995; Dolphins-Bills - AFC Wild Card Game: Don Shula's last game was uninspiring overall compared to other MIA-BUF uniform games.
68. December 27, 1997; Vikings-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: this game actually looked better under gray skies to me than it would have on a sunny day. By 1997 Minnesota added more gold to their road unis.
67. January 5, 2014; Chargers-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: I feel like I'm underrating this game, since they both wore what I wanted and there's enough contrast. But honestly this was an afterthought for me.
66. January 4, 2004; Broncos-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: the shades of blue are different, and there were hints of orange. I just liked their matchup the next year better.
65. January 9, 1994; Broncos-Raiders - AFC Wild Card Game: the colors contrasted, but Broncos @ Raiders has never been very inspiring to me uniform wise.
64. December 31, 1995; Falcons-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: the Falcons road unis back then looked dingy and dull, but looked better that day against GB.
63. January 3, 2009; Falcons-Cardinals - NFC Wild Card Game; both teams in red and white, but Atlanta's black helmets made the matchup decent enough.
62. December 26, 1983; Rams-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: these same two teams are in a top 10 game from 3 years earlier. But by '83, Dallas thinned out the blue numerals and letters on the name plate. And the Rams face mask was now blue. The 1980 game was much more visually pleasing to me.
61. January 9, 1983; Falcons-Vikings - NFC 1st Round Playoff Game: the colors contrasted well. Just that the Metrodome dulled out Minnesota's purple jerseys.
60. January 6, 1991; Saints-Bears - NFC Wild Card Game: not a bad matchup, but I liked it better when NO updated the gold pants to make them look shinier.
59. January 8, 1983; Cardinals-:Packers - NFC 1st Round Playoff Game: these weren't my favorite unis for either team, especialy GB's pants where it looked like they painted yellow over the white stripe. But together the colors had some dance to it.
58. December 28, 1996; Jaguars-Bills - Jacksonville's first ever playoff game and Buffalo's only playoff loss at Rich Stadium (now "the Ralph"). The colors contrasted well. Thankfully, the next year JAX rounded their number font.
57. January 8, 1994; Packers-Lions - NFC Wild Card Game: I like these two teams better in Wisconsin. But they aren't bad in Michigan.
56. January 9, 2000; Dolphins-Seahawks - AFC Wild Card Game: the last game ever in the Kingdome - Seattle's unis back then were underwhelming. But Miami's white and aqua with hints of coral enhanced that matchup overall.
55. January 7, 2012: Bengals-Texans - AFC Wild Card: both teams in white pants made this good. Orange, black and white against navy, white and red. Just many others are better.
54. January 9, 2011; Packers-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: the gold on GB saves this one. It's overall a good look, but so many are better.
53. January 4 2003; Colts-Jets - AFC Wild Card Game: the only time the Jets were the home team in the playoffs against the Cols. That would have looked better in daylight, but it didn't look bad.
52. January 3, 1988; Vikings-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: the two unis separately were underwhelming. Contrasted against each other they looked better.
51. December 23, 1979; Bears-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: if there was one drawback with those Eagles green jerseys back then, it was that sometimes they looked identical to the color of the Veterans Stadium turf. Especially in daylight hours. The Bears darker helmet and white jerseys and pants with navy blue and orange trim made it salvageable.
50. January 3, 2004; Titans-Ravens - AFC Wild Card Game: they looked good going against each other. Just some I liked better.
49. December 23, 1984; Giants-Rams - NFC Wild Card Game: first of only two playoff games in Orange County, CA. Back then the blue numbers on the Giants white jerseys was lighter than their blue helmets. That made this matchup against the Rams passable.
48. December 27, 1997; Jaguars-Broncos - AFC Wild Card Game: I was at that game. Loved the result. But many more games had better uni matchups.
47. Saturday, January 8, 2005; Rams-Seahawks - NFC Wild Card Game: those two teams looked good going against each other when St. Louis wore gold pants.
46. December 28, 1996; Vikings-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: these two teams met three years later in Minnesota, with the same unis. But for me they looked better in Texas Stadium.
45. January 9, 2005: Broncos-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: the only difference between this and the game the year before was Indy's face mask.
44. January 2, 1999; Cardinals-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: those two have always looked good going against each other in North Texas.
43. December 27, 1981; Giants-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: those Eagles unis looked better in 4pm or later kickoffs.
42. December 31, 2000; Buccaneers-Eagles - NFC Wild Card: Bucs in pewter and white with hints of of red vs Philly in midnight green and white. Not bad.
41. December 24, 1978: Eagles-Falcons - NFC Wild Card Game: - the first ever game in this round of the playoffs wasn't bad. It was Philly in their Kelly green, silver and white against Atlanta in thier red with silver and touches of white and black.
40. January 9, 2005; Vikings-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: Randy Moss fake mooned the Lambeau faithful in a road uni that contrasted well with the green and gold.
39. December 29, 1991; Jets-Oilers - AFC Wild Card Game: I actually didn't mind the Jets in green pants on the road in those uniforms. It contrasted well with Houston's duds that day.
38. December 31, 2000; Broncos-Ravens - AFC Wild Card Game: the Broncos road uni by itself isn't very inspiring, but in the sunshine against Baltimore in their purple in white, its stock went up several notches.
37. December 28, 1997; Dolphins-Patriots - AFC Wild Card Game: Miami is the one team that I tolerate wearing either white or colored pants with white jerseys. That game in Foxboro was nice uni wise.
36. January 3, 1999; Packers-49ers - NFC Wild Card Game: I prefer the Niners going back to their traditional look, but this game looked good on TV and in NFL Films clips.
35. January 8, 2011; Jets-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: both teams in white pants, and only a grand total of 3 colors between them, but under the Lucas Oil Stadium lights, they shone through together beautifully.
34. January 8, 2012; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Wild Card Game: I much prefer the Broncos in orange at home. But their navy blue jerseys with white pants, always looked good against Pittsburgh in their road whites.
33. January 4, 2003; Falcons-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: Atlanta improved their road unis by going with red numerals. Made them contrast better with their opponents, in this case GB.
32. January 12, 2002: Buccaneers-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: these same two teams met in the same round, in the same stadium, with the exact same uniforms as the previous year. I just liked this one better.
31. December 29, 1996; Colts-Steelers - AFC Wild Card Game: the Steelers' last home game wearing the old block numerals against Indy in blue and white, and in the sunshine - looked pretty good.
30. January 6, 1991; Oilers-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: Cincy's last playoff victory was a visual delight with Houston in their white with Columbia blue and hints of red and the Bengals with their orange and black stripes in 3 places, with black jerseys and white pants.
29. December 31, 1994; Lions-Packers - NFC Wild Card: I've always loved DET-GB games in Wisconsin. This playoff tilt is no exception.
28. January 9, 1983; Jets-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: NY white on white with green numbers and trim and green helmets against Cincy in their orange and black tiger stripes. Looked good that day.
27. January 4, 2004; Seahawks-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: Pacific blue and white against green and gold looked great that fateful day in Lambeau.
26. January 13, 2002; 49ers-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: these two met at other times, but this was in the bright sunshine at Lambeau - where this kind of color contrast looked the best.
25. January 9, 1983; Buccaneers-Cowboys - NFC 1st Round Playoff Game: TB in creamsicles against Dallas in their traditional home garb looked very good in the stadium under a sun roof
20. January 12, 2002, Jets-Raiders - AFC Wild Card Game: the green and white against silver and black looked quite right under the Network Associates Coliseum lights.
19. January 3, 1993; Eagles-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: the unis both teams had in and of themselves weren't my favorites. But put them together in the Superdome that day in NOLA and the green/white/silver scheme contrasts nicely with "old gold", black and hints of white.
18. January 3, 2004, Cowboys-Panthers - NFC Wild Card Game: Both teams had silver helmets and it was navy on Dallas with black and white on Carolina, but the Panthers also had the light blue in the right spots. I liked that the Panthers went along with the traditional uniform gamesmanship the Cowboys and their opponents engaged in from time to time. And it looked even better under the lights.
17. January 8, 2000, Bills-Titans - AFC Wild Card Game: the "Music City Miracle" also was a game I liked uniform-wise. Watching Kevin Dyson race down the sideline with the Bills kick return coverage unit chasing him in vain looked better with the color schemes they had. So did seeing Rob Johnson in that red helmet and white jersey get crushed by a rookie Jevon Kearse.
16. January 8, 1983, Browns-Raiders - AFC 1st Round Game: at least one of those games in the oversized "Super Bowl Tournament" had to make it. I preferred when CLE was in white jerseys in the Sam Rutigliano era. That uni looked good going against the silver and black.
15. January 6, 2008, Titans-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game: I loved it when TEN went with the light blue pants to go with their white jerseys. I wish they'd go back to that. I liked how it looked against SD in their navy blue jerseys, white helmets and pants, plus hints of gold. That was a good game for me to watch.
14. January 8, 2012, Falcons-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: I like the Giants road uni better than their home uni, but put that against Atlanta's road uni, and it looked really good.
13. January 7, 1994, Steelers-Chiefs - AFC Wild Card Game: the only time these two met in the playoffs had a nice color combo and contrast, with the Steelers in black, gold and white, and KC in their red and white with gold trim.
12. January 9, 2010, Eagles-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: the first (and until this coming Sunday only) playoff game in "Jerryworld" was a visual delight. I'm sure you can visualize it in your minds.
11. December 29, 1985, 49ers-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: the Giants first home playoff game in 23 years pitted them against the West Coast Niners. Only two of the eight postseason clashes between these two was in "Joisee". The color contrast was really good.
10. December 27, 1981, Bills-Jets - AFC Wild Card Game: I much prefer the Jets in their classic and current uniform to the green helmet scheme they had from 1978 through 1997. This game is a forgotten classic in more ways than one. And one of those was Buffalo in white jerseys with blue numerals with some red trim, blue pants with red and white trim, and those white helmets. Then there was the Jets in the Kelly green helmets and jerseys, with white pants and white in other places, on that Shea Stadium field, and it was pure awesomeness.
9. January 5, 2003, Giants-49ers - NFC Wild Card Game: a game that was wild in so many ways was also a treat for my eyes when it came to the colors. I like the Giants current thinner red numbers on their white jerseys better than what they had from 2000 through 2004, when it was thicker red numbers with blue trim, but those were fine by me. Contrast that uni with the 49ers in their metallic gold helmets and pants with red jerseys, and it was just great.
8. December 31, 1989, Steelers-Oilers - AFC Wild Card Game: the last NFL game of the 1980s was the one time the two teams met at the Astrodome in the playoffs. PIT-HOU games in Houston were great to watch uniform-wise, when the Oilers wore the Columbia blue jerseys. This was also the last game the sleeve striping was that way on those jerseys. The next year, they "compressed" the red and white onto the edge of the sleeves. Contrast that with the Steelers black helmets, gold pants with the black stripe, and white jerseys with black numbers and yellow letters, looked awesome.
7. January 3, 1999, Patriots-Jaguars - AFC Wild Card Game: I really liked the road uniforms the Pats had in the late 1990s, with the italicized red numerals. Contrast that with the Jags in their black helmets, teal jerseys, and white pants, with gold and black trim in other spots, and it was quite nice.
6. December 28, 1980, Rams-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: the same two teams met again in the same round at Texas Stadium a few years later wearing more or less the same colors - with a few changes at the margins. But the 1980 game was a visual delight in ways the 1983 game just wasn't. Vince Ferragano just looked like he belonged in that blue and gold Rams jersey. It looked even better going against Doomsday II (even in it's last days) in white with two shades of blue, plus silver helmets.
5. January 10, 2010, Packers-Cardinals - NFC Wild Card Game: the highest scoring postseason game in NFL history was also a color flavor fest as GB and ARI showed us green, gold and white contrasted with white and red. Looked clean and sharp together.
4. January 9, 2010, Jets-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: the J-E-T-S in their white and green against Cincy in their orange, black and white. Plus both teams wore white pants as I like. Very pleasing to my eyes.
3. January 7, 2007, Giants-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: these two teams have had this uni matchup often in the regular season. But this is the only time they did in a win-or-go-home scenario. And it looked even better in a game after sundown. NY in the blue helmet, white jerseys with bright red letters and numbers, with gray pants (splashed with blue and red trim. Then Philly in their midnight green helmets and jerseys, with white pants and numbers. God I loved watching that.
2. December 28, 1997, Lions-Buccaneers - NFC Wild Card Game: the last NFL game ever played at the "Big Sombrero" was the Bucs first postseason game in 15 years. It was also their first ever playoff game in the red and pewter. Contrast that with the Lions in their silver helmets and pants, white jerseys with Honolulu blue numbers, letters, and trim, all after the sun went down, and it was a thing of beauty.
1. January 3, 1993, Oilers-Bills- AFC Wild Card Game: one of the best things about this game being the biggest comeback in NFL history is that I get to see clips of it over and over again. Thus I get to be reminded of how pleasing to the eyes the two teams were when going against each other. Houston had those white helmets with the Columbia blue derek logo, white jerseys with the Columbia blue numerals and letters on the name plate, with red trim in places. Then the Columbia blue pants - a piece of the uni that made them look distinct when away from the Astrodome. On the other side, it was Marv Levy's men in those classic red helmets with the blue jerseys with white numerals and white pants with blue and red stripes. It looked great on live TV, and it did just the same in NFL Films clips. Perfect uniform comfort food.
Here's to a great 2015 to all of you. Thanks to all for allowing me the opportunity to contribute to this blog.
In my first post, I want to take the 126 games that have been played during Wild Card Weekend since 1978 and rank them by the uniforms worn. I include in this the 8 games played in the first round of the 1982 "Super Bowl Tournament" played in January of 1983. Just like Tim, there's no science to this, just based on things that I like, or dislike, then my subjective feelings about how they look to me. This will be lengthy, but think of it as one of those games that has to have a 2nd OT period.
First the games I call "sour cream". If you wonder why, sour cream is the one food that puts my gag reflex on overdrive, or as if it had a shot of steroids. There are so far 41 such Wild Card games that fit that bill.
December 24, 1978; Oilers-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: Miami went white at home (WAH), and it doesn't involve the Cowboys, so it fails in my book. Shula's Dolphins sometimes wore WAH in a 4pm EST kickoff playoff game, while at other times they went with aqua.
December 23, 1979; Broncos-Oilers - AFC Wild Card Game: I just cannot get into the orange pants that Denver wore in '78 and '79.
December 28, 1980; Oilers-Raiders - AFC Wild Card Game: Bum Phillips' Houston teams were 0 for 3 uniform-wise during this round of the playoffs. In 1980, Houston decided for some reason to ditch the Columbia blue pants. Thus, away from the Astrodome, they didn't look like the Oilers.
January 8, 1983; Lions-Redskins - NFC 1st Round Playoff Game:Washington's unis from 1979-2009 made them dead to me in that realm. That, plus them wearing WAH - double fail.
January 8, 1983; Patriots-Dolphins - AFC 1st Round Playoff Game: see Oilers-Dolphins - 1978.
December 28, 1985; Patriots-Jets - AFC Wild Card Game: for some reason the J-E-T-S decided to go exclusively WAH during the entire 2nd half of the 1980s. Thus the first ever playoff game in the state of New Jersey was a sour cream game.
December 28, 1986; Chiefs-Jets - AFC Wild Card Game; exactly one year later, the Jets made the same mistake in the only KC playoff game between Hank Stram and Marty Schottenheimer.
December 28, 1986; Rams-Redskins - NFC Wild Card Game: for the first time, no playoff games in one round in one season are eligible for ranking. See Lions-Redskins above for why.
December 24, 1988; Oilers-Browns - AFC Wild Card Game: I know at the time it was traditional for the Brownies to go WAH. But I don't care. Unlike the Cowboys, the Browns and their opponents didn't add any uniform gamesmansuip to it. When Cleveland went on the road, teams didn't make them wear Brown jerseys to mess with their heads as far as I know.
December 31, 1989; Rams-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: for some reason, Philly went almost exclusively WAH during the late 80s. Even late in the season. Thus I was denied the chance to see them in Kelly green unless they were in Irving, TX or Washington, DC.
January 5, 1991; Redskins-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: this year the Eagles wore their green jerseys, but it had to be the Skins in town. Thus it was ruined.
January 5, 1991; Chiefs-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: here Miami went with aqua, but I was never a fan of KC in white on white.
January 2, 1993; Redskins-Vikings - NFC Wild Card Game: it's Washington again.
January 2, 1993; Chiefs-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game: once again, KC in all white. No es bueno.
December 31, 1994; Chiefs-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: rinse and repeat.
December 30, 1995; Lions-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: Philly in 1995 reverted back to their bad late 80s habit of going WAH every game.
December 29, 1996; Eagles-49ers - NFC Wild Card Game: it felt like someone stole SF's identity in '96 and '97. Them in white pants - they don't look like the 49ers.
January 2, 1999; Bills-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game - Dolphins hosting a 1pm kickoff thus they go WAH. Made me sad.
January 8, 2000; Lions-Redskins - NFC Wild Card Game: after a lengthy absence, those awful Washington burgundy pants reappeared.
December 30, 2000; Colts-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: once again, Miami goes WAH.
December 30, 2000; Rams-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: later that day, it was the Saints turn to ruin a game uni-wise. Maybe it was because that year they went 7-1 on the road and 3-5 at home, and because just six days earlier the Rams went down to NOLA and beat the Saints. Whatever it was, the result was a shame.
January 12, 2002; Ravens-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: Dolphins rinse and repeat.
January 8, 2005; Jets-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game; Gang Green in green pants - excuse me while I head off to porcelain church.
January 7, 2006; Redskins-Buccaneers - NFC Wild Card Game: Washington once again. If there was one thing worse than them in burgundy pants, it was them in white on white.
January 8, 2006; Steelers-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: Cincy's first playoff game in 15 years wasn't just disappointing for people in the Queen City. It disappointed me for them going black on black.
January 6, 2007; Chiefs-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: I know Lamar Hunt had recently passed on, and that white on white was his favorite uniform. It still is displeasing to my uni watching eyes.
January 7, 2007; Jets-Patriots - AFC Wild Card Game: green pants again - smh.
January 5, 2008; Redskins-Seahawks - NFC Wild Card Game: last time we see them in that uni in the playoffs ever, thankfully.
January 6, 2008; Giants-Buccaneers - NFC Wild Card Game: Bucs in white jerseys at home in a playoff game - not involving Dallas? That, to me, was the ultimate uniform example of going to a drive through, asking for a Coke, taking a drink, and tasting unsweetened iced tea. Why, Tampa Bay, why?
January 3, 2009; Colts-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game: I'm the ultimate NFL uni enthusiast heretic in that I am not enamored by the Bolts' powder blues.
January 4, 2009; Ravens-Dolphins - AFC Wild Card Game: rinse and repeat of seven years earlier.
January 4, 2009; Eagles-Vikings - Philly in green pants? No, just, no.
January 10, 2010; Ravens-Patriots - AFC Wild Card Game: the bad thing about the John Harbaugh era is the Baltimore Birdies going with those black speedos way too much.
January 8, 2011; Saints-Seahawks - NFC Wild Card Game: the "Beast Quake" game was a uniform fail as an unfortunate staple of the Sean Payton era - NO in black speedos, happened once again.
January 9, 2011; Ravens-Chiefs - AFC Wild Card Game: BAL goes wrong again.
January 7, 2012; Lions-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: NO blows it again. This time at home.
January 5, 2013; Bengals-Texans - AFC Wild Card Game: both teams in dark pants? I think I'm gonna be sick.
January 6. 2013; Colts-Ravens - AFC Wild Card Game: Ray Lewis' last home game is Ravens uniform fail.
January 6, 2013; Seahawks-Redskins - NFC Wild Card Game: Washington finally went back to gold pants, but Seattle ruined it with white on white. I just want them to wear gray pants with white tops.
January 4, 2014: Chiefs-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: repeat of seven years earlier.
January 4, 2014; Saints-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: NOLA once again goes wrong.
That's 41 "sour cream" games, leaving 85 eligible for ranking. Here are those 85 games.
85. December 28, 1991; Falcons-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: even though it's eligible for ranking, it's the uniform version of eating gruel. Very underwhelming.
84. December 22, 1984; Raiders-Seahawks - AFC Wild Card Game: pretty lifeless when it came to uniforms.
83. January 1, 1995; Bears-Vikings - NFC Wild Card Game: CHI-MIN was much better when the Vikes were at the Met. The colors together just never had a splash. Especially those Vikings unis when worn at the HHH Metrodome.
82. January 7, 2006; Jaguars-Patriots - AFC Wild Card Game: that game just didn't do much for me.
81. December 31, 1995; Colts-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game: not horrible, but lacks the "wow" factor.
80. January 6, 2007; Cowboys-Seahawks - NFC Wild Card Game - the colors displayed in this game - meh!
79. December 24, 1983; Broncos-Seahawks - AFC Wild Card Game: Denver going to the Pacific Northwest never did much for me uniform wise.
78. January 3, 1988; Seahawks-Oilers - AFC Wild Card Game: Seattle road unis couldn't bring out the best in Houston's home unis. In fact, they kind of buried their greatness.
77. January 5, 2008; Jaguars-Steelers - AFC Wild Card Game: Jacksonville's road unis back then were just dull. Pittsburgh's home unis didn't do enough to save it.
76. January 9, 1983; Chargers-Steelers - AFC 1st Round Playoff Game: the gold on SD's pants back then looked dingy. Thus even their blue helmets and numbers contrasted with Pittsburgh's black helmets and jerseys didn't do anything to elevate this uniform matchup.
75. January 9, 1994; Vikings-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: just didn't do much for me.
74. December 29, 1991; Cowboys-Bears - NFC Wild Card Game: not the worst, but DAL-CHI was never a matchup I gave eager anticipation when it came to uniforms.
73. December 26, 1988; Rams-Vikings - NFC Wild Card Game: Rams-Vikings at the Met in the 70s in daylight was a thing of beauty. In the 80s in the dark Metrodome - meh!
72. January 8, 2006; Panthers-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: not the absolute worst, but these two getting together in New Jersey has never wowed me.
71. January 5, 2014; 49ers-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: somehow the weather hovering over Lambeau ruined the look of the two unis that day last year.
70. January 9, 2000; Cowboys-Vikings - NFC Wild Card Game: the Vikings purple jerseys they started wearing in the late 90s were an improvement over their previous gear in the Metrodome.
69. December 30, 1995; Dolphins-Bills - AFC Wild Card Game: Don Shula's last game was uninspiring overall compared to other MIA-BUF uniform games.
68. December 27, 1997; Vikings-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: this game actually looked better under gray skies to me than it would have on a sunny day. By 1997 Minnesota added more gold to their road unis.
67. January 5, 2014; Chargers-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: I feel like I'm underrating this game, since they both wore what I wanted and there's enough contrast. But honestly this was an afterthought for me.
66. January 4, 2004; Broncos-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: the shades of blue are different, and there were hints of orange. I just liked their matchup the next year better.
65. January 9, 1994; Broncos-Raiders - AFC Wild Card Game: the colors contrasted, but Broncos @ Raiders has never been very inspiring to me uniform wise.
64. December 31, 1995; Falcons-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: the Falcons road unis back then looked dingy and dull, but looked better that day against GB.
63. January 3, 2009; Falcons-Cardinals - NFC Wild Card Game; both teams in red and white, but Atlanta's black helmets made the matchup decent enough.
62. December 26, 1983; Rams-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: these same two teams are in a top 10 game from 3 years earlier. But by '83, Dallas thinned out the blue numerals and letters on the name plate. And the Rams face mask was now blue. The 1980 game was much more visually pleasing to me.
61. January 9, 1983; Falcons-Vikings - NFC 1st Round Playoff Game: the colors contrasted well. Just that the Metrodome dulled out Minnesota's purple jerseys.
60. January 6, 1991; Saints-Bears - NFC Wild Card Game: not a bad matchup, but I liked it better when NO updated the gold pants to make them look shinier.
59. January 8, 1983; Cardinals-:Packers - NFC 1st Round Playoff Game: these weren't my favorite unis for either team, especialy GB's pants where it looked like they painted yellow over the white stripe. But together the colors had some dance to it.
58. December 28, 1996; Jaguars-Bills - Jacksonville's first ever playoff game and Buffalo's only playoff loss at Rich Stadium (now "the Ralph"). The colors contrasted well. Thankfully, the next year JAX rounded their number font.
57. January 8, 1994; Packers-Lions - NFC Wild Card Game: I like these two teams better in Wisconsin. But they aren't bad in Michigan.
56. January 9, 2000; Dolphins-Seahawks - AFC Wild Card Game: the last game ever in the Kingdome - Seattle's unis back then were underwhelming. But Miami's white and aqua with hints of coral enhanced that matchup overall.
55. January 7, 2012: Bengals-Texans - AFC Wild Card: both teams in white pants made this good. Orange, black and white against navy, white and red. Just many others are better.
54. January 9, 2011; Packers-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: the gold on GB saves this one. It's overall a good look, but so many are better.
53. January 4 2003; Colts-Jets - AFC Wild Card Game: the only time the Jets were the home team in the playoffs against the Cols. That would have looked better in daylight, but it didn't look bad.
52. January 3, 1988; Vikings-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: the two unis separately were underwhelming. Contrasted against each other they looked better.
51. December 23, 1979; Bears-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: if there was one drawback with those Eagles green jerseys back then, it was that sometimes they looked identical to the color of the Veterans Stadium turf. Especially in daylight hours. The Bears darker helmet and white jerseys and pants with navy blue and orange trim made it salvageable.
50. January 3, 2004; Titans-Ravens - AFC Wild Card Game: they looked good going against each other. Just some I liked better.
49. December 23, 1984; Giants-Rams - NFC Wild Card Game: first of only two playoff games in Orange County, CA. Back then the blue numbers on the Giants white jerseys was lighter than their blue helmets. That made this matchup against the Rams passable.
48. December 27, 1997; Jaguars-Broncos - AFC Wild Card Game: I was at that game. Loved the result. But many more games had better uni matchups.
47. Saturday, January 8, 2005; Rams-Seahawks - NFC Wild Card Game: those two teams looked good going against each other when St. Louis wore gold pants.
46. December 28, 1996; Vikings-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: these two teams met three years later in Minnesota, with the same unis. But for me they looked better in Texas Stadium.
45. January 9, 2005: Broncos-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: the only difference between this and the game the year before was Indy's face mask.
44. January 2, 1999; Cardinals-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: those two have always looked good going against each other in North Texas.
43. December 27, 1981; Giants-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: those Eagles unis looked better in 4pm or later kickoffs.
42. December 31, 2000; Buccaneers-Eagles - NFC Wild Card: Bucs in pewter and white with hints of of red vs Philly in midnight green and white. Not bad.
41. December 24, 1978: Eagles-Falcons - NFC Wild Card Game: - the first ever game in this round of the playoffs wasn't bad. It was Philly in their Kelly green, silver and white against Atlanta in thier red with silver and touches of white and black.
40. January 9, 2005; Vikings-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: Randy Moss fake mooned the Lambeau faithful in a road uni that contrasted well with the green and gold.
39. December 29, 1991; Jets-Oilers - AFC Wild Card Game: I actually didn't mind the Jets in green pants on the road in those uniforms. It contrasted well with Houston's duds that day.
38. December 31, 2000; Broncos-Ravens - AFC Wild Card Game: the Broncos road uni by itself isn't very inspiring, but in the sunshine against Baltimore in their purple in white, its stock went up several notches.
37. December 28, 1997; Dolphins-Patriots - AFC Wild Card Game: Miami is the one team that I tolerate wearing either white or colored pants with white jerseys. That game in Foxboro was nice uni wise.
36. January 3, 1999; Packers-49ers - NFC Wild Card Game: I prefer the Niners going back to their traditional look, but this game looked good on TV and in NFL Films clips.
35. January 8, 2011; Jets-Colts - AFC Wild Card Game: both teams in white pants, and only a grand total of 3 colors between them, but under the Lucas Oil Stadium lights, they shone through together beautifully.
34. January 8, 2012; Steelers-Broncos - AFC Wild Card Game: I much prefer the Broncos in orange at home. But their navy blue jerseys with white pants, always looked good against Pittsburgh in their road whites.
33. January 4, 2003; Falcons-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: Atlanta improved their road unis by going with red numerals. Made them contrast better with their opponents, in this case GB.
32. January 12, 2002: Buccaneers-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: these same two teams met in the same round, in the same stadium, with the exact same uniforms as the previous year. I just liked this one better.
31. December 29, 1996; Colts-Steelers - AFC Wild Card Game: the Steelers' last home game wearing the old block numerals against Indy in blue and white, and in the sunshine - looked pretty good.
30. January 6, 1991; Oilers-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: Cincy's last playoff victory was a visual delight with Houston in their white with Columbia blue and hints of red and the Bengals with their orange and black stripes in 3 places, with black jerseys and white pants.
29. December 31, 1994; Lions-Packers - NFC Wild Card: I've always loved DET-GB games in Wisconsin. This playoff tilt is no exception.
28. January 9, 1983; Jets-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: NY white on white with green numbers and trim and green helmets against Cincy in their orange and black tiger stripes. Looked good that day.
27. January 4, 2004; Seahawks-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: Pacific blue and white against green and gold looked great that fateful day in Lambeau.
26. January 13, 2002; 49ers-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: these two met at other times, but this was in the bright sunshine at Lambeau - where this kind of color contrast looked the best.
25. January 9, 1983; Buccaneers-Cowboys - NFC 1st Round Playoff Game: TB in creamsicles against Dallas in their traditional home garb looked very good in the stadium under a sun roof
24. January 5, 2003; Browns-Steelers - AFC Wild Card Game: a classic game on the field was also a colorful delight. Both teams in their traditional, no-nonsense colors, that contrast very well.
23. January 1, 1995; Patriots-Browns - AFC Wild Card Game: Bill Belichick with his first NFL team against the one with which he would years later become an icon. Plus a colorful, visual delight. This was the year before the Pats went with italicized numbers.
22 January 5, 2013; Vikings-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: the last time we saw the Vikings in that rendition of their road unis. Purple and white with yellow trim against the green and gold. Very nice.
22 January 5, 2013; Vikings-Packers - NFC Wild Card Game: the last time we saw the Vikings in that rendition of their road unis. Purple and white with yellow trim against the green and gold. Very nice.
21. December 28, 1991; Raiders-Chiefs - AFC Wild Card Game: the one time these two met in the postseason in western Missouri was a visually pleasing affair. Derrick Thomas bringing down Todd Marinovich brought out very good color contrasts.
19. January 3, 1993; Eagles-Saints - NFC Wild Card Game: the unis both teams had in and of themselves weren't my favorites. But put them together in the Superdome that day in NOLA and the green/white/silver scheme contrasts nicely with "old gold", black and hints of white.
18. January 3, 2004, Cowboys-Panthers - NFC Wild Card Game: Both teams had silver helmets and it was navy on Dallas with black and white on Carolina, but the Panthers also had the light blue in the right spots. I liked that the Panthers went along with the traditional uniform gamesmanship the Cowboys and their opponents engaged in from time to time. And it looked even better under the lights.
17. January 8, 2000, Bills-Titans - AFC Wild Card Game: the "Music City Miracle" also was a game I liked uniform-wise. Watching Kevin Dyson race down the sideline with the Bills kick return coverage unit chasing him in vain looked better with the color schemes they had. So did seeing Rob Johnson in that red helmet and white jersey get crushed by a rookie Jevon Kearse.
16. January 8, 1983, Browns-Raiders - AFC 1st Round Game: at least one of those games in the oversized "Super Bowl Tournament" had to make it. I preferred when CLE was in white jerseys in the Sam Rutigliano era. That uni looked good going against the silver and black.
15. January 6, 2008, Titans-Chargers - AFC Wild Card Game: I loved it when TEN went with the light blue pants to go with their white jerseys. I wish they'd go back to that. I liked how it looked against SD in their navy blue jerseys, white helmets and pants, plus hints of gold. That was a good game for me to watch.
14. January 8, 2012, Falcons-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: I like the Giants road uni better than their home uni, but put that against Atlanta's road uni, and it looked really good.
13. January 7, 1994, Steelers-Chiefs - AFC Wild Card Game: the only time these two met in the playoffs had a nice color combo and contrast, with the Steelers in black, gold and white, and KC in their red and white with gold trim.
12. January 9, 2010, Eagles-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: the first (and until this coming Sunday only) playoff game in "Jerryworld" was a visual delight. I'm sure you can visualize it in your minds.
11. December 29, 1985, 49ers-Giants - NFC Wild Card Game: the Giants first home playoff game in 23 years pitted them against the West Coast Niners. Only two of the eight postseason clashes between these two was in "Joisee". The color contrast was really good.
10. December 27, 1981, Bills-Jets - AFC Wild Card Game: I much prefer the Jets in their classic and current uniform to the green helmet scheme they had from 1978 through 1997. This game is a forgotten classic in more ways than one. And one of those was Buffalo in white jerseys with blue numerals with some red trim, blue pants with red and white trim, and those white helmets. Then there was the Jets in the Kelly green helmets and jerseys, with white pants and white in other places, on that Shea Stadium field, and it was pure awesomeness.
9. January 5, 2003, Giants-49ers - NFC Wild Card Game: a game that was wild in so many ways was also a treat for my eyes when it came to the colors. I like the Giants current thinner red numbers on their white jerseys better than what they had from 2000 through 2004, when it was thicker red numbers with blue trim, but those were fine by me. Contrast that uni with the 49ers in their metallic gold helmets and pants with red jerseys, and it was just great.
8. December 31, 1989, Steelers-Oilers - AFC Wild Card Game: the last NFL game of the 1980s was the one time the two teams met at the Astrodome in the playoffs. PIT-HOU games in Houston were great to watch uniform-wise, when the Oilers wore the Columbia blue jerseys. This was also the last game the sleeve striping was that way on those jerseys. The next year, they "compressed" the red and white onto the edge of the sleeves. Contrast that with the Steelers black helmets, gold pants with the black stripe, and white jerseys with black numbers and yellow letters, looked awesome.
7. January 3, 1999, Patriots-Jaguars - AFC Wild Card Game: I really liked the road uniforms the Pats had in the late 1990s, with the italicized red numerals. Contrast that with the Jags in their black helmets, teal jerseys, and white pants, with gold and black trim in other spots, and it was quite nice.
6. December 28, 1980, Rams-Cowboys - NFC Wild Card Game: the same two teams met again in the same round at Texas Stadium a few years later wearing more or less the same colors - with a few changes at the margins. But the 1980 game was a visual delight in ways the 1983 game just wasn't. Vince Ferragano just looked like he belonged in that blue and gold Rams jersey. It looked even better going against Doomsday II (even in it's last days) in white with two shades of blue, plus silver helmets.
5. January 10, 2010, Packers-Cardinals - NFC Wild Card Game: the highest scoring postseason game in NFL history was also a color flavor fest as GB and ARI showed us green, gold and white contrasted with white and red. Looked clean and sharp together.
4. January 9, 2010, Jets-Bengals - AFC Wild Card Game: the J-E-T-S in their white and green against Cincy in their orange, black and white. Plus both teams wore white pants as I like. Very pleasing to my eyes.
3. January 7, 2007, Giants-Eagles - NFC Wild Card Game: these two teams have had this uni matchup often in the regular season. But this is the only time they did in a win-or-go-home scenario. And it looked even better in a game after sundown. NY in the blue helmet, white jerseys with bright red letters and numbers, with gray pants (splashed with blue and red trim. Then Philly in their midnight green helmets and jerseys, with white pants and numbers. God I loved watching that.
2. December 28, 1997, Lions-Buccaneers - NFC Wild Card Game: the last NFL game ever played at the "Big Sombrero" was the Bucs first postseason game in 15 years. It was also their first ever playoff game in the red and pewter. Contrast that with the Lions in their silver helmets and pants, white jerseys with Honolulu blue numbers, letters, and trim, all after the sun went down, and it was a thing of beauty.
1. January 3, 1993, Oilers-Bills- AFC Wild Card Game: one of the best things about this game being the biggest comeback in NFL history is that I get to see clips of it over and over again. Thus I get to be reminded of how pleasing to the eyes the two teams were when going against each other. Houston had those white helmets with the Columbia blue derek logo, white jerseys with the Columbia blue numerals and letters on the name plate, with red trim in places. Then the Columbia blue pants - a piece of the uni that made them look distinct when away from the Astrodome. On the other side, it was Marv Levy's men in those classic red helmets with the blue jerseys with white numerals and white pants with blue and red stripes. It looked great on live TV, and it did just the same in NFL Films clips. Perfect uniform comfort food.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Blog Archive
-
►
2014
(38)
- ► Dec 28 - Jan 4 (3)
- ► Dec 14 - Dec 21 (1)
- ► Dec 7 - Dec 14 (1)
- ► Nov 30 - Dec 7 (1)
- ► Nov 23 - Nov 30 (1)
- ► Nov 16 - Nov 23 (1)
- ► Nov 9 - Nov 16 (1)
- ► Nov 2 - Nov 9 (1)
- ► Oct 26 - Nov 2 (1)
- ► Oct 19 - Oct 26 (1)
- ► Oct 12 - Oct 19 (2)
- ► Oct 5 - Oct 12 (1)
- ► Sep 28 - Oct 5 (1)
- ► Sep 21 - Sep 28 (1)
- ► Sep 14 - Sep 21 (1)
- ► Sep 7 - Sep 14 (2)
- ► Aug 31 - Sep 7 (1)
- ► Aug 10 - Aug 17 (1)
- ► Jul 27 - Aug 3 (1)
- ► Jul 20 - Jul 27 (1)
- ► Jul 6 - Jul 13 (1)
- ► Jun 29 - Jul 6 (1)
- ► Jun 8 - Jun 15 (2)
- ► May 25 - Jun 1 (2)
- ► May 18 - May 25 (1)
- ► Apr 13 - Apr 20 (1)
- ► Mar 2 - Mar 9 (1)
- ► Feb 16 - Feb 23 (1)
- ► Feb 2 - Feb 9 (1)
- ► Jan 12 - Jan 19 (2)
- ► Jan 5 - Jan 12 (1)
-
►
2013
(42)
- ► Dec 29 - Jan 5 (1)
- ► Dec 22 - Dec 29 (2)
- ► Dec 15 - Dec 22 (1)
- ► Dec 8 - Dec 15 (2)
- ► Dec 1 - Dec 8 (2)
- ► Nov 24 - Dec 1 (2)
- ► Nov 17 - Nov 24 (1)
- ► Nov 10 - Nov 17 (2)
- ► Nov 3 - Nov 10 (3)
- ► Oct 27 - Nov 3 (2)
- ► Oct 20 - Oct 27 (1)
- ► Oct 13 - Oct 20 (1)
- ► Oct 6 - Oct 13 (2)
- ► Sep 29 - Oct 6 (2)
- ► Sep 22 - Sep 29 (1)
- ► Sep 15 - Sep 22 (1)
- ► Sep 8 - Sep 15 (1)
- ► Aug 4 - Aug 11 (1)
- ► Jul 28 - Aug 4 (1)
- ► Jul 21 - Jul 28 (1)
- ► Jun 9 - Jun 16 (1)
- ► May 19 - May 26 (1)
- ► Mar 10 - Mar 17 (1)
- ► Mar 3 - Mar 10 (1)
- ► Jan 27 - Feb 3 (2)
- ► Jan 20 - Jan 27 (1)
- ► Jan 13 - Jan 20 (3)
- ► Jan 6 - Jan 13 (2)
-
►
2012
(95)
- ► Dec 30 - Jan 6 (2)
- ► Dec 23 - Dec 30 (3)
- ► Dec 16 - Dec 23 (4)
- ► Dec 9 - Dec 16 (2)
- ► Dec 2 - Dec 9 (2)
- ► Nov 25 - Dec 2 (4)
- ► Nov 18 - Nov 25 (2)
- ► Nov 11 - Nov 18 (2)
- ► Nov 4 - Nov 11 (2)
- ► Oct 28 - Nov 4 (4)
- ► Oct 21 - Oct 28 (3)
- ► Oct 14 - Oct 21 (2)
- ► Oct 7 - Oct 14 (4)
- ► Sep 30 - Oct 7 (3)
- ► Sep 23 - Sep 30 (2)
- ► Sep 16 - Sep 23 (3)
- ► Sep 9 - Sep 16 (2)
- ► Aug 26 - Sep 2 (2)
- ► Aug 19 - Aug 26 (1)
- ► Aug 5 - Aug 12 (1)
- ► Jul 22 - Jul 29 (1)
- ► Jul 15 - Jul 22 (1)
- ► Jul 1 - Jul 8 (1)
- ► Jun 17 - Jun 24 (2)
- ► Jun 10 - Jun 17 (2)
- ► May 20 - May 27 (2)
- ► May 13 - May 20 (1)
- ► Apr 29 - May 6 (1)
- ► Apr 22 - Apr 29 (1)
- ► Apr 15 - Apr 22 (2)
- ► Apr 1 - Apr 8 (2)
- ► Mar 18 - Mar 25 (1)
- ► Mar 11 - Mar 18 (1)
- ► Mar 4 - Mar 11 (1)
- ► Feb 26 - Mar 4 (1)
- ► Feb 19 - Feb 26 (1)
- ► Feb 12 - Feb 19 (2)
- ► Feb 5 - Feb 12 (2)
- ► Jan 29 - Feb 5 (2)
- ► Jan 22 - Jan 29 (6)
- ► Jan 15 - Jan 22 (5)
- ► Jan 8 - Jan 15 (4)
- ► Jan 1 - Jan 8 (3)
-
►
2011
(83)
- ► Dec 25 - Jan 1 (8)
- ► Dec 18 - Dec 25 (4)
- ► Dec 11 - Dec 18 (2)
- ► Dec 4 - Dec 11 (2)
- ► Nov 20 - Nov 27 (2)
- ► Nov 6 - Nov 13 (4)
- ► Oct 23 - Oct 30 (1)
- ► Oct 16 - Oct 23 (1)
- ► Oct 9 - Oct 16 (1)
- ► Oct 2 - Oct 9 (1)
- ► Sep 25 - Oct 2 (1)
- ► Aug 28 - Sep 4 (1)
- ► Aug 14 - Aug 21 (1)
- ► Aug 7 - Aug 14 (1)
- ► Jul 31 - Aug 7 (1)
- ► Jul 24 - Jul 31 (3)
- ► Jul 17 - Jul 24 (2)
- ► Jul 10 - Jul 17 (6)
- ► Jul 3 - Jul 10 (5)
- ► Jun 26 - Jul 3 (5)
- ► Jun 19 - Jun 26 (7)
- ► Jun 12 - Jun 19 (8)
- ► Jun 5 - Jun 12 (7)
- ► May 29 - Jun 5 (7)
- ► May 8 - May 15 (2)
Tags
- Bill Schaefer (37)
- Tim Brulia (31)
- On This Day (29)
- Super Bowls (25)
- Larry Schmitt (18)
- Giants (15)
- Cowboys (10)
- Dolphins (10)
- Steelers (10)
- Weekly Rankings (10)
- 49ers (9)
- Eagles (9)
- Bills (8)
- If Now Was Then (8)
- concepts (8)
- Patriots (7)
- Raiders (7)
- Bears (5)
- Best Uniform Contest (5)
- Broncos (5)
- Chiefs (5)
- Vikings (5)
- Browns (4)
- Colts (4)
- Lions (4)
- Packers (4)
- Rams (4)
- Bengals (3)
- Buccaneers (3)
- Bucs (3)
- Chargers (3)
- Panthers (3)
- Redskins (3)
- Saints (3)
- Christmas (2)
- Falcons (2)
- Hall of Fame (2)
- Jaguars (2)
- Jets (2)
- Oilers (2)
- Ravens (2)
- Uni Watch (2)
- website (2)
- 1953 (1)
- AFL (1)
- Bum Phillips (1)
- Dodgers (1)
- London (1)
- Mark Young (1)
- Phil Hecken (1)
- Ronald Reagan (1)
- Seahawks (1)
- WFL (1)