The 1977 NFL season was a memorable one, guys! It showcased some amazing football, intense rivalries, and ultimately, a Super Bowl showdown that fans still talk about today. Let's dive into the standings and playoff picture to relive all the excitement.

1977 NFL Standings

Understanding the 1977 NFL standings requires a look at both the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC). Each conference was further divided into three divisions: East, Central, and West. The team with the best record in each division automatically qualified for the playoffs, along with a wild card team from each conference. Let's break down each conference:

American Football Conference (AFC)

• AFC East: The Baltimore Colts, led by quarterback Bert Jones, dominated the AFC East with a 10-4 record. Their potent offense and stingy defense made them a force to be reckoned with. The Miami Dolphins, a perennial contender, finished second in the division, but their 6-8 record wasn't enough to secure a playoff berth. The New England Patriots and New York Jets rounded out the division, both with disappointing seasons.
• AFC Central: The Pittsburgh Steelers continued their reign in the AFC Central, posting a 9-5 record. With a powerful running game spearheaded by Franco Harris and a smothering defense known as the "Steel Curtain," the Steelers were always a threat. The Cincinnati Bengals finished second, but their record wasn't enough to get to the playoffs. The Cleveland Browns and Houston Oilers struggled to keep pace.
• AFC West: The Oakland Raiders emerged victorious in the AFC West with a 13-1 record, the best in the entire NFL. Quarterback Ken Stabler led a high-octane offense, while their defense was equally impressive. The Denver Broncos, led by their "Orange Crush" defense, finished second and earned a wild card spot with a 12-2 record, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise. The San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Seattle Seahawks trailed behind.

National Football Conference (NFC)

• NFC East: The Dallas Cowboys, under the guidance of legendary coach Tom Landry and quarterback Roger Staubach, once again ruled the NFC East with a 12-2 record. Their balanced offense and tough defense made them Super Bowl contenders year after year. The Washington Redskins finished second and secured a wild card spot with a 9-5 record. The St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and New York Giants struggled to compete.
• NFC Central: The Minnesota Vikings continued their dominance in the NFC Central with a 9-5 record. Quarterback Fran Tarkenton led a consistent offense, and their defense was always among the league's best. The Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers all finished with losing records.
• NFC West: The Los Angeles Rams asserted their dominance in the NFC West with a 10-4 record. Quarterback Jim Everett and running back Lawrence McCutcheon powered their offense, while their defense was equally stout. The Atlanta Falcons finished second, but their record wasn't enough for a playoff berth. The San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints were at the bottom.

1977 NFL Playoffs

The 1977 NFL playoffs were filled with thrilling games and unforgettable moments. Let's take a look at how everything unfolded:

AFC Playoffs

• Divisional Round: The Oakland Raiders defeated the Baltimore Colts in a close game, showcasing their offensive firepower. The Denver Broncos upset the Pittsburgh Steelers, demonstrating their defensive prowess. Both games were hard-fought, with the Raiders and Broncos ultimately advancing to the AFC Championship Game.
• AFC Championship Game: In a classic matchup, the Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders. The Broncos' "Orange Crush" defense proved too much for the Raiders, as Denver secured a 20-17 victory, earning their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. It was an amazing game, with the Broncos shocking many fans.

NFC Playoffs

• Divisional Round: The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Chicago Bears, showcasing their offensive efficiency and defensive strength. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the Los Angeles Rams in a defensive battle, advancing to the NFC Championship Game.
• NFC Championship Game: The Dallas Cowboys hosted the Minnesota Vikings in a highly anticipated game. The Cowboys' offense, led by Roger Staubach, proved too much for the Vikings, as Dallas secured a 23-6 victory, earning their spot in Super Bowl XII. The Cowboys were looking strong and ready to take on the AFC champions.

Super Bowl XII

Super Bowl XII pitted the AFC Champion Denver Broncos against the NFC Champion Dallas Cowboys. The game was played on January 15, 1978, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. The Dallas Cowboys, led by their "Doomsday Defense", dominated the game from start to finish, defeating the Denver Broncos 27-10.

The Cowboys' defense stifled the Broncos' offense, forcing multiple turnovers and sacks. Cowboys defensive ends Harvey Martin and Randy White were named co-MVPs of the game, a testament to their dominant performance. The Cowboys' offense, led by quarterback Roger Staubach, effectively controlled the game, showcasing their balanced attack.

This Super Bowl victory marked the second championship for the Dallas Cowboys in the 1970s, solidifying their status as one of the NFL's premier franchises. The Broncos, despite the loss, gained valuable experience that would help them in future seasons.

Key Takeaways from the 1977 NFL Season

The 1977 NFL season was filled with memorable moments and significant storylines. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Defensive Dominance: The 1977 season highlighted the importance of a strong defense. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers showcased how a dominant defense could lead to success.
• The Rise of the Denver Broncos: The Broncos' surprising run to the Super Bowl marked a significant turning point for the franchise. Their "Orange Crush" defense captured the imagination of fans, and their success helped to popularize the sport in Denver.
• The Dallas Cowboys' Dynasty: The Cowboys' Super Bowl XII victory solidified their status as one of the NFL's top teams. Their consistent success throughout the 1970s established them as a dynasty.
• Competitive Balance: While some teams dominated their divisions, the 1977 season also showcased the competitive balance of the NFL. Upsets and close games were common, making for an exciting season.

The 1977 NFL season was a fantastic year of football that had tons of unforgettable moments! From the dominant performances of the Dallas Cowboys to the surprising emergence of the Denver Broncos, the season provided fans with plenty to cheer about. The standings and playoff results reflect the hard work, dedication, and skill of the players and coaches who made the season so memorable. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the game, revisiting the 1977 NFL season is a great way to appreciate the rich history of professional football. And those 1977 NFL playoffs? Unbelievable!