NFL teams playing this weekend have a tough road to Miami for the Super Bowl.
That’s obvious.
How difficult is it for the teams seeded Nos. 3-6?
Since 1990, when the current 12-team playoff format was introduced, it’s happened only 12 times and none since the 2012 Ravens.
Meanwhile, teams with a first-round bye have reached the Super Bowl 46 times in that span. Only two No. 3 seeds, seven No. 4s, one No. 5 and two No. 6s have advanced.
That’s bad news for the Patriots (12-4), Saints (13-3), Texans (11-5), Eagles (9-7), Bills (10-6), Seahawks (11-5), Titans (9-7) and Vikings (10-6).