NFL History: Ranking the 30 best wild card teams in NFL history

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 06: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Eli Manning #10 and Brandon Jacobs #34 of the New York Giants in action against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 6, 2013 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Eagles defeated the Giants 36-21. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

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Tight end Terry Orr #87 of the Washington Redskins (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

30 best wild card teams in NFL history: 10. 1986 Washington Football Team

The 1985 Washington Football Team went 10 and 6 but didn’t make the playoffs. The NFL was getting a little more top heavy, and it was harder for teams to make the playoffs unless they really prove it. In 1986, Washington really proved it. They won 12 games this time, and they still had to settle for a Wild Card berth.

There is a lot to get into with this team. but nothing was more important than what the Washington Football Team did in the Divisional Round. After beating the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round, Washington went up against the defending champion Chicago Bear. This monstrous defense was supposed to lead them to a dynasty, but the dynasty could not handle Washington’s destiny.

The Bears went out to a 13-7 lead at halftime. It was Soldier Field, the legend seemed to be writing itself, but something clicked for Washington at halftime. Washington took the lead on the hands of Art Monk who caught a 23-yard touchdown in the third quarter. Chicago would never score again, and it was one of the biggest upsets of the decade. The defending champs were knocked out quickly, and the Washington Football Team was headed to the NFC Championship.

WFT ended up losing to the New York Giants there, but this epic victory deserved a nod in the top ten.

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