Division Races: Analyzing the Eastern and Western Standings
The battle for divisional supremacy is often a grueling marathon of consistency and resilience. In this particular season, the contrast between the Eastern and Western Divisions provided a fascinating study in dominance versus deadlock, as teams fought for the top spot in the standings.
The Eastern Division: Cleveland's Dominance
The Cleveland Browns established their authority early in the season. They opened with a 6–3 victory over the Giants, a win that propelled them to the lead of the Eastern Division—a position they would hold for nearly the entire duration of the campaign.
The only significant threat to their lead occurred in Week Four, when a 17–7 loss to the Eagles forced Cleveland to share the top spot with New York. However, the Giants were unable to capitalize on this opening; after losing the following week, New York spent the remainder of the season chasing a Cleveland team that refused to relinquish its hold on first place.
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The Western Division: A Three-Way Deadlock
While the East was a one-team race, the Western Division was characterized by a protracted struggle between the Baltimore Colts, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers. These three teams were tied for the lead on multiple occasions, culminating in identical 7–4 records at the end of the penultimate week.
Under the league rules of the time, a one-game playoff was required if two teams tied for first place. However, the NFL had a specific provision for a three-way tie: if all three teams won, tied, or lost their final games, a two-week playoff series would commence. In such a scenario, Baltimore would receive a bye, while San Francisco and Detroit would face off, with the winner eventually meeting the Colts in Baltimore on December 29.
Ultimately, this complex playoff series was avoided. Despite starting backup quarterbacks—Tobin Rote for Detroit and rookie John Brodie for San Francisco—both the Lions and 49ers secured victories. Because the Colts lost their final game, the three-way tie was broken, rendering the additional playoff provision unnecessary.
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Key Facts
- Cleveland Browns led the Eastern Division for almost the entire season.
- The Baltimore Colts, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers were tied with 7–4 records entering the final stretch of the Western Division race.
- Detroit and San Francisco won their final games using backup quarterbacks Tobin Rote and John Brodie.
- The NFL's three-way tie provision would have granted Baltimore a bye in a playoff series.
- Cleveland's only major slip in the East was a 17–7 loss to the Eagles in Week Four.
Division Standings Summary
| Week | Western Leader(s) | Western Record | Eastern Leader(s) | Eastern Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bal, GB, LA | 1–0–0 | Cards, Cle, Pit | 1–0–0 |
| 2 | Baltimore Colts | 2–0–0 | Cleveland Browns | 2–0–0 |
| 3 | Baltimore Colts | 3–0–0 | Cleveland Browns | 3–0–0 |
| 4 | Bal, Det, SF | 3–1–0 | Tie (Cle, NYG) | 3–1–0 |
| 5 | San Francisco 49ers | 4–1–0 | Cleveland Browns | 4–1–0 |
| 6 | San Francisco 49ers | 5–1–0 | Cleveland Browns | 5–1–0 |
| 7 | San Francisco 49ers | 5–2–0 | Cleveland Browns | 6–1–0 |
| 8 | Bal, Det, SF | 5–3–0 | Cleveland Browns | 6–1–1 |
| 9 | Baltimore Colts | 6–3–0 | Cleveland Browns | 7–1–1 |
| 10 | Baltimore Colts | 7–3–0 | Cleveland Browns | 8–1–1 |
| 11 | Bal, Det, SF | 7–4–0 | Cleveland Browns | 8–2–1 |
| 12 | Detroit Lions / SF 49ers | 8–4–0 | Cleveland Browns | 9–2–1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Cleveland maintain its lead in the Eastern Division?
Cleveland started the season with a 6–3 win over the Giants and remained the leader for nearly the entire season, despite a Week Four loss to the Eagles that briefly created a tie with New York.
What happened during the Western Division race?
The race was highly competitive, with the Baltimore Colts, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers tying for the lead multiple times and holding identical 7–4 records by the end of the penultimate week.
What was the NFL's rule for a three-way tie in the standings?
If three teams tied for first, a two-week playoff would begin. Baltimore would receive a bye, San Francisco would play Detroit, and the winner of that game would face the Colts in Baltimore on December 29.
Why was the Western Division playoff series not required?
The playoff was avoided because the Baltimore Colts lost their final game, while Detroit and San Francisco both won, breaking the three-way tie.
Which backup quarterbacks played in the final Western Division games?
Detroit started Tobin Rote and San Francisco started rookie John Brodie; both players led their respective teams to victory.