In 1999, the Tennessee Titans went 13-3 but finished second in their division to the 14-2 Jacksonville Jaguars, giving Tennessee the distinction of having the most wins for a wild-card team in NFL history. The 1986 Chicago Bears, 1998 Atlanta Falcons and 2004 New England Patriots are the only teams ever to win 14 games and not get a No. 1 seed.
This season could end up being a historical anomaly in the NFC. Usually when a team like the Detroit Lions is 11-1 and seemingly headed toward 15 or 16 wins, it doesn't have to worry much about winning its division or getting a No.