NFL
2018 NFL Divisional Round: 10 fast facts for Patriots v Titans
The Titans are back in the AFC divisional round for the first time since 2008, while the Pats have not missed the second round since 2009.
Reigning NFL Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots have been here before. They are coming off a bye week after posting the best record in the AFC and they are rested and ready to go. They will not be surprised by a thing.
In the meantime, the Tennessee Titans are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2008 when Kerry Collins was their quarterback. This is very new to this team and to the city.
These next 10 facts compiled by Opta will have an impact on Saturday's playoff clash.
TITANS AT PATRIOTS
— The Patriots have won six straight games against Tennessee, their longest winning streak against the franchise in team history. This includes a 17-14 home win in the divisional round of the playoffs on January 10, 2004.
— New England are 9-1 at home in the playoffs since the 2011 season. No other team have more than five home wins in the postseason in that time.
— The Titans are 5-6 in their last 11 road games (including playoffs), turning the ball over at least once in all 11 games, their longest streak since doing so in 18 straight games from November 8, 1998-October 22, 2000.
— The Patriots scored 30 or more points in a game seven times this season. Only the Philadelphia Eagles and the Los Angeles Rams (nine) had more such games.
— Tennessee outscored opponents 98-49 in the third quarters of games in 2017 (including playoffs). Their plus-49 differential is the third highest in the NFL.
— In NFL playoff history, a quarterback aged 40-or-older has only thrown for more than 100-plus yards three times and 2 or more touchdowns twice. In his postseason career, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is averaging 267.5 passing yards and 1.9 passing touchdowns.
— Last week, Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota became the first QB in league postseason history to catch a touchdown pass. He is also just the fifth quarterback since 1999 to record a touchdown pass and reception in the same game.
— Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has caught nine touchdowns in the playoffs. Since 1999, only one other tight end has more than four in the postseason (Vernon Davis – seven).
— Titans running back Derrick Henry finished with 156 rushing yards and a touchdown against Kansas City last week, becoming the second player in team history to record 150 or more rushing yards in a playoff game.
— New England receiver Brandin Cooks averaged 16.6 yards per reception this season, the third-highest average by a Patriots wide receiver since 2000 (minimum 30 catches).