Let's count down the playoff seeds for 1942, from lowest to highest...
#4 seed-Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4)
Last Playoff Appearance...first appearance in franchise history
All-Pros-QB Bill Dudley
In real life, it took the Steelers until the seventies before they qualified for an NFL postseason. In this blog, the Steelers make their first appearance in the second season. Head Coach Walt Kiesling led his team back from an 0-2 start with a stout defense that allowed only 10.8 points per game. The Steelers are led by All-Pro Bill Dudley, who led the team in both rushing and passing. Pittsburgh won 7 of 8 games in midseason to earn a playoff berth in 1942.
#3 seed-Green Bay Packers (8-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...Defending Champions
Best Playoff Appearance...NFL Champions (1941)
All-Pros-WR Don Hutson
The defending world champions were led back to the postseason by league MVP Don Hutson, who set new NFL records for scoring and receiving that may take decades to break. Hutson even led the team in interceptions with 7. Cecil Isbell directed Curly Lambeau's offense with aplomb, becoming the NFL's first 2000-yard passer. After losing the opener to the Bears, the Packers ripped off 6 straight victories on their way to the playoffs.
#2 seed-Washington Redskins (10-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...first appearance in franchise history
All-Pros-QB Sammy Baugh, LT Willie Wilkin, RB Andy Farkas
The Redskins were a home loss to the Giants away from a perfect regular season. Sammy Baugh threw 16 TD for Washington, and a stifling defense has only allowed a total of 13 points in their last 4 games heading into the playoffs, and only allowed 3.3 yards a play for the season.
#1 seed-Chicago Bears (11-0)
Last Playoff Appearance...1941, lost NFL Semifinal
Best Playoff Appearance...NFL Semifinal appearance (1941)
All-Pros-QB Sid Luckman, LG Danny Fortmann, C Bulldog Turner, RT Lee Artoe, RE George Wilson
Chicago ran the table during the regular season with the top ranked offense and the top ranked defense in football. The defense pitched 4 shutouts and gave up only 154 yards of offense per game. The offense was led by All-Pro QB Sid Luckman and future Hall of Fame lineman like Danny Fortmann and Bulldog Turner
The 1942 Playoffs
December 13, 1942
Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins, 3 pm
Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago Bears, 6:30 pm
December 20, 1942
NFL Championship Game
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