The Playoff Seeds for 1956...
#6 seed-San Francisco 49ers (5-6-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1954, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...4-8
Pro Bowl-LH Hugh McElhenny, RT Bob St. Clair, RE Billy Wilson, LDT Leo Nomellini
The 49ers became the first team with a losing record to qualify for a playoff berth. San Francisco started 1-6, but went unbeaten over the last 5 games to sneak in to the Quarterfinal Round against the Giants. The 49ers offense is led by all-purpose RB Hugh McElhenny and RE Billy Wilson, while the defense is anchored by DT Leo Nomellini.
#5 seed-Washington Redskins (6-6)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, lost NFL Quarterfinal
Playoff Record...5-4, 2 NFL Championships (1942-1943)
Pro Bowl-QB Al Dorow, FB Leo Elter, RG Dick Stanfel, LDE Gene Brito, LLB Chuck Drazenovich, RLB LaVern Torgeson, K/P Sam Baker
The Redskins won 5 straight games during midseason and carried that performance to a playoff berth. Washington has struggled lately to score points, and it was their defense that carried them to the postseason. They feature 3 Pro Bowl players in their front 7, DL Gene Brito, and LBs Chuck Drazenovich and LaVern Torgeson.
#4 seed-Chicago Cardinals (7-5)
Last Playoff Appearance...1949, won NFL Championship
Playoff Record...3-3, 1949 NFL Champions
Pro Bowl-C Jack Simmons, LLB Leo Sanford, LDH Dick Lane, RDH Lindon Crow, KR/LH Ollie Matson
The Cardinals are in the postseason for the first time since winning the NFL title 7 seasons ago. Chicago's scoring defense was the second best in the NFL. On offense, they were led by Ollie Matson, who rushed, caught, and returned his way to more than 1,500 yards in 1956. On defense, Dick "Night Train" Lane and Lindon Crow combined for 18 interceptions. The Cardinals won their first 4 games of the season, then finished the year 3-5.
#3 seed-New York Giants (8-3-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...12-6, 3 NFL Championships (1950-1951, 1954)
Pro Bowl-QB Charlie Conerly, LH Frank Gifford, LE Kyle Rote, LT Rosey Brown, RDT Rosey Grier, RDE Andy Robustelli, LS/PR Emlen Tunnell
The Giants had the top defense in the NFL in 1956, featuring 3 Pro Bowl players. The run defense also finished first, holding opponents to 3.5 yards per carry. The offense was led by Frank Gifford, who rushed for 819 yards and caught 51 passes for New York. Emlen Tunnell led the Giant secondary with 6 interceptions.
#2 seed-Detroit Lions (9-3)
Last Playoff Appearance...1954, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...4-4, 1952 NFL Champions
Pro Bowl-LT Lou Creekmur, C Charlie Ane, MLB Joe Schmidt, LDH Jim David, LS Jack Christiansen, K/QB Bobby Layne, P/PR/RS Yale Lary
The Lions rolled to 6 straight wins to open the season, then went .500 down the stretch to coast home with the #2 seed. Bobby Layne struggled with turnovers, but the ground attack was solid, with 4 different runners finishing with at least 348 yards. Detroit's defense managed 28 interceptions, led by Lary and Christiansen with 8 each.
#1 seed-Chicago Bears (9-2-1)
Last Playoff Appearance...1955, lost NFL Semifinal
Playoff Record...3-12
Pro Bowl-FB Rick Casares, LE Harlon Hill, C Larry Strickland, RG Stan Jones, MG Bill George, LDH J.C. Caroline, P/QB Ed Brown
The Bears feature a high-powered offense. No team gained more yards or scored more points in 1956. The offense is led by Rick Casares, the power back who ran for 1,126 yards and scored 14 TD. The passing attack featured Harlon Hill, who caught passes for 1,128 yards while averaging 24 yards per catch and scoring 11 TD. Chicago had a 7-game winning streak earlier in the season.
1956 Playoffs
December 30, 1956
San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants, 3 pm
Washington Redskins at Chicago Cardinals, 6:30 pm
January 6, 1957
highest seed at Detroit Lions, 3 pm
lowest seed at Chicago Bears, 6:30 pm
January 13, 1957
NFL Championship, 6:30 pm
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