One of the underrated NFL rivalries of all time is waged between cat teams & bird teams. The Bengals, Panthers, Lions, & Jaguars share a common bond as fellow cat teams of the NFL. Their team logos are represented by a particular species of cat, and their mascots are cats too. The Cardinals, Ravens, Eagles, Falcons & Seahawks are known as the bird teams of the NFL. Taima, the Seahawks live bird mascot, does a great job of representing the spirit of bird teams. Let’s take a look at the current season’s series history between these groups of iconic contenders.
By the Numbers
Bird teams (7-4) lead the season series vs. cat teams
The Bengals are a cat team best 1-0 vs. bird teams
The Eagles are a bird team best 2-0 vs. cat teams
The Jaguars are a cat team worst 0-3 vs. bird teams
The Cardinals are a bird team worst 1-2 vs. cat teams
Takeaways
It’s surprising that the bird teams are winning this season’s series, given that their combined record is only 35-33. Cat teams have an abysmal 17-38 combined record though, which is mostly due to the Jaguars & Lions being awful teams. Cat teams have outscored the NFL’s best bird team (Cardinals) 83-53 in head-to-head games too, which is pretty impressive. Meanwhile, the Eagles have outscored the Panthers & Lions by 41 points (65-24) head-to-head!
Games to Watch
Ravens @ Bengals (Week 16)
Lions @ Falcons (Week 16)
Lions @ Seahawks (Week 17)
The Bottom Line
What’s the meaning behind this analysis? The truth is that there isn’t really any meaning behind it, but this was a fun little exercise nonetheless. I will say though that the cat-bird team matchup between the Bengals & Ravens this coming weekend could decide the AFC North. Tough draw for the Lions too, as their season ends with road games against the Falcons & Seahawks (both bird teams) before playing the Packers. Several cat teams are in position for a top pick in this year’s draft, including the Lions & Jaguars competing for the 1st overall selection. Meanwhile, a few bird teams (Cardinals, Ravens, Eagles) are in this year’s playoff conversation.