The rotation system forced the Rams (11–1–2) to play at the Packers (9–4–1) in the Western Conference playoff. It had no effect in the Eastern Conference; Cleveland and Dallas were both 9–5, and the Cowboys defeated the Browns during the regular season. With the rotation system it was common for the host team to have an inferior record; it had occurred in four of the previous five NFL championship games (1962, 1964, 1965, 1966), with the home teams winning twice (1964, 1965).