This Super Bowl is a matchup of...

This Super Bowl is a matchup of franchises that predate the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, though both teams were members of the NFL. (The Colts, Browns and Steelers were the teams that played in the NFL before moving into the AFC in 1970). So, these teams have squared off far more in the regular season than any other Super Bowl opponents before their first championship game meeting. Most regular-season games between teams playing for the first time in the Super Bowl:

* -- No other playoff meetings;

*--* Colts vs. Bears* 2007 39 Steelers vs. Cowboys** 1976 17 Steelers vs. Rams 1980 15

*--*

** -- Met in two subsequent Super Bowls.

Source: STATS LLC

Los Angeles Times