Dolphins fans or NFL trivia experts

[rockymtn devil]

During the heavy coverage of the Patriots 16-0 season ESPN did a segment in which Bill Parcels discussed how other great teams in NFL history would stack up against the Pats. Obviously the 1972 Dolphins were one of those teams. When watching the segment on them, I noticed something that I couldn't explain (and a quick google search has failed to help). Despite being undefeated, the Dolphins had to play at Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game. Any idea why? Were the rules regarding home field different back then?

Thanks.

[Bob Green]

At that time, the Conference Championship Game was rotated between the Divisions regardless of the records of the participating teams. Home field advantage was instituted in 1975.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_Championship

[Rich]

Interesting tidbit -- despite their undefeated record, the Fish were actually the underdogs in the SuperBowl. The 'Skins were favored to win. Can you imagine the Pats this year being considered the underdog in any of their remaining games?