With the NFL postseason set to begin, we will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the 12 playoff teams as it relates to the Four Postseason Factors. To recap, we used these factors to correctly predict 10 of the 11 games last postseason. Considering team balance, coaching quality, the TABRankings and playoff team precedence, we can determine who should win postseason games.
Therefore, over the next four days, we will look into detail at one of the Four Postseason Factors as it relates to the 12 current NFL playoff teams. We’ll start this analysis today with the first factor, which is “team balance.” Last February, we explained “team balance” as so:
We looked in depth at relevant efficiency statistics to determine the quality of a team in each key area of the game. We look at stats to paint a picture for six key areas: pass offense, pass defense, rush offense, rush defense, scoring efficiency and battle-tested quality play. The first four areas are quite simple to understand. The last two are a bit more complex. Special teams is heavily considered for scoring efficiency. Strength of schedule is heavily considered for battle-tested quality play.
To analyze this season’s postseason field, we will simply and clearly look at the six key areas that make up “team balance.” By looking at pass offense, pass defense, rush offense, rush defense, scoring efficiency and battle-tested quality play, we’ll see which of the 12 teams possess the balance of a Super Bowl contender (as well as which teams do not possess such balance).
We will go area by area to see which teams satisfy our qualifications.