Does defense really win championships in the NFL?

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 back to pass at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca on November 19, 2018. Jevone Moore
Rams defense line at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca on December 30 2018. Jevone Moore

They always say DEFENSE wins championships, but the NFL rules have started to swing the pendulum too great offense.

Once you take a dive into the numbers they paint a different picture then most would assume.

Looking at the 2018 Playoff Teams first, AFC No 1 seed Chiefs (12-4) have the 31st defense in the NFL. For the NFC No 1 seed Saints (13-3) have the 14th defense in the NFL.

AFC No 3 seed Ravens with the No 1 defense overall who battles in a Wildcard game with No 5 Chargers whose defense ranked 9th in the League. The No 2 defense overall in the NFL Bills who didn’t even make the playoffs didn’t have to offense to help.

Los Angeles Rams linebacker Cory Littleton celebrates a turnover at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca on November 19, 2018. Photo by Jevone Moore

The NFC greatest show earlier in the season was the Rams with 19th defense and an explosive running game.

With the league being pass happy you would expect playoff teams to have some balance on defense. But 4 of last 5 teams in defending the pass are playoffs teams No 28 Texans, No 29 Saints, No 30 Eagles, No 31 Chiefs.

Then 8 of the top 10 teams stopping the run all made the playoffs with Bears hold No 1 spot only allowing 80 yards a game. The Chiefs are the worst at No 27 allowing 132.1 yards a game, followed by Rams No 23 allowing 122 yards a game.

The No 1 Chiefs, No 2 Rams in net total yards in NFL has allowed them to overcome mediocre defense to make the playoffs.  6 of the top offense have made the playoffs this season.

Buccaneers and the Steelers who both were not on the playoffs guest list  led the NFL with best passing offense, Chiefs is best passing team in the playoffs with No 3 passing offense.

Rams Running Back Todd Gurley. Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

A good running game seems to be a big key with 8 of top 10 teams in the playoffs. The No 1 rushing team was Seahawks with 160 yards a game. Over the years based on salary and rookie contracts most teams don’t value running backs.

The Steelers this year let Le’Veon Bell sit the season out because that didn’t value him enough to pay him.  Now the Giants are one of few teams that said I want a running back picking Saquon Barkley with the No 2 pick overall.

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald soars over Russell Wilson at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Ca on November 11, 2018. Jevone Moore

In the end numbers are cute, but matchups and having a healthy team with a few breaks will earn you a Lombardi Trophy.