

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.

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.

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.

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