Which star quarterbacks are missing from the NFL playoffs?

Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Patrick Mahomes are notably absent from the NFL playoffs this season.

Can NFL teams with weak offenses reach the Super Bowl?

Yes, history shows teams like the 2015 Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl with a low-ranked offense, relying heavily on defense.

Are top-ranked defenses crucial in the NFL playoffs?

Absolutely, top-ranked defenses are proving essential for teams aiming for deep playoff runs and Super Bowl contention.

Home / Sports / NFL Playoffs: Offenses Lagging, Defenses Shining

NFL Playoffs: Offenses Lagging, Defenses Shining

16 Jan

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Summary

NFL playoffs feature few elite quarterbacks this season.
Teams with below-average offenses are surprisingly reaching playoffs.
Top-ranked defenses are proving crucial for playoff success.

NFL Playoffs: Offenses Lagging, Defenses Shining

For the first time in nearly three decades, the NFL playoffs are underway without perennial stars like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. This season has seen an unusual seven Tier 3 quarterbacks reach the postseason, a record since 2014, and highlights teams with offenses ranking outside the top 10 in EPA per play. Teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans, despite regular-season offensive mediocrity, are demonstrating that strong defenses can pave the way to deep playoff runs.

The historical precedent for teams succeeding with weak offenses exists, notably the 2015 Denver Broncos who won the Super Bowl despite ranking 25th offensively, backed by a top-ranked defense. This season's Texans and Seahawks, with similarly ranked offenses, could follow a similar path. While other teams with below-average offenses have been eliminated, the remaining contenders underscore the continued importance of defensive prowess in achieving ultimate success.