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.

Balanced teams like the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots, alongside the Los Angeles Rams, who are strong on both sides of the ball, remain in contention. The San Francisco 49ers also fit a profile of teams that have reached the Super Bowl with a strong offense and a defense that ranks outside the top 20, potentially bolstered by the return of key players like linebacker Fred Warner from injury.