Defense Notes

This year the Dallas Technology Center collected detailed offense and defense data along with the win-loss records of teams while running the simulation of multiple seasons.  

Scoring

The Carolina Panther defense stands out in the league, allowing only 13.2 points per game. Washington is a full 1.5 points behind at 14.7 points per game, followed by San Diego and Cleveland who come in at just under 16 points.

vs Running Game

The Panthers, Falcons and Giants have the top run stuffing defenses along with San Diego and Detroit who are showing a knack for keeping opponents from scoring on the ground.

vs Passing Game

The Cleveland Browns join Carolina with suppressing passing attacks. Carolina appears to have the more balanced air defense while Cleveland gets the job done with superior sack power. Washington and San Diego are among the top passing defenses as well. 

Miscellaneous

Atlanta and Kansas City are the turnover kings.

Best Red Zone teams are Atlanta, Chicago, and Kansas City

Offense Notes

This year the Dallas Technology Center collected detailed offense and defense data along with the win-loss records of teams while running the simulation of multiple seasons. 

Scoring

The New York Giants, Kansas City and San Diego were all ranked in the top 5 teams in points, rushing touchdowns and passing touchdowns. Carolina just missed this group by ranking 6th in Passing TDs.

Running Game

The Green Bay Packers were the strongest in the rushing categories of Yards, TDs, TD% and Average, ranking in the top 3 of all of those categories. Cleveland and Baltimore have powerful running games with the ability to rack up a lot of yards but were not in the Top 5 in the scoring categories.

Passing Game

The Kansas City Chiefs dominated most of the passing game categories, ranking first in 5 out of 14 including the most important ones of TDs and Yards. Oakland, Washington and San Diego were also very strong through the air.

Miscellaneous

Washington is the team least likely to turn the ball over.

San Diego and Green Bay have the best talent for scoring in the Red Zone.

In a damage to their reputation, the Oakland Raiders were the least penalized team on offense.

Carolina vs Washington in Super Bowl VIII?

The Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins edged out San Diego and New York as their respective conference champions. The road to the championship goes through their home fields.

The breakdown...

NFC East

The Redskins and Giants are strong at the top but the Cowboys and Eagles are looking like the two worst teams in the USAFL. Washington has a tough defense, New York has a powerful offense. Cleveland looks improved by Pittsburgh has taken a huge step back, especially on offense.

1. Washington (13-3)

2. New York Giants (12-4)

3. Cleveland (10-6)

4. Pittsburgh (9-7)

5. Dallas (4-12)

6. Philadelphia (3-13)

NFC Central

This division title is up for grabs. Detroit and Baltimore do not have much offense, Green Bay and San Francisco do not have much defense. This will be bloody all the way.

1. Detroit (10-6)

2. Baltimore (9-7)

3. Green Bay (8-8)

4. San Francisco (8-8)

5. Chicago (6-10)

6. Minnesota (5-11)

AFC East

The Panthers won't have much competition for the division, it's the conference where resistance will be tough. Carolina is a much improved team from last year, New York has regressed. The rest of the division are about the same.

1. Carolina (14-2)

2. Atlanta (9-7)

3. Boston (7-9)

4. Miami (7-9)

5. Buffalo (6-10)

6. New York Jets (4-12)

AFC Central

The Chargers have the edge but look at those Chiefs! Launching from 2-14 last year to 12-4 and a very good chance at a wild card slot, at least...maybe the division? One caveat: they were expected to win 6 last year. Raiders are about the same but the rest of 'em: Broncos, Houston, Cincinnati - big dropoff.

1. San Diego (13-3)

2. Kansas City (12-4)

3. Oakland (11-5)

4. Denver (6-10)

5. Houston (4-12)

6. Cincinnati (4-12)