When we think about success in the NFL, we often center that discussion around superstars. And, sure, if you have a Patrick Mahomes on your team, it can feel like a shortcut to the Super Bowl.
But the hidden truth to successful teams each year is staying healthy. Every year, Aaron Schatz publishes his own injury statistic—adjusted games lost—and each year it shows a pretty strong correlation between health and success. It’s never perfect—for example, the Texans had the most injuries last year, but made an improbable playoff run—but it’s clear injuries can sink a talented roster.