Just about everyone has heard the saying “Defense wins championships”. It’s become common nomenclature in sports, especially when it comes to football or the NFL. However, a tide might be turning in the league as this year’s playoff teams refute that statement.
The Las Vegas Raiders were one of four teams to finish in the top 10 for defensive DVOA and not make the playoffs this season, according to FTN Fantasy. In other words, nearly half of the teams that were toward the top of the league in the defensive efficiency metric won’t have a chance at winning a championship.