The Broncos and Chiefs have the megastar defensive backs and pass rushers. The Texans are a well-coached veteran unit built on disguised matchup coverages and blitzes. The Patriots simply don’t miss tackles or assignments.
Tremendous AFC defenses this year, indeed. But come January, the best could reside in Baltimore. And it’d be primarily for an old-school reason: no one can run on these guys. The Ravens are the top-ranked rushing D in terms of total yards allowed (73.8 a game) and yards per attempt (3.4). Most impressive, they’ve given up a first down on just 13.8% of runs—the lowest rate in the league.