In a league where close games often define a team's fate, no team has won more than 26 one-score games over the past three years. The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs stand out with superior winning percentages in these tightly contested matches. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have continued to demonstrate their prowess, albeit in different aspects of the game.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have proven their defensive mettle this season, allowing an impressive 20.4 points per game. This performance is a testament to their consistent defensive strength, having led the league in sacks every year from 2017 to 2021, with the exception of 2018 when they finished second. However, the team’s offensive struggles have been noted, as they aim to improve their standing in future competitions.
The Los Angeles Rams have faced challenges on the offensive front, ranking 15th in passing yards per game and 26th in offensive points per game during Weeks 1-7 of this season. Despite these setbacks, the Minnesota Vikings have managed to outscore opponents by a combined 100 points this season, averaging a 5.9 point differential per game. Yet, their record is considered inflated due to an unsustainable success rate in one-score games.
The Washington Commanders allowed 18 rushing touchdowns this season, tying for the 18th spot in this category. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans face significant hurdles in improving their offensive line to better protect quarterback C.J. Stroud, as inadequate blocking has been a persistent issue this season. The Texans’ offensive efficiency ranked 20th, and their offensive EPA was 22nd during Weeks 6 to 10, affected by Collins' absence due to injury.
On the other hand, the Chiefs have high hopes for their offense with key players like Hollywood Brown and Isiah Pacheco returning. Additionally, guard Joe Thuney has been instrumental in stabilizing the left tackle position, potentially setting up one of the best offensive lineups since 2022. The Baltimore Ravens, however, have struggled when trailing by multiple scores, going 3-15 in such scenarios from 2018 to 2023.
In the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have emerged victorious once again, securing the division title for the fourth consecutive year. This achievement underscores their dominance within the division despite various challenges.
The Eagles have demonstrated consistent efficiency in their offensive play, ranking seventh in offensive efficiency and eighth in offensive EPA in 2023, and improving to fourth and sixth respectively in 2024. Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos invested heavily in quarterback play; however, it remains an area with minimal change from 2023 to 2024.
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