Bengals Offensive and Defensive Balance

[Earendil]

So, I had a little free time today and looked at some stats on NFL.com for the Top 4 Offenses and Defenses (in points per game). When you look at the teams that the top 4 have played, the results are rather interesting.

Top 4 Offenses:

1. Arizona: Played 4 defenses in the top half of the league.
2. New England: Played 5 defenses in the top half of the league.
3. Carolina: Played 3 defenses in the top half of the league.
4. Cincinnati: Played 7 defenses in the top half of the league

Top 4 Defenses:

1. Cincinnati: Played 7 offenses in the top half of the league.
2. Minnesota: Played 4 offenses in the top half of the league.
3. Carolina: Played 3 offenses in the top half of the league.
4. Denver: Played 6 offenses in the top half of the league.

Not only are the Bengals in the Top 4 offensively and defensively (in points per game), but they have done it against higher quality opponents than the other teams.

[HoosierCat]

Yup. I suspect you'll see that reflected in footballoutsiders.com's DVOA rankings when they update tomorrow. FO has already teased that the Bengals are in the No. 1 spot and it's likely due to opponent adjustments incorporated in the rankings.

[HoosierCat]

If you like numbers...

http://www.footballoutsiders.com/dvoa-ratings/2015/week-12-dvoa-ratings

[Earendil]

Nice