EPA Ranks Through Week 8
Commanders Shine, Broncos Dominate, Bills Lead
We are back with some more EPA ranks through eight weeks. Let’s jump right into the data.
The Commanders leading the way near the midway point of the season was likely not in the cards for many who follow the NFL. Jayden Daniels has averaged 0.39 EPA per pass play in the 4th quarter this season, best in NFL.
The Buccaneers are also another nice surprise with Liam Cohen as a first year playcaller. Baker Mayfield currently leads NFL with 21 passing TDs and is 2nd averaging 273.6 passing yards per game.
The Texans are a surprise for negative reasons but that could be due to some key injuries (Collins and Diggs) to the offense. One place they’ve thrived? First read passes. They average 0.39 on first read passes this season, 5th best in NFL.
Let’s take a look at the other side of the ball and see what defenses are dominating.
The Broncos lead with the best defense in the NFL on a per play basis. They are allowing a 70.2 passer rating on play action passes, best in NFL.
A team to keep an eye on is the Philadelphia Eagles. They did not allow a successful rushing play in the 1st half last weeks against the Bengals and they only allowed 6.3 yards per touch, 4th best in Week 8.
How have the Packers been feasting on their opponents? Turnovers and 3rd Downs. They’ve forced 19 turnovers (most in NFL) this season and they are allowing a 30.5 passer rating on 3rd downs, best in NFL.
Now let’s look at the best team when combing these two sides of the ball.
The Buffalo Bills jump to the top spot with an elite offense and a solid defense. They are getting sacked at the second lowest clip, they are tied with the most TDs in the league, and 12% of their completions have gone for 20+ yards, T-2nd best in NFL.
We’ve yet to talk about the Lions but they deserve the spotlight with some of their more recent performances. They average a TD every 2.9 drives (best) and they’ve scored 9 TDs this season on plays that were 20+ yards (most).
The last team that needs to be talked about is the defending Super Bowl champs. The Kansas City Chiefs defense allowed just 1.4 yards per touch to running backs in the Red Zone, best in NFL. Another area where they shine? Limiting explosives. They’ve only allowed 15 completions of 20+ yards this season, best in NFL.
Here are all three leaderboards together.
What else can you pick out from these teams through eight weeks?