Analysis

9/30/21

2 min read

Raiders-Chargers a Battle of Big Play Index Leaders

The 33rd Team introduced the Big Play Index last season to show how NFL teams stack up in terms of big plays produced and big plays allowed.

The Big Play Index has a new and improved formula with the help of former NFL head coach Marc Trestman. When Trestman coached in the NFL, his definition of a “Big Play” was a run of 10-plus yards and/or a pass of 16-plus yards. Ultimately, BPI correlates the ability to create explosive plays, while also limiting the opponent, and the success of the team (based on wins).

Big Play Index

The BPI is still volatile as we are going into Week 4, but as you can see from the chart, only three teams have a higher differential than any of the 3-0 teams. The Browns lost a very close game to the Chiefs in Week 1 in which they had far more big plays. Likewise, the Chargers lost a very close game to a strong Dallas team on a long FG. The anomaly in this data set is seemingly the Eagles. They have shown the ability to create big plays through the air on a consistent basis -- but not on the ground. Having played against strong teams in Dallas and San Francisco, their record doesn't indicate their offensive output from a big-play perspective.

Big-Play Games to Watch This Week

Chiefs vs Eagles: As previously mentioned, the Eagles have shown the ability to create big plays and the Chiefs have shown a major ability to give them up. They have allowed the second-most total explosives, including the second-most on the ground.

Raiders vs Chargers: This is No. 1 vs No. 3 in explosive plays for. The Raiders have done a better job at stopping explosive plays (19 allowed compared to L.A.'s 22).

Dolphins vs Colts: The Dolphins have the league's worst BPI differential so far and will be facing off against the Colts, who have the fourth-worst differential so far due to their lack of explosives for (17) which is tied for fourth-worst.

**Only two 0-3 teams have a positive differential

Here's the complete breakdown:

Big Play Index

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