Analysis

12/15/21

2 min read

Bills Finally Drop From No. 1 Defensive Ranking in Aikman Efficiency Ratings

Week 14 Aikman Efficiency Ratings: Chargers Defense Holding Them Back From Greatness

The 33rd Team is proud to be home for the Aikman Efficiency Ratings — Pro Football Hall of Famer Troy Aikman’s proprietary formula for measuring team offense and team defense in the NFL.

As opposed to just looking at total yards gained and allowed, Aikman combined seven categories, placing more emphasis on some:

  • Points per game (20%)
  • Points Per Red-Zone Possession (20%)
  • Turnovers (20%)
  • Yards per Rush (10%)
  • Yards per Pass (10%)
  • Third-Down Percentage (10%)
  • First Downs (10%)

For the first time since Week 2, the Buffalo Bills are not atop Troy Aikman's Defensive Efficiency Ratings. After a 33-27 overtime loss to the NFL's No. 1 ranked offense, Buffalo has been overtaken at the top by their rival New England Patriots. The Patriots were able to climb into the No. 1 spot on defense despite having a bye week this week, and will look to hold onto that rating this Saturday against the No. 9-ranked Indianapolis offense.

While New England sits at No. 1 on offense, they're just outside of the top 10 on offense, sitting at No. 12. Teams ranking in the top 10 in both categories include Arizona (No. 2 offense and No. 5 defense), Buffalo (No. 3 offense and No. 2 defense), and the Los Angeles Rams (No. 7 offense and No. 8 defense).

For more on the Aikman Efficiency Ratings and the Aikman Foundation, click here.


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