Undefeated Cardinals Soar Into No. 1 Spot in Aikman Efficiency Ratings

The 33^rd 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%)

The undefeated Arizona Cardinals have now ascended to No. 1 in Troy Aikman's offensive efficiency ratings, and No. 3 in Aikman's defensive efficiency ratings. Arizona will hope to avoid a trap game this week against the Texans, who rank at No. 30 on offense and 22 on defense.

Despite suffering a close loss on Monday Night Football, the Bills are still a top Super Bowl contender by this week's Aikman report, holding firm with the No. 1 spot on defense and No. 2 position on offense. With a Bye week upcoming, Buffalo has time to lick their wounds before facing AFC East rival Miami, who ranks in the bottom 5 on both offense and defense.

Other serious Super Bowl contenders who rank in the top 10 in both categories include the New Orleans Saints (No. 8 on offense, No. 2 on defense), Dallas Cowboys (No. 4 on offense, No. 10 on defense), Baltimore Ravens (No. 6 on offense, No. 7 on defense), and Los Angeles Rams (No. 7 on offense, No. 9 on defense).

Of the teams that rank in the top 10 in both categories, only one will face a tough test this upcoming week, as Baltimore squares up with divisional rival Cincinnati. The Bengals are perhaps the surprise team of the year through 6 weeks of action, and have been relying on their No. 6-ranked defense while getting enough from their No. 13 offense to rush out to a 4-2 start. A win over the Ravens could solidify Cincinnati as a serious playoff contender.

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