The 16 game schedule in the NFL are such a limitation so balancing what stats to look are are key when handicapping the weekly games.
RJ feels the more repetition the better.
The highest level is Wins & losses, cause that is a number that the public really does focus on. The next level would be the Scoring differential between Wins & Losses ( The Pythagorean Theory) . For RJ he likes the next level. The Stats that get down to the playing level are the key ones for him. Yards per play differential is one that really sticks out but can have some interesting results early in the year.
Yards per play if the average number of yards you get or give up every time you or your opponent snaps the ball. The net differential is the difference between the two numbers.
The Seahawks are tops in the league at +1.7 ypp. Cincinnati is #2, while Detroit, Washington and Tennessee are 3, 4 and 5 in the league. Last year Seattle and Denver were 1 # 2 in that category and they both were in the Superbowl.
Turnovers are another Key stat, but they are also more of a stat that indicates luck, especially fumbles which have a 50/50 chance of being recovered by each team.
Another important stat is Red Zone conversions, which Teddy feels is more telling than 3rd down conversions.
What stats do you believe are most relevant in handicapping the NFL? Join in the Conversation.