Rams’ offense (30.1 PPG) and Matthew Stafford’s weapons make Los Angeles the betting favorite — punters may lean Rams moneyline or team-total over. Seahawks’ top scoring defense and Denver’s elite pass rush suggest betting the under on high totals or backing underdog spreads when Denver or Seattle control tempo.
NFL Playoffs: Ranking the Remaining Offenses and Defenses
Four NFL teams remain with legitimate Super Bowl chances. All sit inside the league’s top-10 in scoring defense; three rank top-five in scoring offense. Below are concise, journalist-style rankings of each club’s offense and defense, plus the key reasons shaping perceptions and wagering angles.
Offensive Rankings
1. Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles leads the group offensively, finishing the regular season as the No. 1 scoring unit at 30.1 points per game. Matthew Stafford remains the top quarterback left in the bracket, supported by elite receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams and a reliable back in Kyren Williams. Consistency and firepower make the Rams the matchup favorite.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle boasts the highest upside when clicking, capable of overwhelming defenses. Inconsistency and reliance on Sam Darnold in pressure spots temper expectations, but their ceiling keeps them firmly in second. When Seattle controls tempo, their offense can outscore tough defenses.
3. New England Patriots
Despite finishing fifth in scoring in the regular season, New England sits third here. Drake Maye had an MVP-caliber year but has shown playoff rust under pressure. When the Patriots establish a clean pocket and a functioning run game, their offense is dangerous; otherwise they fall behind the top two.
4. Denver Broncos
Denver ranks last among the four offensively. Injuries and quarterback changes have hindered consistency — Jarrett Stidham under center reduces explosive potential. The Broncos have staged dramatic comebacks, but early-game struggles and inconsistent production keep them at the bottom of this list.
Defensive Rankings
1. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle finished the year with the best scoring defense at 16.6 points allowed per game. The unit plays fast and disciplined under elite defensive play calling, making them the clearest defensive edge among the remaining teams.
2. Denver Broncos
Denver’s defense allows slightly more points than New England (about 18.8 PPG) but poses a distinct threat with a ferocious pass rush — 68 sacks on the season — that can change games. Their ability to collapse pockets makes them a matchup nightmare for shaky quarterbacks.
3. New England Patriots
The Patriots surrendered roughly 17.8 PPG in the regular season and have tightened further in the postseason, forcing turnovers and limiting big plays. Their fundamental discipline and situational defense make them hard to exploit.
4. Los Angeles Rams
Los Angeles began the season as an elite defense but has regressed. The Rams surrendered just 16.3 PPG in their first 11 games yet have allowed 26.9 PPG across the following eight, signaling a significant downturn that undermines their overall team profile.
Betting Implications
When handicapping matchups, consider these takeaways:
- Rams as favorites: lean Rams moneyline or team total over when Stafford’s protection holds.
- Seattle matchups: expect lower opponent scoring; the Seahawks make the under attractive.
- Broncos pass rush: target live-QB pressure props, sacks markets, or under totals when Denver dictates pace.
- Patriots: value on turnovers and defensive props; back game scripts where New England controls time of possession.
Conclusion
These four teams are tightly bunched, with small margins separating contenders. Offense-driven Rams and high-ceiling Seahawks contrast with Denver’s disruptive front and New England’s disciplined, turnover-forcing defense — all factors bettors should weigh when setting lines or choosing props.
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