How to Analyze the NFL Playoffs

Fans of the National Football League take pride not only in their favorite team but in their knowledge of the game. Serious fans are able to analyze pass ratings, different defensive alignments and roster changes to determine the strength of certain teams. You can analyze the NFL playoffs for pure enjoyment or to help you bet on games more successfully.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Break Down NFL Playoff Teams

1. Calculate the total NFL playoffs experience for each team to determine its preparation for the postseason. Look at past playoff brackets and the teams that veteran players have played for previously to get an accurate number. Teams with a lot of players with playoff experience can withstand the pressure of the playoffs.
2. Track the injured list of every playoff team to properly analyze each game. Teams that limp into the playoffs with a number of players on injured reserve or the inactive list may have a tough time in the postseason.
3. Look through the regular season standings and week-by-week schedule to find precedent for NFL playoff match-ups. Analyze the statistics and outcomes of previous match-ups to create an informed analysis of upcoming games.
4. Consult the home and road records for each NFL playoff team to analyze the difference in performance. A playoff team that has a great record at home but a poor record during away games will likely have a tough time in the playoffs unless they have home field advantage.
5. Read weather reports several days in advance of a playoff game to predict playing conditions. The most common issues during the NFL playoffs are cold weather and snow. These conditions can adversely affect warm-weather teams.
6. Review game highlights and statistics to determine the strength of a playoff team's special teams unit. Offensive and defensive statistics provide some insight into a team's overall performance, but special teams are crucial to field position. Teams with a high number of punts inside the 20 yard line, kickoff touchbacks and return touchdowns have a good chance during the postseason.
7. Use each team's offensive and defensive schemes to determine the likely outcome of a playoff game. Teams that use a variation on the West Coast offense, for example, are able to thwart a defense that often uses the blitz, because they get the ball to receivers quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Explore the playoff history of each NFL team and its home city as you analyze the upcoming playoffs. Teams that have a long history of playoff success may have a better chance in the playoffs than an expansion team or team that hasn't been to the playoffs in awhile.