I’m a huge NFL fan and one of the things I love about the sport is the point differential. The point differential in the NFL is the total number of points a team has scored minus the total number of points they have given up. It’s a key indicator on how successful a team is each season and can directly influence the outcome of a game.
When I think about NFL point differential, the first story that pops into my head is the epic rivalry between the Patriots and Jets. Each time these two teams go head-to-head, the point differential is heightened. I remember watching the 2010 season when the Patriots were undefeated in the regular season and had an incredible point differential. That year, the Patriots destroyed teams week in and week out, beating the Jets by an astonishing 24 points in one of their matchups.
The second time I think of point differential relates to the 2018 season. During week three, the Jacksonville Jaguars had a huge upset against the Patriots. The Jaguars had a 21-point lead over the Patriots in a close the game and it was all because of their point differential. It was the biggest upset of the year and it was all because of the Jaguars stellar point differential.
The third time I think of point differential was during the 2019 season when the Eagles were making a furious comeback against the Cowboys. At one point, the Cowboys had a 21 point lead over the Eagles but the Eagles actually ended up coming back and winning the game. It was an amazing comeback and they did it all because of their point differential.
The fourth time I think of point differential was during the Super Bowl of the same season. The Eagles and Patriots were pitted against each other and the point differential was the biggest difference between the two teams. The Eagles ended up winning the game by a significant margin and it was all because they had a much higher point differential than the Patriots.
The fifth time I think of point differential is of course when I think of my beloved Carolina Panthers. During the 2017 season, they had a remarkable point differential of 14.6 points per game. It was an incredible stat for a team with multiple rookies and young players. It showed the potential for success that the Panthers had and it was all thanks to their point differential.
My sixth memory of point differential is from the previous season, when the Kansas City Chiefs went undefeated in the regular season. Their point differential was remarkable as they scored nearly 30 points per game and only gave up an average of 20. It was one of the greatest seasons I’ve seen in the NFL and one of the key indicators of their success was their point differential.
My seventh and final memory of point differential was of the Cleveland Browns during the 2020-21 season. Though the Browns didn’t make it to the playoffs that year, their point differential was still remarkable. They scored on average 28 points a game, and only allowed an average of 22 points per game. It showed how good the Browns were that year and how high their potential could have been to make it to the playoffs with a higher point differential.
After these seven stories, I think it’s clear why I love NFL point differential. From the control it has in determining the outcome of a game, to the insight it gives on which teams have the potential to be successful, point differential truly is one of the most important stats in the game. It speaks volumes about team performance and gives fans insight into the wins and losses of their favorite teams.
In addition to the control it has over wins and losses, the point differential also impacts playoff seeding. It can make or break a team’s chances of making it to the Super Bowl, so teams try to keep their point differential as high as possible. For example, if two teams have the same win-loss record, the team with the higher point differential will usually get the playoff spot.
The point differential also affects team morale. A good point differential can be a huge confidence booster for a team and can inspire them to reach for higher goals. It can also help the team shift into gear for the crucial stretch run in a season. On the other hand, a poor point differential can have a devastating effect on a team’s morale and it can be difficult to come back from such a deficit.
As I’ve mentioned, the point differential is one of the most important stats in the NFL. It backs up the court of public opinion, confirms past successes, displays current strengths and weaknesses, and helps determine playoff seeding. It shows how successful a team is and it’s a measuring stick for what it takes to be successful in the NFL.
Now, when I watch the NFL I’m not just looking at the wins and losses, I’m looking at the teams point differential. From the Patriots and the Jets rivalry I mentioned earlier, to the Cinderella story of the Jacksonville Jaguars and their incredible upset, point differential plays an integral role in determining the outcome of a game.
It’s incredible to think about all the strength, resilience and skill it takes to have a high point differential in the NFL. If a team can remain consistent throughout the season, they will usually end up with a positive point differential and be in a good position to get to the playoffs. However, if a team has an inconsistent performance or their defense falters, then their point differential will suffer and they can find themselves in a hole that can be difficult to get out of.
Finally, point differential also helps to tell the story of a team season. A high point differential shows the success of a team and their ability to consistently beat their opponents. A low point differential highlights the setbacks a team has had over the course of the season and it can be an indication of what needs to be worked on for the following year.
Overall, the NFL point differential is an important stat that I always keep an eye on when watching a game. It mysteriously keeps track of a team’s success as they play through the regular season and it can be the determining factor on who makes it to the playoffs. I’m constantly amazed by the ups and downs, swings and roundabouts of the NFL point differential, and I’m looking forward to seeing how teams can use it to their advantage in the upcoming season.