2. Opponent Yards Per Pass
Preventing your opponent from scoring is obviously the top objective, but a great passing defense is more important than a great rushing defense.
The last team standing is nearly always one with an excellent quarterback, so mitigating the advantage a good quarterback can provide is one way to beat good teams. Well, the Chiefs happen to be excellent in that category.
Kansas City ranks third league-wide in opponent yards per pass (5.4) and first in sack percentage (9.3%). This is a menacing unit led by one of the most creative defensive coordinators alive in Steve Spagnuolo. Even if the defense doesn't cause many turnovers, the pass defense harrasses offenses and gives the team a chance to win every week.
L'Jarius Sneed this season:
— PFF KC Chiefs (@PFF_Chiefs) January 4, 2024
🔺 570 coverage snaps without allowing a TD (1st among CBs)
🔺 17 forced incompletions (1st in AFC)
Pro Bowl snub? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/vJU6PNVcpd
From Tyreek Hill to DJ Moore to Justin Jefferson to AJ Brown, no opposing top receiver has fared well against the Chiefs.
Good luck passing on this team in the playoffs. If you can't pass, you can't win. Thus, I like the Chiefs' chances.
We've got two defensive stats proving the Chiefs will win the Super Bowl. Now, it's time to address the offense.