DEFENSE CAN'T REST
Not since the 1977 Falcons has the NFL's top scoring defense failed to make the playoffs. Heading into Week 16, Baltimore and Tennessee — both 8-6 — were tied for the lead in scoring defense at 18.1 points allowed per game. Pending the Ravens-Chargers result Saturday night, Tennessee held the sixth and final playoff seed in the AFC. Baltimore was eighth.
Here is how the last 10 teams with the top-ranked scoring defense fared. Five reached the Super Bowl. Three won.
YearTeam Rec.Finish
2017Vikings13-3Lost NFC title game
2016Patriots14-2Won Super Bowl
2015Seahawks10-6Lost NFC divisional
2014Seahawks12-4Lost Super Bowl
2013Seahawks13-3Won Super Bowl
2012Seahawks11-5Lost NFC divisional
2011Steelers12-4Lost AFC wild card
2010Steelers12-4Lost Super Bowl
2009Jets 9-7Lost AFC title game
2008Steelers12-4Won Super Bowl