Imagine you could determine which NFL teams would make the playoffs? Such knowledge would produce numerous profitable betting opportunities. Super Bowl and conference futures bets would be easy winners. Luckily, SportsBetting3.com has research which stats predict whether an NFL will team the playoffs.
The following is adapted from a case study featuring the Kansas City Chiefs. For comparison purposes, we also looked at the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, and Indianapolis Colts. The Cleveland Browns, who’ve experience years of failed playoff attempts, were the control team. Dig in below and make some money this NFL season!
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Case Study: How the Kansas City Chiefs Made the Playoffs 2003-Present
We reviewed key Kansas City regular season stats for each year they made the playoffs, 2003-present. We also tabulated numbers for the 49ers and Colts.
New England made the playoffs every year except 2008 in our 2003-present sample. Meanwhile, Cleveland has the longest playoff drought in NFL history. They haven’t made the postseason since 2002. Cleveland’s stats from 2003 onward effectively demonstrate how a team does not make the playoffs. The Raiders have a similar track record, save one playoff appearance in 2016.
Each team’s overall averages are displayed below. Separate tables containing each team’s regular season stats follow. Numbers for the Cleveland Browns are provided as a control group.
Stats that Predict Playoff Appearances
Kansas City makes the playoffs if their regular season is above their playoff year averages. In our estimation, the most predictive stats are possession time greater than 30 minutes, a 97 QB rating or better, 5700 offensive yards or better, and at least 50 touchdowns.
Note also an average of 327 1st downs in the regular season. Most of the totals cluster closely around 300. The Kansas City Chiefs must consistently advance the ball to win games!
For the record, the New England Patriots’ averages exceed these numbers. That suggests a range of high end performance – well above the lowly Cleveland Browns and Raiders – guarantees a crack at the Super Bowl.
Key Overall Stats Averages
Select Regular Season Averages, Playoff Teams vs. Drought Teams 2003-Present
| Year | Poss. Time | QB Rating | Off. Yds | TDs | 1st Downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs Playoffs (13) Averages | 105.9 | 5982 | 50 | 348 | |
| Colts Playoffs (13) Averages | 102.3 | 5941 | 50 | 356 | |
| 49ers Playoffs (7) Averages | 129.2 | 5909 | 48 | 331 | |
| Raiders Drought (1) Averages | 93.5 | 5190 | 34 | 289 |
Key Stats for Consistent Playoff Contenders
Chiefs 2003-Present Playoff Appearances - Key Season Stats
| Year | Poss. Time | QB Rating | Off. Yds | TDs | 1st Downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 105.9 | 5982 | 50 | 348 | |
| 2023 | 122.9 | 5972 | 39 | 350 | |
| 2022 | 105.2 | 7032 | 61 | 408 | |
| 2021 | 118.8 | 6746 | 55 | 419 | |
| 2020 | 118.8 | 6653 | 57 | 397 | |
| 2019 | 105.3 | 6067 | 48 | 350 | |
| 2018 | 113.8 | 6810 | 70 | 384 | |
| 2017 | 104.7 | 6007 | 39 | 322 | |
| 2016 | 118.8 | 5488 | 41 | 305 | |
| 2015 | 95.4 | 5299 | 43 | 303 | |
| 2013 | 89.1 | 5050 | 50 | 303 | |
| 2010 | 93.0 | 5595 | 44 | 319 | |
| 2006 | 98.0 | 5143 | 37 | 310 | |
| 2003 | 92.6 | 5910 | 63 | 348 |
Colts 2003-Present Playoff Appearances - Key Season Stats
| Year | Poss. Time | QB Rating | Off. Yds | TDs | 1st Downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 102.3 | 5941 | 50 | 356 | |
| 2020 | 97.0 | 6049 | 50 | 364 | |
| 2018 | 98.7 | 6179 | 52 | 371 | |
| 2014 | 102.6 | 6506 | 52 | 371 | |
| 2013 | 87.0 | 5468 | 40 | 318 | |
| 2012 | 76.5 | 5799 | 40 | 360 | |
| 2010 | 91.9 | 6092 | 50 | 366 | |
| 2009 | 158.3 | 5809 | 53 | 339 | |
| 2008 | 95.0 | 5368 | 42 | 321 | |
| 2007 | 98.0 | 5739 | 53 | 357 | |
| 2006 | 101.0 | 6070 | 49 | 376 | |
| 2005 | 104.1 | 5799 | 51 | 363 | |
| 2004 | 121.1 | 6475 | 65 | 379 | |
| 2003 | 99.0 | 5874 | 47 | 348 |
49ers 2003-Present Playoff Appearances - Key Season Stats
| Year | Poss. Time | QB Rating | Off. Yds | TDs | 1st Downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 129.2 | 5909 | 48 | 331 | |
| 2023 | 113.0 | 6773 | 61 | 383 | |
| 2022 | 158.3 | 6216 | 52 | 347 | |
| 2021 | 133.3 | 6337 | 50 | 361 | |
| 2019 | 118.8 | 6097 | 54 | 336 | |
| 2013 | 118.8 | 5180 | 41 | 286 | |
| 2012 | 104.1 | 5789 | 42 | 322 | |
| 2011 | 158.3 | 4974 | 35 | 282 |
Raiders 2003-Present Playoff Drought - Key Season Stats (Except: 2016)
| Year | Poss. Time | QB Rating | Off. Yds | TDs | 1st Downs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average | 93.4 | 5200 | 33 | 290 | |
| 2023 | 113.9 | 4922 | 36 | 292 | |
| 2022 | 118.8 | 5993 | 41 | 343 | |
| 2021 | 94.0 | 6184 | 37 | 349 | |
| 2020 | 118.8 | 6133 | 48 | 359 | |
| 2019 | 5819 | 37 | 315 | ||
| 2018 | 93.9 | 5379 | 30 | 300 | |
| 2017 | 86.4 | 5185 | 36 | 287 | |
| 2015 | 91.1 | 5336 | 42 | 300 | |
| 2014 | 76.6 | 4515 | 27 | 248 | |
| 2013 | 158.3 | 5340 | 35 | 275 | |
| 2012 | 85.2 | 5504 | 28 | 300 | |
| 2011 | 118.1 | 6072 | 37 | 328 | |
| 2010 | 84.5 | 5674 | 43 | 306 | |
| 2009 | 80.6 | 4258 | 17 | 234 | |
| 2008 | 77.1 | 4356 | 27 | 225 | |
| 2007 | 78.0 | 4717 | 30 | 267 | |
| 2006 | 61.6 | 3939 | 14 | 243 | |
| 2005 | 77.3 | 4951 | 32 | 294 | |
| 2004 | 86.9 | 5153 | 35 | 275 | |
| 2003 | 73.4 | 4573 | 29 | 258 |
Current NFL Futures Odds
|
Team |  BetMGM |
 BetRivers |
|---|---|---|
| 49ers | +600 Bet | +550 Bet |
| Chiefs | +650 Bet | +650 Bet |
| Ravens | +900 Bet | +950 Bet |
| Lions | +1200 Bet | +1300 Bet |
| Bengals | +1400 Bet | +1300 Bet |
| Bills | +1400 Bet | +1400 Bet |
| Texans | +1400 Bet | +1400 Bet |
| Eagles | +1600 Bet | +1600 Bet |
| Cowboys | +1800 Bet | +1700 Bet |
| Packers | +2000 Bet | +2000 Bet |
| Dolphins | +2500 Bet | +2500 Bet |
| Jets | +2500 Bet | +2800 Bet |
| Rams | +3000 Bet | +2800 Bet |
| Falcons | +3000 Bet | +3000 Bet |
| Chargers | +3000 Bet | +3300 Bet |
| Bears | +4000 Bet | +4000 Bet |
| Browns | +4000 Bet | +4000 Bet |
| Steelers | +4000 Bet | +5000 Bet |
| Jaguars | +5000 Bet | +4000 Bet |
| Vikings | +6600 Bet | +7000 Bet |
| Seahawks | +6600 Bet | +7000 Bet |
| Saints | +6600 Bet | +8000 Bet |
| Colts | +8000 Bet | +6000 Bet |
| Buccaneers | +8000 Bet | +7000 Bet |
| Raiders | +8000 Bet | +8000 Bet |
| Cardinals | +10000 Bet | +10000 Bet |
| Broncos | +10000 Bet | +10000 Bet |
| Patriots | +12500 Bet | +15000 Bet |
| Commanders | +15000 Bet | +12500 Bet |
| Giants | +15000 Bet | +15000 Bet |
| Titans | +15000 Bet | +15000 Bet |
| Panthers | +25000 Bet | +20000 Bet |
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