The NFL Gets Going One Week From Today – Here are Some Numbers to Think About

The NFL is proud of its parity. The league prides itself on the fact that so many teams each year have a legit shot at the playoffs. That's why they put out a press release touting that fact, among some more facts that some people might find interesting. First though, the league pointed out that for the 16th consecutive year, five of the 12 playoff teams weren't there the previous season. Something we touched on here and here already.

The NFL also tries to distance itself from gambling, despite the fact that the sport is the easiest (and most exciting) to gamble on. Now, of course nobody here is condoning illegal activities, but if you're in Vegas or somewhere else that might offer such things in a legal matter, then there's no problem in that. Why do I bring this up? Because there were a bunch of numbers from last season that bear repeating. 

Of course this year could be completely different, so take this however you want. One of the first facts that the league put out in the release was the record amount of points scored in 2011. The games averaged 44.4 points, the highest since 1965. Interesting. It was also the first time that three teams broke 500 points in the same season. Green Bay, New Orleans and New England. Again, interesting. Like if someone says 'OVER there', you look.

Also, games were ridiculously close for the most part. 51.6 percent of games were decided by eight points or less, while 48.8 percent were seven points or fewer. You'd think that would be something that was COVERED more. But I don't want read too much into it. There were a lot of facts and figures about last year, you can read about them right here.

I'm sure the NFL just thought that those figures were interesting and noteworthy and wouldn't draw more eyeballs to TVs in case someone might have bet lunch on a game or something. Just interesting stuff.