Teams tend to score fewer points in divisional games -- 44.8 vs. 43.2 over the last five years. That's an average of .8 points per team per game. But there are exceptions, and three of the highest-scoring series are in action on the opening weekend.
Why teams score more points when playing teams outside their division is up for debate. My theory is that defenses learn how to play against offenses. They learn the system and the personnel.
But again, there are exceptions. Here are the highest-scoring series of the last five years (so 10 games per each matchup). Three of the top 7 are in action coming out of the gate.
HIGHEST SCORING SERIES (2008-) | |
---|---|
Teams | Pts |
Broncos-Chargers | 54.6 |
Cowboys-Giants | 53.5 |
Packers-Vikings | 52.1 |
Panthers-Saints | 51.4 |
Giants-Eagles | 51.1 |
Patriots-Bills | 50.7 |
Saints-Falcons | 50.5 |
Bears-Vikings | 49.5 |
Patriots-Dolphins | 49.4 |
Falcons-Panthers | 49.3 |
Texans-Jaguars | 49.1 |
Texans-Colts | 48.8 |
Broncos-Raiders | 48.3 |
Patriots-Jets | 48.1 |
Lions-Packers | 48.0 |
--Ian Allan