Bengals Offensive and Defensive Balance

[Earendil]

So, I had a little free time today and looked at some stats on NFL.com for the Top 4 Offenses and Defenses (in points per game). When you look at the teams that the top 4 have played, the results are rather interesting.

Top 4 Offenses:

   Arizona: Played 4 defenses in the top half of the league.
   New England: Played 5 defenses in the top half of the league.
   Carolina: Played 3 defenses in the top half of the league.
   Cincinnati: Played 7 defenses in the top half of the league

Top 4 Defenses:

   Cincinnati: Played 7 offenses in the top half of the league.
   Minnesota: Played 4 offenses in the top half of the league.
   Carolina: Played 3 offenses in the top half of the league.
   Denver: Played 6 offenses in the top half of the league.

Not only are the Bengals in the Top 4 offensively and defensively (in points per game), but they have done it against higher quality opponents than the other teams.