Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs' defense edges the Broncos defense in the only stat that matters now

Published Jan. 5, 2016 10:42 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Denver Broncos will field a fearsome, Pro Bowl-laden defense in the AFC Divisional Round.

But if they play the Kansas City Chiefs, that unit won't own an edge in the most meaningful defensive statistic.

Offensive league? Look at the points allowed leaders...11 of the top 12 are still playing. pic.twitter.com/1i2UaznYDG
— Daniel Jeremiah (@MoveTheSticks) January 4, 2016

Yes, only a half-point separates the two division rivals on average. But Denver's defense, with Von Miller and Chris Harris Jr. and DeMarcus Ware, is billed as an all-time one. Kansas City's isn't.

Of course, points allowed doesn't tell the whole story here. The Broncos defense is better in yards allowed (283.1 to 329.3), first downs allowed (18.1 to 19.6), and sacks (52.0 to 47.0).

They'll just have to play a third time to iron out which defensive stats are the best.