Super Bowl Context and What Comes Next
In a fitting finale to a great season, Super Bowl LX delivered a great defensive battle. Congrats to both teams and especially to Seattle for winning.
Both defenses played at such a high level that every series reaching 4th down resulted in a yards-to-go distance where the analytics recommended kicking — either punting or attempting a field goal. That doesn’t happen often.
Below is the closest of those decisions.
On this 1st down…
If SEA ends up facing 4th & 4 or less, going for it is the recommended decision (green bars).
If SEA ends up facing 4th & 5 or more, punting is the recommended decision (red bars).
What happened:
SEA faced 4th & 5 and decided to punt.
Punt → 70.8% chance to go on to win the game
Go for it → 70.5% chance to go on to win the game
+0.3% decision edge for punting
This is a great example of how analytics provide context and clarity — especially when decision edges are razor thin. Coaching still decides. Analytics simply inform.
👀 Looking Ahead
To kick off the offseason, we’re hosting a 20-minute Football AI & Analytics Webinar this Wednesday, February 11 @ 3:30 pm EST / 12:30 pm PST.
Webinar Agenda
- Welcome & Overview (2 mins)
- The 3 Keys to Meaningful AI & Analytics (2 mins)
- Customizing Matchups (5 mins)
- Proactive 4th Down Decision-Making (5 mins)
- Stress-Testing Recommendations (“What If” Scenarios) (4 mins)
- Closing Thoughts (2 mins)
- (Optional) Additional Q&A / Discussion
If you’re interested, drop me a quick note at aj@varsity-ai.com – just say “Webinar Info” – and I’ll send you the Zoom link.