The Funnel Defense Report: Week 11

Explore the league’s most extreme run and pass funnel defenses through Week 10, teams that are consistently targeted on the ground or through the air regardless of game script.

Understanding which defenses are being overwhelmed by the rush or pass can help identify favorable matchups in Week 11.

Pass Funnel Defenses

San Francisco 49ers

Teams are practically abandoning the run against the Niners this season due to game script issues and a more vulnerable pass defense.

The Niners are an extreme pass funnel, with only the Eagles showing a higher pass-heavy approach on the season and in recent weeks.

Opposing passing attacks haven’t been completely stifled by the 49ers, as they are allowing a high completion rate over expected and average EPA allowed per drop back since Week 6.

What it means for Week 11: The Bucs are embracing a pass-first approach, making Mike Evans and Chris Godwin likely to see ample targets if forced to pass against the Niners.

Additionally, 71.5 percent of touchdowns scored against the 49ers this season have come through the air.

Detroit Lions

The Lions have become a predictable pass funnel defense, allowing high EPA per drop back and the highest yards per pass attempt over the past four weeks.

What it means for Week 11: The Lions’ vulnerability to the pass could benefit D.J. Moore as a strong matchup, especially if the game becomes back-and-forth as indicated by the increase in Vegas total for the game.

Run Funnel Defenses

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland has emerged as a run funnel defense, with teams favoring the run to avoid the Browns’ solid secondary.

What it means for Week 11: The Steelers are expected to lean heavily on the run game against the Browns, presenting a favorable opportunity for their backfield players to excel.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are among the most extreme run funnel defenses, allowing high yards before contact per rush and a low stuff rate.

What it means for Week 11: The Texans are likely to continue their run-first approach, giving Devin Singletary an advantage against a vulnerable run funnel defense.