How NFL Teams Balance Cap Spending Between Offense and Defense.............

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Interesting look at how teams cap spending is balanced between the offensive and the defensive starters.

NFL Team Cap Rankings Week 10

The offensive, defensive, and total starting lineup costs

Compiled by: Mike Ginnitti Posted: November 11, 2012

Week 10 Rankings

Team Offensive Starters Defensive Starters Total Starters Comments

1 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/49ers1.png 49ers6-2 $45,876,477 $48,434,56 $94,310,983 One of the most evenly balanced teams on the field, the same goes for their financial breakdown.

2 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/atlanta.png Falcons8-0 $53,055,597 $33,909,125 $86,964,722 A highly invested in offense is paying the franchise back with 8 straight wins. The Falcons hold the most expensive offense in the NFL right now - by $7 million.

3 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/chicago.png Bears7-1 $42,807,593 $43,330,404 $86,137,997 Much like the Niners, balance on the field and in the checkbook equal wins.

4 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/detroit.png Lions4-4 $43,187,853 $42,769,082 $85,956,935 The underrated Lions have a similar makeup to their divison rivals, and sit only half a game out of the playoffs.

5 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...kansascity.png Chiefs1-7 $41,239,857 $44,082,775 $85,322,632 The 1-7 record stings even more when seeing just how much KC is paying it's team to take the field ech week.

6 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/denver.png Broncos5-3 $40,526,661 $44,741,224 $85,267,885 Peyton and inexpensive talent still translates into wins. They'll have the AFC West locked up soon enough.

7 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/nygiants.png Giants6-3 $37,393,333 $47,103,859 $84,497,192 Have the Giants let too many veterans get away in lei of big contracts? The offensive cost is shockingly low, and the lack of playmakers has come into play in recent week.

8 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/houston.png Texans7-1 $46,485,175 $34,293,281 $80,778,456 On the contrary to the Giants, the Texans let their big money defensive players walk, relying on talented youth. They locked up their offensive core in Schaub, Foster, and Johnson, boasting the 2nd most costly offense to date.

9 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images.../baltimore.png Ravens6-2 $35,541,814 $42,978,601 $78,520,415 With an aging defense, and an expiring Flacco contract, this may be Baltimore's last chance to "win with value". They'll most certainly be players in 2013 Free Agency.

10 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/vikings.png Vikings5-4 $30,362,633 $44,761,299 $75,123,932 The 23rd lowest cost for an offense has come back down to earth in recent play. Only Pittsburgh has more wins with a cheaper offense in 2012.

11 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/eagles1.png Eagles3-5 $32,751,980 $40,812,180 $73,564,160 45% of the cost of the weekly offense goes toward Vick. The Eagles may be one loss away from losing the season, and with that may come a serious overhaul in staff, roster, and cap-spending strategy.

12 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/dallas.png Cowboys3-5 $36,586,855 $36,575,179 $73,162,034 No other team has a closer margin between offensive and defensive spending. A team that spends this cautiously is probably asking for a middle of the road outcome - and that's exactly how experts see Dallas.

13 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...o-psd22874.png Steelers5-3 $29.133906 $43.814368 $72.948274 The WILDLY underrated, and potentially very scary Steelers head into week 10 with 27th ranked offensive cap cost, a steal based on their performance to date. The defense is aging, and will need rookie contracts to balance out an extension for weapons like Mike Wallace

14 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/miami.png Dolphins4-4 $38.972044 $33.710873 $72.682917 The Dolphins made a push toward the offensive front in 2012, understanding their defense was becoming established. Weapons such as Reggie Bush, Brian Hartline, and rookie Tannehill aren't breaking the bank - but are producing.

15 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...neworleans.png Saints3-5 $36.281284 $35.561635 $71.842919 The Saints issues start and end with a lack of investment to their defense. Call it a rough offseason, blame Drew Brees for the length of his contract deliberations, but New Orleans has work to do to regain an elite roster.

16 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images.../chargers1.png Chargers4-4 $40.300458 $30.222392 $70.522850 The Chargers hold a top 10 offensive cap, and a bottom 10 defensive cap. Pricey offseason free agent signings haven't improved their play, and a young defense needs time to mature.

17 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/rams1.png Rams3-5 $36.421662 $34.074777 $70.496439 The Rams had the unfortunate luck of drafting Sam Bradford a year before the Rookie Cap System went into place. Half-way through a $78 million contract, the team is horribly limited in how it can build for the immediate future.

18 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/jets.png Jets3-5 $26.658201 $42.575350 $69.233551 Injuries have decimated the Jets starting lineup dropping their financial numbers to shockingly low per NY sports standards. That being said, the current regime may not survive the offseason, and a contractual fire sale may be in order.

19 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/tampa1.png Buccaneers4-4 $38.643158 $29.947642 $68.590800 Tampa Bay epitomizes the notion of "filling holes by way of the draft". This homegrown lineup, mixed in with savvy offseason signings is a great value for a division that has lowered itself around them.

20 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...washington.png Redskins3-6 $31.690669 $34.054763 $65.745432 The offensive line is hurt, the top receiver is hurt, the top tight end is hurt, 3 of the major defenisve starters are hurt. When healthy, the Redskins are a top 10 starting cap ranked team. They're making the best of the roster they have.

21 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/greenbay.png Packers6-3 $36.053712 $29.672260 $65.725972 This "small market" team is as impressive as ever. Their solution? Quality Quantities at reduced prices. Nelson, Jones, Cobb, and Driver cost Green Bay less than $10M in 2012. So does Rodgers. Their highest paid position is at linebacker, where they've been certain to pay their young talent. This is a dream model as far as long-term, elite franchises go.

22 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...cincinnati.png Bengals3-5 $29.296308 $35.859200 $65.155508 The Bengals refuse to pay for elite offense, and continue to patch together has-been veterans on defense. The result is an inbalanced, inconsistent product.

23 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/buffalo.png Bills3-5 $24.566061 $39.820166 $64.386227 The BIlls put maximum offseason dollars into improving the defense, and adequate effort in securing their offensive core. But it's much of the same in the win column for Buffalo, who can't seem to get the most out of even the most elite talent.

24 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/hawks2.png Seahawks5-4 $40.561055 $23.683911 $64.244966 The 7th most costly offense isn't exactly running up the scoreboard, but their efficiency has them contending. Only the Titans spend less on a starting defensive lineup right now.

25 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/carolina.png Panthers2-6 $30.268676 $32.383384 $62.652060 Carolina has an awful lot invested in three starting running backs, and an underperforming pass rush. While their four starting receivers, and entire secondary currently cost then under $7M respectively.

26 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/arizona1.png Cardinals4-5 $27.524315 $34.937547 $62.461862 With Kolb out of the lineup, 62% of the offensive costs go to the receiving core - most notably Fitzgerald. The Cardinals have done well to secure a great defense at a reasonable price (16th ranked).

27 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/patriots.png Patriots5-3 $30.650392 $29.624232 $60.274624 It's hard not to marvel at the Patriots franchise, who continue to succeed at a high level by interchanging the players around their main core. New England spends big on both offensive and defensive lines, and in the linebacking core - keeping the other positions at a fairly reasonable cost for the level they perform.

28 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images.../tennessee.png Titans3-6 $38.111569 $21.700288 $59.811857 The Titans have dedicated the least amount of money to their defense in 2012, and it's showing. Their current defensive front comes in under $10M, less than Chris Johnson's 2012 cap hit alone.

29 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images.../cleveland.png Browns2-7 $30.929416 $26.310766 $57.240182 This young offense just isn't there yet as far as on-field production is concerned. The reality though is that Holgrem established a pretty balanced financial plan prior to defensive injuries (and suspension) set in this season. Another good draft might project the Browns to the next level.

30 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...cksonville.png Jaguars1-7 $29.529532 $26.255240 $55.784772 The poor get poorer. At least the miserable 1-7 performance isn't costing the franchise much. With MJD out of the lineup the numbers drop sharply. Marcedes Lewis is the highest paid offensive started right now. Enough said?

31 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/oakland.png Raiders3-5 $19.505907 $25.106975 $44.612882 The Raiders have given away draft picks like they're VCRs in the past few years. But the return result is actually a solid product on the field. Offensive injuries have depleted the weapons around Carson Palmer nearly all season, as the #2 lowest offensive cost indicates. But when they're clicking, this is a team on the rise.

32 http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...dianapolis.png Colts5-3 $13,476,022 $28,284,837 $41,760,859 The lowest current starting cap has a 5-3 record. Luck holds the highest offensive cap hit in 2012 at $4.5M. 67% of the starting defensive cap goes to Dwight Freeny. This is a dream season for owner Jim Irsay and the whole Colts' franchise.

11-18-2012, 04:38 PM
soulman

Although it never will end the talk about the Bears being "cheapskates" at the very least this shows that they have a significant investment in front line players and are trying to win a title with that talent.
11-18-2012, 07:02 PM
4th and 26

I blame Jerry Angelo for pissing away pissing away millions on back up players.
11-18-2012, 07:03 PM
Jimmors

Interesting chart, Soul.

Apparently the Chiefs are a statistical anomaly in this case, and the Lions are a decent enough team, but still have issues. Other then those 2, looks like the rest of the top 10 are playoff bound, and its no surprise that the top 3 have probably the best 3 D's in the league. Just goes to show...dont need to Overpay your guys, but a balanced approach is required. Offense may sell tickets, but defense wins you championships.
11-19-2012, 08:03 AM
GermansbombedPH

I hate the praise the Packers get...

Colts impress me this year. Start to like them
11-19-2012, 07:26 PM
JPosh2012

IMO the Lions biggest problem is the lack of discipline by Schwartz. I am very impressed by the Colts this year as well.
11-19-2012, 08:50 PM
gramster10

So what happened with the offensive line god the bears suck on national tv man i give up//this is embarrassing

	Team	Offensive Starters	Defensive Starters	Total Starters	Comments
1	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/49ers1.png 49ers6-2	$45,876,477	$48,434,56	$94,310,983	One of the most evenly balanced teams on the field, the same goes for their financial breakdown.
2	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/atlanta.png Falcons8-0	$53,055,597	$33,909,125	$86,964,722	A highly invested in offense is paying the franchise back with 8 straight wins. The Falcons hold the most expensive offense in the NFL right now - by $7 million.
3	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/chicago.png Bears7-1	$42,807,593	$43,330,404	$86,137,997	Much like the Niners, balance on the field and in the checkbook equal wins.
4	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/detroit.png Lions4-4	$43,187,853	$42,769,082	$85,956,935	The underrated Lions have a similar makeup to their divison rivals, and sit only half a game out of the playoffs.
5	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...kansascity.png Chiefs1-7	$41,239,857	$44,082,775	$85,322,632	The 1-7 record stings even more when seeing just how much KC is paying it's team to take the field ech week.
6	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/denver.png Broncos5-3	$40,526,661	$44,741,224	$85,267,885	Peyton and inexpensive talent still translates into wins. They'll have the AFC West locked up soon enough.
7	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/nygiants.png Giants6-3	$37,393,333	$47,103,859	$84,497,192	Have the Giants let too many veterans get away in lei of big contracts? The offensive cost is shockingly low, and the lack of playmakers has come into play in recent week.
8	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/houston.png Texans7-1	$46,485,175	$34,293,281	$80,778,456	On the contrary to the Giants, the Texans let their big money defensive players walk, relying on talented youth. They locked up their offensive core in Schaub, Foster, and Johnson, boasting the 2nd most costly offense to date.
9	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images.../baltimore.png Ravens6-2	$35,541,814	$42,978,601	$78,520,415	With an aging defense, and an expiring Flacco contract, this may be Baltimore's last chance to "win with value". They'll most certainly be players in 2013 Free Agency.
10	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/vikings.png Vikings5-4	$30,362,633	$44,761,299	$75,123,932	The 23rd lowest cost for an offense has come back down to earth in recent play. Only Pittsburgh has more wins with a cheaper offense in 2012.
11	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/eagles1.png Eagles3-5	$32,751,980	$40,812,180	$73,564,160	45% of the cost of the weekly offense goes toward Vick. The Eagles may be one loss away from losing the season, and with that may come a serious overhaul in staff, roster, and cap-spending strategy.
12	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/dallas.png Cowboys3-5	$36,586,855	$36,575,179	$73,162,034	No other team has a closer margin between offensive and defensive spending. A team that spends this cautiously is probably asking for a middle of the road outcome - and that's exactly how experts see Dallas.
13	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...o-psd22874.png Steelers5-3	$29.133906	$43.814368	$72.948274	The WILDLY underrated, and potentially very scary Steelers head into week 10 with 27th ranked offensive cap cost, a steal based on their performance to date. The defense is aging, and will need rookie contracts to balance out an extension for weapons like Mike Wallace
14	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/miami.png Dolphins4-4	$38.972044	$33.710873	$72.682917	The Dolphins made a push toward the offensive front in 2012, understanding their defense was becoming established. Weapons such as Reggie Bush, Brian Hartline, and rookie Tannehill aren't breaking the bank - but are producing.
15	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...neworleans.png Saints3-5	$36.281284	$35.561635	$71.842919	The Saints issues start and end with a lack of investment to their defense. Call it a rough offseason, blame Drew Brees for the length of his contract deliberations, but New Orleans has work to do to regain an elite roster.

16	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images.../chargers1.png Chargers4-4	$40.300458	$30.222392	$70.522850	The Chargers hold a top 10 offensive cap, and a bottom 10 defensive cap. Pricey offseason free agent signings haven't improved their play, and a young defense needs time to mature.
17	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/rams1.png Rams3-5	$36.421662	$34.074777	$70.496439	The Rams had the unfortunate luck of drafting Sam Bradford a year before the Rookie Cap System went into place. Half-way through a $78 million contract, the team is horribly limited in how it can build for the immediate future.
18	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/jets.png Jets3-5	$26.658201	$42.575350	$69.233551	Injuries have decimated the Jets starting lineup dropping their financial numbers to shockingly low per NY sports standards. That being said, the current regime may not survive the offseason, and a contractual fire sale may be in order.
19	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/tampa1.png Buccaneers4-4	$38.643158	$29.947642	$68.590800	Tampa Bay epitomizes the notion of "filling holes by way of the draft". This homegrown lineup, mixed in with savvy offseason signings is a great value for a division that has lowered itself around them.
20	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...washington.png Redskins3-6	$31.690669	$34.054763	$65.745432	The offensive line is hurt, the top receiver is hurt, the top tight end is hurt, 3 of the major defenisve starters are hurt. When healthy, the Redskins are a top 10 starting cap ranked team. They're making the best of the roster they have.
21	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/greenbay.png Packers6-3	$36.053712	$29.672260	$65.725972	This "small market" team is as impressive as ever. Their solution? Quality Quantities at reduced prices. Nelson, Jones, Cobb, and Driver cost Green Bay less than $10M in 2012. So does Rodgers. Their highest paid position is at linebacker, where they've been certain to pay their young talent. This is a dream model as far as long-term, elite franchises go.
22	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...cincinnati.png Bengals3-5	$29.296308	$35.859200	$65.155508	The Bengals refuse to pay for elite offense, and continue to patch together has-been veterans on defense. The result is an inbalanced, inconsistent product.
23	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/buffalo.png Bills3-5	$24.566061	$39.820166	$64.386227	The BIlls put maximum offseason dollars into improving the defense, and adequate effort in securing their offensive core. But it's much of the same in the win column for Buffalo, who can't seem to get the most out of even the most elite talent.
24	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/hawks2.png Seahawks5-4	$40.561055	$23.683911	$64.244966	The 7th most costly offense isn't exactly running up the scoreboard, but their efficiency has them contending. Only the Titans spend less on a starting defensive lineup right now.
25	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/carolina.png Panthers2-6	$30.268676	$32.383384	$62.652060	Carolina has an awful lot invested in three starting running backs, and an underperforming pass rush. While their four starting receivers, and entire secondary currently cost then under $7M respectively.
26	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/arizona1.png Cardinals4-5	$27.524315	$34.937547	$62.461862	With Kolb out of the lineup, 62% of the offensive costs go to the receiving core - most notably Fitzgerald. The Cardinals have done well to secure a great defense at a reasonable price (16th ranked).
27	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/patriots.png Patriots5-3	$30.650392	$29.624232	$60.274624	It's hard not to marvel at the Patriots franchise, who continue to succeed at a high level by interchanging the players around their main core. New England spends big on both offensive and defensive lines, and in the linebacking core - keeping the other positions at a fairly reasonable cost for the level they perform.
28	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images.../tennessee.png Titans3-6	$38.111569	$21.700288	$59.811857	The Titans have dedicated the least amount of money to their defense in 2012, and it's showing. Their current defensive front comes in under $10M, less than Chris Johnson's 2012 cap hit alone.
29	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images.../cleveland.png Browns2-7	$30.929416	$26.310766	$57.240182	This young offense just isn't there yet as far as on-field production is concerned. The reality though is that Holgrem established a pretty balanced financial plan prior to defensive injuries (and suspension) set in this season. Another good draft might project the Browns to the next level.
30	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...cksonville.png Jaguars1-7	$29.529532	$26.255240	$55.784772	The poor get poorer. At least the miserable 1-7 performance isn't costing the franchise much. With MJD out of the lineup the numbers drop sharply. Marcedes Lewis is the highest paid offensive started right now. Enough said?

31	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images/thumb/oakland.png Raiders3-5	$19.505907	$25.106975	$44.612882	The Raiders have given away draft picks like they're VCRs in the past few years. But the return result is actually a solid product on the field. Offensive injuries have depleted the weapons around Carson Palmer nearly all season, as the #2 lowest offensive cost indicates. But when they're clicking, this is a team on the rise.
32	http://www.spotrac.com/assets/images...dianapolis.png Colts5-3	$13,476,022	$28,284,837	$41,760,859	The lowest current starting cap has a 5-3 record. Luck holds the highest offensive cap hit in 2012 at $4.5M. 67% of the starting defensive cap goes to Dwight Freeny. This is a dream season for owner Jim Irsay and the whole Colts' franchise.