As the 2025 NFL playoffs move into the divisional round, one crucial aspect ties all eight remaining teams together: their powerful running game. While it's easy to focus on the stellar quarterback performances that have dominated headlines, a deeper analysis reveals that the ground game has played an invaluable role in their playoff success this season.

In the past decade, NFL teams have increasingly leaned on analytics, which often advocate for passing as the primary way to advance the ball. While it's true that quarterbacks typically average 5 to 9 yards per attempt, running backs have seen their rushing yard averages hover in the 3 to 6 yards range. This trend seemed to downplay the importance of effective rushing, but the dynamics of the 2024 regular season are turning that narrative on its head.

Notably, 19 qualifying running backs averaged under 4.0 yards per rush, while only four quarterbacks fell below a 6.0 yards-per-attempt mark. However, this season has heralded a renaissance for the NFL running back position, prominently featuring stars like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry. The eight teams competing in the playoffs have prioritized a strong ground game, demonstrating exceptional effectiveness throughout the season.

The statistics speak for themselves. Let’s take a look at the rushing efficiency of these teams during the regular season:

Buffalo Bills

EPA per rush: 0.075 (1st) Success rate: 47.3% (2nd) Rushing TDs: 32 (1st)

Philadelphia Eagles

EPA per rush: 0.066 (2nd) Success rate: 42.9% (10th) Rushing TDs: 29 (T2nd)

Baltimore Ravens

EPA per rush: 0.047 (3rd) Success rate: 46.9% (3rd) Rushing TDs: 21 (6th)

Washington Commanders

EPA per rush: 0.025 (5th) Success rate: 46.1% (6th) Rushing TDs: 25 (4th)

Detroit Lions

EPA per rush: 0.022 (6th) Success rate: 46.5% (4th) Rushing TDs: 29 (T2nd)

Kansas City Chiefs

EPA per rush: -0.043 (11th) Success rate: 46.3% (5th) Rushing TDs: 15 (T15th)

Los Angeles Rams

EPA per rush: -0.046 (12th) Success rate: 46.0% (7th) Rushing TDs: 15 (T15th)

Houston Texans

EPA per rush: -0.105 (19th) Success rate: 33.1% (32nd) Rushing TDs: 15 (T15th)

While the Texans stand out with poor rushing stats, they do have capable contributors like Joe Mixon, who exceeded 1,100 yards and achieved 12 touchdowns, alongside a solid force of missed tackles. Notably, in their playoff win against the Chargers, the Texans rushed for 168 yards at an impressive 4.9 yards per carry.

Adding to the running game dynamics are quarterbacks who can take off with the ball themselves. The likes of Lamar Jackson and Jayden Daniels lead the league not only in rushing yards but also in missed tackles forced. This season's competition is filled with dual-threat quarterbacks—including Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen—who are also potent rushing threats.

Among the standout trends is that in a postseason that features quarterbacks with seven Super Bowl appearances and numerous accolades, the significance of the ground game is undeniable. The playoff teams, with their top-tier running backs and dynamic rushing schemes, highlight a successful pivot back to the rushing attack, a strategy many thought was fading.

In a league that has often disregarded the value of running backs, this season may serve as a reminder of their crucial role. With the analytics era re-evaluating the effectiveness of running plays, these playoffs not only celebrate elite quarterback play but reaffirm the importance of a solid ground game as the backbone of competitive football. The upcoming matches will likely hinge not just on passing prowess but also on the effectiveness of the rushing attacks that have been pivotal for success in the 2025 NFL playoffs.