How to win in football

1. Run the ball, stop the run. Sounds simple, but only a few do it well. This formula almost guarantees a winning season unless your pass defense is terrible (see Minnesota Vikings of recent years). This is old Bear Bryant style football. Line up your big guys and maul the other guys on offense. Run the ball in any situation. Never give up on the run (looking at you, Norv Turner). Your quarterback usually isn't spectacular but is credible with his play-action fakes, can throw a decent deep ball to open things up and avoids critical turnovers. On defense, get a big mountain of man that can tackle and has some burst at the snap and line him up in the middle. Get a big middle linebacker that can take on blockers and at least one quick outside linebacker to contain the outside. The Tennessee Titans have done this to perfection so far this year and the Ravens, Steelers, Giants and this year's Alabama Crimson Tide are good examples of how this formula can be very successful.

Downsides: not many. If this type of team runs into an explosive offense, they may find themselves behind early and be forced to pass more than they'd like.

2. Defense and Special Teams turnovers/scores. This doesn't work as consistently as some of the other ways, but in this formula, you rely on an opportunistic defense to create turnovers and a quick returner on special teams to set up most of the offensive scores. Virginia Tech and the Buffalo Bills rely on this formula.

Downsides: A lot. A smart team won't turn the ball over. Special teams provide a nice boost, but they usually can't win a team on their own. Again, look at the Bills and VaTech for proof.

3. Offensive blitzkrieg. See Indianapolis Colts, Greatest Show on Turf Rams, last year's New England Patriots, 2002 Oakland Raiders, 1990s Florida Gators. These teams score early and often, usually with an overwhelming passing game, relying on smart QBs, quick receivers, and running backs that can catch and run. By scoring a lot, they effectively take away an opponent's running game, leaving the defensive ends to focus squarely on sacking the QB. Look at these teams' defenses and you'll usually find light, quick defensive ends and good, opportunistic corners.

Downsides: A good running team can control the clock and take the opposing team's offense out of their rhythm. Light, quick defensive ends are great for attacking the QB but not so good at stopping the run.

4. The complete team. Hard to say if this has ever happened in the NFL. This team can do all of the above three and has no discernable weaknesses. They can run up and down the field, they can play ball control and they can use their special teams to manufacture turnovers. USC in Matt Leinart's first two years starting had a team that approached this level of play. The Florida Gators are the only team this year that has played like this and it shows in their final scores.

Downsides: None, except that it is incredibly difficult to play at this level for an entire season.