How important is it for NFL offenses to convert on their third-down attempts? Consider these stats:

• The six teams with the best third-down conversion percentage in the league (all at 45% or higher) have a combined winning record of 40-14, a .741 winning percentage. The six teams: L.A. Rams, Carolina, Philadelphia, Dallas, Minnesota and New England.
• Fourteen NFL teams have a third down conversion percentage above 40%. Those teams have a combined record of 83-43 (.659).
• The eighteen NFL teams that have a third down conversion percentage under 40% have a combined record of 62-102 (.378).
• The seven teams that have the worst third down conversion percentage in the league (under 35%) are a combined 18-45 (.286).

I guess you could make a case that converting those third down situations (especially at the 40% rate or higher) is a good indicator of success in the NFL.

StatsonTapp