Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league to determine the best defenses in the NFL. With the preseason wrapped up, let’s dive into our evaluations for the worst and best NFL defenses this season. We’ll update our NFL defense rankings, with analysis on all 32 teams, every Sunday night each week.
Our NFL defense rankings are updated as of Sunday, October 5. We’ve provided analysis for every team that played in Week 5 and have matchup analysis previewing some games in Week 6 for teams. On Tuesday, we’ll release our Week 6 fantasy defense rankings and NFL stats on the best and worst run and pass defenses in the NFL this season.
1. Denver Broncos (2)
NFL defense rankings 2025
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Nik Bonitto is unstoppable. The Denver Broncos edge rusher led the team in quarterback hits (three), sacks (2.5), and tackles for loss (two) on Sunday as he continues his Defensive Player of the Year campaign. While Denver’s defense surrendered 302 total yards to the Eagles’ offense, what stands out is how the Broncos performed in critical situations. They held the Eagles to an 18.2 percent third-down conversion rate and allowed just 45 yards on the final five drives. Denver will likely put on another defensive clinic in Week 6 against Justin Fields and the Jets.
2. Cleveland Browns (8)
NFL defense rankings
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It takes elite talent to have any real success against this Cleveland Browns defense. Lamar Jackson and Justin Jefferson have demonstrated that this season. While Cleveland is allowing 24.6 points per game this season, the Browns’ defense has surrendered just 247.8 total yards with 14 sacks. This unit gets a well-deserved week of rest before Myles Garrett and company will have a chance to tee off against a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers in Week 7. Given Pittsburgh doesn’t have an elite skill player, we feel fairly confident Cleveland can keep them under 23 points.
3. Houston Texans (6)
NFL defense rankings 2025
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Too easy for the Houston Texans defense. With C.J. Stroud giving this unit a big lead to protect early, Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. just had to pin their ears back and wreak havoc in the Ravens’ backfield against Cooper Rush. It went exactly as expected. Baltimore finished with just 207 total yards, with a majority of that (71 yards) coming on one drive when it was already a 34-3 game. Houston boasts one of the best NFL defenses in 2025, and there are now signs that this offense could be league average, which also helps on this side of the ball. For the time being, Houston can enjoy the Week 6 bye.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (5)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The numbers speak for themselves regarding this Jacksonville Jaguars defense. Heading into Week 5, Jacksonville ranks fifth in scoring defense (18 points per game) and red-zone defense (44.4 percent touchdown rate), while ranking 11th in yards per drive allowed (28.1) and first in takeaways (13). Since the Chiefs don’t have much of a run game to speak of, nor do they have great matchup winners versus zone coverage, this Jaguars defense could fare well on Monday Night Football.
6. Los Angeles Chargers (3)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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One theme with some of the top NFL defenses in 2025 seems to be the inability to stop the run. The Los Angeles Chargers are part of that group. Los Angeles has now surrendered 442 rushing yards (147.3 rush ypg) and 4 rushing touchdowns to opponents in the last three contests. What was more unexpected in this matchup is how much trouble the Chargers’ secondary had with Deebo Samuel (8-96-1) on a day when Washington played without Terry McLaurin. Jesse Minter is arguably the best defensive play-caller in the NFL, but some of the talent deficiencies with this unit are starting to show up.
6. Detroit Lions (7)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Detroit Lions were among the best NFL defenses in 2025 who dominated early in Week 5 and then eased off the gas. Cincinnati scored 21 of its 24 points in the fourth quarter of a 28-3 game, only after Jake Browning was picked off three times. Considering that Browning still finished with just 237 passing yards, a 76.1 QB rating, and 6.3 yards per attempt even after padding his stats in a blowout loss, we’ll focus on the three quarters of dominance from Detroit’s defense. Our focus in Week 6 will be on the Lions’ cornerbacks versus the Chiefs’ receivers, a matchup where Detroit should have the edge.
7. Minnesota Vikings (5)
NFL defense rankings
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The Minnesota Vikings defense has now allowed 110-plus rushing yards and a 4.4 yards-per-carry average in four of five games this season, with the lone exception coming in the game against Cincinnati that quickly became a blowout. Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores seemingly allowed rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel to take the easy checkdown throws on Sunday, resulting in a 94.3 passer rating with just 5.8 yards per attempt. All in all, this remains one of the league’s best pass defenses, but Minnesota’s inability to stop outside runs is a red flag.
8. Seattle Seahawks (1)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Playing without Julian Love, DeMarcus Lawrence and Devon Witherspoon in Week 5, this Seattle Seahawks defense looked nothing like its usual self. A defense that came into Sunday allowing just 4.5 yards per play and 6.0 yards per pass attempt with a 76.4 QB rating allowed Baker Mayfield to average 11.5 yards per attempt with 3 touchdowns and a 134.7 QB rating. With that said, defenses can be volatile as several units across the league have demonstrated this season. When Love and Witherspoon are back, Mike Macdonald will have his guys playing at a high level again.
9. Green Bay Packers (11)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The good news for this Green Bay Packers defense coming out of the Week 5 bye is that the Devonte Wyatt injury won’t land him on injured reserve. It’s a long-term relief because this team has no depth at defensive tackle behind him. With that said, Dallas exposed how bad corners Carrington Valentine (120.2 QB rating allowed) and Nate Hobbs (105.6 QB rating allowed) have been in coverage this season. Jake Browning won’t be able to exploit that in Week 6 since he’ll be under duress from this Packers’ pass rush, but corner will be a glaring issue versus playoff-caliber offenses.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9)
NFL defense rankings
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The Seahawks were the first team to rush for 120-plus yards and average 4-plus yards per carry against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense since Oct. 27, 2024. Credit to Seattle, but we’ll avoid overreacting to a one-game dip from Tampa Bay’s run defense. The bigger issue for the Buccaneers is that their pass rush landed just 2 hits on Sam Darnold and didn’t sack him once, resulting in 341 passing yards and 4 touchdowns. Given corners Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison were sidelined, injuries provide a bit of a valid excuse. We’re excited to see next week’s chess match between Kyle Shanahan and Tampa Bay’s run defense.
11. Atlanta Falcons (12)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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Through four games this season, the Atlanta Falcons defense ranks fifth in yards per drive allowed (25.7), ninth in third-down defense (34.1 percent conversion rate), and sixth in yards per play allowed (4.7). One big reason for that is this team can finally get after the quarterback, as evidenced by a 19.4 percent pressure rate. There will still be growing pains given some of the inexperience (Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.), but the Falcons finally have a playoff-caliber defense.
12. Indianapolis Colts (15)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Indianapolis Colts defense made a meal out of this Raiders offense in Week 5. Sure, Las Vegas went a modest 8-for-16 on its third downs, but it averaged just 4.6 yards per play and 39.5 percent of the Raiders’ total yardage (117 of 296) came in garbage time in a 40-3 game. We still don’t have much faith in the Colts’ run defense (4.8 ypc allowed to Ashton Jeanty) and it remains weak at the No. 2 corner spot, but this is a very well-coached defense that can dominate lesser competition. Set to face the Cardinals in Week 6, Indianapolis will benefit from Arizona having to start its third-string running back.
13. Kansas City Chiefs (13)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Steve Spagnuolo is getting this Kansas City Chiefs defense back on track heading into an intriguing Monday Night Football matchup. In the last three games, allowing 16.3 points per contest, opponents are averaging just 146.3 pass ypg with a 66.2 QB rating and 5.0 yards per attempt. That success has come versus Eagles, Giants and Ravens. However, as it pertains to this matchup against the Jaguars, the Chiefs’ run defnese (139.32 rush ypg and 5.4 ypc allowed) could be what gives Jacksonville a path to winning.
14. Los Angeles Rams (10)
NFL Defense Rankings
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In the last three games, the Los Angeles Rams defense has allowed 261 passing yards per game with a 68.4 percent completion rate and 6 touchdowns. That’s despite the fact that Los Angeles is averaging 2.3 sacks per game because of this outstanding pass rush. It’s because of this Rams’ secondary, which looks even worse with Ahkello Witherspoon on injured reserve. Los Angeles’ defensive line should perform well in Week 6 against a Ravens’ offensive line tat has been bad this year, but these corners will be an issue all year.
15. Philadelphia Eagles (17)
NFL Defense Rankings
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The Philadelphia Eagles defense allowed 18 fourth-quarter points, but you can’t put the fault for that loss solely on them. Courtland Sutton made some catches on Sunday for which there’s almost no defense. It’s a quality defensive performance when your opponent averages just 5.1 yards per play with a 31.3 percent third-down conversion rate. What happened in Week 5 was the Eagles’ offense couldn’t sustain a single drive after it opened the second half with a touchdown. Vic Fangio’s group tried to hang onto the lead, but eventually tired out. They’ll rebound on Thursday Night Football versus Jaxson Dart.
16. San Francisco 49ers (14)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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In two games without Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers‘ opponents are averaging 24.5 points per game while putting up 276 passing yards per game, 7.1 yards per attempt, and a 103.2 quarterback rating with just one sack taken. Compounding the defensive issues, the 49ers defense has surrendered a 4.8 yards-per-carry average and 22.5 first downs per game. The fall-off will likely get worse in Week 6 against the Buccaneers.
17. Arizona Cardinals (16)
NFL defense rankings 2025
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Still missing a majority of their cornerbacks, it’s a bit understandable how this Arizona Cardinals defense gave up 131 receiving yards to Calvin Ridley on Sunday. Jonathan Gannon’s defense also had the misfortune of watching its offense turn the football over twice, and then Dadrion Taylor-Demerson got in on the action with his own lost fumble after an interception that Tennessee recovered for a touchdown. The Titans still went just 5-for-15 on third down and averaged only 5 yards per play. Health is crucial, but we’re excited to see how this defense fares next week versus Daniel Jones.
18. New England Patriots (18)
NFL defense rankings
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Mike Vrabel should feel increasingly confident about the direction this New England Patriots defense is headed. A healthy Christian Barmore paired with the addition of Milton Williams has pushed this unit to the 10th-highest ESPN pass-rush win rate (43 percent). Christian Gonzalez’s return also bumped down Carlton Davis into the No. 2 role that he is more well-suited for. We don’t suspect that New England will have a ton of success getting to Josh Allen on Sunday Night Football, given the Bills’ great offensive line, but there should be more signs that this unit is starting to get back on track.
19. Buffalo Bills (19)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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It hasn’t exactly been a banner start to the year for this Buffalo Bills defense. While this unit allowed just 16.7 points per game in its last three contests entering Monday Night Football, with opponents averaging 103 passing yards per game and recording more sacks taken (7) than passing touchdowns (four), Buffalo is surrendering 139.7 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry against three of the worst offenses in the NFL this season. We anticipate Drake Maye giving this pass defense more problems on Sunday night, but at least Ed Oliver and Matt Milano are getting closer to returning.
20. Washington Commanders (23)
NFL defense rankings
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With the Chargers forced to start three backups on the offensive line, the Washington Commanders’ pass rush (9 quarterback hits and 5 sacks) took full advantage. While the matchup plays a big part in those numbers, Washington’s 15 sacks (third-most in NFL) demonstrate that this is more than just a one-game thing. So, what keeps the Commanders from being higher in the NFL defense rankings? Marshon Lattimore still being this team’s No. 1 corner despite being one of the worst starters in coverage across the NFL this season.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (20)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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On the bright side for this Pittsburgh Steelers defense, this group has allowed just 17.5 points per game with a 37.03 percent third-down conversion rate and seven takeaways in the last two games. That doesn’t feel sustainable. That’s because opponents are still averaging 24.5 first downs and 370.5 total yards per game—much more in line with how this unit performed in its first two contests. Maybe things change coming out of the bye, but how this defense fares versus Cleveland in Week 6 won’t be a good indicator.
22. Carolina Panthers (26)
NFL defense rankings
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We’re leading off with the positive for Ejiro Evero’s defense. In the last four games, the Carolina Panthers have held opponents to 84 rushing yards per game. A year removed from having by far the worst run defense in the NFL, Carolina has made real strides in that area. Now for the bad. The Panthers couldn’t stop Jaylen Waddle (6-110-1) nor Darren Waller (5-78-1), and Waller probably would’ve had a 100-yard game if he wasn’t on a snap count. Facing Dak Prescott and George Pickens in Week 6, the Panthers’ pass defense will struggle.
23. New Orleans Saints (28)
NFL Defense Rankings
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It was an easy matchup, facing a rookie quarterback with the worst receiving corps in the NFL, but the New Orleans Saints defense took advantage of it. Jaxson Dart had as many turnovers (three) as he did completions to Darius Slayton, and New Orleans suffocated the Giants’ running backs (81 yards, 3.68 ypc). It made for defensive domination, as evidenced by the 4.8 yards-per-play average allowed and the 30 percent third-down conversion rate. Perhaps this can be a stepping stone for the Saints ahead of a Week 6 contest against a Patriots’ offense that also lacks playmakers.
24. Chicago Bears (25)
NFL Defense Rankings
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The hope coming out of the bye is that Kyler Gordon (hamstring) and T.J. Edwards (hamstring) can rejoin this Chicago Bears defense. It would improve the team’s pass coverage, but it won’t do much for a defensive front that ranks 30th in ESPN pass-rush win rate (26 percent) and 29th in run-stop win rate (27 percent). Even without improvements in those areas, this upcoming stretch (Commanders, Saints, Bengals, and Giants) should help Chicago’s defense start turning around its season-long averages.
25. New York GIants (22)
NFL Defense Rankings
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New Orleans entered Week 5 ranked 28th in scoring (16.5) and yards per play (4.4) and had a 35.8 percent third-down conversion rate (24th in the NFL). Naturally, this New York Giants defense allowed Spencer Rattler and Co. to go 7-for-15 on third downs, putting up 26 points and averaging 4.5 yards per play. New York’s defensive front recorded just 1 quarterback hit on 32 dropbacks by the Saints, which played a big role in the Saints’ success. We had high hopes for the Giants’ defense in 2025 because of the defensive line and additions made to the secondary in NFL free agency, but it’s evident changes are needed at defensive coordinator.
27. Tennessee Titans (27)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Emari Demercado celebrating prematurely is the only reason the Tennessee Titans defense didn’t allow 28 points on Sunday. What is worth highlighing on this group’s behalf, is the fact that Arizona scored just 7 points with 195 total yards (19.5 points per drive) in the final three quarters. It’s a small glimmer of hope that, just maybe the Titans’ defense is capable of being adequate moving forward. Given how bad the Raiders’ offense is up front and Geno Smith’s interception rate, the Titans’ defense might be a bright spot in Week 6.
27. Las Vegas Raiders (21)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Against offensive lines that can hold their own versus Maxx Crosby, the Las Vegas Raiders defense is always going to have problems. Crosby helps mask a secondary that has its fair share of holes. Indianapolis didn’t put up a ton of yards (317) against Las Vegas, but it converted on 80 percent of its third downs and scored a touchdown on all six of its red-zone trips. If you can’t perform in critical situations, you don’t have a defense that can be trusted.
28. Cincinnati Bengals (24)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Detroit put up 28 points on eight drives, with one of those possessions ending in a fumble at the Cincinnati Bengals’ 26-yard line. While this side of the ball isn’t quite as bad as it was last season, even that doesn’t matter because Jake Browning’s turnovers mean the Bengals’ defense has to defend shorter fields and spend more time out there. It’s going to be a rough go for this unit against Green Bay.
29. Miami Dolphins (30)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Rico Dowdle is still running on this Miami Dolphins defense. Opponents are now averaging 174.2 rushing yards per game and over 5.4 yards per carry against Miami. If that’s not bad enough, the Dolphins’ secondary is still one of the worst units in the NFL, and an effective run game means more chances to take deep shots against this unit. If Omarion Hampton can play in Week 6, he’ll run for 100-plus even with the Chargers’ offensive line missing multiple starters.
30. Dallas Cowboys (31)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Dak Prescott will get to put up some absurd numbers this season because the Dallas Cowboys’ defense gives up points and big plays like they are starting their opponents in fantasy football. Breece Hall turned 14 carries into 113 rushing yards, and when he wasn’t being sacked (5 times), Justin Fields peppered Garrett Wilson (6-71-1) and tight end Mason Taylor (9-67) with targets on his way to 283 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Rico Dowdle gets his Revenge Game next week against a bottom-10 run defense.
31. New York Jets (29)
NFL Defense Rankings
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It seemed impossible, but this New York Jets defense is so much worse than it was last season. Sauce Gardner is playing like an All-Pro corner, but everything around him and especially No. 2 corner Brandon Stephens is awful. New York can’t stop the run and quarterbacks can stand back in the pocket and attack anyone who isn’t coveed by Gardner. That’s what the Broncos’ offense will do in Week 6.
32. Baltimore Ravens (32)
NFL defense rankings
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The Baltimore Ravens defense is as bad as it’s ever been and Sunday felt like an all-time low. Houston dropped a 40-burger and it could’ve been even worse if C.J. Stroud and the other Texans’ starters weren’t pulled from the game. Injuries tell part of the story for why Baltimore has the worst defense in the NFL, but coaching was an issue even when everyone was healthy.
NFL defense rankings FAQ
What are NFL defense rankings?
Sportsnaut’s NFL defense rankings evaluate and rank all 32 NFL defenses each week, reviewing their performances and projecting how they’ll perform in their upcoming game based on matchups and NFL defense stats.
What is the best defense in the NFL?
The Denver Broncos have the best defense in the NFL right now.
Who has the worst defense in the NFL?
The Baltimore Ravens have the worst NFL defense right now.
Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?
The Atlanta Falcons have the best pass defense in the NFL this season.
Who has the worst pass defense in the NFL?
The Dallas Cowboys have the worst pass defense in the NFL this season.
Who has the best run defense in the NFL?
The Cleveland Browns have the best run defense in the NFL this season.
Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?
The Miami Dolphins have the worst rushing defense in the NFL this season.
Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?
The Jacksonville Jaguars lead the NFL in takeaways this season with 13.
What team has the most sacks in a season?
The Chicago Bears set the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 72 sacks in 16 games in 1984. Most recently, the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles became just the fourth team in NFL history to record 70 sacks in a single season.
Who gives up the most passing yards in the NFL?
The Dallas Cowboys allow the most passing yards in the NFL in 2025.
Who has the best defense in NFL history?
The 1985 Chicago Bears had the best NFL defense ever. Led by three Hall of Famers – Mike Singletary, Richard Dent and Dan Hampton – Chicago allowed just 101 total points on its way to winning Super Bowl XX, including an NFL record two shutouts in the playoffs. In addition, the 1985 Bears’ defense held opponents to a 50.2 passer rating with a 46.5 percent completion rate and 17-37 TD-INT ratio in 19 total games and opponents averaged just 76 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry across 19 contests in the regular season and playoffs.
What NFL defense is best for fantasy?
The Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers are some of the best NFL defenses to target in fantasy.
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Matt Johnson is Senior Editor of NFL and College Football for Sportsnaut. His work, including weekly NFL and college ... More about Matt Johnson