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 12. We’ve provided analysis on how every defense performed in Week 5, with updates coming on teams that played on Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football. Check back on Tuesday for our Week 7 fantasy defense rankings and stats on the worst and best NFL defenses right now.
1. Denver Broncos (1)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Another Sunday with a defensive clinic courtesy of the Denver Broncos. Justin Fields averaged just 2.6 yards per attempt on Sunday morning, finishing with -10 net passing yards on a day when New York mustered just 1.4 yards per play and went 2-for-15 on third down. Over the last three games, Denver’s opponents have gone just 6-for-37 on third-down attempts (16.2 percent) and are averaging just 181 total yards per game. The Broncos’ defense is going to wreak some havoc on Jaxson Dart in Week 7.
2. Houston Texans (3)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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Heading into the bye, the Houston Texans defense limited its last three opponents to a 51.2 percent completion rate, 153.7 passing yards per game, 5.4 ypa and a 42.8 passer rating. Unsurprisingly, an edge rushing duo of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. also spearheaded a unit that had the third-best ESPN pass-rush win rate (47 percent) in the NFL. There’s so much talent at edge rusher and cornerback, making Houston’s defense the perfect test for Sam Darnold and Co. in Week 7. It’s a must-see game.
3. Minnesota VIkings (6)
NFL defense rankings
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Brian Flores is going to make life very difficult in Week 7 for an Eagles offense that is already struggling. The Minnesota Vikings are top-10 in ESPN pass-rush win rate (45 percent), run-stop win rate (31 percent), and pressure rate (30.2 percent) even with Andrew Van Ginkel sidelined. The one edge Philadelphia has is its receiving duo against the Vikings’ cornerbacks, but the issues Jalen Hurts and Co. are having could lead to the Eagles’ offensive woes continuing versus one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.
4. Detroit Lions (5)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Entering Sunday Night Football, this Detroit Lions defense has allowed just a 61.8 percent completion rate, 211.3 passing yards per game, and an 80.7 QB rating to opponents in the last four games. One big reason for that is Detroit’s pass rush, which has 16 sacks in that four-week span. Kansas City’s tackles can absolutely be exploited and it’ll be crucial for the Lions to win those battles in the trenches quickly given all their injuries at cornerback right now.
5. Seattle Seahawks (7)
NFL defense rankings
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The Seattle Seahawks defense took away what Jacksonville does best, limiting it to 59 rushing yards and a 3.1 yards-per-carry average on Sunday. The Jaguars did try to take advantage of a Seahawks’ secondary missing Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Julian Love, but Seattle’s pass rush (17 quarterback hits and 7 sacks) wreaked havoc, resulting in Trevor Lawrence averaging under 4.4 yards per dropback in Week 6. That’s a defensive clinic from Mike Macdonald’s group. The Seahawks’ pass rush has a great chance to keep it going on Monday Night Football versus the Texans’ offensive line, especially if they get their corners back.
6. Cleveland Browns (2)
NFL defense rankings
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Aaron Rodgers was methodical at getting the football out quickly on Sunday, resulting in this Cleveland Browns defense failing to record a sack on 30 dropbacks by the Steelers. Pittsburgh was pretty efficient when it had the football (5.8 yards-per-play average), but reached the red zone just once and finished with a 38.5 percent third-down conversion rate in Week 6. After allowing 20-plus points for the third consecutive week, we fully anticipate the Browns’ defense rebounds next Sunday against Miami.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (8)
NFL Defense Rankings
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The Jacksonville Jaguars defense failed to record a takeaway on Sunday, the first time that’s happened all season. While trading Tyson Campbell isn’t the reason Jacksonville had no answer for Jaxon Smith-Njigba (8-162-1), it did show the issues this secondary still has since the Jaguars’ coaching staff is adamant about keeping Travis Hunter as a two-way player. On the bright side for this unit, Week 6 (60 rush yards allowed and 2.3 yards per carry) looked a lot like Weeks 2-4 (72.7 rush yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry), and the Jaguars finally got a great performance from their defense on third down (11 stops on 12 third-down attempts). Given the Rams’ offense might be without Puka Nacua in Week 7, there’s a good opportunity for the Jaguars’ defense to rebound in Week 7.
8. Los Angeles Rams (13)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Los Angeles Rams defense met expectations on Sunday, at least defending the pass. Thanks to Byron Young (5 QB hits and 2 sacks) and Jared Verse (4 QB hits and 1 sack), the Rams’ pass rush netted 11 QB hits and 4 sacks, translating to Baltimore finishing with just 117 net passing yards on 38 dropbacks. Now, our concern ahead of a matchup against the Jaguars is how Los Angeles will fare versus Travis Etienne. Derrick Henry (122 yards and 5.1 ypc) thrived in Week 6, but the Rams have allowed the sixth-lowest yards-per-carry average (3.8) this season.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (4)
NFL Defense Rankings
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In the last four games, opponents have averaged 144.8 rushing yards per game with a 5.2 yards-per-carry average against the Los Angeles Chargers defense. While that doesn’t completely overshadow what this pass defense did on Sunday, 3 interceptions and 6.4 ypa allowed, that is weighed down by how relatively easy it is for a great defensive mind to game plan for a passing game led by Tua Tagovailoa. Given the Chargers’ issues defending the run and generating pressure, it could be a very rough go in Week 7 versus the Colts.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Christian McCaffrey became the latest running back to run into the brick wall that is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers run defense. San Francisco became the fifth opponent this season to finish under 100 rushing yards against Tampa Bay and the third in the last four games to get picked off by the Buccaneers. This isn’t a flawless defense by any means, after all, it’s allowing nearly 240 pass ypg this year. As long as Tampa Bay is neutralizing the run and generating great pressure, which can turn into a few takeaways, this will remain one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.
11. Atlanta Falcons (11)
NFL defense rankings
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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. Green Bay Packers (9)
NFL Defense Rankings
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The numbers, or lack thereof, put up by this Green Bay Packers pass rush, will generate national attention. Coming off the bye, Micah Parsons and Co. netted just 5 quarterback hits and 1 sack (Lukas Van Ness) on Joe Flacco behind a porous Bengals’ offensive line. A lot of that can be attributed to a bad cornerback room and the continued absence of defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. Unless general manager Brian Gutekunst address the weaknesses ahead of the NFL trade deadline, this defense won’t reach its potential. With that said, Green Bay does match up pretty well versus the Cardinals’ offense in Week 7.
13. Indianapolis Colts (12)
NFL defense rankings
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Considering all the injuries the Cardinals’ offense dealt with, Sunday’s showing was a bit of a letdown from this Indianapolis Colts defense. Arizona posted a 64.3 percent third-down conversion rate and averaged 5.7 yards per play (400 total yards), reaching the red zone six times on 10 drives. If this Colts’ pass rush can’t get home in Week 7 against an injury-ravaged Chargers’ offensive line, Justin Herbert will have a field day with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Keenan Allen constantly getting open and moving the chains.
14. New England Patriots (15)
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The New England Patriots defense has limited its last four opponents to 18.3 PPG in the last month, surrendering only a 41.5 percent third-down conversion rate in that four-game stretch. On Sunday, the only real mistake came on Chris Olave’s 53-yard play on the opening drive; from then on, this unit allowed just 240 total yards on the next eight drives (30 yards per drive) to New Orleans. It’s more steady progress for this unit, and it should absolutely continue against Cam Ward and the Titans’ offense.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (21)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Too easy for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense on Sunday. Without any kind of deep threat to challenge this secondary, Pittsburgh put on a defensive clinic that resulted in just a 3.3 yards-per-play average allowed with only six third-down conversions surrendered (17 attempts), and Cleveland went 0-for-3 in the red zone. Those are all great numbers, but now we need to see this Steelers defense against better competition. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it faces a backup quarterback for the third consecutive week in a Week 7 matchup versus Cincinnati on Thursday Night Football.
16. Washington Commanders (20)
NFL defense rankings
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The most surprising element of this Washington Commanders defense thus far is the pass rush. Entering Week 6, Washington ranked sixth in ESPN pass-rush win rate (46 percent) and it had 15 sacks in five games. If that unit can even have success against the Bears’ front on Monday Night Football, it will really be time to give Dan Quinn’s defense its flowers.
17. Buffalo Bills (19)
NFL defense rankings
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The statistics put up by this Buffalo Bills defense ahead of their Monday Night Football matchup look great. Opponents have averaged just 144 passing yards per game, 5.1 yards per attempt and averaged an 80.2 QB rating versus Buffalo in the last four contests. Thanks to that strong pass defense, the Bills surrender just 1`8.3 first downs per game with a 37.5 percent third-down conversion rate. It’s just that the competition they’ve faced is bottom tier and opponents still run at will against the Bills. At the very least, it’s time for Greg Rousseau and Christian Benford to start earning those contract extensions.
18. Kansas City Chiefs
NFL defense rankings 2025
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Updated Monday morning after Sunday Night Football
19. San Francisco 49ers (17)
NFL defense rankings 2025
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The San Francisco 49ers defense has now lost its two most integral players to season-ending injuries. Losing Nick Bosa dealt a devastating blow to this pass rush and with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner done for the year, the run defense and pass coverage will take a step back. For as much respect as we have for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, there’s far too much inexperience on the field to overcome the holes in the front seven. Bijan Robinson should fare very well versus San Francisco in Week 7 on MNF.
20. Philadelphia Eagles (14)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Without Jalen Carter, the Philadelphia Eagles defense has nothing up front. Edge rush was the team’s biggest weakness coming into the season and the lack of depth at cornerback is even more apparent with Quinyon Mitchell (hamstring) sidelined and Cooper DeJean deployed in the nickel. Philadelphia does match up against a banged-up Vikings offensive line in Week 7, but they don’t have anyone to match up with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.
21. Carolina Panthers (22)
NFL defense rankings 2025
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The year-to-year turnaround by this Carolina Panthers run defense is remarkable. In 2024, opponents averaged nearly 180 rushing yards per game versus Carolina. This year, Carolina allows less than 95 rushing yards per game, and that number falls to 73.4 rush ypg in the last five contests. Unfortunately for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, his team still can’t generate anything resembling a competent pass rush, and that shows up in the 693 passing yards and 8-0 TD-INT line quarterbacks have put up versus Carolina in the last three games. A Week 7 matchup against the Jets meets the definition of a stoppable force versus a moveable object.
22. Arizona Cardinals (22)
NFL defense rankings
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The lack of depth on this Arizona Cardinals defense, especially after injuries to both the secondary and defensive line, is starting to show. Jonathan Taylor put up 123 rushing yards on Sunday, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, with Indianapolis riding that success on the ground to 31 points, a 50 percent third-down conversion rate, and going 4-for-4 in the red zone. It won’t get any easier in Week 7 versus Green Bay.
23. New York Giants (25)
NFL Defense Rankings
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In the last foru games, opponents are averaging jsut 20.8 points per game versus the New York Giants defense, largely because of a pass defense that is ceding just an 81.8 QB rating and 224.3 pass ypg during that stretch. Brian Burns was the difference-maker on Thursday Night Football, helping limit Philadelphia to 1-of-9 on third downs. Given the issues the Broncos’ passing game is having this season, there’s an opportunity in Week 7 for New York to hold an opponent under 24 points for the fourth time in five games.
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. Fortunately for Chicago, the Commanders are thin at wide receiver on Monday night.
25. Tennessee Titans (28)
NFL defense rankings
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Jeffery Simmons is doing everything he can for this Tennessee Titans defense, but there’s only so much that can be done when you’re saddled with that offense. Simmons (2 QB hits and 1 sack) led Tennessee’s defense on Sunday, limiting Las Vegas to 226 total yards and a 4.0 yards-per-play average. There are just far too many issues that Simmons has to overcome and that includes the Titans’ cornerbacks.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (27)
NFL defense rankings
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The Las Vegas Raiders defense did what it should’ve against Cam Ward and the Titans in Week 6. Now, let’s see if that success leads to anything. Ahead of a Week 7 matchup versus the Chiefs’ offense, it’s worth noting that Kansas City came into Sunday allowing a 101.0 QB rating with 6 passing touchdowns in its previous four games. We’re a bit suspect of this Raiders’ secondary faring well versus Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Travis Kelce even if Kansas City’s run game is hit-and-miss.
27. New Orleans Saints (23)
NFL defense rankings
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We have to give New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley credit for this—his unit defends the run (3.8 yards-per-carry average) really well. However, the pass defense leaves plenty to be desired. Drake Maye’s numbers (261 pass yards, 10.0 ypa, and 3-0 TD-INT) could’ve been even better if not for some iffy officiating. Chicago doesn’t have much of a run game to speak of, but we are excited to see Ben Johnson’s passing game against Staley’s pass defense in Week 7.
28. Baltimore Ravens (32)
NFL defense rankings
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Now that Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and Kyle Van Noy are back on the field, this Baltimore Ravens defense should steadily begin improving. There were signs of that in Week 6, with the Rams’ offense mustering just 241 total yards and going 2-for-5 in the red zone; tangible progress for Baltimore. If the Ravens can get Roquan Smith and Chidobe Awuzie back after the Week 7 bye, the floor for this unit climbs considerably.
29. New York Jets (31)
NFL Defense Rankings
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Sauce Gardner erased Courtland Sutton (1-17) and this New York Jets defense did a great job creating penetration in the backfield, allowing just a 3.0 yards-per-carry average and generating consistent pressure on Bo Nix. This was a nice step forward for Steve Wilks’ defense and there have been very few of those this season. Facing the Panthers’ offense in Week 7, Gardner could do the same to Tetairoa McMillan and that would go a long way in containing Carolina.
30. Cincinnati Bengals (28)
NFL defense rankings
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Trey Hendrickson left Sunday’s game with a back injury and could misst ime. So, if you thought the Cincinnati Bengals defense was bad before, it’s about to get so much worse. The Bengals have no pass rush to speak of now and that’s just asking for Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf to destroy you on a short week.
31. Miami Dolphins (29)
NFL defense rankings
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Even with the Chargers’ offensive line ravaged by injuries, this Miami Dolphins defense only managed 1 sack on Justin Herbert. To make make it even worse, fourth-string running back Kimani Vidal averaged 6.9 yards per carry versus Miami and put up 128 scrimmage yards. Entering Week 7, Miami ‘s defense has allowed enarly 390 total yards per game. Even Dillon Gabriel might look good against this unit.
32. Dallas Cowboys (30)
NFL defense rankings
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The Dallas Cowboys have the worst defense in the NFL right now. Through six games, Dallas is the only team in the NFL to allow its opponents to average 400-plus total yards per game (411.7) and it is allowing the second-most points per game (30.7) in the league. One big part of the problem, the Cowboys allow the highest third-down conversion rate (53.2 percent) in the NFL. Jayden Daniels and Bill Croskey-Merritt should have a field day versus Dallas in Week 7.
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 Dallas Cowboys 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, allowing the mostpassing yards per game (269.5) and the most passing touchdowns (15).
Who has the best run defense in the NFL?
The Green Bay Packers have the best run defense in the NFL this season, allowing just 73 rushing yards per game through Week 6.
Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?
The Miami Dolphins have the worst rushing defense in the NFL this season, allowing 168.5 rushing yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry.
Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?
The Jacksonville Jaguars lead the NFL in takeaways this season with 14.
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