Week 6 NFL Defense Rankings
Week 6 NFL Defense Rankings
What is the best defense in the NFL right now? Sunday’s Week 5 action proved to be a very good showcase for some of the best defenses around the league. It also showed how wide the gap is between those units and the worst NFL defenses in 2026.
Let’s dive into our latest NFL defense rankings afterWeek 5. You can find our Week 6 fantasy defense rankings at the bottom.
1. Minnesota Vikings (1)
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Oct 11, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) looks to pass the ball under pressure from Minnesota Vikings linebacker Dallas Turner (15) during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
It almost feels absurd at this point what the Minnesota Vikings defense is doing in 2026. On Sunday in New Orleans, Minnesota held the Saints offense to just 3.3 yards per play with a 20% third-down conversion rate, one red-zone trip, and three turnovers. Through five games, Minnesota has allowed just 12 red-zone trips (three touchdowns) with a 22.2% third-down conversion rate. After the Week 6 bye, Minnesota gets to face Daniel Jones in Week 7 and Brian Flores is going to make life miserable for a quarterback who gets rattled like few others by pressure.
2. Seattle Seahawks (2)
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Oct 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) rushes against San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks defense did just about everything they could to contain Kyle Shanahan’s offense on Sunday. San Francisco finished with just a 33.3% third-down conversion rate and averaged an underwhelming 21 total yards per drive, but it put up 32 points because of a defensive touchdown and two touchdown drives that started in the red zone thanks to turnovers. This remains an outstanding defense, and with the way Bo Nix has struggled this season, the Broncos offense is in for a rough matchup on Thursday Night Football.
3. Los Angeles Rams (3)
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Sep 27, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) looks on before the game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Rams defense will have Aaron Donald back on Monday Night Football, and his presence is going to be needed. We have no doubt that this Rams defensive line will be able to generate pressure on Josh Allen, and given how the Bills quarterback has played this year, he’ll provide some chances at takeaways. However, he’s also going to hit his share of big plays. With corner Jaylen Watson returning, though, Los Angeles should fare relatively well.
4. Denver Broncos (5)
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Oct 11, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) recovers the ball as Denver Broncos defensive tackle D.J. Jones (93) tackles him during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Things were already looking up for this Denver Broncos defense entering Week 5 because the Pat Surtain II injury is only leading to a short-term absence. Even without the All-Pro cornerback, Vance Joseph’s guys had little trouble—outside of a 42-yard touchdown run by Kimani Vidal—suffocating the life out of this Chargers offense (3.8 yards per play, 18.2 yards per drive and 3 turnovers). Surtain likely won’t play on a short week, so Jaxon Smith-Njigba is eagerly awaiting this Thursday Night Football draw against Denver.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4)
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Oct 11, 2026; Tottenham, ENG; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) talks with wide receiver Parker Washington (11) during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
It’s certainly advantageous for this Jacksonville Jaguars defense when Philadelphia is starting its third-string running back and forced to rely on Dontayvion Wicks and Darius Cooper as its top receivers. With that acknowledged, Sunday’s performance just adds to the success this group is having thus far. The Jaguars held the Eagles to 3.9 yards per play on Sunday, while surrendering only 21.1 yards and 1.5 points per drive. The Eagles offense reached the red zone just once and went 6-for-15 on third down. Up next is a matchup against the Texans offense. Houston can’t run the football, so the vertical passing game and Nico Collins are the only things the Jaguars have to focus on.
6. New England Patriots (6)
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Oct 11, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) reacts after catching a pass along the sideline against New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
If there was any good week for the New England Patriots defense to have its top cornerbacks on the inactive list, this was it. Brock Bowers (8-110-1) obviously did his thing, but the best tight end in football is going to do that to everyone. What matters is New England’s thin secondary kept every Raiders wide receiver in check. Health will be a big question in Week 6, as Garrett Wilson can have far better success attacking the Patriots’ corners, but the matchup gets a lot easier if Christian Gonzalez or Carlton Davis is cleared to play.
7. Houston Texans (8)
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Oct 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) runs onto the field before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
That’s what the Houston Texans defense should look like against the Titans offense. Will Anderson Jr. (3 sacks) and Danielle Hunter (2 QB hits and 1 sack) feasted on this Titans offensive line, resulting in a dreadful performance from Cam Ward (15.1 ESPN QBR and 4.7 ypa). If we’re going to consider Houston as one of the five best NFL defenses anytime soon, this kind of dominance from the pass rush will need to show up next Sunday against a Jaguars offensive line that just lost its left tackle.
8. Kansas City Chiefs (7)
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Aug 28, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo watches play against the Seattle Seahawks during the game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Steve Spagnuolo has every reason to feel great about this Kansas City Chiefs defense coming out of the bye. Through four games, his unit has allowed just 5.0 yards per play (eighth-best in NFL) with the fifth-lowest yards per attempt (6.2), the third-lowest passing touchdown rate (2.7 percent) and it’s been excellent in the red zone (44.4 percent touchdown rate). That’s with Mansoor Delane missing a game and a bit of inexperience in this system from Delane and R Mason Thomas. The Chiefs D/ST is a great fantasy option in Week 6 against the Chargers.
9. Philadelphia Eagles (9)
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American Football – NFL – Philadelphia Eagles v Jacksonville Jaguars – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, Britain – October 11, 2026 Jacksonville Jaguars’ Cam Little in action with Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Jalen Carter (3 TFLs and 2 sacks) was a one-man wrecking crew in this one, single-handedly blowing up several of Jacksonville’s drives. This game also showed some of the issues that this Philadelphia Eagles defense has at safety, with Parker Washington and Brenton Strange combining for 192 receiving yards on 13 receptions. This unit isn’t quite as great as we anticipated coming into the year, but it did an admirable job on third down (31.3% conversion rate) and was stellar in the red zone (0 touchdowns on three red-zone drives). Up next is a challenge in Week 6 against Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker.
10. San Francisco 49ers (14)
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Oct 11, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) reacts after forcing a fumble against Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson (not pictured) during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Nick Bosa is poised to return in Week 6, so the San Francisco 49ers defense is about to get even better. Without the All-Pro edge defender, San Francisco’s front seven still ate on Sunday in Seattle (8 QB hits, 7 tackles for loss, and 5 sacks), with that penetration in the backfield neutralizing the run (89 yards on 26 carries) and generating four takeaways. Raheem Morris continues to prove he’s an excellent defensive coordinator, and this unit should thrive on Monday Night Football against the Commanders offense.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10)
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Oct 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a catch past Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jacob Parrish (25) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Getting to the quarterback remains a problem for this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense, entering Week 6 with one of the lowest pressure rates (20 percent) and sack rates (3.5 percent) in the NFL. Even still, the NFL stats back up that Tampa Bay has one of the best defenses in football right now. After holding Dallas to 16 points, a 40% third-down conversion rate and 1.6 points per drive on Thursday Night Football, Tampa Bay now ranks seventh (33.9% third-down conversion rate and 28.2 yards per drive) and 12th (1.87 points per drive) in those same categories. Aaron Rodgers will get some clean pockets in Week 6, but it figures to be a relatively low-scoring game.
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (12)
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Oct 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) celebrates with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (22) in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense rightfully focused on taking away what the Colts like to do with Jonathan Taylor, and it worked (45 yards on 15 carries). Once the game was put on the shoulders of Daniel Jones, that’s when Pittsburgh got to reap the benefits of its approach. The game plan resulted in Indianapolis going 4-for-14 on third down and 1-for-3 in the red zone. Getting stops in the right situations matters, and while this might not be a great defense, Pittsburgh can at least do that. Up next, Pittsburgh turns its focus to containing Bucky Irving and making rookie UDFA QB Jalon Daniels beat them.
13. Baltimore Ravens (18)
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Oct 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) and linebacker Roquan Smith (0) tackle Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Credit to the Baltimore Ravens defense for stepping up on a night when it needed to. One of Atlanta’s touchdowns on Sunday Night Football came off a scoop-and-score fumble return. When Baltimore’s defense was on the field, it allowed just a single red-zone touchdown (33 percent red-zone touchdown rate) to the Falcons, and it did an admirable job containing Bijan Robinson outside of his 38-yard run. It’s a very nice step forward, and the matchup against Deshaun Watson in Week 6 might even give the team the option of holding out Trey Hendrickson a little longer.
14. Atlanta Falcons (15)
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Oct 11, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) runs against Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III (3) during overtime at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
In the first four games this season, the Atlanta Falcons allowed just a 2.7 yards-per-carry average and 193 total rushing yards (48.3 per game) to opponents. Baltimore more than doubled that yards-per-carry average on Sunday Night Football (5.9) on its way to 208 rushing yards. That helped lead to Atlanta giving up four red-zone trips (75 percent touchdown rate) and a 53.3 percent third-down conversion rate. If the latter is anything close to a sign of regression, Ben Johnson is going to find ways to have D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai run all over Atlanta’s defense in Week 6.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (16)
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis (2) evades Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (90) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 5 game between the Miami Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. The Bengals improved to 3-2 on the season with a 31-24 win on the road.
It was three quarters of excellence from this Cincinnati Bengals defense, surrendering just 10 points and 195 total yards to Miami across seven drives. In the final 15 minutes, albeit when the game seemed in hand, the Dolphins made it close with 14 points and 136 total yards on their final three drives. We can give some credence to the larger sample size, but let’s also keep in mind that the Dolphins offense is the least talented in the NFL. When this unit returns to the field in Week 7, we expect plenty of points from the Bengals against Ravens clash.
16. Chicago Bears (11)
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Oct 11, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) makes a catch for a touchdown defended by Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman (31) during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Jordan Love got time in the pocket on Sunday at Lambeau Field and had the time of his life taking shots downfield on this Chicago Bears defense. Love’s 367 passing yards (11.8 yards per attempt) largely came off throws 20-plus yards downfield, with cornerback Jaylon Johnson in particular getting exploited in coverage. This performance felt eerily reminiscent of what happened in Week 1 (361 yards, 3-1 TD-INT, and 9.8 ypa for Bryce Young), and it creates some renewed concern moving forward. Set to face the Falcons in Week 6, Drake London should see plenty of things on film that he can exploit. Whether or not Michael Penix Jr. hits the big-time throws is the real question.
17. Las Vegas Raiders (13)
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Oct 11, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
In the first three games this season, the Las Vegas Raiders defense held opponents to a 61.5 percent completion rate, 200.3 passing yards per game, and an 82.2 passer rating with a modest 116.3 rush ypg allowed to the opposition. Against Kansas City and New England, Las Vegas has allowed 354 rushing yards (177 rush ypg) with Patrick Mahomes and Drake Maye combining for a 6-0 TD-INT line, 599 passing yards (299.5 pass ypg), and a 109.01 passer rating. Which version are we more likely to see over a full season? It’s hard to say, but we certainly feel confident in predicting struggles for this Raiders defense in Week 6 (Josh Allen) and Week 7 (Matthew Stafford).
18. Cleveland Browns (17)
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Oct 11, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) scores on a touchdown reception during the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
It felt pretty apparent on Sunday that Mason Graham was missed. Braelon Allen erupted for 116 rushing yards (4.8 yards per carry) and Geno Smith had enough time to hit Garrett Wilson for some big plays. This isn’t a bad defense by any means, but you notice the front seven struggling more without Graham, and that means asking the secondary to hold up in coverage even longer. Assuming Lamar Jackson can suit up in Week 7, the Browns defense won’t have enough answers for Zay Flowers, Derrick Henry, and Jackson.
19. New York Jets (23)
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Oct 11, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood (44) and New York Jets defensive end Joseph Ossai (46) celebrate with defensive end David Bailey (31) after a sack against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The rain at MetLife Stadium and a matchup against Deshaun Watson certainly did a few favors for this New York Jets defense. With that acknowledged, this unit also eliminated the ground game (3.1 ypc for Quinshon Judkins), sacked Watson eight times (53 yards lost), and allowed just 3.0 yards per play and 198 total yards on 13 drives Sunday. Just as impressive, rookie David Bailey (3 sacks) had his breakout game. Unfortunately for New York, success will be much harder to find next Sunday against Drake Maye.
20. Carolina Panthers (21)
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Sep 13, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Derrick Brown (95) warms up before the game against Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The numbers from this Carolina Panthers defense through four games are fine given the injuries. Entering Week 5, Carolina ranked 22nd in points per drive surrendered (2.25), 21st in scoring rate allowed(41.7 percent), 20th in total yards per drive allowed (32.3) and it had the 10th-highest pressure rate (26.6 percent) in the NFL. That’s with Nic Scourton out for the entire season, Jaelan Phillips playing hurt and Tershawn Wharton out. What’s worrying short-term is the absences of corners Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn. Without them this coming Sunday in Philadelphia, it will be imperative for the Panthers’ defensive line to consistently win the battles in the trenches.
21. Los Angeles Chargers (25)
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Oct 11, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) is pressured by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Akheem Mesidor (90) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Chargers defense at least gave this team a fighting chance on Sunday. Denver’s longest run went for 14 yards and outside of that, it averaged just 3.3 yards per carry against Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Bo Nix (4.6 ypa and 27.6 ESPN QBR) had one of the worst performances by a quarterback in Week 5. It’s good to see that Los Angeles can play this well defensively, albeit against an offense that was having issues coming into Sunday. The task will be far more challenging in Week 6 against Patrick Mahomes and Kenneth Walker.
22. New York Giants (19)
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Oct 11, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
It’s as if the New York Giants forgot Jayden Daniels could run (103 yards and 2 touchdowns on nine carries). Then again, New York couldn’t shut down Jacory Croskey-Merritt (82 yards and 7.5 ypc) either, and he seems to be a JAG running back. Defensively, New York is looking more and more like a unit that has Brian Burns, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Chauncey Golston on injured reserve. From a fantasy perspective, the Giants D/ST is a streaming-only option, but it does merit consideration in Week 6 against the Saints.
23. Green Bay Packers (28)
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Green Bay Packers safety Xavier McKinney (29) and safety Javon Bullard (7) celebrate after McKinney’s third-quarter interception on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers won the game, 31-7. Tork Mason/Green Bay Press-Gazette
Kudos to defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, because this Green Bay Packers defense played very well given the absences of Micah Parsons and Edgerrin Cooper. Xavier McKinney (2 interceptions) looked like the All-Pro playmaker from the 2024 season, and there were even some big plays from rookie corner Brandon Cisse. Facing a backup quarterback certainly helps, but holding Ben Johnson’s offense to 7 points and 3.6 yards per play is an accomplishment any time. Of course, it wouldn’t be a real week without the Packers suffering a season-ending injury. After the game, Matt LaFleur announced that interior defender Javon Hargrave suffered a torn Achilles. The hits keep coming.
24. Indianapolis Colts (21)
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Oct 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) runs with the ball in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Indianapolis Colts had no problem getting a hand on Jaylen Warren, but they stopped at that. Pittsburgh’s running back erupted for 188 scrimmage yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 touches, pretty much carrying the Steelers offense in this one. We liked the talent on the Colts defense coming into the year, but five games is enough of a sample size to know this just isn’t a good unit. Still, it will certainly look like it against Cam Ward and the Titans in Week 6… or at least it should.
25. New Orleans Saints (22)
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Oct 11, 2026; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Ryan van Demark (72) helps quarterback Kyler Murray (1) off the turf after being tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Things are really starting to trend in the wrong direction for this New Orleans Saints defense. They allowed Minnesota to reach the red zone four times on Sunday, with two of those ending in scores. The Vikings offense also went 9-for-18 (50 percent) on third down and averaged 5.4 yards per play and 33.0 yards per drive. Jameis Winston is wildly inconsistent with declining arm strength and he’ll make some turnover-worthy throws, but New Orleans is obviously going to have major problems covering Isaiah Likely and Malik Nabers.
26. Tennessee Titans (25)
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Tennessee Titans cornerback Cor’dale Flott (18) and linebacker Cody Barton (50) stop Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) during the first quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
The Tennessee Titans defense forced a stop on its third drive. After that, Houston stacked up 26 points and 311 total yards on nine drives (34.6 yards per drive) with a 54.6 percent third-down conversion rate. Let’s also keep in mind that the Texans offense hasn’t exactly been a banner of consistency this year. Set to face the Colts offense in Week 6, look for Shane Steichen to rely on Jonathan Taylor and Keenan Allen given the success Woody Marks (4.1 ypc) and Xavier Hutchinson (65 yards on 4 receptions) had against Tennessee.
27. Washington Commanders (26)
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Oct 11, 2026; Landover, Maryland, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) catches the ball in front of Washington Commanders cornerback Mike Sainristil (0) for a touchdown during the fourth quarter at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
In the first half, the Washington Commanders defense contained Jameis Winston and this Giants offense, but everything fell apart in the second half. After that, New York put up 24 points with Winston completing 21-of-28 passes (75 percent completion rate) for 211 passing yards (7.5 ypa) and 3 passing touchdowns. We just don’t have any faith in a defense that struggles this much against a 32-year-old Winston. Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy are going to eat the Commanders defense alive on Monday Night Football in Week 6.
28. Buffalo Bills (27)
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Sep 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Greg Rousseau (15) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Lions at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
As well as Gregory Rousseau is playing this season–leading the NFL in TFLs (eight), sacks (six) and forced fumbles (three)–the secondary behind him is not. Through four games, opponents have averaged 256.3 passing yards per game (27th) with a 103.4 passer rating (26th) and 10 passing touchdowns (fourth-most) against this Buffalo Bills defense. It wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if Matthew Stafford takes multiple sacks and gets picked off on Monday Night Football, but Davante Adams and Puka nacua should fare very well.
29. Detroit Lions (29)
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Detroit Lions edge rusher DJ Wonnum (98) sacks Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) during the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
That’s at least a step forward for the Detroit Lions heading into the bye. It also certainly helps moving forward that safety Brian Branch should be back on the field in Week 7, although we’re tempering expectations for him coming off a torn Achilles. The season-long numbers for Detroit’s defense are still abysmal, so we’ll hold off on passing too much judgment until we see this secondary against Jordan Love, Christian Watson and Matthew Golden in two weeks.
30. Miami Dolphins (30)
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) scrambles away from Miami Dolphins linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) in the second quarter of the NFL Week 5 game between the Miami Dolphins and the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
It’s not just that the Miami Dolphins defense isn’t good, it’s that this unit will often either have to defend very short fields or spend a ton of time out there because of this team’s offense. That was apparent again on Sunday, with the Bengals scoring three touchdowns on their first seven drives despite totaling just 198 yards on those possessions. When Miami returns from its bye, Garrett Wilson and Co. should feast in Week 7.
31. Arizona Cardinals (29)
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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (0) runs against Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) during the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026.
Can we say officially that Jonathan Gannon wasn’t the biggest problem with this Arizona Cardinals defense? In just three quarters on Sunday, Arizona allowed 328 total yards (32.8 yards per drive) and 38 points (3.8 points per drive) on 10 possessions. That’s now four consecutive weeks that the Cardinals have allowed 30-plus points, and it’s the third time in five games they’ve allowed 380-plus total yards. Sean McVay and the Rams offense should make a meal next Sunday afternoon of this group.
32. Dallas Cowboys (32)
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Oct 8, 2026; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku (6) chases Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jalon Daniels (10) as he runs with the ball during the game between the Cowboys and the Buccaneers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Just days after Jalon Daniels looked like an undrafted rookie against Green Bay, this Dallas Cowboys defense made him look like a functional starting quarterback (7.6 ypa, 76% completion rate and 110.2 passer rating). If Jerry Jones wants to blame some of that on Joey Porter Jr. (illness) not suiting up, fine, but that doesn’t excuse Tampa Bay putting up 241 rushing yards with a 6.2 yards-per-carry average on Dallas. The defensive coordinator doesn’t matter; the overhaul of the defensive line hasn’t made a difference. The Cowboys have the worst defense in the NFL once again, a tale as old as time.
Week 6 Fantasy Defense Rankings
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Oct 4, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13) returns an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Let’s take a look at our fantasy defense rankings this week. Of note for Week 6, the Minnesota Vikings, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins are on bye.
Seattle Seahawks D/ST vs Denver Broncos
San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs Washington Commanders
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Los Angeles Rams D/ST vs Arizona Cardinals
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs Los Angeles Chargers
Baltimore Ravens D/ST vs Cleveland Browns — (streamer)
Denver Broncos D/ST vs Seattle Seahawks
New England Patriots D/ST vs New York Jets
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST vs Houston Texans
Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts D/ST vs Tennessee Titans — (streamer)
New York Giants D/ST vs New Orleans Saints — (streamer)
Houston Texans D/ST vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans D/ST vs Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints D/ST vs New York Giants