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.
32. Carolina Panthers
NFL defense rankings 2025
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The good news is that the Carolina Panthers defense won’t be historically bad anymore. With that said, this still projects to be the worst defense in the NFL this season. There are two blue-chip talents in defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who missed most of last season, and cornerback Jaycee Horn. Unfortunately with Horn, durability has been an issue throughout his career. We do like the addition of safety Tre’von Moehrig, but there’s only so much a player of his caliber can do. With significant talent and depth issues at edge rusher, linebacker and corner, it will take phenomenal work from Ejiro Evero for this to even be a top-25 defense.
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31. Tennessee Titans
NFL defense rankings
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In Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat, the Tennessee Titans have one of the best defensive tackle duos in the AFC. At safety, Amani Hooker and Xavier Woods form a stable tandem. Unfortunately, that is about where the positives end for the personnel that defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has to work with. Simmons and Sweat will disrupt a few drives, but the numerous holes at every other level of this defense will produce far more lowlights. That’s what happens when the front office pours offseason resources into building a better offense around its rookie quarterback. On the bright side, a more stable offense indirectly helps the defense.
30. Cincinnati Bengals
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Cincinnati Bengals desperately need Trey Hendrickson on the field. They still had one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2024, even with him playing at a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber level. If he misses regular-season games, this could be a historically bad unit. Even when Hendrickson is on the field for Cincinnati, the team remains weak at off-ball linebacker, and nothing we have seen from the secondary suggests meaningful improvement is on the horizon. With Hendrickson playing all 17 games, Cincinnati probably lands at No. 26 in our NFL defense rankings.
Related: Game-by-Game Cincinnati Bengals Predictions 2025
29. New Orleans Saints
NFL Defense Rankings
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New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has a well-earned reputation for not prioritizing run defense. So, it feels safe to predict that New Orleans will have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL in 2025. Beyond that, Father Time has caught up to Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis, turning them from premier talents into merely quality starters. The Saints also have one of the weakest cornerback trios in football, and their front ranked 30th in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate (31 percent) last year. Add a sluggish offense to the mix, and you have all the ingredients for a bottom-five defense.
28. Atlanta Falcons
NFL defense rankings 2025
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Yes, the Atlanta Falcons finally addressed their pass rush. All it took was three straight seasons of finishing near the bottom of the league in sacks and pressure rate. Unfortunately for Atlanta, rookie edge rushers rarely make a significant impact right away. That is especially true when one of them, Jalon Walker, is more of a tweener and the other, James Pearce Jr., profiles best as a situational pass rusher. Atlanta is also alarmingly thin at cornerback beyond A.J. Terrell, with a below-average linebacker group adding to the concern. Maybe the lows will not be quite as disastrous as they were before, but the Falcons are still likely to field one of the worst defenses in the NFL this season.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
NFL defense rankings 2025
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We really wish the Jacksonville Jaguars would prioritize Travis Hunter playing cornerback instead of wide receiver. He would thrive as the No. 2 corner opposite a healthy Tyson Campbell, allowing Jourdan Lewis to lock down the nickel role. That would give the Jaguars a secondary that, when paired with the pass-rushing tandem of Travon Walker and Josh Allen, could elevate this defense back to the above-average level we saw a few years ago.
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Instead, offensive-minded head coach Liam Coen is prioritizing Hunter at wide receiver. That leaves Jarrian Jones playing out of position on the boundary, a mismatch opposing quarterbacks will exploit. Unless the plan changes, the Jaguars will likely see only marginal improvements for a defense that allowed the third-most points per drive (2.43) and the second-highest opposing QB rating (103.4) last season. On the bright side, at least defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is shifting the scheme back to more zone coverage. Using these cornerbacks correctly will make a noticeable difference.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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With the Las Vegas Raiders defense, it is edge rusher Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce, then not much else. Elandon Roberts is a solid role player who can significantly help the Raiders’ run defense, but most of the players on this unit are either rotational pieces, backups in starting roles, or unproven youngsters. Crosby can single-handedly take over a game, and there is plenty of excitement to see Koonce back on the field after missing last season due to knee surgery. The rest of the depth chart, however, is likely to be the reason this Raiders defense becomes an anchor on the team all season, holding them back from playoff contention.
Related: Game-by-Game Las Vegas Raiders Predictions 2025
25. Miami Dolphins
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Miami Dolphins pass rush, if healthy, will be excellent. Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb missed a majority of last season, leaving rookie Chop Robinson (20 pressures and 6 sacks) and Zach Sieler (22 pressures and 10 sacks) to do most of the work. Now, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver can send Robinson, Sieler, Chubb, and Phillips at the offensive line. As long as everyone stays on the field, this front can finish top 12 in major pass-rushing metrics.
Related: Game-by-Game Miami Dolphins Predictions 2025
Unfortunately, some of those results might not show up in the box score. That is because Miami is relying on the worst cornerback room in the NFL. There is a case to be made that neither Storm Duck nor Kendall Sheffield should be starting for an NFL team, yet the Dolphins’ pass defense is depending on both. If the Dolphins’ pass rush cannot reach the quarterback within 2.5 seconds, big plays are likely coming.
24. Washington Commanders
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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Dan Quinn got far more out of the Washington Commanders’ defense than we expected in 2024. After taking over one of the league’s worst defenses the prior year, Quinn’s changes and new personnel helped Washington allow the 13th-fewest total yards per game (327.9), and the team ranked 15th in third-down conversion rate allowed. Washington has stability at linebacker, and the coaching staff is hopeful that Marshon Lattimore, who allowed a 105.4 QB rating after the trade, can get back on track.
Related: Game-by-Game Washington Commanders Predictions 2025
Our skepticism centers on one of the weakest pass rushes in the NFL, especially since Washington still finished 22nd in points per drive allowed (2.25) and 21st in yards per drive allowed (32.3) last season. With a bottom-five pass rush and concerns that Lattimore might be inconsistent from week to week, regression from the Commanders’ defense is very much on the table.
23. Dallas Cowboys
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The mere possibility of Micah Parsons sitting out regular-season games should make the Dallas Cowboys feel compelled to sign him to a contract extension. Otherwise, this defense is going to fall off a cliff. Injuries play a part in where Dallas lands right now, with Trevon Diggs (knee) just coming off the PUP list and DeMarvion Overshown slated to miss the start of the season. We do feel better about the Cowboys’ pass-rushing depth this year after bringing in Marshawn Kneeland and Dante Fowler Jr. However, linebacker and CB3 are still major weaknesses. Of course, Dallas will also likely have one of the NFL’s worst run defenses again.
Related: Game-by-Game Dallas Cowboys Predictions 2025
22. Indianapolis Colts
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard finally addressed the secondary this offseason, signing No. 1 cornerback Charvarius Ward along with free safety Cam Bynum. A change of scenery should help Ward return to the caliber of player he was from 2022–23, when he held opponents to a 72.9 QB rating and a 55.4% completion rate when targeted. Bynum also gives this defense a playmaker, and he should have quite a few opportunities if Laiatu Latu takes that second-year leap, which would make this a top-12 defensive line.
Related: Game-by-Game Indianapolis Colts Predictions 2025
Unfortunately for Indianapolis, it still has a major weakness at CB2 and off-ball linebacker. We also need to see if defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo can recapture the magic that made him an NFL darling a few years ago or if his recent work with the Bengals was a sign of teams figuring some of his stuff out.
21. San Francisco 49ers
NFL Defense Rankings, San Francisco 49ers
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One of the best NFL offseason moves was the San Francisco 49ers bringing Robert Saleh back for a reunion. He’s well-regarded around the league and is an ideal defensive coordinator to help maximize the defensive end tandem of Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams. San Francisco also has the best linebacker in the NFL (Fred Warner) running things in the middle, so this unit should be more stable than it was a season ago.
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However, the 49ers’ defense remains weak on the interior line, a viable replacement for Dre Greenlaw hasn’t emerged, and the secondary has some big concerns. Bosa, Warner, and Saleh will prevent this unit from falling apart, but the lack of depth paired with the inexperience (Williams, Alfred Collins, Nick Martin, Upton Stout) will likely hold this defense back in 2025.
20. Arizona Cardinals
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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Outside of safety Budda Baker, there isn’t a player on the Arizona Cardinals defense that fans who don’t follow the team would recognize. Despite not having a ton to work with, this unit still allowed the ninth-lowest touchdown rate in the red zone (52.6 percent) in the regular season. The problem head coach Jonathan Gannon had was a defensive front that couldn’t get home often, as evidenced by the fifth-lowest ESPN pass rush win rate (33 percent) and the sixth-lowest pressure rate (19.2 percent) in the NFL.
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That’s why Arizona opened its wallet to sign Josh Sweat, spent a first-round pick on Walter Nolen III, and pulled off a reunion with Calais Campbell. This isn’t to say that the Cardinals’ defensive line will suddenly be world beaters up front, but they will get to the quarterback faster. So, if rookie corner Will Johnson can stay healthy, he and standout Garrett Williams can help Gannon produce an above-average defense that gives Arizona a shot at making the playoffs.
19. Chicago Bears
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Chicago Bears rightfully deserved glowing praise for the hiring of head coach Ben Johnson. His decision to hire Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator might have been just as good. Allen is one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL, and since he’ll likely never be a head coach again, Chicago has a chance to keep him around for as long as Johnson wants him. As for the talent in Chicago, there are things to like.
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Chicago boasts one of the best cornerback rooms in the NFL, led by Jaylon Johnson, and it could be even better if Tyrique Stevenson becomes more disciplined. We’re also excited about the Bears’ safety situation, with Jaquan Brisker returning from a concussion. We do, however, question whether Chicago’s pass rush (Montez Sweat, Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter, and Dayo Odeyingbo) is good enough to get the job done. That might be the thing that prevents this from becoming a great defense, but there is at least a chance Allen finds a way to make it all work.
18. New York Jets
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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Considering all of the chaos surrounding the New York Jets in 2024, it’s understandable why the defense took a step back. That’s why the hiring of head coach Aaron Glenn, a culture-changer who brings a great defensive mind, benefits this unit so much. We’re confident Sauce Gardner can recapture his All-Pro form, and a healthy version of this defensive line—Quinnen Williams, Will McDonald IV, and Jermaine Johnson—should be more effective at generating pressure. New York is also stacked at off-ball linebacker. For now, what holds this unit back is No. 2 corner Brandon Stephens and a Jets offense that will put this defense on the field a lot. With that acknowledged, this could finish as a top-12 defense by the end of the season.
Related: Game-by-Game New York Jets Predictions 2025
17. Los Angeles Chargers
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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Statistically, the Los Angeles Chargers had one of the best NFL defenses in 2024. They ranked eighth in sack rate (7.5 percent), allowed the lowest red-zone touchdown rate (45 percent), surrendered the fifth-lowest conversion rate on third downs (35.7 percent), and ceded the third-lowest points per drive (1.66). All of that is massive credit to defensive coordinator Jesse Minter.
Related: Game-by-Game Los Angeles Chargers Predictions 2025
It’s the limited talent on the Chargers’ defense that worries us. Betting on a 34-year-old Khalil Mack to maintain his Pro Bowl-caliber play is a big ask. While we like young corners Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still, they aren’t high-end starters yet, and Donte Jackson is inconsistent. It also doesn’t help matters that Los Angeles lost Poona Ford and is dangerously thin at pass rusher. One thing we know: Minter will maximize this group.
16. Los Angeles Rams
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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If we were only ranking the best defensive lines in the NFL, the Los Angeles Rams would be much higher. Jared Verse generated pressure like the best pass rushers in the NFL, and that was his rookie season. With the help of Braden Fiske, Jobie Turner, and Byron Young, Los Angeles generated the third-best hurry rate (9.7 percent) in the league. The Rams doubled down on their strength this offseason, poaching defensive tackle Poona Ford from the Chargers. In short, this front will be one of the most dominant in the league this year.
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So, the fact that Los Angeles is 15th in our NFL defense rankings should speak volumes about their secondary and off-ball linebackers. Sean McVay will be relying heavily on Troy Reeder, Nate Landman, and Oamr Speights, all of whom will be targeted by opponents. To make matters worse, the Rams’ cornerback room is headlined by Darious Williams, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Cobie Durant. The pass rush makes this secondary look better than it really is. It’s a shame Los Angeles can’t land a top corner because this unit would take off.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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This is a bet on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ pass rush taking a step forward and the corners staying healthy. In other words, a leap of faith. Edge rusher Haason Reddick was bad in 2024, but prior to that, he averaged 12.5 sacks and 35.8 pressures per season from 2020–23. He’s also a good mentor for Yaya Diaby, who has shown glimpses of becoming an above-average starter. Plus, both of their jobs are made easier because of Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey wreaking havoc on the interior.
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If Tampa Bay can win the battles on the edges more consistently, the talent exists in the secondary to take advantage of it. The safety tandem of Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith is very good, and the corner pairing of Jamel Dean and Benjamin Morrison could play well, depending on their health. Even if everything doesn’t go right, it’s worth noting that Tampa Bay held opponents to 58.7 rushing yards per game, 3.2 ypc, and gave up just 215.1 passing yards per game while ranking third in EPA per Play (41.1 percent) from Weeks 12-18.
14. Kansas City Chiefs
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Kansas City Chiefs
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If the offense is more explosive in 2025, that will take some pressure off the Kansas City Chiefs defense amid signs that this unit is taking a slight step back. We don’t doubt that All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones can maintain that level of excellence for another season, especially if edge rusher George Karlaftis improves. It also helps that Kansas City has an All-Pro corner in Trent McDuffie and one of the best off-ball linebacking corps in the league. With those positives acknowledged, there are also negatives.
Related: Game-by-Game Kansas City Chiefs Predictions 2025
In the final eight regular-season games, Kansas City allowed opponents to average 122.8 rushing yards per game and 4.6 yards per carry. It enabled teams to shorten the distance on third downs, resulting in an alarming 48.15 percent conversion rate. Unsurprisingly, this culminated in the Chiefs’ defense ranking 18th in EPA per Play (0.046) from Weeks 11–18. That’s a concern, and there’s also some uncertainty in the secondary with Justin Reid gone and Kristian Fulton stepping in as a starter.
13. Buffalo Bills
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Buffalo Bills
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Sean McDermott’s defense is pretty consistent, which is remarkable considering all of the injuries this unit has experienced over the last two seasons. From 2023-24, the Buffalo Bills defense ranked 11th in EPA per Play (-0.026). That’s in part thanks to edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, who recorded 35 pressures and 8 sacks in 2024, leading a front seven that had the 10th-highest pressure rate (23.6 percent). Even more credit goes to the Bills’ cornerbacks, led by the criminally underrated Christian Benford, who allowed the sixth-lowest yards per completion (10.4) this past season.
Related: Game-by-Game Buffalo Bills Predictions 2025
Now, there are some issues in Buffalo. Situationally, the Bills allowed the fourth-highest conversion rate (43.8 percent) on third downs last season, and they were league-average in the red zone. McDermott’s hope is that edge rusher Joey Bosa stays healthy and off-ball linebacker Matt Milano returns to form. It’s a gamble, but McDermott’s track record and our faith in the secondary lead us to believe this will remain a good defense.
12. Green Bay Packers
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Green Bay Packers
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Jaire Alexander played 14 total games over the last two seasons, so the Green Bay Packers defense is accustomed to playing without him. In his first season as the Packers’ defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley orchestrated a unit that ranked fourth in Defensive EPA per Play (-0.062) and allowed just 88.4 rushing yards per game with a 4.99 yards-per-play average over the final nine regular-season games.
Related: Game-by-Game Green Bay Packers Predictions 2025
We expect second-year growth from linebacker Edgerrin Cooper, who flashed All-Pro potential as a rookie, along with safety Evan Williams. Hafley also found the perfect way to use All-Pro safety Xavier McKinney last season, and there’s reason to believe Kenny Clark will be better after playing through a foot injury all of last year. This should be a very good defense in 2025, but there will always be some hesitation with a unit that doesn’t have a true No. 1 cornerback or a Pro Bowl-caliber pass rusher. The absence of a consistent game-wrecker separates Green Bay from the very top defenses.
11. New England Patriots
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots made defensive improvements a priority this offseason. Between the free-agent signings of defensive tackle Milton Williams (4 years, $104 million), edge rusher Harold Landry (3 years, $43.5 million), linebacker Robert Spillane (3 years, $37 million), cornerback Carlton Davis III (3 years, $60 million), and edge rusher K’Lavon Chaisson (1 year, $5 million), there’s $72.5 million AAV committed. Under head coach Mike Vrabel, the price should be worth it.
Related: Game-by-Game New England Patriots Predictions 2025
Pairing Williams with a healthy Christian Barmore (who missed time due to blood clots) gives New England one of the best interior defensive lines in the NFL. The Patriots also now have a 1A (Christian Gonzalez) and 1B (Davis) at cornerback, with Marcus Jones in the nickel and safety Jabrill Peppers playing deep. This is now one of the most well-rounded defenses in football, outside of edge rusher. If Landry or Keion White exceed expectations, or if the offense outperforms projections, New England could feature a top-10 defense this year.
10. Cleveland Browns
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Cleveland Browns
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The Cleveland Browns went from having a top-three defense for a majority of the 2023 season to arguably a bottom-12 unit last year. It highlights why a team’s offense plays some role in how the defense performs. Of course, it’s also worth noting that Myles Garrett played through a foot injury last season, and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah suffered a potentially career-threatening neck injury.
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Fortunately for Cleveland, Garrett is healthy, and the front office provided defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz with All-American defensive tackle Mason Graham. The Browns also addressed the glaring hole at off-ball linebacker, using a second-round pick on Carson Schwesinger. Cleveland’s front seven should be improved, and CB1 Denzel Ward is healthy. This should be a very good defense in 2025, but Cleveland’s offense and a below-average secondary outside of Ward likely mean this is this unit’s ceiling.
9. New York Giants
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, New York Giants
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This is a big bet on the New York Giants defensive line. Dexter Lawrence is a perennial All-Pro when healthy, and with offensive lines needing to double-team him so often, that creates opportunities for Pro Bowl edge rusher Brian Burns. While Kayvon Thibodeaux hasn’t necessarily lived up to his draft billing, he’s an effective No. 2 pass rusher who New York will be deploying as its third-best edge rusher because of blue-chip prospect Abdul Carter. We’re not sure how offenses will account for Lawrence, Burns, Carter and Thibodeaux on passing downs because that seems like an impossible task to block them all.
Related: Game-by-Game New York Giants Predictions 2025
That’s what makes the additions in the secondary—safety Jevon Holland and cornerback Paulson Adebo—so crucial. New York now has a high-end starting corner, meaning it can bump down Deonte Banks into the No. 2 role, while Dru Phillips plays the nickel. By the midway point of the season, the tandem of Holland and Tyler Nubin might be one of the best safety pairings in the league. The unfortunate thing for New York is that this defense won’t get to pin its ears back as often as it should because it’s saddled with a bad offense.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Pittsburgh Steelers, Best NFL Defenses
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the best edge rushes in the NFL. Even with first-round pick Derrick Harmon (knee) sidelined for a short time, the trio of Alex Highsmith, T.J. Watt, and Cameron Heyward can take over a game. There’s also depth to this defensive line, with Jack Sawyer, Keeanu Benton, Nick Herbig, and eventually Harmon providing Pittsburgh with a front that could lead the NFL in pressures and sack rate.
Related: Game-by-Game Pittsburgh Steelers Predictions 2025
Regarding the Steelers’ run defense, context matters. As noted by ESPN’s Mina Kimes, Pittsburgh allowed just 3.8 yards per carry to non-Ravens opponents in 2024. So this is a unit that can effectively defend the run and create havoc in the backfield for quarterbacks. Our lone pause comes in the secondary. Betting on 34-year-old Darius Slay is a big gamble, especially since Joey Porter Jr. can be a bit hit-or-miss, and the safety tandem of DeShon Elliott and Juan Thornhill is league-average at best. Fortunately, a great pass rush will mask the secondary’s occasional lapses.
7. Detroit Lions
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Detroit Lions defense was devastated by injuries at every level last season and they still finished seventh in [EPA per Play](http://zachary rbsdm.com/stats/stats/) (-0.44) and eighth in success rate (43.1%). It speaks volumes to how excellent this unit was when Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill were healthy. McNeill will miss the start of the regular season, but Hutchinson is back, as is Marcus Davenport. Detroit also added first-round pick Tyleik Williams and filled the void created by Carlton Davis’ departure with D.J. Reed, who might be just as good.
Related: Game by Game Detroit Lions Predictions, Picks for Every Game on Lions Schedule
What stands in the way of Detroit being placed higher in our NFL defense rankings is first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. He knows the system Aaron Glenn ran in previous years and will likely only make modifications. However, there’s always a learning curve for new play-callers. Baltimore went through that in 2024 with Zachary Orr. We think the Lions’ defense will be less effective out of the gate, but it will approach elite levels once McNeill is back and Sheppard settles in.
6. Minnesota Vikings
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Minnesota Vikings
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Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is better than just about anyone at creating a plan of attack to confuse top quarterbacks. It starts with his creativity in bringing pressure, which begins with the NFL’s highest blitz rate (38.9 percent) in 2024. Minnesota also wins quickly off the snap in the trenches, demonstrated by the fourth-highest ESPN pass-rush win rate (46 percent) last season. Given the additions of Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen on the interior defensive line, there’s a chance this dominant front seven is even better this season.
Related: Game-by-Game Minnesota Vikings Predictions 2025
The big concern with the Vikings’ defense is what’s happening at cornerback. Byron Murphy Jr. is a very good corner, but Minnesota will be relying on the likes of Isaiah Rodgers, Mekhi Blackmon, and Jeff Okudah to play significant snaps in 2025. Keep in mind, this secondary allowed the fifth-most passing yards per game (242) last year, with five opponents throwing for 279-plus yards. When Minnesota’s pass rush doesn’t get home, quarterbacks will be able to attack these corners.
5. Seattle Seahawks
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Best NFL Defenses
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The big leap for the Ravens’ defense under play-caller Mike Macdonald came in the second year of his system. So, if what the Seattle Seahawks did after the acquisition of linebacker Ernest Jones and following the Week 10 bye is an indication of what’s coming, this is going to be one of the best NFL defenses this season.
Seahawks defense (Wk 1-9): 91.9 QB rating, 65.9% completion, 2.3 sacks per game, 139.4 rush ypg, 4.8 ypc average, 5.5 total yards per play, 37.4% third-down conversion, 0.021 EPA per Play (20th)
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Seahawks defense (Wks 10-18): 84.6 QB rating allowed, 63.4% completion rate, 2.7 sacks per game, 96.2 rush ypg, 4.1 ypc average, 5.1 total ypp, 35% third-down conversion, -0.064 EPA per Play (fifth)
A second year in Macdonald’s system will prove very beneficial for the likes of Jones, Byron Murphy, Leonard Williams, Riq Woolen, Julian Love and Devon Witherspoon. Seattle also provided him with more talent this offseason, adding DeMarcus Lawrence and Nick Emmanwori. While this unit doesn’t have a lot of big names, at least nationally, it should still be one of the most effective defenses in the league.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Best NFL Defenses, Philadelphia Eagles
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The Philadelphia Eagles have one of the youngest and best NFL defenses in 2025. What’s unique compared to previous iterations of this team is that the advantages really start away from the line of scrimmage. As a rookie, Quinyon Mitchell played like a top-10 cornerback and he is well-positioned to be a shutdown guy this season. Philadelphia also has fellow second-year corner Cooper DeJean manning the slot, with the safety trio of Sydney Brown, Reed Blankenship and Andrew Mukuba helping behind them. Moving to off-ball linebacker, if Jihaad Campbell stays healthy, the pairing with All-Pro Zack Baun could rival what the Eagles’ linebacker corps delivered last season.
Related: Game-by-Game Philadelphia Eagles Predictions 2025, Weekly Eagles’ Schedule Picks
As for our hangups with the Eagles’ defense, it comes down to edge rusher and the No. 2 corner spot. Nolan Smith Jr. is a potential breakout player, but it’s asking a lot of him to be that No. 1 guy at edge when the options behind him are alarmingly thin. At CB2, Kelee Ringo lost his chance to earn the starting job in training camp and that leaves Adoree Jackson, in his age-30 season, to fill the void. Fortunately for Philadelphia, DPOY candidate Jalen Carter, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and the overall talent on this defense can compensate for those two concerns.
3. Baltimore Ravens
NFL Defense Rankings 2025, Best NFL Defenses
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The turnaround by this Baltimore Ravens defense in the second half of last season was remarkable. From Weeks 1-8, Baltimore allowed a 67.2% completion rate, 101.3 QB rating, 291.4 passing yards per game, 7.6 ypa and 28th in Dropback EPA. After Marcus Williams was benched and play-caller Zach Orr made adjustments, Baltimore allowed a 59.6% completion rate, 77.0 QB rating, 202.1 passing yards per game, 5.7 ypa and ranked second in Dropback EPA (-0.066) from Weeks 9-18. They also allowed the fewest points per game.
Related: Game-by-Game Baltimore Ravens Predictions, Weekly Ravens Schedule Picks
This offseason, the Ravens finally replaced boundary corner Brandon Stephens. Even if Jaire Alexander doesn’t stay healthy, which is likely, he’s a monumental upgrade over Stephens when he’s on the field. When he isn’t, there’s Chidobe Awuzie. Baltimore should be more consistent in Orr’s second season as defensive coordinator, especially with the additions of Alexander, Malaki Starks and Mike Green. Led by an elite secondary and an effective pass rush, Baltimore can comfortably be one of the five best NFL defenses this season.
2. Houston Texans
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Houston Texans have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL, with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. combining for 63 pressures and 23 sacks. It’s one of the big reasons why Houston led the NFL in ESPN pass-rush win rate (49 percent) and recorded the fifth-most sacks, even with Anderson missing three games. Remarkably, Houston added even more pass-rushing depth this offseason by signing Darrell Taylor and Derek Barnett to play rotational roles. Houston has a good chance at leading the NFL in sacks this fall, especially since the cornerback trio of Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, and safety Jalen Pitre is a top-two unit. Give DeMeco Ryans an elite pass rush and secondary, and he can orchestrate the best passing defense in the league.
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It’s the little things that prevent Houston from snagging the No. 1 spot in our NFL defense rankings. First, C.J. Gardner-Johnson (knee) is injured and his backup, Jimmie Ward, could be facing a suspension. Houston is also weak at off-ball linebacker — outside of Azeez Al-Shaair — and defensive tackle. Stopping the run was an issue for this unit in 2024, and the new concerns about depth at safety are an added problem for this team. With that said, we’re nitpicking with one of the league’s best defenses.
1. Denver Broncos
NFL Defense Rankings 2025
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The Denver Broncos have the best defense in the NFL. Led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain, Denver should have a top-10 secondary this season thanks to the addition of safety Talanoa Hufanga. While opponents did pick on the Broncos’ No. 2 corner Riley Moss last season, it’s crucial to keep in mind that he missed time with an MCL strain and then struggled upon his return. Now back at 100 percent, Denver can put Moss and Surtain on the outside with first-round pick Jahdae Barron in the slot. With an underrated pass rush — second-highest pressure rate (30.1 percent) and second-best ESPN Pass Rush Win Rate (46%) — a pass defense that allowed the fifth-lowest touchdown rate (3.6 percent) and the sixth-lowest QB rating (86.2) could be even better this season.
Related: Game-by-Game Denver Broncos Predictions, Weekly Picks for Broncos Schedule 2025
As for Denver’s run defense, it’s just as respectable. Excellent play at off-ball linebacker helped the Broncos allow the third-lowest rushing yards per game (96.4) and the second-lowest Rush Success Rate (34.2 percent) in 2024. That well-rounded play allowed Denver to hold opponents to the third-lowest red zone touchdown rate (46.9 percent) and the lowest points-per-drive average (1.61) in the NFL. Pair that success with the additions of Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw — solving this unit’s two biggest weaknesses in 2024 — and that’s what leads us to believe this can be the best NFL defense in 2025.
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 Tennessee Titans have the worst NFL defense right now.
Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?
The Denver Broncos have the best pass defense in the NFL entering the 2025 season, followed by the Houston Texans.
Who has the worst pass defense in the NFL?
The Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders have the worst pass defenses in the NFL heading into the 2025 season.
Who has the best run defense in the NFL?
The Baltimore Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game and the lowest yards per carry average.
Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?
The New Orleans Saints are projected to have the worst run defense in the NFL this season.
Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings led the NFL in takeaways with 33 turnovers generated.
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 Jacksonville Jaguars allowed the most passing yards in the NFL in 2024.
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 Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings are some of the best NFL defenses to target in fantasy.
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NFL, MLB & college football writer for Sportsnaut. Graduated from San Diego State University with BA in Journalism, 2019. ... More about Matt Johnson