Who has the best NFL defense in 2023? Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league on a weekly basis to determine the best defenses in the NFL. You can also check out our NFL offense rankings.
Let’s examine our latest NFL defense rankings, reviewing how teams performed in Week 10 and provide an early preview for Week 11.
Table of Contents
2023 NFL defense rankings: Worst defenses in NFL
32. Los Angeles Chargers
- Previously: 29th in NFL power rankings
- Next Opponent: Green Bay Packers
It’s performances like that one from the Los Angeles Chargers that warrant a reputation for having the worst defense in the NFL. We’ve grown accustomed to the Chargers’ secondary being a sieve, with quarterbacks picking it apart with ease. What stood out, of course, on Sunday was the Chargers’ run defense regressing to 2022 levels. Don’t let a matchup against a bad Green Bay Packers offense convince you the Chargers’ defense is even average.
31. Las Vegas Raiders
- Previously: 31st in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Miami Dolphins
Allowing only 12 points on Sunday Night Football doesn’t really tell the whole story about the Las Vegas Raiders defense. New York, one of the worst red-zone offenses in the league managed to pile up 365 total yards and averaged 5.8 yards per play, but it went 0-for-1 in the red zone and blew multiple touchdown opportunities. The level of performance Las Vegas showed defensively on Sunday will have ugly results if that same effort is reflected against the Miami Dolphins in Week 11.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders coaching candidates
30. Arizona Cardinals
- Previously: 32nd in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Houston Texans
While the Atlanta Falcons might not have one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL, it’s not for a lack of talent. That’s what made this an impressive defensive performance for the Arizona Cardinals, who held Atlanta to nine points outside of the second quarter (14). One game doesn’t suddenly make Arizona a good defense, of course, so expect plenty of regression in Week 11 against C.J. Stroud.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft team needs
29. New York Giants
- Previously: 27th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Washington Commanders
Let us introduce you to what happens when an organization throws in the towel on the season. Defenders, whether they are highly paid or fighting for that next contract, see their organization put Tommy DeVito under center and realize their team is essentially tanking. That mindset helps explain what happened to the Giants’ defense on Sunday. With New York not backing off a seeming tank job, Sam Howell should torch the Giants’ secondary in Week 11.
Related: New York Giants ‘won’t hesitate’ on pivotal 2024 decision
28. Washington Commanders
- Previously: 30th in NFL power rankings
- Next Opponent: New York Giants
The team that traded away Montez Sweat and Chase Young recorded its first sack in two weeks on Sunday, so we’ll consider that a small positive. Even with that, Jack Del Rio’s defense allowed 275-plus passing yards for the fifth time this season and the Seattle Seahawks will tell you they left more points on the board. The Commanders’ pass rush is weaker than it used to be a month ago and that will continue to have dire consequences. Just, not against Tommy DeVito. He’ll make this defense look great.
27. Tennessee Titans
- Previously: 21st in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars
It could’ve been so much worse than the 20 points scored by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Mike Evans dropped a wide-open touchdown, Baker Mayfield gave the football away and the Buccaneers’ offensive line didn’t fare as well as expected. Still, Tampa Bay averaged 5.6 yards per play with a 46.7 percent third-down conversion rate. Tennessee’s defense is just too volatile and there are too many holes at corner to expect week-to-week consistency.
Related: Longest field goals in NFL history
26. Carolina Panthers
- Previously: 26th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Dallas Cowboys
When your offense leaves you on the field for nearly 34 minutes of action, it can be difficult to play sufficient defense for all four quarters. The Carolina Panthers still held Chicago to 6-of-15 on third downs on Thursday Night Football and the Bears’ offense managed just 4.2 yards per play. However, Carolina’s run defense let it down once more. Injuries and an offense that can’t sustain drives nor protect the football are Carolina’s biggest problems right now. As for the Panthers’ defense, it’s definitely going to struggle in Week 11 against the Dallas Cowboys.
Related: NFL insider details growing frustration inside Carolina Panthers’ organization
25. Los Angeles Rams
- Previously: 28th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
The Los Angeles Rams defense opened the year holding opponents to 184.8 passing yards per game with a 56 percent completion rate and a 79.3 QB rating. In the last five games before the bye week, this same unit allowed a 95.7 QB rating with a 67.1 percent completion rate and 243.2 passing yards per game. For as great as Aaron Donald and a few emerging standouts on this unit are, the Rams’ defense is regressing to the standard you’d expect based on its limited depth and pool of talent. Expect a rough showing in Week 11 against Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, Kenneth Walker III and Geno Smith.
24. Chicago Bears
- Previously: 25th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Detroit Lions
The Chicago Bears’ defense met expectations on Thursday Night Football against the Panthers’ offense. Against a bottom-five offensive line, Chicago totaled three sacks with nine QB hits and six tackles for loss. In addition, the Bears’ defense held Carolina to 3.7 yards per play with a 20 percent third-down conversion rate. In the last five games, Chicago’s opponents are now averaging just 210.4 passing yards and 53.8 rushing yards per game, with a 5.4 net yards per attempt average, an 89 QB rating and zero rushing touchdowns. While we’re skeptical that success continues against the Detroit Lions in Week 11, Chicago is definitely headed in a positive direction.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft order, picks by team
23. New England Patriots
- Previously: 18th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: New York Giants (Week 12)
It could’ve been so much worse for the New England Patriots defense on Sunday in Germany. Even against a journeyman quarterback, the Patriots couldn’t generate any pressure and that allowed Gardner Minshew to hang around in the pocket for five-plus seconds until someone inevitably got open. Bill Belichick knows pressure is the key to defensive success and New England simply isn’t capable of doing that right now. As long as that’s the case, even with the Patriots’ secondary getting healthier, the Patriots’ defense is going to experience a lot of long Sundays when it returns from the bye week.
Related: Latest on Bill Belichick’s future with New England Patriots
22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Previously: 24th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: San Francisco 49ers
Even without one of their top cornerbacks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass defense finally stepped up. Rookie Will Levis was awful throwing more incompletions (20) than completed passes (19), resulting in just 167 net passing yards against Tampa Bay. The least surprising, thing, of course, was Tampa Bay’s front seven suffocating the Titans’ ground game. Of course, going from a matchup against Tennessee to facing the San Francisco 49ers offense feels like the equivalent of making the jump from the NCAA to the NFL.
21. Green Bay Packers
- Previously: 22nd in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Los Angeles Chargers
Taking the field without Quay Walker certainly didn’t help the Green Bay Packers run defense. Then again, this team hasn’t been able to stop the run for years. Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris either cruised through open rushing lanes or broke through multiple attempted tackles by Packers’ defenders on the way to 205 rushing yards. But hey, at least Green Bay’s defense allowed just 119 net passing yards with a 30.8 percent third-down conversion rate. Expect Justin Herbert and Keenan Allen to test this secondary a lot more in Week 11, but there’s a chance Jaire Alexander returns.
2023 NFL defense rankings: Top 20 defenses in NFL
20. Houston Texans
- Previously: 19th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Arizona Cardinals
On the surface, it’s never great when a defense allows 6.3 yards per play and 27 points. However, there are plenty of numbers to like from this defensive effort from the Houston Texans on Sunday. Against a scorching-hot Bengals’ offense, Houston picked Joe Burrow off twice, sacked him four times with nine QB hits and held Cincinnati to a 33 percent red-zone touchdown rate. C.J. Stroud is the biggest reason why the Texans won, but Houston’s defense made more than enough big plays to help decide it. The Texans D/ST is a risk-reward fantasy option in Week 11.
Related: NFL Defensive Player of the Year race
19. Cincinnati Bengals
- Previously: 13th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Baltimore Ravens
There’s always going to be inconsistency when a defense is relying on a lot of young players in its secondary. On Sunday, we saw the version of the Cincinnati Bengals defense that allowed nearly 500 combined passing yards with a 4-1 TD-INT line to Lamar Jackson (Week 2) and Ryan Tannehill (Week 4). Although, it might simply be time to recognize the Houston Texans as the newest elite offense. Thursday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens will be a perfect test for Cincinnati.
Related: NFL MVP odds
18. Denver Broncos
- Previously: 20th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Buffalo Bills (MNF)
It might seem absurd to place the Denver Broncos defense here considering the unfortunate record-setting pace they were on to open the season. Yet a few changes have made a massive difference. Before the bye week, the Broncos’ defense held its last four opponents to 218 passing yards per game with a 3-5 TD-INT line and an 80.5 QB rating. The Broncos pass rush improved as well, recording 2.3 sacks per game and Denver held its last four opponents to a 32.7 percent third-down conversion rate, including two matchups against Patrick Mahomes. We’re giving Vance Joseph the benefit of the doubt coming out of the bye, although, Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs could change that quickly next Monday.
Related: NFL coaching hot seat
17. Atlanta Falcons
- Previously: 15th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: New Orleans Saints (Week 12)
The Arizona Cardinals offense is completely different with Kyler Murray and James Conner out there. It’s part of the reason why Atlanta allowing over 350 yards and nearly 6 yards per play can’t come as a surprise, especially with Grady Jarrett on season-ending IR. Unfortunately, the Falcons’ defense from earlier in the year just isn’t coming back. It won’t be as bad as it was in 2022, but the weeks when fans trusted this defense are gone.
16. Buffalo Bills
- Previously: 16th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Denver Broncos (MNF)
The addition of Rasul Douglas changed nothing for the Buffalo Bills defense. Douglas is a very good cornerback and in time, he’ll help the Bills’ secondary start to turn things around. However, he was never an ideal option to line up against No. 1 receivers and even if he’s doing well in that, opponents can still exploit the other Bills’ cornerbacks. Season-ending injuries played a massive role in Buffalo’s defensive regression, but it’s also time to start placing some blame on general manager Brandon Beane for missing on some top picks. With the state this defense is in right now, Russell Wilson and Co. could have a productive Monday night in Week 10.
- Cincinnati Bengals offense (Week 9): 108.9 QB rating, 348 passing yards, 7.9 yards per attempt, 1 sack, 2-0 TD-INT, 53.3% third-down conversion rate
- Buffalo Bills defense (Week 5-8): 99.9 QB rating allowed, 238.8 pass ypg, 6.1 NY/A, 3 sacks per game, 5-0 TD-INT, 45.9% third-down conversion rate allowed
Related: Heisman Watch
15. Indianapolis Colts
- Previously: 23rd in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Week 12)
The competition certainly helped, but credit to the Indianapolis Colts defensive front for a great showing on Sunday against the pass. Dayo Odeyingbo is really stepping up, recording a career-high 3 sacks in Week 10, tacking on multiple pressures and boasting an excellent 15.3 percent pressure rate in the last four games. When Indianapolis returns from the bye, it’s going to need another strong effort from this pass rush against a stout Buccaneers’ offensive line. If the Colts don’t get pressure, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will wreak havoc on this secondary.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
- Previously: 14th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs
Maybe the Philadelphia Eagles figured some things out defensively. Then again, acquiring All-Pro safety Kevin Byard was supposed to fix this pass defense. Entering their Week 10 bye, Philadelphia’s pass defense had allowed a 99.2 QB rating average to opponents with a 10-2TD-INT line and a 66.2 percent completion rate. Simply put, finding holes in the Eagles’ secondary has been easy for just about any quarterback.
It’s a shame too because this same defense has the eighth-highest pressure rate (25.7 percent), ranks top-five in sacks (30) and allows the fewest rushing yards per game (66.3) to opponents. It all makes for a fascinating Week 11 matchup against a Kansas City Chiefs offense that is not committing to running the football as much as it should and has one of the NFL’s worst receiving corps. On paper, this matchup might actually line up nicely for Philadelphia. Then again, time to throw is all Patrick Mahomes needs to devastate any secondary.
13. Seattle Seahawks
- Previously: 12th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Los Angeles Rams
Devon Witherspoon is approaching Sauce Gardner territory in terms of defensive impact as a rookie. While the talented cornerback hasn’t been as historically dominant in coverage as Gardner was last year, Witherspoon already looks like one of the best run-stuffing cornerbacks in the NFL. If you go beyond Witherspoon, Boye Mafe, Leonard Williams and Riq Woolen are all playing great defensive football right now. Seattle is so close to having a top-10 defense, it just needs to clean things up on third down and especially in close-out situations.
Related: Week 11 fantasy rankings
12. Minnesota Vikings
- Previously: 17th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Denver Broncos
Brian Flores is a special defensive mind. He doesn’t have the talent or experience at cornerback to make his scheme as effective as it should be, yet he keeps generating positive results. After holding the Saints’ offense to 19 points and 280 total yards on Sunday with a 28.6 percent third-down conversion rate, the Minnesota Vikings defense has now held its last seven opponents under a 210 passing yards per game average with 18 sacks and it’s now allowing just 18 PPG in the last seven weeks. It’s time to start talking up Flores as a head-coaching candidate again.
Related: Check Out MinnesotaSportsFan.com for great Vikings’ coverage
11. Detroit Lions
![NFL: Detroit Lions at Tampa Bay Buccaneers](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-Detroit-Lions-at-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-21656538.jpg?w=612)
- Previously: No. 8 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Chicago Bears
We’re officially concerned. Before the bye week, the Detroit Lions held Las Vegas to 77 passing yards, but everyone watching that Monday Night Football game saw how many wide-open receivers Jimmy Garoppolo missed. On Sunday, the Lions’ defense looked like the same one that was annihilated by Lamar Jackson (357 pass yards, 3 TDs) as Justin Herbert put up 323 yards and four scores with Keenan Allen (11-175-2) devastating Detroit’s secondary. Any further regression from the Lions’ defense puts their NFC title aspirations in serious jeopardy.
NFL defense rankings: Top 10 NFL defenses in 2023
10. Miami Dolphins
![Syndication: Palm Beach Post](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Syndication-Palm-Beach-Post-21768355.jpg?w=666)
- Previously: 11th in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Las Vegas Raiders
Coming out of the bye, the Miami Dolphins defense has a prime opportunity to strengthen its improving reputation. The Las Vegas Raiders have one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL with a rookie quarterback who tends to hang onto the football too long. That’s exactly what you want if you’re Vic Fangio, especially when your defense has the fifth-highest pressure rate (27.4 percent) in the NFL.
- Miami Dolphins defense stats (Week 1-4): 104.9 QB rating allowed, 7-2 TD-INT, 251 passing yards per game, 2.5 sacks per game, 123.5 rush ypg, 4.3 ypc, 46.2% third-down conversion rate allowed
- Miami Dolphins defense stats (Week 5-9): 95.1 QB rating allowed, 7-2 TD-INT, 188.4 passing yards per game, 3.8 sacks per game, 92.4 rush upg, 3.5 ypc, 29% third-down conversion rate
Miami has the All-Pro cornerback (Jalen Ramsey) to match up with Davante Adams in single coverage and the surrounding talent to take the underneath throws away from O’Connell, all while terrorizing the rookie with pressure. Miami’s defense is finally healthy and could be a top-10 unit the rest of the way.
Related: NFL expert picks
9. Jacksonville Jaguars
![NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-San-Francisco-49ers-at-Jacksonville-Jaguars-21883117.jpg?w=666)
- Previously: No. 7 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Tennessee Titans
The entire Jacksonville Jaguars roster seemingly believed Week 10 was also a bye. San Francisco annihilated this defense, averaging 7.3 yards per play with 437 total yards on just 11 drives. What’s remarkable is the fact that Jacksonville held the 49ers to a 33 percent third-down conversion rate and yet still allowed 400-plus yards and four offensive touchdowns. Life will be much easier for the Jaguars’ defense in Week 11 against Tennessee, but this effort exposed some real problems that playoff contenders will attack.
Related: Super Bowl odds
8. New Orleans Saints
![NFL: New Orleans Saints at Minnesota Vikings](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-New-Orleans-Saints-at-Minnesota-Vikings-21883811.jpg?w=666)
- Previously: No. 8 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Atlanta Falcons (Week 12)
Coming into Week 10, the New Orleans Saints defense had held tight ends to just 332 receiving yards (fifth-lowest in NFL) but allowed the most touchdowns (five) to the position. New Orleans knew T.J. Hockenson would be Joshua Dobbs’ go-to target and they still couldn’t stop it (134 receiving yards, 1 TD on 15 targets). Speaking of things New Orleans spent a week preparing for but couldn’t contain, Dobbs ran for a score and tacked on 44 rushing yards.
Related: NFL stadium rankings
Still, on a weekend when many of the best NFL defenses struggled, New Orleans at least made adjustments. The Vikings managed just three points in the second half, recording four 3-and-outs. It’s something to build from as the Saints prepare for an Atlanta Falcons offense that loves using its tight ends.
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
![NFL: Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-Green-Bay-Packers-at-Pittsburgh-Steelers-21883751.jpg?w=624)
- Previously: No. 10 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Cleveland Browns
It didn’t look good early for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense. In its first three drives, the Packers offense scored two touchdowns with 158 total yards. It evidently served as a wake-up call for this unit. Pittsburgh allowed just six points the rest of the way, picking off Jordan Love twice and holding him to a 71.8 QB rating. There are still some weaknesses defensively, mainly the secondary and run defense, but Pittsburgh has reclaimed its title as one of the 10 best NFL defenses in 2023.
Related: Highest-paid NFL players
6. Dallas Cowboys
![NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Dallas Cowboys](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-Los-Angeles-Rams-at-Dallas-Cowboys-21768866.jpg?w=666)
- Previously: No. 6 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Carolina Panthers
It’s too easy for the Dallas Cowboys offense in games like this. Tommy DeVito nearly had as many combined sacks and interceptions as completions to Giants’ players. Quite frankly, we can’t even fairly assess the Cowboys’ pass defense considering the competition faced. However, one thing that remains true is this unit has the highest peak of any defense in football. In other words, they will feast on the Panthers’ offense in Week 11.
5. New York Jets
![NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at New York Jets](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-Los-Angeles-Chargers-at-New-York-Jets-21837425.jpg?w=666)
- Previously: No. 4 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Buffalo Bills
Just another instance of the New York Jets defense doing more than enough to win and it not being enough because of the offense. Robert Saleh’s defense held Las Vegas under 275 total yards with a 33% third-down conversion rate and they sacked Aidan O’Connell three times while also generating two takeaways. It didn’t matter, allowing 16 points was enough to lose. The results won’t be any better in Week 11 against Buffalo.
4. San Francisco 49ers
![NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Jacksonville Jaguars](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-San-Francisco-49ers-at-Jacksonville-Jaguars-21883126.jpg?w=666)
- Previously: No. 5 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chase Young made quite the difference for this San Francisco 49ers pass rush. Against a formidable Jaguars offense on Sunday afternoon, the 49ers terrorized Trevor Lawrence and built a brick wall in front of running back Travis Etienne. San Francisco generated 10 QB hits, five sacks and picked Lawrence off twice with just a 48.4 QB rating allowed. As for San Francisco’s run defense, Etienne managed just 35 yards on nine carries. Tampa Bay has an above-average offensive line, but a repeat performance from the 49ers’ pass rush is easily possible. If it happens, San Francisco will challenge for the No. 3 spot in our rankings.
Related: NFL insider suggests San Francisco 49ers star may be traded in 2024
3. Kansas City Chiefs
![NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-Los-Angeles-Chargers-at-Kansas-City-Chiefs-21713456.jpg?w=666)
- Previously: 3rd in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles
The Kansas City Chiefs defense is carrying this team right now. Entering NFL games today, Kansas City allowed the fourth-lowest yards per play average (4.8), the second-lowest opponents’ scoring rate (25.5 percent), the 10th-lowest conversion rate on third downs (36.5 percent) and the seventh-fewest red-zone scoring attempts per game (2.7).
Related: College Football Defense rankings
Now, this unit faces its toughest test in 2023 and it’s a Super Bowl rematch. Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith take on a Chiefs’ secondary that has allowed the third-fewest yards per attempt (6.1) with the second-most QB hits (69) and the second-highest pressure rate (28.2 percent) in the NFL. This is the definition of strength versus strength, with Kansas City’s pass rush and top cornerback Trent McDuffie representing the X-factors.
2. Baltimore Ravens
![NFL: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-Cleveland-Browns-at-Baltimore-Ravens-21883011.jpg?w=667)
- Previously: No. 1 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals (TNF)
Responsibility for another fourth-quarter collapse doesn’t fall on one of the best defenses in the NFL. This was far from a clean performance from the Baltimore Ravens defensively, with Cleveland averaging 5 yards per play with a 50 percent third-down conversion rate. Baltimore’s defense recorded three sacks and two takeaways, yet was still left on the field for nearly 35 minutes of action. To make matters worse, days out from a matchup against Joe Burrow and Co., cornerback Marlon Humphrey could miss significant time.
1. Cleveland Browns
![NFL: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/NFL-Cleveland-Browns-at-Baltimore-Ravens-21883691.jpg?w=667)
- Previously: No. 2 in NFL defense rankings
- Next Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
If that’s what the Cleveland Browns defense can do to what was previously a buzzsaw of a Ravens’ offense, we can’t fathom what fate Kenny Pickett is destined for in Week 11. Led by Myles Garrett, Cleveland is better than just about anyone at collapsing the pocket and forcing rattled quarterbacks into bad decisions. That’s a recipe for disaster for Pickett. The Browns D/ST has a fantastic opportunity to be the No. 1 fantasy defense in Week 11. One thing is for certain, that effort proved the Browns have the best defense in the NFL.
Week 11 fantasy defense rankings
Looking further out on the NFL slate, here’s our preliminary Week 11 fantasy D/ST rankings. You can submit any questions regarding NFL defenses on Twitter to @Matt_Sportsnaut.
- Dallas Cowboys D/ST vs Carolina Panthers
- Cleveland Browns D/ST vs Pittsburgh Steelers
- San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Washington Commanders D/ST vs New York Giants
- Miami Dolphins D/ST vs Las Vegas Raiders
- Seattle Seahawks D/ST vs Los Angeles Rams
- Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs Cleveland Browns
- Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST vs Tennessee Titans
- New York Jets D/ST vs Buffalo Bills
- Detroit Lions D/ST vs Chicago Bears
- Los Angeles Chargers D/ST vs Green Bay Packers
- Denver Broncos D/ST vs Minnesota Vikings
- Green Bay Packers D/ST vs Los Angeles Chargers
- Houston Texans D/ST vs Arizona Cardinals
- Baltimore Ravens D/ST vs Cincinnati Bengals
NFL defense stats 2023
NFL defense rankings FAQ
What is the best defense in the NFL?
The Cleveland Browns have the best defense in the NFL right now.
What are the top 10 defenses in the NFL?
- Miami Dolphins
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- New Orleans Saints
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Jets
- San Francisco 49ers
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cleveland Browns
What NFL defense is best for fantasy?
NFL defenses that generate a lot of takeaways and sacks, including the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns are great defenses for fantasy.
What is the 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 NFL defense is best for fantasy?
NFL defenses that generate a lot of takeaways and sacks, including the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns are great defenses for fantasy.
Who is the number 1 defense in NFL?
The Cleveland Browns have the No. 1 defense in the NFL through the first 10 weeks of the 2023 season.
Related: Longest field goals in NFL history
Who has the best defense in NFL history?
![USA TODAY Sports](https://sportsnaut.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/USA-TODAY-Sports-2122715-788x444.jpg)
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.
Who has the weakest pass defense in the NFL?
The Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers have the worst pass defenses in the NFL in 2023.
Related: Best undrafted players in NFL history
What is the best NFL pass defense?
The San Francisco 49ers have the best pass defense in the NFL, allowing just 197.8 passing yards per game with a 67.2 QB rating.
What teams have the best defense in the NFL?
The Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys have the best defenses in the NFL based on our 2023 NFL defense rankings.
Who has the best run defense in the NFL?
The Philadelphia Eagles have the best NFL run defense in 2023, allowing just 62.9 rushing yards per game to opponents (lowest in NFL) and a 3.6 yards per carry average.
Who has the worst defense in the NFL 2023?
The Los Angeles Chargers have the worst NFL defense right now.
What defense allows most rushing yards?
Entering Week 10, the Denver Broncos has the worst run defense in the NFL allowing over 170 rushing yards per game.
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.
NFL sack leaders 2022
- Joey Bosa, San Francisco 49ers – 18.5 sacks
- Haason Reddick, Philadelphia Eagles – 16 sacks
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns – 16 sacks
- Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs – 15.5 sacks
- Matthew Judon, New England Patriots – 15.5 sacks
Related: 10 Most Popular American Football Teams and Why
NFL sack leaders by year
- 2022: Joey Bosa, San Francisco 49ers – 18.5 sacks
- 2021: T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers – 22.5 sacks
- 2020: T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers – 15 sacks
- 2019: Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 19.5 sacks
- 2018: Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams – 20.5 sacks