NFL defense rankings 2024: Eagles soar into best NFL defenses, Week 12 fantasy D/ST rankings

Who has the best NFL defense in 2024? Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league every week to determine the best defenses in the NFL.

Let’s dive into our NFL defense rankings following Week 11. Note: Our NFL defense rankings are season-long, but you can find our Week 12 fantasy defense rankings below followed by our analysis of all 32 defenses.

Week 12 fantasy defense rankings

1. Denver Broncos D/ST vs Las Vegas Raiders
2. Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs Cleveland Browns
3. Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs Carolina Panthers
4. Houston Texans D/ST vs Tennessee Titans
5. Minnesota Vikings D/ST vs Chicago Bears
6. Detroit Lions D/ST vs Indianapolis Colts
7. Miami Dolphins D/ST vs New England Patriots
8. Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs Los Angeles Rams
9. Washington Commanders D/ST vs Dallas Cowboys
10. San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs Green Bay Packers
11. Chicago Bears D/ST vs Minnesota Vikings
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST vs New York Giants
13. Los Angeles Chargers D/ST vs Baltimore Ravens
14. Green Bay Packers D/ST vs San Francisco 49ers
15. Tennessee Titans D/ST vs Houston Texans

Related: Week 12 fantasy rankings

With our Week 12 fantasy defense rankings out of the way, let’s dive into our NFL defense rankings 2024 with evaluations of the worst and best NFL defenses right now. As always, the NFL stats we use are from RBSDM.com, ESPN and Pro Football Reference.

NFL defense rankings: Worst NFL defenses 2024

32. Carolina Panthers (32)

The worst defense in the NFL has truly been abysmal this season. Through 10 games, the Carolina Panthers have allowed the fifth-highest touchdown rate on red-zone attempts (66.7 percent) with the highest third-down conversion rate allowed (48.1 percent), the most points per drive (2.7) and they are bottom five in NFL defensive stats against the run and pass. There’s very little talent to speak of on this unit, simple as that.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (30)

Firing Doug Pederson won’t fix this defense, but cutting ties with general manager Trent Baalke is the first step towards correcting this unit. Week 11 marked the fifth time this season, all since September 23, that the Jacksonville Jaguars have allowed 30-plus points and 380-plus total yards to its opponent. Facing the Houston Texans after the bye in Week 13, it’s a perfect opportunity for C.J. Stroud, Nico Collins and Joe Mixon to go off for big games.

Related: NFL coaching candidates

30. Cincinnati Bengals (31)

The Cincinnati Bengals defense was awful again on Sunday, allowing over 350 total yards to Justin Herbert while J.K. Dobbins and Gus Wards combined for 83 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. Cincinnati is abysmal against the run (155 yards, 6.2 ypc allowed on Sunday) and equally woeful at defending the pass. It’s not going to get any better after the bye.

29. Atlanta Falcons (27)

Failing to address a non-existent pass rush at the NFL trade deadline continues to haunt the Atlanta Falcons. Taking the field in Week 11, the Falcons had the lowest sack rate (2.5 percent) with the fourth-worst pressure rate (17.4 percent) and the seventh-worst ESPN pass rush win rate (35 percent). When you give the opposing quarterback clean pockets on nearly every dropback, you get results like Bo Nix throwing for 260-plus yards with 3 touchdowns in three quarters. Atlanta once again has one of the worst NFL defenses, a tradition as old as time for this franchise.

Related: NFL Week 12 power rankings, evaluating all 32 teams after Week 11

28. New York Jets (19)

Each passing week makes it glaringly obvious that firing Robert Saleh was a mistake by Aaron Rodgers and Woody Johnson. Since Week 6, the Jets defense ranks 32nd in EPA per Play allowed (0.149) and 25th in opponents’ Success Rate (45.4 percent). Translating that to more standard NFL stats, New York has allowed a 98.3 QB rating, 148.8 rushing yards per game and a 44 percent third-down conversion rate in the last five games. All of that was before the Indianapolis Colts put up 28 points, 332 total yards and had a 75 percent red-zone touchdown rate. Needless to say, interim coach Jeff Ulbrich won’t be a head coach in 2025.

27. New England Patriots (28)

There’s the New England Patriots defense we’ve grown accustomed to seeing this season. Matthew Stafford lit up the Patriots secondary, turning just 18 completing into 295 passing yards (10.9 ypa) with 4 touchdowns and a 142.7 QB rating. New England didn’t allow a 100-yard game to Kyren Williams, but the Rams’ running back averaged 5.7 yards per carry (86 yards). In related news, a Patriots’ pass rush that has been invisible outside of Week 10, didn’t sack Stafford once. Tua Tagovailoa and De’Von Achane should have a fun Week 12.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)

In their last four games before the bye, this Tamp Bay Buccaneers defense allowed 281.8 pass ypg, 9.2 ypa with a 75.6 percent completion rate and a 14-0 TD-INT line to opponents. Not to be outdone, Tampa Bay also surrendered 143 rushing yards per game and 4.9 yards per carry. We’re not betting on Todd Bowles fixing everything after the bye. However, the upcoming Buccaneers schedule (at Giants, at Panthers, vs Raiders) guarantees this unit will look good in the next three weeks.

25. Las Vegas Raiders (22)

The white flag has been waved. There’s a point in every season where a defense that has been slightly below-average just gives up when it realizes the season is essentially over and it can’t overcome its anchor of an offense. That’s the position the Las Vegas Raiders are in right now. A week after allowing 41 points, 373 total yards, 5.3 yards per play and a 53 percent third-down conversion rate to the Bengals, Las Vegas just allowed 34 points to Miami with a 5.5 yards-per-play average and a 67 percent third-down conversion rate. Get ready Bo Nix, Week 12 is going to be fun.

Related: Las Vegas Raiders coaching candidates to replace Antonio Pierce

24. Dallas Cowboys (29)

The Dallas Cowboys run defense is as bad as ever, allowing Joe Mixon to rush for 3 touchdowns and 109 yards even with one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. Houston did finish with just a 25 percent third-down conversion rate and a 50 percent red-zone touchdown rate, but that feels like a greater reflection on a Texans offense that has been struggling. The Cowboys defense provides a get-right game for the Commanders offense in Week 12.

Related: Dallas Cowboys coaching candidates

23. Cleveland Browns (18)

In the previous three games, the Cleveland Browns allowed an 8-0 TD-INT ratio and 114.3 QB rating to Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts and Justin Herbert. We gave this defense a little benefit of the doubt, given it faced three of the best quarterbacks in football. On Sunday, Derek Carr put up a 129.5 QB rating with 2 touchdowns, 248 passing yards and he averaged 9.2 ypa. New Orleans also rushed for 214 yards, with Taysom Hill (138 yards and 3 touchdowns) having the game of his life. It’s over for the Browns defense.

22. New Orleans Saints (25)

The New Orleans Saints run defense made an appearance for the first time in weeks. After allowing its last eight opponents to average 160.5 rush ypg and 5.5 yards per carry with 13 touchdowns, New Orleans ceded just 66 rushing yards and 3.3 ypc to the Cleveland Browns. Now granted, Jameis Winston did put up nearly 400 passing yards with 2 touchdowns. The Saints defense is still bad, but at least there’s a little more effort now.

21. Seattle Seahawks (22)

Signs of life from Mike MacDonald’s defense. Consider the text, prior to Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers had never scored fewer than 20 points against the Seattle Seahawks (Mina Kimes) and that came with Nick Mullens under center. San Francisco netted just 277 total yards on Sunday, coughing up a turnover and getting held out of the end zone in the second and third quarters. It’s a step forward for Seattle after a rough stretch.

NFL defense rankings: Packers fall, Colts climb

20. Baltimore Ravens (21)

The Baltimore Ravens defense isn’t the reason they lost on Sunday, something we haven’t said before this season. Of the 18 points allowed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, six came shortly after turnovers in Ravens’ territory. Baltimore only allowed Pittsburgh to convert 25 percent of its 16 third-down attempts while averaging just 4.1 yards per play. If this version of the Ravens defense can keep showing up, Baltimore should be able to win on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Related: NFL power rankings 2024

19. New York Giants (20)

The New York Giants’ defensive issues probably aren’t getting any better after the bye. Through 10 games, the Giants allow the fifth-most rushing yards per game (147.1) and the highest yards-per-carry average (5.3). Meanwhile, when this excellent defensive line doesn’t get home quickly, it gets ugly for New York’s secondary. With how well the Buccaneers offensive line is performing, Baker Mayfield should have a great game.

18. Indianapolis Colts (23)

Stopping running backs remains a problem for the Indianapolis Colts, as evidenced by Breece Hall turning 23 touches into 121 scrimmage yards and 2 touchdowns. As for the rest of the Jets offense, it finished with just 132 scrimmage yards. Indianapolis is really making strides defensively as of late, but it’s in for a brutal test against the Detroit Lions in Week 12.

17. Green Bay Packers (14)

The Green Bay Packers still can’t consistently generate pressure on quarterbacks, which is leading to more problems for a secondary that can’t rely on Jaire Alexander being out there because of injuries. Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley also seemed unaware that Caleb Williams (70 rushing yards) is a legitimate dual-threat quarterback, with the Bears’ quarterback accounting for 39 percent of Chicago’s 179 rushing yards on Sunday. This unit has its moments but with its turnover luck regressing to normal, it’s performance is steadily dropping.

16. Miami Dolphins (15)

The Miami Dolphins had no answer for Brock Bowers, who drew 16 of Gardner Minshew’s 43 pass attempts and turned them into 13 receptions for 126 yards and a touchdown. Outside of that, Miami did a decent job neutralizing the rest of this Raiders offense. The third-down defense and pass rush must improve, but the Dolphins D/ST is an excellent streaming option in Week 12 against the Patriots.

Related: Winners, Losers from NFL Week 11

15. Tennessee Titans (13)

It’s a familiar story with the Tennessee Titans defense, made worse by mounting injuries. Minnesota dominated time of possession on Sunday, turning 12 drives into 318 total yards and 23 points. The Titans defense stepped up in some key situations, holding the Vikings to 5-for-14 on third downs and erasing the run game (82 yards and 2.5 ypc). Unfortunately, absences in the secondary and an offense that can’t sustain drives are preventing this defense from being even better in Dennard Wilson’s first year as defensive play-caller.

14. Los Angeles Rams (16)

It was a letdown performance from the Los Angeles Rams defense on Sunday. Drake Maye set career-highs in passing yards (282), completion rate (75 percent) and quarterback rating (100.2). With that acknowledged, Los Angeles did limit the Patriots to a 40 percent red-zone touchdown rate and it generated 2 takeaways. Plus, from Weeks 6-10, the Rams ranked third in EPA per Play allowed (-0.11) and sixth in Success Rate (41.2%).

13. Washington Commanders (12)

We’re banking on the eventual debut of Marshon Lattimore. The Pro Bowl cornerback certainly won’t fix the Washington Commanders run defense, but he will give Dan Quinn someone he can put in man coverage against No. 1 receivers and have confidence in. That makes a big difference, both with Quinn’s play-calling and in how the rest of this unit performs.

12. Arizona Cardinals (17)

In their last four games before the bye, the Arizona Cardinals defense allowed just 1 total passing touchdown with a 5.2 net yards per attempt average. That success comes in large part because of a pass rush that is averaging 3.3 sacks per game. All the while, Arizona stepped up against the run with opponents averaging just 89.3 rush ypg. That’s how a bottom-five defense through the first six games suddenly ranks 11th in EPA per Play (-0.036) since Week 7.

11. Chicago Bears (11)

New week, same story for the Chicago Bears defense. Green Bay became the eighth opponent this season to record 100-plus rushing yards with over 4 yards per carry and at least 1 touchdown against Chicago. Josh Jacobs even killed the Bears as a pass-catching back (58 yards), too. Having entered Sunday with the best red-zone defense in the NFL (37 percent red-zone touchdown rate), Chicago forced 2 turnovers inside the 10-yard line. Once more though, this unit gave up a big play downfield in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. This is a very good defense that isn’t as good as it should be thanks to coaching and injuries.

Related: Chicago Bears coaching candidates

Best NFL defenses

10. Kansas City Chiefs (8)

The Jaylen Watson injury is one of the biggest losses for the Kansas City Chiefs this season. Before facing Josh Allen, Kansas City allowed its last three opponents to post a 115.8 QB rating with a 75.8 percent completion rate and 6 touchdowns. Allen did throw an interception, but he did rack up over 300 total yards with an 82.5 ESPN QBR. This is still a very good defense, but it now has issues against wide receivers not being covered by Trent McDuffie.

Related: Best NFL dynasties ever, including the Kansas City Chiefs

9. San Francisco 49ers (9)

The San Francisco 49ers are still playing without top cornerback Charvarius Ward, who is away from the team following the tragic passing of his daughter. Without Ward, the recently-paid Deommodore Lenoir is stepping up big time for San Francisco. Entering Sunday, the 49ers defense limited opponents to a 70.4 QB rating, 187.3 pass ypg with a 6-8 TD-INT line and 14 sacks from Weeks 4-10. Unlike the Seattle Seahawks, the Packers thrive at protecting the passer and winning at the line of scrimmage. Jordan Love will give this 49ers defense some chance at a takeaway, but he could also find some holes downfield and Josh Jacobs should have a fair amount of success against this run defense. It could be even worse for San Francisco if Nick Bosa (oblique) misses time.

8. Houston Texans (10)

Playing without NFL DPOY candidate Will Anderson Jr. and ascending cornerback Kamari Lassiter, the Houston Texans defense had some minor issues in Week 11. Most of the damage came when KaVonta Turpin turned a short catch into a 64-yard sprint to the end zone, accounting for 60 percent of the Cowboys’ points and 16.8 percent of their total yardage. After that, Houston locked in the rest of the way with 5 sacks and 2 takeaways. Best of all, Anderson Jr. and Lassiter will be back very soon.

7. Buffalo Bills (6)

When facing Patrick Mahomes, a game-winning performance from a defense can just be getting a takeaway or two. The Buffalo Bills did just that on Sunday, picking Mahomes off twice. Buffalo also did a nice job pressuring the Chiefs quarterback, netting 7 QB hits and 2 sacks. We certainly still see this run defense as a problem, one that would get exposed by teams like the Lions and Ravens, but this remain a top 10 defense.

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6. Detroit Lions (4)

The only reason the Detroit Lions dropped a few spots in our NFL defense rankings this week is because of the quality performances of the units above them. Detroit took full advantage of a Jaguars offense without Trevor Lawrence and Tank Bigsby, allowing just 170 total yards (3.6 yards per play) with a 20 percent third-down conversion rate allowed. Za’Darius Smith (0.5 sacks) also made his Lions’ debut on Sunday, though the standout was Detroit’s secondary. As for some advanced NFL stats, Detroit entered Week 11 ranked second in defensive EPA per Play (-0.198) since Week 6 and performances like this will only strengthen that number.

5. Los Angeles Chargers (3)

As expected, the Los Angeles Chargers had significant issues in coverage against Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. The Bengals’ receiver duo combined for 3 touchdowns and over 210 receiving yards against Los Angeles, part of a 356-yard performance for Joe Burrow. On the bright side, 22-year-old Tuli Tuipulotu has now recorded a sack in four consecutive games, amassing 7 total sacks during that run.

Related: Love Los Angeles Sports? Check Out LAFB Network

4. Minnesota Vikings (5)

Total domination from this Minnesota Vikings defense. Tennessee (33 rushing yards and 1.7 ypc) became the fifth team this season to finish with fewer than 80 rushing yards and average less than 3.7 ypc against the Vikings’ run defense. Minnesota also sacked Will Levis five times, marking its fifth game this season with at least four sacks. What also makes this one of the best NFL defenses right now is the fact that the Vikings have allowed the lowest opponent’s scoring rate, with the second-fewest red-zone attempts (23) allowed. The Vikings D/ST is near the top of our Week 12 fantasy defense rankings, as you might expect.

Related: Love Minnesota Sports? Check Out Minnesota Sports Fan

3. Denver Broncos (2)

Just another defensive clinic for the Denver Broncos. Entering Sunday with the fifth-best run defense in the NFL, Vance Joseph’s guys bottled up Bijan Robinson for 35 yards and just a 2.9 ypc average. Meanwhile, a unit with the fourth-highest sack rate (9.6 percent) in the NFL sacked the Falcons’ quarterbacks four times. Denver also put the clamps on Drake London (61 yards on 7 targets), with all of this leading to Atlanta averaging just 4 yards per play with a 30.7 percent third-down conversion rate and 6 points. The Broncos once again proved why they have one of the best NFL defenses in 2024.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (7)

The one-year turnaround from this Philadelphia Eagles defense is remarkable. All it took was bringing in defensive play-caller Vic Fangio and adding Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell to this Eagles secondary. In the last six games, opponents are averaging just a 68.2 QB rating, 130.7 passing yards per game and just 5.2 yards per attempt with a 2-5 TD-INT line. Over that same stretch, Philadelphia is averaging 3.7 sacks per contest with just 80.7 rush ypg allowed and it ranks first in EPA per Play (-0.235) since Week 6.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (1)

The Pittsburgh Steelers put on a defensive clinic, even without one of their best players (Alex Highsmith), against the best offense in the NFL. Entering Sunday, the Ravens led the NFL in yards-per-pay average (7.1) and red-zone touchdown rate (76.7 percent) with the fourth-best offense on third downs (47.2 percent conversion rate). This Steelers defense held Baltimore to a 36 percent third-down conversion rate and generated 3 takeaways, including two in the Ravens’ territory. Pittsburgh’s defense will feast on the Browns in Week 12.

NFL defense stats 2024

NFL defense rankings FAQ

What is the best defense in the NFL?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the best defense in the NFL right now.

Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?

The Green Bay Packers defense has the most forced turnovers in the NFL this season with 19 (10 interceptions and 9 fumble recoveries) this season.

What NFL defense is best for fantasy?

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos are some of the best NFL defenses to target in 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.

Who is the number 1 defense in NFL?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have the No. 1 defense in the NFL this season.

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.

Who has the worst pass defense in the NFL?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst pass defense in the NFL, allowing the second-most passing yards per game (278.3), the most touchdown passes (23), the highest QB rating (111.6) and the second-highest completion rate (70.9 percent).

Related: Best undrafted players in NFL history

What’s the top 5 defenses in the NFL?

The top 5 NFL defenses are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Who gives up the most passing yards in the NFL?

The Baltimore Ravens allow the most passing yards in the NFL, allowing 284.5 passing yards per game.

What teams have the best defense in the NFL?

The Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers have the best defenses in the NFL this season.

Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the best pass defense in the NFL, allowing the second-fewest passing yards per game (173.2), the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns (nine) and the third-lowest QB rating (78.9).

Who has the best run defense in the NFL?

The Minnesota Vikings have the best run defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game (74.4) and the second-lowest yards per carry average (3.6) in 2024.

Who has the worst defense in the NFL?

The Carolina Panthers have the worst NFL defense right now.

Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?

The Carolina Panthers have the worst run defense in the NFL this year, allowing the most rushing yards per game (160.1) and the most rushing touchdowns (17).

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.

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