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 6. Note: Our NFL defense rankings are season-long, but you can find our Week 5 fantasy defense rankings below followed by our analysis of all 32 defenses.
Related: Week 7 fantasy rankings
Week 7 fantasy defense rankings
- Denver Broncos D/ST vs New Orleans Saints
- Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs New York Jets
- Buffalo Bills D/ST vs Tennessee Titans
- Los Angeles Chargers D/ST vs Arizona Cardinals
- New York Jets D/ST vs Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tennessee Titans D/ST vs Buffalo Bills
- San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals D/ST vs Cleveland Browns
- Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs San Francisco 49ers
- Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs New York Giants
- New Orleans Saints D/ST vs Denver Broncos
- Minnesota Vikings D/ST vs Detroit Lions
- Indianapolis Colts D/ST vs Miami Dolphins
- Los Angeles Rams D/ST vs Las Vegas Raiders
- Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST vs New England Patriots
NFL defense rankings 2024: Worst NFL defenses this season
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (29)
The Jacksonville Jaguars finally earned the last spot in our NFL defense rankings. All you need to know is that Sunday marked the fourth consecutive game this unit allowed a 109-plus QB rating, multiple touchdown passes and at least 225 passing yards. In fact, over that four-game stretch, quarterbacks have thrown 14 passing touchdowns with 0 interceptions and a 124.6 QB rating against Jacksonville. If the New England Patriots offensive line can give Drake Maye even 2 seconds to throw, even he will have a good day.
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31. Carolina Panthers (32)
The Carolina Panthers have one of the worst defenses in the NFL and that is apparent every single week this group takes the field. While Kirk Cousins didn’t throw a touchdown pass on Sunday, he became the sixth consecutive quarterback to post a 93-plus QB rating. Carolina also allowed multiple rushing touchdowns for the third consecutive week and 180-plus rushing yards for the third time this season. Jayden Daniels is going to have a wonderful day in Week 7 and we can’t wait to see it.
30. Cincinnati Bengals (31)
Theoretically, you could view the Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive performance on Sunday Night Football as a positive. We tend to believe that it’s an anomaly and not a sign of an imminent turnaround. That’s because from Weeks 2-5, opponents averaged a 106.2 QB rating with a 68.7% completion rate and 10 passing touchdowns on the Bengals secondary, all while averaging 146.8 ruish ypg and 4.6 ypc. With that said, the Cleveland Browns offense is bad enough we might see a repeat performance like this one in Week 7.
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29. Arizona Cardinals (27)
The one interception this Arizona Cardinals defense generated on Sunday was the result of a Green Bay Packers wide receiver slipping and falling. Other than that, quarterback Jordan Love (119.5 QB rating and 4 touchdown passes) did whatever he wanted, as did the Packers’ ground game (179 yards and 4.7 ypc). It all comes back to the same problem, Jonathan Gannon doesn’t have the personnel to field a quality defense.
28. Los Angeles Rams (30)
We see some reason for optimism with the Los Angeles Rams defense coming out of the bye, even if it’s only a glimmer of hope. Starting cornerback Darious Williams is back, safety Kamren Curl might finally be healthy and the Rams pass (ninth-highest pressure rate in the NFL) is disruptive. There is still a very long way to go on this side of the ball, but it also helps that the Rams offense should be more consistent with Cooper Kupp returning in Week 7.
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27. Washington Commanders (26)
For as great as Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels already is, it’s asking a lot for him to overcome one of the worst NFL defenses this season every single game. He did a phenomenal job keeping Washington in the game on Sunday, but this Commanders defense had no answer for Zay Flowers (132 yards) or Rashod Bateman (71 yards). Through six games, three opposing quarterbacks have posted a 100-plus QB rating with 280-plus passing yards against this Commanders defense. Andy Dalton might not be next in Week 7, but it won’t be because Dan Quinn fixed things.
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26. Indianapolis Colts (28)
We’ve learned by now to not put much stock in how the Indianapolis Colts defense performs against bottom-five offenses. Besides, five of the Colts’ six opponents have rushed for at least 120 yards and averaged 4.1-plus yards per carry against them this season. As for the Colts’ secondary, put it up against even a league-average offense and the results are atrocious for Indianapolis. Fortunately for Gus Bradley, Snoop Huntley is starting for the Miami Dolphins in Week 7 and the Dolphins offensive line is abysmal.
25. Dallas Cowboys (22)
One of the worst NFL run defenses with no pass rush was a disaster waiting to happen against the Detroit Lions. In Sunday’s 47-9 loss at Jerry’s house, all the concerns people had about this Cowboys run defense last year that weren’t addressed in the offseason were on display. This is still a bottom-five run defense and until Micah Parsons returns, an invisible pass rush will leave the secondary exposed with the quarterback having so much time to throw. Fortunately for Dallas, Parsons and DaRon Bland should return after the Week 7 bye.
Also Read: Winners, Losers from College Football Week 7, including Army
24. Las Vegas Raiders (25)
The Las Vegas Raiders defense held opponents to the fourth-lowest third-down conversion rate (30 percent) this season entering Week 6. Sure enough, they continued that excellence with the Pittsburgh Steelers going just 4-for-13 on third downs (30.7 percent success rate). As great as that number sounds, however, when you are surrendering 140.3 rushing yards per game. Kyren Williams will feast on the Raiders defense in Week 7.
23. New England Patriots (20)
We miss Christian Barmore. The New England Patriots defense just hasn’t been the same without him this season and it’s just as evident how badly this defensive line needs him. Expectations were high for this Patriots defense in 2024 and perhaps things would be different if the offense could sustain drives. Unfortunately, the offensive line makes that impossible and it’s clear opponents have found multiple ways to beat this defense.
Related: Worst quarterback performances from NFL Week 6
22. Philadelphia Eagles (24)
Well, at least the Philadelphia Eagles defense is good enough to take advantage of arguably the worst quarterback in the NFL. Then again, that’s a low bar to clear. Sunday marked just the third time this season that Philadelphia recorded multiple sacks and held its opponent without a passing touchdown. Maybe the Eagles take this momentum and find success against Daniel Jones in Week 7, but it won’y be quite as easy getting to the quarterback this time around and that could pose problems for the Eagles’ secondary.
21. Atlanta Falcons (23)
The Carolina Panthers found some early success against this Atlanta Falcons offense, scoring 17 first-half points. Evidently, the halftime adjustments made by Raheem Morris made an impact as Atlanta allowed just 3 points in the final two quarters. We remain alarmed by the Falcons run defense, which allowed 120-plus rushing yards for the sixth consecutive game. It’s not even the team’s biggest issue defensively (lack of pass rush), but it will be a glaring problem against Kenneth Walker III in Week 7.
Related: Winners, losers from NFL Week 6
NFL defense rankings: Packers and Dolphins climb, Saints drop
20. Cleveland Browns (18)
Hats off to this Cleveland Browns defense for keeping this matchup close when very few expected it. The close game all started up front, with Cleveland bottling up Saquon Barkley (2.6 yards per carry average). However, the Browns pass rush only mustered 2 QB hits and 1 sack, with a clean pocket that allowed Jalen Hurts to post a 126.1 QB rating with DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown combining for 180 yards and 2 scores. Already 1-5 on the season and saddled with an anchor of an offense, we do anticipate Browns’ defenders starting to wave the white flag before long and diminished effort yields ugly results.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21)
In the second quarter, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers allowed 27 points to the New Orleans Saints including two offensive touchdowns. Outside of that, Spencer Rattler and a very bad Saints offensive line stood no chance at stopping Tampa Bay. The biggest reason the Buccaner are climbing up the NFL defense rankings this week is because All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is back as is standout interior pass rush Calijah Kancey. We’re confident Tampa Bay will start looking much better defensively moving forward.
18. Seattle Seahawks (15)
Plenty of the defensive regression in recent weeks can be traced back to injuries. Riq Woolen just missed Week 6 and Seattle also has Uchenne Nwosu on injured reserve, while Byron Murphy (three games), Leonard Williams (one game) and Boye Mafe (one game) have all missed time. With an injury-plagued defense facing a scorching-hot Atlanta Falcons offense next Sunday, it could be a long long day for Mike Macdonald’s group.
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17. New York Giants (17)
The New York Giants defense is entirely dependent on the battle up front, which is a bit more concerning with Kayvon Thibodeaux now on injured reserve. Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burnscan play at absurd levels for long stretches of games, but in those moments when they get held or kept out of the pocket, quarterbacks pick the Giants’ secondary apart. Keep that in mind in Week 7 with the Philadelphia Eagles offensive line and receiving corps. Considering how strong Philadelphia is in the trenches, Jalen Hurts could have a very good day.
16. Detroit Lions (13)
We highlighted before Week 6 that Aidan Hutchinson generated an overwhelming share of the Detroit Lions’ pressures, quarterback hits and sacks. In an instant, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate is lost for the season. We recognize how the Lions defense performed in this one, but the season-ending injury for Hutchinson is a devastating blow. Barring a trade for someone like Haason Reddick, this Lions pass rush is going to take a massive step back and that is going to expose a secondary that has really struggled in man coverage this season.
15. Baltimore Ravens (14)
The Baltimore Ravens are still excellent at shutting down the run. The best run defense in the NFL (60.4 rush ypg and 3.1 ypc allowed) held the Washington Commanders to 52 yards and a 2.9 ypc average on Sunday. However, Jayden Daniels became the third quarterback this season to post a 100-plus QB rating against the Ravens’ pass defense. The only reason Baltimore doesn’t drop is because of the Aidan Hutchinson injury.
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14. Miami Dolphins (19)
Unfortunately for this Miami Dolphins defense, edge rusher Jaelan Phillips (ACL) is lost to another season-ending injury. It compounds the pass-rushing concerns for a team that still hasn’t put out a timeline for when Bradley Chubb (ACL tear) will return in 2024. Despite all that, the NFL defense stats – 159.6 pass ypg allowed (4th), 2.3% passing touchdown rate (4th) and 25.5% third-down success rate allowed (1st) – all speak volumes about this unit to date. The numbers are great, but one has to wonder what happens without a strong pass rush against one of the toughest second-half schedules in the NFL.
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13. New Orleans Saints (8)
We hope this isn’t a sign of things to come for the New Orleans Saints defense. A top-five unit in the first quarter of the season, New Orleans is now responsible for allowing 1,010 total yards and a 50% third-down conversion rate in the last two games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs. Injuries are part of the problem as is a Saints offense that has vanished into thin air, but the defensive regression from Dennis Allen’s group isn’t helping his job security by any means.
12. Green Bay Packers (16)
The Green Bay Packers are better than anyone at generating takeaways. Even before Week 6, this Packers defense led the NFL in turnover rate forced (23.2 percent), excelling at generating both interceptions (nine) and forcing fumbles. Jeff Hafley’s unit added to those totals on Sunday, generating 3 forced fumbles for takeaways. Plus, the Packers defense held the Arizona Cardinals to 4-for-10 on third down and 1-for-3 in the red zone. Green Bay’s weak pass rush and vulnerable run defense remain big concerns, especially in Week 7 against C.J. Stroud and Joe Mixon, but they are a takeaway machine and a six-game sample size is more than enough to buy into.
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11. San Francisco 49ers (10)
Immediately after Robert Saleh was fired by the New York Jets, the Bay Area begged for him to be brought back as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. Saleh would likely get more out of this unit, but it also might just be fair to acknowledge that this 49ers defense has a lower ceiling now because of its salary-cap constraints and talent lost in recent years. Even with brilliant defensive minds and some very good starters and depth pieces gone, this 49ers defense is fairing pretty well this year. After picking off Geno Smith twice on Thursday Night Football and holding the Seahawks to 2.6 yards per carry, San Francisco has allowed just a 76.4 QB rating and 98 rushing yards per game over the last four weeks.
Also Read: Heisman Watch 2024
Best NFL defenses 2024
10. Tennessee Titans (11)
Heading into Week 6, this Tennessee Titans defense ranked ninth in opponents’ scoring rate (34.1 percent), second in yards per play allowed (4.4) and third-down success rate (27.5 percent) while placing first in passing defense (124 ypg allowed). What’s even more remarkable about this unit’s success, it has the second-lowest turnover rate (2.3 percent) in the NFL. Against the Colts, Tennessee allowed just 269 total yards with a 4.1 yards per play average with 1 takeaway, but it lost again because of an abysmal Titans offense. At the very least, we have to recognize what first-year defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson has done with this unit.
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9. Houston Texans (9)
Will Anderson Jr. took full advantage of a turnstile New England Patriots offensive line, sacking Drake Maye 3 times and taking on 4 tackles for loss. The Houston Texans defense played very aggressively against rookie Drake Maye in his first NFL start, resulting in 8 QB hits and 4 sacks with 2 interceptions. We were even more impressed by Houston’s defensive performance last week against Josh Allen, which keeps the Texans in the top 10 of our NFL defense rankings even if the analytics aren’t as high on this unit right now.
8. Buffalo Bills (7)
It’s honestly remarkable to look at the NFL defensive stats for the Buffalo Bills given the injuries. Star linebacker Matt Milano was lost before the regular season and this unit has also played multiple games without nickel Taron Johnson, linebacker Terrell Bernard, defensive tackle Ed Oliver and safety Taylor Rapp. Despite all those absences, Buffalo entered Monday Night Football ranked top six in EPA per play allowed with the ninth-lowest average QB rating (82.4) surrendered to opponents. Considering how bad the New York Jets defense is performing this year, we have high expectations for this Bills defense.
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7. Pittsburgh Steelers (7)
While the Pittsburgh Steelers defense isn’t quite as dominant as it used to be, there’s no doubt this is still one of the 10 best NFL defenses this year. T.J. Watt led the way again for a unit that generated 3 takeaways and held the Raiders offense to 2-for-11 on third down with a 4.6 yards per play average. We can’t put too much stock in the Steelers run defense (3.0 ypc allowed) considering how bad Las Vegas has been on the ground this season. With that said Pittsburgh will enter Week 7 with a top-10 pass defense and it could get even better if Alex High Smith and Nick Herbig rejoin this pass rush next week or shortly after.
Related: NFL Week 7 power rankings
6. Denver Broncos (2)
Sunday represented slight regression for the Denver Broncos defense, but this is still an outstanding group. Of the 23 points scored by the Los Angeles Chargers offense in Week 6, 10 came with great field position because of a turnover by the Broncos offense. Denver certainly needs to improve its third-down defense (61.1 percent success rate allowed on Sunday), but it also held Los Angeles to 1-for-3 in the red zone with just a 4.7 yards per play average allowed. Better days are ahead for one of the best NFL defenses this year with the New Orleans Saints (Thursday Night Football) and Carolina Panthers (Week 8) next up.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (5)
The Kansas City Chiefs defense is winning games for this team again. Over the last four weeks, Kansas City is holding its opponents to a 31.1% third-down conversion rate. It’s also notable that, after being a weakness in 2023, the Chiefs have allowed just 3.0 yards per carry and 64.3 rushing yards per game over the last month. It’s rare for one of the best defenses in the NFL to consistently be great for three consecutive years, but that’s what Kansas City is doing. Coming out of the bye, we can’t wait to see this run defense against Kyle Shanahan’s game plan in a Super Bowl rematch.
4. New York Jets (3)
The concern with this New York Jets defense isn’t entirely about what happens now that Robert Saleh is gone. Instead, it’s the ramifications of defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich now having to serve as interim coach, splitting his focus during games. If just going off NFL defensive stats – 4.3 yards per play allowed (1st) and 31.7% third-down conversion rate (6th) – New York boasts an elite unit. On Monday Night Football, we do think one of the best NFL defenses will look like it because the Jets’ secondary matches up very well against a shallow Bills’ receiving corps.
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3. Los Angeles Chargers (12)
We’ve held off on giving the Los Angeles Chargers the big jump in our NFL defense rankings. The wait is over. Entering Week 6, Los Angeles allowed the seventh-lowest yards per play average (5.0), the second-lowest opponents’ scoring rate (22.2 percent) and they ranked top 10 in passing defense (188.5 yards per game allowed) and run defense (94 rush ypg allowed). On Sunday, Los Angeles generated 2 takeaways and held the Broncos to a 27.3% third-down conversion rate with 2 sacks. Plus, Denver’s running backs averaged just 4.0 yards per carry. Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is just doing phenomenal work this year.
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2. Chicago Bears (5)
Caleb Williams is rightfully earning the headlines right now, but this Chicago Bears defense is the biggest reason for the team’s success this season. After making the trip to London, this playmaking Bears’ secondary picked off Trevor Lawrence and held him to a 66.5 ESPN QBR while limiting the Jaguars offense to 278 total yards with 4 sacks. The Bears are maintaining the best passing defense in the NFL this season and this unit should continue its momentum following the Week 7 bye.
1. Minnesota Vikings (1)
The Minnesota Vikings have the best defense in the NFL entering Week 7. Coming out of the bye, the Vikings defense is allowing the fifth-lowest yards per play average (4.8) with the lowest opponents’ scoring rate (21.7) percent which is matched by a 21.7 percent turnover rate. Heading into a fantastic battle against the Detroit Lions, Minnesota’s run defense – 67.2 rush ypg allowed (2nd) – and pass rush (32.6% pressure rate, 2nd in NFL) will be put to the test.
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NFL defense stats 2024
NFL defense rankings FAQ
What is the best defense in the NFL?
The Minnesota Vikings 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 17 (9 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries) this seaosn.
What NFL defense is best for fantasy?
The Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets 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.
NFL team sack leaders 2024
NFL teams with fewest sacks
- New York Giants – 22
- Minnesota Vikings – 20
- Denver Broncos – 19
- Baltimore Ravens – 19
- Houston Texans – 18
- Los Angeles Rams – 9
- Tennessee Titans – 9
- Cincinnati Bengals – 6
- Carolina Panthers – 6
- Atlanta Falcons – 5
Who is the number 1 defense in NFL?
The Minnesota Vikings 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 this year, allowing 276.7 passing yards per game with a 70.8 percent completion rate, 14 passing touchdowns and a 114.4 QB rating.
Related: Best undrafted players in NFL history
What’s the top 5 defenses in the NFL?
The top 5 NFL defenses are the Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs.
Who gives up the most passing yards in the NFL?
The Jacksonville Jaguars allow the most passing yards in the NFL, allowing 276.7 passing yards per game.
What teams have the best defense in the NFL?
The Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York jets and Denver Broncos have the best defenses in the NFL this season.
Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?
The New York Jets have the best ass defense in the NFL, allowing just 136.6 passing yards per game with only 2 passing touchdowns allowed in 5 games this 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 (59.0) and the lowest yards per carry average (3.0) in 2024.
Who has the worst defense in the NFL?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst NFL defense right now.
Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?
The Los Angeles Rams have the worst run defense in the NFL right now, allowing the most rushing yards per game (157.6).
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.