NFL Defense Rankings 2026: Ranking Defenses in NFL Playoffs, Offseason Evaluations for Eliminated Teams

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.

Our NFL defense rankings are updated as of Monday, January 12. We lead off by rankings the best and worst defenses in the NFL playoffs entering the Divisional Round. After that, the defenses from eliminated teams are ranked with offseason analysis for each of them.

1. Houston Texans

It’s splitting hairs when comparing the best defenses in the NFL playoffs. The Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles have great coaching and a standout defensive line. What the Houston Texans bring is a cornerback tandem that is more than capable of locking down a team’s two best receivers. When you can generate one of the highest pressure rates in the NFL without blitzing and your secondary can shut down passing lanes for a quarterback under duress, you’re an absolute nightmare to face. Expect a defensive clinic from Houston on the road against the Steelers, especially with Derek Stingley able to take away DK Metcalf.

2. Seattle Seahawks

During the regular season, the Seattle Seahawks’ defense held an opponent under 20 points in 11 games. It allowed the second-lowest yards-per-play average (4.6) and scoring rate (28.7 percent) in the NFL. Mike Macdonald has all the chess pieces he needs defensively, with Seattle just as adept at shutting down the run game (3.7 yards per carry, first in the NFL) as it is the passing attack (6.0 yards per attempt, first in the NFL). With two weeks to prepare, this group should look even better. With the 49ers offense now missing George Kittle (Achilles), containing this passing game gets even easier. However, unlike the Week 18 meeting, San Francisco will have All-Pro tackle Trent Williams back on the left side.

3. Denver Broncos

As dominant as this Denver Broncos defense was for a majority of the season, it did start to drop off a bit late in the year. From Weeks 10–17, Denver ranked 12th in EPA per play (−0.001) and surrendered 23.2 points per game in the final five contests prior to Week 18. The pass rush has not been quite as dominant, and the reliance on man coverage has seen some battles lost more frequently. This is still a great defense, but it is not the shutdown unit that it used to be.

4. Buffalo Bills

You can run on the Buffalo Bills. Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten proved that with their 118 combined rushing yards on just 14 carries in the Wild Card Round. With that said, Buffalo also forced a pair of interceptions by Trevor Lawrence and allowed a sub-90 quarterback rating for the 13th time this season. Sean McDermott is finding ways to make this one of the best pass defenses in the NFL playoffs, but the explosive runs and missed tackles could wind up costing Buffalo dearly as they advance.

5. Los Angeles Rams

The Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line is outstanding, and you can guarantee that defensive coordinator Chris Shula will find ways to take advantage of the fact that the Bears are starting a backup left tackle. However, it is extremely difficult to create interior penetration through the Chicago offensive line, and Caleb Williams does an outstanding job of extending plays. When he has time, you can bet that Rome Odunze, DJ Moore, Luther Burden III, and Colston Loveland will be getting open with regular consistency against a Rams secondary that has struggled in the second half of the season.

6. New England Patriots

What matters more than the statistical performance in the Wild Card Round is the fact that the New England Patriots’ defense is now relatively healthy. With Harold Landry, Milton Williams, and Robert Spillane on the field, New England more closely resembled the unit that allowed just 18 points and 299 total yards per game in the regular season while holding opponents to a 3.6 yards-per-carry average. The real question is: Does that have more to do with New England’s defensive prowess or the fact that they faced a Chargers backup offensive line and running back with a play-caller who seemed in over his head?

7. San Francisco 49ers

It is pretty obvious what the game plan will be for Seattle against the San Francisco 49ers’ defense. Just two weeks ago, Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III combined for 171 rushing yards on 33 carries, with both ripping off runs of 20-plus yards. Given that San Francisco is even thinner at off-ball linebacker now than it was in Week 18, the position figures to be an even larger area for exploitation. San Francisco also tends to struggle with generating pressure; if Sam Darnold can handle the blitz and make smart reads, the 49ers’ defense could give up one long drive after another.

8. Chicago Bears

Even with the Packers’ offense imploding in the second half, the Chicago Bears defense surrendered a 6.0 yards-per-play average and 421 total yards at home in the Wild Card Round. If Jordan Love could Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden to combine for over 200 receiving yards on just 16 targets, imagine what Matthew Stafford can do with Davante Adams and Puka Nacua behind a better offensive line. Chicago’s only hope is that a defense that led the NFL in interceptions during the regular season can find a way to pick Stafford off twice.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

It is pretty obvious what the game plan will be for Seattle against the San Francisco 49ers’ defense. Just two weeks ago, Zach Charbonnet and Kenneth Walker III combined for 171 rushing yards on 33 carries, with both ripping off runs of 20-plus yards. Given that San Francisco is even thinner at off-ball linebacker now than it was in Week 18, the position figures to be an even larger area for exploitation. San Francisco also tends to struggle with generating pressure; if Sam Darnold can handle the blitz and make smart reads, the 49ers’ defense could give up one long drive after another.

10. Philadelphia Eagles

As long as Vic Fangio is designing a defense that features Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Zack Baun, Jihaad Campbell, and Nolan Smith Jr., this will be one of the best NFL defenses in 2026. What we are keeping an eye on is whether or not Philadelphia is able to retain edge rusher Jaelan Phillips, who made a significant impact after being acquired at the NFL trade deadline. One thing is very clear: Howie Roseman has some work to do in finding both a No. 2 corner and potentially a Reed Blankenship replacement.

11. Minnesota Vikings

As long as a team with a head-coaching vacancy doesn’t poach Brian Flores this offseason, the Minnesota Vikings’ defense will be great in 2026. There was a rough stretch midway through the season, but this group then allowed just 16.7 points and 261.1 total yards per game with a 4.25 yards-per-play average, limiting quarterbacks to a 61.8 passer rating with one passing touchdown and 21 sacks taken from Weeks 11–17. It is even more impressive because Minnesota’s cornerback room still is not exactly a glowing strength.

12. Cleveland Browns

As long as Myles Garrett is willing to play for the Cleveland Browns, this will be a top-10 defense in the NFL. What allowed this unit to be even better in 2025 was a standout season from rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger, with first-round pick Mason Graham also playing really well on the interior. There are plenty of issues on the other side of the ball to fix this offseason, but Cleveland’s defense will again be the absolute strength of this team next fall.

Related: Cleveland Browns Offseason Moves that Should be Made

13. Los Angeles Chargers

If Jesse Minter returns as the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator in 2026, this can once again be a top-10 unit statistically. Nothing he has done with the Chargers’ defense over the last two seasons would suggest otherwise. However, Minter is a top head-coaching candidate this offseason, and the team must find a way to try and re-sign both edge rushers Khalil Mack and Odafe Oweh. That creates some real uncertainty for this unit entering the offseason.

14. Green Bay Packers

Micah Parsons should return at some pomnt early in the 2026 NFL season, but it’s fair to assume he won’t be close to 100 percent. The Green Bay Packers defense will also get back defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, another integral piece to this unit’s success. However, there are glaring holes at secondary and defensive tackle that can’t adequately be addressed with minimal cap space and draft capital. Plus, Green Bay’s No. 2 linebacker Quay Walker will potentially be leaving this offseason in NFL free agency.

15. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons have building blocks defensively now in James Pearce Jr., Jalon Walker, and Xavier Watts. Pairing that rookie trio with A.J. Terrell, Jessie Bates, and Divine Deablo gives you a unit that can consistently play well and really stand out at defending the pass. The draft-day trade proved instrumental in turning this defense around, and as the youngsters get more experience, there is a path to the Falcons’ defense becoming an excellent unit next fall.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars

The biggest key for the Jacksonville Jaguars defense this offseason would be hanging onto defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. If he sticks around, the next priority should be re-signing linebacker Devin Lloyd after a breakout season. Those are two steps that can help this unit maintain above-average play in 2026. If Jacksonville is willing to make Travis Hunter a full-time cornerback, we could be looking at one of the best NFL defenses in 2026.

17. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley truly did some impressive work this season in his first year with the group. Taking over a defense with a few aging stars, some draft busts, and relative unknowns, it only took a few months before it all started coming together. From Weeks 10–17, the Saints’ defense surrendered just 17.3 points and 269.7 total yards per game, allowing just a 58.5 percent completion rate and 5.3 yards per attempt to quarterbacks. Even more talent will come in this offseason, and that leaves us really optimistic about what Staley can do in 2026.

18. Indianapolis Colts

Health will be paramount for the Indianapolis Colts’ defense in 2026. Charvarius Ward landed on IR twice with concussions, DeForest Buckner missed significant time, and Sauce Gardner dealt with a lingering calf injury. If they can all stay on the field in Lou Anarumo’s defense, this can be a top-12 unit next season. Whether or not Indianapolis can be even better than that defensively comes down to what they do at edge rusher and off-ball linebacker this offseason.

19. Detroit Lions

The smaller concern with the Detroit Lions’ defense is the possibility of linebacker Alex Anzalone and edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad departing this offseason in free agency. Regardless of those potential exits, the graver concern is a secondary featuring Pro Bowl safety Brian Branch in the early stages of recovery from Achilles surgery while Kerby Joseph deals with a nagging long-term knee injury. If Detroit cannot find a truly impactful No. 2 edge rusher to pair opposite Aidan Hutchinson, this defense could struggle to be anything better than league-average in 2026.

20. Kansas City Chiefs

Chris Jones, in his age-31 season, showed signs of slowing down. It also became painfully apparent this fall that the Kansas City Chiefs’ defense does not have a true No. 1 edge rusher who can win with explosiveness. It might also be fair to question Trent McDuffie’s long-term future with the team; his contract demands may not be worth meeting if the front office views him primarily as a nickel corner rather than a boundary stopper against big-bodied receivers. What could really make a difference for Kansas City defensively next season, especially if Jones is more inconsistent at 32 years old, is using premium draft capital on an edge rusher, defensive tackle, and safety.

Related: Kansas City Chiefs Offseason Moves to Create Cap Space

21. Baltimore Ravens

It’s absolutely time for a new defensive play-caller. The problem is, that won’t be remotely enough to fix this Baltimore Ravens defense. For as great as Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith are, they can’t be maximized if you are simply unable to generate pressure without blitzing. Baltimore desperately needs to find pass-rushing help this offseason, in addition to bringing in a new defensive coordinator. Failing to do either of those two things will just result in more of the same in 2026.

22. Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers’ defense made tangible progress in 2025; it is amazing what happens when Ejiro Evero has some talent to work with. There are some very nice building blocks here, starting with Derrick Brown and Jaycee Horn, but the Panthers’ pass rush and linebacker corps still leave a lot to be desired. Ultimately, until those issues are fixed, the Panthers do not even have a league-average defense on paper.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After a strong start to the season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense plummeted, much like the rest of the team. From Weeks 10–18, Tampa Bay allowed 351.3 total yards per game with a 6.25 yards-per-play average and a 102.4 opponent passer rating. This decline is a reflection on Todd Bowles, whose blitz-heavy tendencies seem to have become stale, as most offenses now have clear answers for his pressure packages.

24. New York Giants

The New York Giants’ defense really should have been so much better than it was in 2025. A front with Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux should anchor a top-15 defense. Unfortunately, the play out of the secondary was abysmal this season, and New York had a bottom-five run defense once again. We are holding out hope that a great defensive play-caller can finally unlock this unit’s potential, but we have been let down by the Giants’ defense before.

Related: New York Giants Offseason Moves That Should be Made

25. Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver truly did some impressive work with this unit in the second half of the season. From Weeks 8–17, the Dolphins’ defense allowed just 20.1 points and 325.6 total yards per game. Those are not elite statistics, but it is an achievement given the struggles in Miami’s secondary. Good coaching can do a lot to mask a unit’s holes; the issue is that the Dolphins will not have much cap space this offseason to improve the roster. The next Dolphins general manager must be exceptional at identifying talent in the NFL Draft; if they can do that, Weaver has proven he will maximize those players.

26. Las Vegas Raiders

Trading Maxx Crosby is certainly in the best long-term interest of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, look at what happened to the Cowboys and Packers over the years when All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons was off the field. If Crosby is not on the Raiders’ roster when the regular season kicks off, especially with the focus being placed on improving the offense for a rookie quarterback, this could be a bottom-three defense in 2026—if not worse.

Related: Las Vegas Raiders Offseason Moves that Should be Made

27. Arizona Cardinals

Here is the big problem with the Arizona Cardinals’ defense heading into 2026. Top corner Garrett Williams is in the early stages of recovering from Achilles surgery, Walter Nolen could miss significant time with a serious knee injury, and Calais Campbell might finally retire. The front seven needs a ton of work, even with Josh Sweat earning the contract he signed last offseason, and the secondary is now missing Williams while relying on an injury-prone corner in Will Johnson. There are plenty of reasons to fear Jonathan Gannon is coaching another bottom-10 defense next fall.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Trey Hendrickson almost certainly won’t be taking the field for this Cincinnati Bengals defense in 2026 and first-round pick Shemar Stewart recorded just 4 pressures while playing 247 defensive snaps. The real issue we have with Cincinnati is that the front office has missed on so many picks on the defensive side of the ball and the lack of development from said players leads very little reason to believe a turnaround is coming. It also doesn’t help that DJ Turner, one of the few defensive standouts, will be in a contract year next season and that could create a whole new contract saga with the front office.

29. Tennessee Titans

The Tennessee Titans defense boasts Jeffery Simmons, T’Vondre Sweat, Amani Hooker, and not much else. It is also a bit unfortunate that defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson likely won’t get to stick around, as he was never really given the talent to help him out as a young play-caller. On the bright side, Tennessee boasts the cap space to invest in its secondary and linebacker corps this offseason, then later use its top-five pick to snag a premier edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft. Pairing an impact edge rusher with Sweat and Simmons could be enough for this to become a top-20 defense next season.

30. Dallas Cowboys

It turns out that trading away a generational pass rusher results in your secondary being exposed on nearly every drive. Who would’ve thought? Even adding Kenny Clark and Quinnen Williams did little to help a Dallas Cowboys defense that allowed at least three passing touchdowns six times and a passer rating over 100 in ten different games. The cornerback room needs to be overhauled, off-ball linebacker has been a glaring weakness for years, and there isn’t a blue-chip pass rusher left on this roster. Dallas simply can’t fix all of those issues in one offseason.

31. Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders defense needs an influx of talent on the defensive line and probably some new ideas brought forth to Dan Quinn in the meeting rooms. Washington allowed 29-plus points to an opponent seven times in 2025 and surrendered eight 400-yard games. By far the most pressing need is the pass rush, a weakness on this unit for the last two seasons under Quinn. Washington might also need to invest some Day 2 draft capital and cap space into the cornerback room, which has fallen well short of expectations.

Read More: NFL Teams with the Most Cap Space in 2026, including the Washington Commanders

32. New York Jets

The New York Jets defense went the entire 2025 season without an interception. That shouldn’t be possible, but this unit ‘accomplished’ it this year. Aaron Glenn oversaw a unit that finished with the lowest pressure rate in the NFL, and there arguably wasn’t a starting-caliber player in the Jets secondary. New York essentially needs to completely overhaul the secondary this offseason, and even then, it might only be a top-25 defense next fall.

Related: New York Jets Offseason Moves that Should be Made

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