NFL Defense Rankings 2025: Analysis of All 32 Defenses after Week 17

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 Tuesday, December 30. We’ve provided analysis on how all 32 defenses performed in Week 17. Stay tuned for after the regular season ends, when we rank the best defenses in the NFL playoffs and offer offseason evaluations for eliminated teams.

Read More: NFL Week 18 Power Rankings, Evaluating all 32 Teams after Week 17

1. Houston Texans (1)

The Houston Texans defense did exactly what everyone expected against the Chargers offensive line. Justin Herbert was sacked 5 times, took 8 quarterback hits and finished with just 201 net passing yards on nearly 40 dropbacks. Houston did have its issues stopping Herbert from running and Omarion Hampton caught 8 receptions, but the end result was still this Texans defense putting on an absolute clinic. This will be the best defense in the NFL playoffs.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (3)

Playing in the non-stop rain against Buffalo, the Philadelphia Eagles offense managed to allow just 331 total yards on 73 plays (4.5 yards per play) and 11 drives (30.1 yards per drive) with 1 takeaway. When the Bills did finally score the first time, it came on a short field and the second drive occurred after the Eagles defense spent a majority of the second half on the field. With Jalen Carter back, this great defense is now elite.

3. Seattle Seahawks (2)

The Seattle Seahawks’ defense can be a nightmare to face, as the Panthers experienced in Week 17. Bryce Young had been performing quite well over the last month, but then he faced Seattle. Young finished with just 54 passing yards on 24 attempts, taking two sacks along with an interception and finishing with an abysmal 18.2 QBR. Mike Macdonald’s unit is also healthy, and if it secures the first-round bye, the team will have two weeks to rest and prepare for its opponent. This defense is undoubtedly good enough to win the Super Bowl.

4. Minnesota Vikings (5)

The defensive masterpiece from the Minnesota Vikings—10 points allowed, 6 takeaways, and 5 sacks on 13 drives—is just the latest from the Minnesota Vikings. Closing out the season, the Vikings defense has allowed just 15 points and 244 total yards per game with a 4.2 yards-per-play average, while limiting quarterbacks to a 56.4 passer rating and a 56.2 percent completion rate. Absurd. We think Brian Flores deserves a second chance as a head coach, but with his civil suit against the NFL making that unlikely to happen, Minnesota will again have one of the NFL’s best defensive play-callers in 2026.

5. Los Angeles Chargers (4)

Two blown coverages allowed the Texans offense to put up 14 points early in the first quarter. After that, Brandon Staley and this Los Angeles Chargers defense caused all kinds of problems for Houston. C.J. Stroud was picked off twice and averaged under 5 yards per attempt in the final three quarters, which really allowed Los Angeles to get back in this game. Even with an awful offensive line, Justin Herbert and this Chargers defense give them a shot at winning a playoff game.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (6)

After giving up 10 points and 112 total yards to Indianapolis on the first two drives of the game, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense surrendered just 7 points and 92 total yards (9.2 yards per drive) on the final nine drives by the Colts’ offense. That is a better reflection of what we have seen from Anthony Campanile’s group in the second half of the year. With Travon Walker and Joshua Hines-Allen healthy, this Jaguars defense is going to be a real problem for whatever offense it faces in the Wild Card Round.

7. Denver Broncos (7)

In their first 10 games this season, the Denver Broncos defense averaged 4.6 sacks per game with opponents putting up just 270.7 total yards and 17.3 points per game with a 57.1 percent completion rate and a 74.5 QB rating. From Weeks 11 through 17, opponents have averaged 301 total yards and 22.5 points per game, with Denver’s sack per game total dropping to 3.0 and its passer rating allowed rising to 84.4. Those still aren’t bad numbers by any means, but it highlights the slight drip in productivity even after facing a third-string quarterback. With an AFC West crown on the line, Denver’s pass rush should be elated to face the Chargers offensive line in Week 18 but Justin Herbert will likely be the fourth quarterback in the last six weeks to record 2 passing touchdowns on the Broncos defense.

8. Cleveland Browns (9)

Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers were determined not to let Myles Garrett break T.J. Watt’s single-season sack record against them. Consequently, the Cleveland Browns’ defense simply lived with its pressure, forcing Aaron Rodgers into a high volume of throwaways and only 160 net passing yards on 39 attempts (4.1 net yards per attempt). Cleveland’s pass rush and its ability to shut down quarterbacks has never been questioned. It has been the inability to stop the run that has bothered them in recent weeks, and Pittsburgh managed 131 yards and a 5.5-yard-per-carry average. It will be interesting to see if Jim Schwartz is back with the team in 2026, given the uncertainty surrounding Kevin Stefanski.

9. Los Angeles Rams (8)

The Los Angeles Rams defense is really headed in the wrong direction as the playoffs near. Including Monday night’s loss to Atlanta, Los Angeles is now allowing 29.4 points per game with a 6.1 yards-per-play average over its last five contests. During that five-game span, quarterbacks are averaging more passing touchdowns per game (2.2) than sacks taken (2.0) and the opposition is averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Not the kind of numbers you want to see ahead of a potential Wild Card Round matchup against Saquon Barkley and the Eagles.

10. New England Patriots (11)

We won’t be putting much weight on how a defense performs against the Jets’ offense this late in the year. What matters for the New England Patriots is that, with the playoffs closing in, defensive tackles Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga, along with linebacker Robert Spillane and edge rusher Harold Landry, are closing in on returns. New England’s secondary has been a bit suspect at times this year, but a healthy defensive line could mean this unit returns to something resembling the top-five run defense it had in the first two months of the regular season.

11. New Orleans Saints (11)

After a string of impressive performances, the New Orleans Saints’ defense came back down to earth in Week 17 against Tennessee. Cam Ward delivered arguably the most impressive performance of his young career—even with four sacks taken and a 52.6 percent completion rate—and Tony Pollard put up 85 rushing yards while averaging 4.7 yards per carry. With all that said, New Orleans still allowed just a modest 4.7-yard-per-play average with a 33.3 percent third-down conversion rate and snagged a takeaway. The fact that this is considered a bit of a “down” performance says everything about the work Brandon Staley has done in the second half of the season.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (15)

The performance in Cleveland could have been even better for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense if not for a dropped pick-six. Cleveland’s offense put up 10 points and 127 total yards on 15 plays during its first two drives. From then on, Pittsburgh surrendered just 135 total yards with two takeaways over the following nine drives. While shutting down the Browns’ offense doesn’t warrant jumping up numerous spots in the NFL defensive rankings, the potential return of T.J. Watt—paired with a three-game stretch where the team has allowed just 17.3 points and 302.7 total yards per game—has earned more confidence entering Week 18.

13. Carolina Panthers (17)

The Carolina Panthers’ defense gave the team a chance to win on Sunday against Seattle, and that is really all you could ask for in this matchup. Seattle did put up 24 second-half points, but 14 of those points came after turnovers from Carolina’s offense that gave the Seahawks the football inside the Panthers’ 30-yard line. The Panthers’ defense also generated two takeaways in this one and sacked Sam Darnold three times while limiting him to a 77.2 passer rating and 125 net passing yards on 30 dropbacks. With what we have seen from Carolina defensively in recent weeks, it should be favored to beat the Buccaneers in Week 18.

14. Atlanta Falcons (19)

It’s been a relatively nice three-game stretch from this Atlanta Falcons defense as the season draws toward a close. Following Monday’s victory over Los Angeles, Atlanta is holding opponents to a 55.3 percent completion rate with a 71.9 QB rating in the last three games, snagging just as many interceptions (five) as passing touchdowns allowed. A driving force behind that is the young pass rush, building some momentum for this unit that it can hopefully build from next season.

15. Kansas City Chiefs (16)

Coming into Week 17 with Derrick Nnadi out and both cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie along with linebacker Leo Chenal on injured reserve, the Kansas City Chiefs defense only allowed 20 points and a 4.1 yards-per-play average to Denver on Christmas Day. It is a lot better than we expected and at least speaks to what defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is able to get out of this unit. With the offseason fast approaching, the biggest thing Kansas City must find to improve defensively next year is an athletic edge rusher who could push George Karlaftis into the No. 2 role he seems more well-suited for.

16. Buffalo Bills (21)

Hats off to the Buffalo Bills defense for its turnaround in this game. Philadelphia put up 13 points and 154 total yards on its third through fifth drives, once taking advantage of a short field to find the end zone. After that, this Bills defense shut the Eagles offense out and surrendered just 16 total yards in the second half. This is the more well-rounded version from Buffalo, at least defensively, that we’ve been waiting to see. If it can be maintained in the postseason, maybe this team can overcome its passing game woes.

17. Baltimore Ravens (10)

Fortunately for the Baltimore Ravens heading into Week 18, the Steelers don’t have the pass-catching options to cause any real problems for this secondary since DK Metcalf is suspended. Granted, it’s also not as if Baltimore’s pass rush is going to cause serious trouble for Aaron Rodgers. While the Ravens defense isn’t remotely as bad as it was in September, this side of the ball has fallen stunningly short of expectations for it coming into the season.

18. Chicago Bears (14)

It’s basically takeaways or points allowed for this Chicago Bears defense. Following Sunday’s 42-point game allowed to the 49ers, Chicago has by far the highest turnover rate in the NFL at 19.2 percent with the second-closest team at 15.8 percent and only three teams above 15 percent. On the other hand, Chicago ranks 19th in yards per drive (32.0) allowed and it has allowed 26.2 points per game this season outside off the Cleveland game. If this unit faces an offense in the playoffs that does a great job at protecting the football, it’s going to require a shootout to win.

19. Indianapolis Colts (20)

Sauce Gardner aggravated his calf injury, and DeForest Buckner has been ruled out for the season. It has been that kind of year for this Indianapolis Colts’ defense, which also lost Charvarius Ward to injured reserve twice due to concussions. The good news for Indianapolis, looking ahead to next season, is that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo should have a healthy Buckner, Ward, and Gardner. How the season ended was rough, but this Colts’ defense could put it all together in 2026 to be a top-10 unit.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (18)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense got burned early, with some big plays resulting in Miami putting up 17 points and 217 total yards on its next three drives following an initial three-and-out. After that, Tampa Bay’s defense did whatever it could to keep the team in the game, but the offense couldn’t pull its weight. Heading into a must-win game against the Panthers, the concern is what will happen to this secondary if the pass rush can’t get home against Bryce Young.

21. Detroit Lions (24)

Well, at least the Detroit Lions defense is not going out on a total whimper. Aidan Hutchinson (2 sacks) recorded his first sack on the road this season, taking until Week 17. Of course, we cannot put much stock in the 161 total yards allowed and 3 net passing yards surrendered, given Detroit faced third-string quarterback Max Brosmer behind an awful offensive line. What is a bit more concerning right now is the long-term outlook for Detroit. On this Lions defense, Alex Anzalone, DJ Reader, Amik Robertson, Levi Onwuzurike, Marcus Davenport, and Josh Paschal are all free agents this offseason. Meanwhile, Brian Branch will potentially miss the start of next season due to a torn Achilles, and Kerby Joseph has a chronic knee injury.

22. Miami Dolphins (23)

Takeaways and sacks were the story of the game for the Miami Dolphins’ defense. It was a bend-but-don’t-break performance, as Tampa Bay averaged six yards per play but reached the red zone on just 30 percent of its drives, with Baker Mayfield taking three sacks and giving away the football three times. Given the lack of high-end talent in the secondary, we like what we have seen from defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver in the second half of the season. If Miami can overhaul its cornerback room this offseason, this could be an above-average defense.

23. New York Giants (25)

As anticipated, the New York Giants defense absolutely feasted on Las Vegas. With no offensive line to speak of, the Raiders offense averaged just 3.2 yards per carry, Geno Smith was sacked 3 times and the team went 3-for-13 on third downs while turning it over twice. We remain excited by the idea of what a defensive-minded head coach could do with this front line next year.

24. Green Bay Packers (12)

It’s so very apparent now how much of the heavy lifting that Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt were doing for this Green Bay Packers defense. Of course, it doesn’t help that Rashan Gary is performing like a replacement-level player and Green Bay is now dependent on defensive tackles it took off practice squads late in the year. The Packers can’t generate a pass rush and that exposes a cornerback room that is dangerously thin and was already struggling. If Green Bay wants to win a playoff game, it’ll require a shootout.

25. San Francisco 49ers (22)

Robert Saleh did the best he could with an injury-decimated defense, but reality has now hit for the San Francisco 49ers on this side of the ball. In the last three games, the 49ers defense has surrendered 29.7 points and 352.7 total yards per game with an abysmal 6.2 yards-per-play average and a 45.2 percent third-down conversion rate. At some point in the postseason, the 49ers defense will be why they get knocked out.

26. Cincinnati Bengals (29)

There has been definitive improvement from this Cincinnati Bengals defense late in the year. Including Week 17—14 points, 233 total yards, and 4.3 yards per play allowed to Arizona—Cincinnati has now allowed 22.4 points per game over the last five contests, with three of those opponents held to 21 points or fewer. It is better than the historically bad paces this unit was on entering Thanksgiving Day. Still, there are a lot of holes that will need to be addressed this offseason before we buy into a real turnaround.

27. Las Vegas Raiders (28)

The white flag has been waved on the season, with the latest evidence coming from Maxx Crosby being placed on injured reserve. With so many warts to address this offseason on the offensive line and at quarterback, it’s hard to see Las Vegas making it a true priority this spring to also overhaul the secondary and linebacker core. So, this will probably be a bottom-10 defense again in 2026.

28. Tennessee Titans (26)

There are just way too many holes to speak of on this Tennessee Titans defense. It is not even so much that defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson is the problem; he just has nothing really to work with outside of T’Vondre Sweat and Jeffery Simmons. Fortunately, Tennessee has the draft capital and cap space to spread around this offseason to try to make this a more respectable unit in 2026.

29. Arizona Cardinals (27)

With Garrett Williams (Achilles) and Walter Nolen (knee) both out, the Arizona Cardinals’ defense has predictably taken another massive step backward. Joe Burrow fired at will against Arizona’s secondary, and there also was not much of a run defense to speak of. Jonathan Gannon will likely be sticking around for the 2026 season, but the personnel certainly isn’t there as of now to believe this can even be a top-20 defense next fall. Maybe that changes, but Arizona needs to fix its significant offensive issues before it can turn its full focus to the other side of the ball.

30. Dallas Cowboys (30)

Heading into Christmas Day, Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt averaged 44.7 rushing yards per game and 4.4 yards per carry, while third-string quarterback Josh Johnson had a career 58.0 percent completion rate and 69.5 QB rating across 49 career games coming into the season. The Dallas Cowboys defense allowed 105 yards to Croskey-Merritt (9.5 yards per carry), and Johnson put up a 92.3 QB rating with nearly 200 passing yards. Dallas needs to pour every resource it has this offseason into improving this entire unit, because the secondary and linebacker corps are among the worst in the NFC and the pass rush has fallen off in recent weeks.

31. Washington Commanders (31)

It says a lot about this Washington Commanders defense that there were some positive moments and it still allowed 480 total yards to the Cowboys offense. From Week 2 to Week 17, Washington has allowed 27.5 points and 393 total yards per game, with quarterbacks putting up a 107.6 passer rating and opponents averaging 150.5 rushing yards per game. Dan Quinn will be given a second chance next year, but even with roster improvements, the best-case scenario next season for Washington’s defense feels like a top-20 unit.

32. New York Jets (32)

Sunday was the latest example of this New York Jets defense both lacking starting-caliber NFL talent and waving the white flag on the season in December. Over the last five games, New York has allowed 35.4 points and 407.4 total yards per game, with 14 passing touchdowns allowed. There is so much work that needs to be done this offseason to completely revamp this roster, we don’t even know where to start.

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