NFL · 9 minutes ago

10 Best Defenses in the NFL Right Now (Week 12)

Gabriel Santiago

Host · Writer

10) Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns (2-8) are probably already preparing for future seasons, but in 2025, they still have a defense that can stop any offense in its tracks. For starters, the Browns have surrendered only 167.0 YPG through the air, which is the NFL's top rate right now. Cleveland's handsy secondary complements its dominant pass rush up front. After ten games, this team has recorded 32 sacks, ranking fifth overall. When surveying their roster, it is easy to see how the Browns' defensive line yields a league-best 90.0 PFF grade.

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1) Houston Texans
If there were any doubts surrounding the Houston Texans (6-5) as the NFL's top defense, they have been squashed for the time being. The Texans are fresh off a dominant performance on Thursday Night Football, forcing three turnovers from one of the league's top offenses. Overall, no one ranks above Houston this year in terms of points against (16.5 PPG) and total yards allowed (264.3 total YPG). From there, Pro Football Focus gives the Texans an 82.2 defensive-line grade, which lands third overall.

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2) Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos (9-2) and their fierce pass rush appear to be heading for a historic campaign in 2025. After 11 contests, Denver has tallied 49 quarterback sacks. That puts the Broncos on a healthy pace to break the NFL's single-season team sack record set back in 1985. Of course, this squad is also very good in the secondary. They have held opponents to 185.8 YPG through the air, which is a top-five clip at this juncture. Most importantly, Denver is giving up only 17.5 PPG: third overall.
3) Los Angeles Rams
After taking back-to-back games against formidable NFC West competition, the Los Angeles Rams (8-2) are riding high. Many experts have the Rams pegged as the top team in the league right now, and, naturally, their suffocating defense has been a significant factor. Los Angeles has allowed just 17.2 PPG in 2025, the second-best clip in the NFL after 11 weeks. An explosive D-line leads the Rams' defensive unit. Currently, they have earned an 81.1 PFF grade, and quarterbacks around the league are well aware of that.
4) New England Patriots
Is there a team more on the rise right now than the New England Patriots (9-2)? Ahead of Week 12, New England's defense is ranked fifth (18.7 PPG) in terms of scoring. Much of that success has been powered by strong play against the run. After 11 outings, the Pats have surrendered just 84.7 YPG on the ground, which is presently the NFL's best clip. This group appears poised to make a deep run in 2025, and with their collective talent, I would not be surprised if the Patriots play for the AFC title in January.
5) Philadelphia Eagles
At long last, the defending-champion Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) have cracked our list of top-ten defenses. Notably, Philadelphia was quite active at the recent trade deadline, and the results have been fabulous. The Eagles have not allowed more than 16 points in any game since October 26. Their defense is currently ranked eighth in scoring, allowing 20.1 PPG, but the Birds appear to be building momentum. It's scary to think what Philly could look like come Week 17.
6) Kansas City Chiefs
By their standards, the Kansas City Chiefs (5-5) are struggling in 2025, but the defense here is still stout and experienced. The Chiefs are holding opponents to 18.1 PPG, ranking fourth in the NFL. Kansas City's D is also top ten against the run this year. After ten contests, KC has allowed only 100.0 YPG on the ground. They are strong up the middle, and given their championship DNA, it is tough to count out the Chiefs completely.
7) Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks (7-3) are incredibly well-rounded in 2025, but their stout defense makes them a legit contender in the NFC. Seattle is surrendering only 19.3 PPG at this juncture, which lands sixth overall. They have quality athletes at all three levels. The front seven has kept opponents to just 93.5 YPG on the ground. From there, the Seahawks have intercepted nine passes this year, leaving them in the upper third of the league.
8) Green Bay Packers
As currently constructed, the Green Bay Packers (6-3-1) have the talent to reach Super Bowl LX in February. This team is led by a defense that is extremely fast, explosive, and athletic. Green Bay has done well to thwart opponents' running games, allowing only 96.8 YPG on the ground. As of now, the Pack is ranked seventh in defensive scoring, keeping others to 19.6 PPG. Green Bay's D-line is especially ferocious—they have earned a 74.8 PFF grade, which also lands seventh overall.
9) Detroit Lions
Despite several injuries, the Detroit Lions (6-4) are still a legitimate contender in the current campaign. We know what this offense can do, but Detroit's defense is equally as aggressive. The Lions are actually ranked fifth overall when it comes to total yardage allowed (291.8 YPG). From there, this group has given up just 21.6 PPG, which is another top-ten clip ahead of Week 12. In the secondary, Detroit employs several ball hawks, which is why its eight interceptions should surprise no one.
10) Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns (2-8) are probably already preparing for future seasons, but in 2025, they still have a defense that can stop any offense in its tracks. For starters, the Browns have surrendered only 167.0 YPG through the air, which is the NFL's top rate right now. Cleveland's handsy secondary complements its dominant pass rush up front. After ten games, this team has recorded 32 sacks, ranking fifth overall. When surveying their roster, it is easy to see how the Browns' defensive line yields a league-best 90.0 PFF grade.

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1) Houston Texans
If there were any doubts surrounding the Houston Texans (6-5) as the NFL's top defense, they have been squashed for the time being. The Texans are fresh off a dominant performance on Thursday Night Football, forcing three turnovers from one of the league's top offenses. Overall, no one ranks above Houston this year in terms of points against (16.5 PPG) and total yards allowed (264.3 total YPG). From there, Pro Football Focus gives the Texans an 82.2 defensive-line grade, which lands third overall.

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10 Best Defenses in the NFL Right Now (Week 12)

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