NFL · 2 months ago

10 Best Defenses in the NFL Right Now (Week 15)

Gabriel Santiago

Host · Writer

10) Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns (3-10) have endured an arduous season; there's no denying that. Despite displaying one of the worst records in the NFL, Cleveland's defense is the real deal. The Browns have logged 44 sacks as a team, which is the second-highest total in the conference right now. Knowing that, it is easy to see why PFF gives its highest defensive line grade to Cleveland at 89.9. Still, the Browns also have talented athletes in the secondary. They have surrendered only 165.2 YPG passing—another league-best clip.
1) Houston Texans
By Week 15, it is evident that the Houston Texans (8-5) have the sort of defense that can take them to the big game in Santa Clara. Houston has proven itself as the top defense both in terms of scoring and yardage. After 13 contests, the Texans are allowing only 16.0 PPG. They've given up just 266.3 total YPG. Houston is undoubtedly talented all throughout its ranks. The secondary here hits like none other while the Texans' defensive line is ranked second overall at Pro Football Focus, boasting a grade of 84.1.
2) Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos (11-2) are bulldozing their competition in 2025. They are currently positioned as the AFC's No. 1 seed, and much of that can be attributed to their suffocating defense. Entering Week 15, Denver has registered a whopping 55 sacks on opposing quarterbacks. That puts them in striking distance of 72, which is the league's all-time team record. Overall, the Broncos have surrendered only 18.1 PPG, landing fourth in the NFL. Denver has been one of the best teams against the run, allowing just 89.0 YPG rushing. They are also covered over the top by a dynamic defensive backfield—this entire unit demands respect.
3) Seattle Seahawks
After giving up just nine points in their past two games, the Seattle Seahawks (10-3) are operating with unrivaled confidence. On defense, Seattle is ranked third in scoring behind 17.4 PPG. They have been especially dominant when playing the run. After 13 contests, the Seahawks have given up only 91.2 YPG on the ground. They love to disrupt opposing offenses, as Seattle has already forced 21 turnovers in 2025. When you take on this team, you best be ready for a fight.
4) New England Patriots
In the midst of their best season in the post-Tom Brady era, the New England Patriots (11-2) are one of the most well-rounded teams that the NFL has to offer. Still, I see their defense as the most vital unit for New England. Ahead of Week 15, the Patriots have kept opponents to just 18.5 PPG. Like others here, they have been incredibly stingy against the run. New England is allowing only 89.5 PPG on the ground, which has severely limited its competition. Don't sleep on the Pats, or risk elimination.
NFL: Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers (9-3-1) are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the NFC North. At this juncture, the Pack controls their own destiny, and considering Green Bay's defensive prowess, they have to feel good about that. The Packers have given up only 19.0 PPG, which lands sixth in the NFL. Much of that dominance is due to their ability to defend the pass. So far, Green Bay has allowed just 185.8 YPG through the air. This is a group that can get into the head of any quarterback—keep an eye on that as we head down the stretch.
6) Los Angeles Rams
Powered by one of the top defensive lines in football, the Los Angeles Rams (10-3) have high hopes for the 2025 campaign. At this time, FanDuel Sportsbook has the Rams listed with +380 odds to win Super Bowl LIX. Los Angeles has surrendered just 17.5 PPG to opponents, which is currently third in the league. As noted, the Rams' D-line is incredibly fierce. PFF gives the unit an 84.6 positional grade. Los Angeles has also displayed an affinity for creating takeaways. Ahead of Week 15, the Rams have tallied 13 interceptions: sixth overall.
7) Los Angeles Chargers
Staying in the City of Angels, the Los Angeles Chargers (9-4) appear to be hitting their stride at the right time. Los Angeles has held opponents to 20 or less points in five of the past six weeks. The Chargers' most talented unit is likely their secondary. As of now, they are surrendering only 173.2 YPG passing. That will likely pay dividends in the postseason, as the AFC boasts several superstar signal callers. Los Angeles has allowed 20.8 PPG after 13 contests. That scoring clip places the Bolts within the league's top-10 teams.
8) Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs (6-7) most likely will not be a part of the 2025-26 playoff field, but their defense is still performing at an elite level. At this time, the Chiefs' D is ranked seventh in scoring (19.4 PPG) and ninth in yardage against (303.7 YPG). Kansas City has been especially strong when it comes to stopping the run. Presently, the Chiefs are giving up just 99.5 YPG on the ground. This is a group that is flush with true professionals, and that will be exemplified in how they conclude the current campaign.
9) Jacksonville Jaguars
It has been an up-and-down year for the Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4), but they are now back atop the AFC South's standings. The Jags are led by a hyper-aggressive defense. They have already caused 23 total turnovers, which is tied for the best mark in the conference. From a scoring standpoint, Jacksonville is ranked 11th overall, as they have allowed 20.9 PPG ahead of Week 15. However, no other team is defending the run quite like the Jaguars right now. They have held opponents to only 82.9 YPG rushing. There is no doubt—Jacksonville means business in 2025.
10) Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns (3-10) have endured an arduous season; there's no denying that. Despite displaying one of the worst records in the NFL, Cleveland's defense is the real deal. The Browns have logged 44 sacks as a team, which is the second-highest total in the conference right now. Knowing that, it is easy to see why PFF gives its highest defensive line grade to Cleveland at 89.9. Still, the Browns also have talented athletes in the secondary. They have surrendered only 165.2 YPG passing—another league-best clip.
1) Houston Texans
By Week 15, it is evident that the Houston Texans (8-5) have the sort of defense that can take them to the big game in Santa Clara. Houston has proven itself as the top defense both in terms of scoring and yardage. After 13 contests, the Texans are allowing only 16.0 PPG. They've given up just 266.3 total YPG. Houston is undoubtedly talented all throughout its ranks. The secondary here hits like none other while the Texans' defensive line is ranked second overall at Pro Football Focus, boasting a grade of 84.1.

10 Best Defenses in the NFL Right Now (Week 15)

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