NFL · 1 year ago

NFL 2024 Season Preview: Predicting the Best Defense in Each NFC Division

Grant White

Host · Writer

NFC East - Dallas Cowboys
A patchwork linebackers corps didn't hamper the Dallas Cowboys last year. Adding Eric Kendricks and a defensively loaded 2024 draft class bolster their outlook heading into the upcoming campaign.

Despite the shortcomings, the Cowboys still had one of the most efficient units in 2023. Dallas allowed the fifth-fewest yards and points per game last season, stymieing opponents from start to finish. Continuity helps the Cowboys replicate that success this year, with proven playmakers in every level of the defense. Moreover, they are positioned for long-term success, spending three of their first five draft picks on top-end defensive prospects.

There's no replacing Leighton Vander Esch, but Kendricks stabilizes the one area of weakness for the 2024 season. Watch the Cowboys mirror last year's results with another strong showing.
NFC South - Atlanta Falcons
Years of building from the ground up will finally pay off for the Atlanta Falcons, as we expect them to break out on both sides of the football. Much of the offseason banter has been centered around how good the offense will look, but we can't diminish the impact the Falcons' defense will have on their success in 2024.

We saw glimpses of how great Atlanta's defense could be last season. They held seven opponents to 290 yards or fewer and nine of 17 opponents to 19 or fewer points. We should expect those high marks from the Falcons all season long.

Heading into training camp, this was virtually the same group as last year; however, the Falcons' two late additions before the season pushed this team to the elite level. Weeks before the season begins, Atlanta trades for Matt Judon. The four-time Pro Bowler accumulated 28.0 sacks from 2021 to 2022, missing most of last season with a torn bicep. Further, the NFC South betting favorites signed Justin Simmons, stabilizing their secondary.

From top to bottom, the Falcons are ready to impress. They should easily end the season as the top unit from the NFC South.
NFC North - Chicago Bears
It's been a long few years for the Chicago Bears, but that will all end in 2024. They finally have the offensive players to help them compete at an NFL level, something the defense has never stopped doing. The defense kept the Bears' heads above water, but it could propel Chicago back into the playoffs this season.

The Bears needed nothing up front to improve their defensive standing. Chicago allowed a paltry 86.4 rushing yards per game in 2023, the top mark in the NFL. This offseason, they addressed their shortcomings in pass defense, inking second-team All-Pro Jaylon Johnson to a four-year pact. Likewise, they brought in safety Kevin Byard on a two-year deal.

Opponents won't have the same success throwing against the Bears in 2024. Combined with their typically stout rush defense, the Bears will easily end the year as one of the top-performing units across the NFL.
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NFC West - San Francisco 49ers
You can't argue with the results. The defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers finished in the top eight in total and scoring defense last year, a standing they'll maintain throughout the 2024 NFL season.

The departure of several highly regarded players doesn't impact their outlook heading into Week 1. San Francisco re-loaded its defensive line, acquiring Maliek Collins from the Houston Texans and signing Leonard Floyd. Dre Greenlaw's Achilles injury in the playoffs forced the Niners to seek outside assistance to start the season. They found the right player for their system, signing former All-Pro linebacker De'Vondre Campbell.

Personnel changes won't impact the Niners' productivity this season. We fully trust Kyle Shanahan and Nick Sorensen to have this defense operating at peak efficiency.
NFC East - Dallas Cowboys
A patchwork linebackers corps didn't hamper the Dallas Cowboys last year. Adding Eric Kendricks and a defensively loaded 2024 draft class bolster their outlook heading into the upcoming campaign.

Despite the shortcomings, the Cowboys still had one of the most efficient units in 2023. Dallas allowed the fifth-fewest yards and points per game last season, stymieing opponents from start to finish. Continuity helps the Cowboys replicate that success this year, with proven playmakers in every level of the defense. Moreover, they are positioned for long-term success, spending three of their first five draft picks on top-end defensive prospects.

There's no replacing Leighton Vander Esch, but Kendricks stabilizes the one area of weakness for the 2024 season. Watch the Cowboys mirror last year's results with another strong showing.
NFC South - Atlanta Falcons
Years of building from the ground up will finally pay off for the Atlanta Falcons, as we expect them to break out on both sides of the football. Much of the offseason banter has been centered around how good the offense will look, but we can't diminish the impact the Falcons' defense will have on their success in 2024.

We saw glimpses of how great Atlanta's defense could be last season. They held seven opponents to 290 yards or fewer and nine of 17 opponents to 19 or fewer points. We should expect those high marks from the Falcons all season long.

Heading into training camp, this was virtually the same group as last year; however, the Falcons' two late additions before the season pushed this team to the elite level. Weeks before the season begins, Atlanta trades for Matt Judon. The four-time Pro Bowler accumulated 28.0 sacks from 2021 to 2022, missing most of last season with a torn bicep. Further, the NFC South betting favorites signed Justin Simmons, stabilizing their secondary.

From top to bottom, the Falcons are ready to impress. They should easily end the season as the top unit from the NFC South.