NFL · 1 hour ago

Ranking the 23 Best Defenses in the NFL Right Now

Joe Cervenka

Host · Writer

You Tell Us! Who are the Top 5 Defenses in the NFL?
Chime in on the Big D Debate: Who Has the NFL's Best Defense?

We've expanded our rankings to the top 23 NFL defenses after Week 5, but now it's your turn to debate the board!
- THE UNDISPUTED #1: Is anyone touching the Minnesota Vikings (12.8 PPG, 17 sacks, 66 pressures), or does Jacksonville's league-leading run defense (63.8 YPG) deserve the crown?
- NEWCOMER SURGE: Which new entry, the Green Bay Packers (31-7 beatdown of Chicago), Houston Texans (18 sacks), or Los Angeles Chargers (#10 total defense), is most legit?
- BOUNCE BACK OR BUST: Can the Seattle Seahawks (#1 in total yards allowed at 251.2 YPG) tighten up on the scoreboard after giving up 32 points to San Francisco?
Drop your hot takes and defensive rankings in the comments!
Top 23 NFL Defenses Going into Week 6
Lockdown Land: Power Ranking the Top 23 NFL Defenses After Week 5

Five weeks of the 2026 NFL season are in the books, and October football is separating the pretenders from true defensive juggernauts. After reviewing point suppression, total yardage surrendered, pocket pressure rates, sack totals, and takeaway margins, we expand our rankings to the top 23 NFL defenses following Week 5 action.
23. Carolina Panthers (2-2)
The Carolina Panthers rested on their Week 5 bye and hold down the final spot on our expanded board. Carolina surrenders 27.3 points per game and 387.3 total yards per game, while generating 8 sacks, 45 pressures (26.6% pressure rate), 27 hurries, and 7 takeaways (+3 turnover differential) through four games.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (3-2)
Rob Leonard’s defense struggled in a 45-17 road loss to New England, causing them to slide down the board. The Las Vegas Raiders surrender 25.8 points per game and 377.0 total yards per game. However, their chaos-creation metrics keep them on the list: Las Vegas ranks second in the NFL with 62 pressures (33.7% pressure rate), has 13 sacks, and sits tied for second with 10 takeaways (+3 differential).
21. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Atlanta took a tough 30-23 overtime loss to Baltimore, but their front seven remains one of the nastiest against the run. The Atlanta Falcons rank fourth in rushing defense, allowing only 80.2 rushing yards per game and 328.6 total yards per game. With 11 sacks, 57 pressures, and a league-leading 29 quarterback knockdowns, Atlanta's pass rush brings constant heat.
20. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Baltimore pulled out a gritty 30-23 overtime road win against Atlanta. The Baltimore Ravens allow 23.8 points per game and 325.6 total yards per game. Backed by 10 sacks, 39 pressures, 19 quarterback knockdowns, and 6 takeaways (+3 turnover differential), the Ravens continue to step up in high-leverage moments.
19. Los Angeles Chargers (0-5)
Despite an agonizing 0-5 start, Jim Harbaugh’s defense enters the power rankings on statistical legitimacy. The Los Angeles Chargers rank 10th in total defense (311.6 yards per game) and eighth in pass defense (193.0 passing yards per game). Surrendering 25.8 points per game, Los Angeles has piled up 11 sacks, 39 pressures, 20 quarterback knockdowns, and 8 takeaways.
18. Tennessee Titans (0-5)
Despite dropping a 26-3 contest to Houston, the Tennessee Titans hold steady on defensive merit. Tennessee gives up 21.8 points per game (109 total points allowed) and 331.8 total yards per game, backed by 10 sacks and 28 pressures. The unit continues to play respectable football despite an offense that leaves them on the field all afternoon.
17. Cleveland Browns (3-2)
Cleveland held the Jets to just 17 points in a 17-12 defensive battle. The Cleveland Browns tie for fifth in the NFL with 16 sacks while allowing 22.4 points per game (112 total points allowed) and 334.0 total yards per game. With 40 pressures and 6 takeaways, the Browns' front four remains disruptive.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4)
Todd Bowles' unit stepped up in a massive way, shocking Dallas 24-16 on the road. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank seventh in total defense (299.4 yards per game) and second in rushing defense, allowing an elite 72.8 rushing yards per game. Surrendering 22.4 points per game with 7 takeaways (5 interceptions), Tampa Bay showed why their front front is still a problem.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers locked down Indianapolis in a 34-22 victory. Pittsburgh allows 21.8 points per game (109 total points allowed) and ranks 13th in total defense at 324.2 yards per game. Leading the entire NFL with 33 passes defensed while compiling 11 sacks and 8 takeaways (+2 differential), Steel City continues to deliver game-changing stops.
14. Denver Broncos (3-2)
Vance Joseph's defense stood tall in a 23-17 division win over the Chargers. The Denver Broncos allow 22.2 points per game (111 total points allowed) while generating 13 sacks, 41 pressures, and 7 takeaways (including 5 interceptions). Denver’s ability to get off the field on third downs keeps them in every contest.
13. Houston Texans (1-4)
Houston roars into the rankings after an absolute demolition of Tennessee, rolling to a 26-3 win. The Houston Texans field the NFL's #2 sack attack with 18 sacks and rank third in rushing defense, allowing just 78.4 rushing yards per game. Yielding 22.4 points per game and 312.4 total yards per game (11th in NFL), with 51 pressures and 17 quarterback knockdowns, Will Anderson Jr. and company are finally showing their elite ceiling.
12. New York Giants (3-1-1)
Big Blue moves to 3-1-1 after a 27-27 overtime tie against Washington. The New York Giants rank ninth in scoring defense at 21.2 points per game (106 total points allowed) while allowing 199.4 passing yards per game. Anchored by 8 takeaways (tied for fourth with 6 interceptions) and 29 passes defensed (second in NFL), the Giants thrive in key spots.
11. Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Al Golden’s defense sealed a 31-24 road win over Miami. The Cincinnati Bengals tie for third in the NFL with 17 sacks and hold an aggressive 28.4% pressure rate (56 pressures). Yielding 21.8 points per game and 8 takeaways (+2 differential), Cincinnati’s ability to collapse the pocket without excessive blitzing keeps them dangerous.
10. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Despite taking a 31-7 loss to Green Bay, the Chicago Bears maintain elite defensive metrics across five weeks. Chicago ties the Jets for fifth in scoring defense at 19.2 points per game (96 total points allowed) and ranks ninth in total defense at 311.4 yards per game. Generating a fierce 32.7% pressure rate (third in NFL) alongside 12 sacks and 96.0 rushing yards allowed per game, Ben Johnson's defense has proven staying power.
9. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Green Bay crashes the top ten after completely suffocating Chicago in a 31-7 blowout. The Green Bay Packers rank eighth in total defense (308.6 yards per game) and fifth in pass defense (181.0 passing yards per game), surrendering 22.4 points per game. Jonathan Gannon's group has racked up 14 sacks, 47 pressures, and 9 takeaways (tied for third in NFL with 7 interceptions and a +3 turnover differential).
8. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
The Seattle Seahawks surrendered 32 points in a high-octane battle with San Francisco, but their per-down baseline remains unmatched. Seattle holds the NFL's #1 total defense (251.2 yards allowed per game) and #1 pass defense (150.8 passing yards allowed per game). Backed by 14 sacks, 59 pressures (32.2% pressure rate), a league-leading 27 quarterback knockdowns, and an NFL-best 11 takeaways, the "Darkside" secondary is always a threat to flip a game.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
Steve Spagnuolo’s unit rested on a Week 5 bye sitting undefeated. The Kansas City Chiefs rank seventh in scoring defense at 19.3 points per game (77 total points allowed) while giving up 317.8 total yards per game and just 92.8 rushing yards per game. With 7 takeaways (+5 differential) and 39 pressures, Spags' scheme is built for championship football.
6. Los Angeles Rams (2-3)
The Los Angeles Rams surrendered 37 points in an overtime shootout with Buffalo, but their underlying per-down numbers remain top-tier. The Rams hold the NFL's #3 total defense (285.2 yards allowed per game) and #2 pass defense (156.8 passing yards allowed per game). Giving up 24.0 points per game with 8 sacks and 30 passes defensed, this unit has a high floor.
5. New York Jets (2-3)
Gang Green bounced back with a gritty 17-12 win over Cleveland. The New York Jets rank fourth in total defense (293.0 yards per game) and fourth in passing defense (175.0 yards per game), surrendering 19.2 points per game (tied for fifth). Tying for third in the NFL with 17 sacks alongside 46 pressures, this defensive front remains brutal to move the chains against.
4. New England Patriots (3-2)
Mike Vrabel’s defense delivered a masterclass in a 45-17 rout of Las Vegas. The New England Patriots rank fourth in scoring defense at 18.8 points per game (94 total points allowed) and fifth in total defense (296.2 yards per game). Holding opponents to just 90.8 rushing yards per game (sixth in NFL) with 11 sacks and 42 pressures, New England's discipline keeps them firmly in the elite tier.
3. San Francisco 49ers (5-0)
The San Francisco 49ers stay unblemished after edging division-rival Seattle 32-29 on the road. San Francisco ranks third in scoring defense, surrendering just 18.6 points per game (93 total points allowed) and sixth in total defense at 297.2 yards per game. Generating a 27.9% pressure rate alongside 11 sacks and 17 quarterback knockdowns, Fred Warner and the Niners continue to dictate fourth quarters.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)
Liam Coen’s squad put on a defensive clinic across the pond, holding Philadelphia to 17 points in a 19-17 London victory. The Jacksonville Jaguars rank second in scoring defense at 14.0 points per game (70 total points allowed) and field the NFL's #1 rushing defense, surrendering a suffocating 63.8 rushing yards per game. With 11 sacks, 53 pressures, and 8 takeaways (+5 differential), Jacksonville's front seven continues to dominate the line of scrimmage.
1. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Brian Flores' crew remains the undisputed gold standard of defense in the NFL. The Minnesota Vikings hold the league's #1 scoring defense, yielding an absurdly low 12.8 points per game (64 total points allowed). Minnesota ranks second in total defense (259.8 yards per game) while leading the entire NFL with 66 quarterback pressures (36.7% pressure rate) and tying for third with 17 sacks. Holding opposing passers to a microscopic league-low 62.9 passer rating and forcing 10 takeaways (+6 turnover differential), the Vikings are a complete nightmare for offensive coordinators.
You Tell Us! Who are the Top 5 Defenses in the NFL?
Chime in on the Big D Debate: Who Has the NFL's Best Defense?

We've expanded our rankings to the top 23 NFL defenses after Week 5, but now it's your turn to debate the board!
- THE UNDISPUTED #1: Is anyone touching the Minnesota Vikings (12.8 PPG, 17 sacks, 66 pressures), or does Jacksonville's league-leading run defense (63.8 YPG) deserve the crown?
- NEWCOMER SURGE: Which new entry, the Green Bay Packers (31-7 beatdown of Chicago), Houston Texans (18 sacks), or Los Angeles Chargers (#10 total defense), is most legit?
- BOUNCE BACK OR BUST: Can the Seattle Seahawks (#1 in total yards allowed at 251.2 YPG) tighten up on the scoreboard after giving up 32 points to San Francisco?
Drop your hot takes and defensive rankings in the comments!
Top 23 NFL Defenses Going into Week 6
Lockdown Land: Power Ranking the Top 23 NFL Defenses After Week 5

Five weeks of the 2026 NFL season are in the books, and October football is separating the pretenders from true defensive juggernauts. After reviewing point suppression, total yardage surrendered, pocket pressure rates, sack totals, and takeaway margins, we expand our rankings to the top 23 NFL defenses following Week 5 action.

Ranking the 23 Best Defenses in the NFL Right Now

Chime in on the Big D Debate: Who Has the NFL's Best Defense?

Lockdown Land: Power Ranking the Top 23 NFL Defenses After Week 5

Chime in on the Big D Debate: Who Has the NFL's Best Defense?

Lockdown Land: Power Ranking the Top 23 NFL Defenses After Week 5

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