NFL defense rankings 2024: Worst and best NFL defenses after Week 13, Week 14 fantasy D/ST rankings

Who has the best defense in the NFL? Our NFL defense rankings evaluate the worst and best NFL defenses every week with fantasy D/ST rankings.

Dec 4, 2024 - 14:30

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NFL defense rankings 2024: Worst and best NFL defenses after Week 13, Week 14 fantasy D/ST rankings

Who has the best NFL defense in 2024? Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league every week to determine the best defenses in the NFL.

Let’s dive into our NFL defense rankings following Week 13. Note: Our NFL defense rankings are season-long, but you can find our Week 13 fantasy defense rankings below followed by our analysis of all 32 defenses.

Related: Week 14 fantasy rankings

Week 14 fantasy defense rankings

Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs Cleveland Browns
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs Carolina Panthers
Seattle Seahawks D/ST vs Arizona Cardinals
Miami Dolphins D/ST vs New York Jets
Arizona Cardinals D/ST vs Seattle Seahawks
Los Angeles Chargers D/ST vs Kansas City Chiefs
New Orleans Saints D/ST vs New York Giants
Minnesota Vikings D/ST vs Atlanta Falcons
Buffalo Bills D/ST vs Los Angeles Rams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST vs Las Vegas Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs San Francisco 49ers
Chicago Bears D/ST vs San Francisco 49ers
Tennessee Titans D/ST vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Cowboys D/ST vs Cincinnati Bengals
New York Giants D/ST vs New Orleans Saints

With our Week 14 fantasy defense rankings out of the way, let’s now dive into our NFL defense rankings with evaluations of the worst and best NFL defenses right now.

NFL defense rankings 2024: Worst NFL defenses right now

32. Cincinnati Bengals (30)

Entering Week 13, the Cincinnati Bengals allowed 240.8 passing yards per game, 118.8 rushing yards per game and a 112.8 QB rating with 8 passing touchdowns and 7 rushing touchdowns in their last four games. On Sunday, Russell Wilson threw 3 touchdowns with over 400 passing yards and the Steelers accumulated 520 total yards while averaging 7.9 yards per play. This is just an abysmal defense. Quite frankly, even Cooper Rush should have success against it in Week 14.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (31)

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense only allowing 23 points on Sunday says way more about how bad the Houston Texans’ offense has been than anything else. Houston continues to have alarming issues up front, resulting in third-and-longs that directly lead to an abysmal third-down conversion rate. Fortunately for Jacksonville, it’s entering a stretch against three of the worst NFL offenses (Titans, Jets and Raiders) this season.

30. Carolina Panthers (32)

The Carolina Panthers finally climbed out of the bottom spot in our NFL defense rankings. Sunday doesn’t change the fact that the Panthers have the worst NFL run defense – 236 yards allowed on Sunday – but at least Carolina sacked Baker Mayfield 4 times and picked him off twice. That’s a step forward, even if it’s a small one. Unfortunately, Saquon Barkley is waiting for this defense in Week 14. A 200-yard game is very doable.

29. New York Giants (26)

Even against Cooper Rush and a banged-up Dallas Cowboys offensive line, the New York Giants defense still had issues. Cowboys’ running back Rico Dowdle took complete advantage of one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, recording his first career 100-yard game. Equally alarming, the Giants pass rush failed to record a sack. The Cowboys offense also posted a 46.7 percent third-down conversion rate. Facing the New Orleans Saints in Week 14, the Giants D/ST offers no fantasy appeal outside of players facing this defense.

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28. New York Jets (28)

Well, at least the New York Jets defense hasn’t fallen into such a sunken place that it couldn’t take advantage of the Seattle Seahawks offensive line. New York lived in Seattle’s backfield in Week 14, accumulating 7 tackles for loss, 6 quarterback hits and 3 sacks. The domination up front also helped the Jets hold the Seahawks to 84 rushing yards with a 3.7 yards-per-carry average. We expect this defense to fare much worse against the Miami Dolphins next week.

27. Atlanta Falcons (29)

Look at what happens when you can pressure the opposing quarterback. The Atlanta Falcons sacked Justin Herbert 5 times on Sunday, tacking on 8 quarterback hits. Consistently getting in Herbert’s face directly led to him finishing with just 128 net passing yards and posting a 27.4 ESPN QBR. Now, Atlanta still couldn’t stop a No. 1 receiver (9 receptions for 117 yards for Ladd McConkey), but this total effort counts as improvement.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (25)

This is just a bad defense. Bryce Young fell just short of a 300-yard performance, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did only manage to sack him once on Sunday despite the Panthers having 47 dropbacks. The absence of a pass rush and the issues in the secondary have been problems all season and nothing is going to fix it moving forward. It’ll just be up to Baker Mayfield to cut down on the interceptions and keep carrying this team to wins.

25. New England Patriots (27)

Until the final drive, the New England Patriots defense was actually holding up well. THe Colts’ offense managed just 173 total yards on eight drives and trailed 24-17. That’s when New England experienced death by a thousand cuts, with Indianapolis methodically marching down the field on a 19-play, 80-yard drive capped off with a touchdown and the game-winning two-point conversion with 12 seconds left. On a positive note, this unit is improving now that Jabrill Peppers and Christian Barmore are back on the field.

24. New Orleans Saints (22)

The Los Angeles Rams offense made the most of their nine drives on Sunday against this defense, averaging 5.9 yards per play while going 4-for-9 on third-down attempts and 3-for-3 in the red zone. Kyren Williams (104 yards and 1 touchdown on 15 carries) took full advantage of one of the worst run defenses, too. While we don’t trust the Saints defense most weeks, it should perform very well against the New York Giants next week.

23. Las Vegas Raiders (24)

Maxx Crosby is doing everything he can to keep the Las Vegas Raiders in games, it’s just not enough. On Friday, Patrick Mahomes became the fifth consecutive quarterback to record at least 1 touchdown and 240-plus passing yards against the Raiders defense. Dating back a little further, opponents are averaging 258.8 pass ypg with a 103.2 QB rating and a 13-2 TD-INT line against Las Vegas in Weeks 8-13. Baker Mayfield and Co. should have a fun Sunday in Week 14 at home.

22. Cleveland Browns (21)

Another rough performance from the Cleveland Browns defense. While Bo Nix was picked off twice, he also led an offense that amassed 400 total yards on 14 drives and averaged 6.6 yards per play. The Browns also went 6-for-13 on third-down attempts and 84 yards to running back Jaleel McLaughlin (6 ypc). Drrawing a rematch with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14, Russell Wilson and George Pickens should have more success than they did last time out against this unit.

21. Indianapolis Colts (20)

Just like every other opponent the New England Patriots face, the Indianapolis Colts had no problem getting to Drake Maye (4 sacks). The issues came when they couldn’t bring him down. Mae finished with 281 total yards (59 rushing) on Sunday and the Patriots’ offense even went 6-for-11 on third-down attempts and made 6 trips to the red zone. We’re just not convinced the Colts have a good defense.

NFL defense rankings: Chiefs, Bears keep falling

20. San Francisco 49ers (10)

Playing on a fractured ankle, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner looks nothing like he should. It’s further deteriorated a defense that is already missing its top edge rusher (Nick Bosa), defensive tackle (Javon Hargrave), No. 2 cornerback (Charvarius Ward) and safety (Talanoa Hufanga). San Francisco has just been decimated defensively and with the season spiraling out of control, the franchise has no reason to rush its defensive stars back.

19. Kansas City Chiefs (15)

A single injury really decimated the Kansas City Chiefs defense. With No. 2 cornerback Jaylen Watson, Kansas City held its first six opponents to an 81.2 QB rating, 221.5 passing yards per game with a 6-8 TD-INT ratio and this defense ranked eighth in EPA per Play (-0.066) from Weeks 1-7. Since Watson’s injury, the Chiefs defense ranks 26th in EPA per Play (0.094) with opponents averaging a 97.0 QB rating, 238 pass ypg and posting a 13-3 TD-INT rate. This is a favorable matchup for Justin Herbert in Week 14 and unless the return of Charles Omenihu lights a spark for this pass rush, we’re not confident in Kansas City’s defense holding up during the playoffs.

18. Tennessee Titans (16)

It became a bad day early for the Tennessee Titans defensively, with the Washington Commanders putting up 21 first-quarter points and leading 28-0 early in the second quarter. Injuries started taking a toll on this defense a few weeks ago and now the wear-and-tear of the NFL season, made worse by a three-and-out Titans’ offense, is leading to even more regression defensively.

17. Chicago Bears (17)

The Chicago Bears run defense is still abysmal. Entering Thanksgiving, opponents averaged 134.7 rushing yards per game, 4.8 yards per carry and 1.2 rushing touchdowns per game versus Chicago since Week 1. On Thanksgiving, the Lions rushed for 194 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Even Chicago’s pass defense is starting to take a step backward, eliminating the lone reason the Bears had to keep Matt Eberflus around.

16. Dallas Cowboys (22)

The Dallas Cowboys defense is steadily improving, even with Trevon Diggs and DeMarcus Lawrence still sidelined. While Micah Parsons (1.5 sacks) is the star of this unit, there appears to be a new cornerstone emerging in linebacker DeMarvion Overshown. At the very least, Cowboys Nation can be excited to think about this defense fielding a healthy Overshown, Parsons, Diggs, Lawrence and DaRon Bland in 2025.

15. Baltimore Ravens (18)

Dropping to 8-5 absolutely hurts, but the Baltimore Ravens can at least feel pretty good about this defense turning things around. Saquon Barkley didn’t break loose until the fourth quarter, with his game-sealing touchdown just helping him eclipse the 100-yard mark. Baltimore’s run defense will be back to elite when Michael Pierce returns and the sudden ability to contain No. 1 receivers (66 yards on 6 targets for A.J. Brown) suggests the changes made to the Ravens’ secondary fixed things. There should be high hopes for this Ravens defense when they return from the bye.

14. Miami Dolphins (12)

A myriad of injuries can certainly be attributed to a portion of the Miami Dolphins’ defensive issues on Thanksgiving. Jordan Love averaged 9.8 yards per attempt with a 129.2 QB rating and a 2-0 TD-INT line, picking apart Miami at every level of the field. What can’t be excused by injuries and falls on the shoulders of first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, is how poorly this defense tackles. Fortunately for Miami, Aaron Rodgers and the Jets’ offense are much less of a threat in Week 14.

13. Washington Commanders (19)

When the Washington Commanders return from the bye, they’ll likely have No. 1 corner Marshon Lattimore on the field. It will be a long-awaited debut, but the wait will be worth it. Lattimore’s presence doesn’t just give Dan Quinn someone to line up in man coverage who he can trust against No. 1 receivers, it also takes stress off this pass rush. We’re very optimistic about the Commanders’ defense in December and it will get a few good tests (Eagles and Falcons) before the playoffs.

12. Houston Texans (8)

If Trevor Lawrence finished Sunday’s game, allowing 276 net passing yards and 2 touchdowns to the Jacksonville Jaguars wouldn’t seem so bad. Unfortunately, it was Mac Jones – 235 pass yards 7.3 ypa, 2-0 TD-INT and 105.6 QB rating – that had success against the Houston Texans defense. We’re not sure what the problem is right now with Houston, but it’s allowed over 250 passing yards per game over the last month and a 4-1 TD-INT ratio in the last two games.

11. Seattle Seahawks (13)

The moment has officially arrived. After months of learning Mike Macdonald’s system, the Seattle Seahawks defense is now putting it all together on the field. Entering Sunday, Seattle allowed just a 3-3 TD-INT line, 231 passing yards per game and an 81.7 QB rating with 82.7 rush ypg allowed in the last three weeks. In Week 13, Aaron Rodgers finished with just 169 net passing yards, New York totaled just 89 rushing yards and Seattle generated 2 takeaways with a 38.5 percent third-down conversion rate allowed. The turning point for this unit seemed to be the mid-season changes at linebacker because this has been one of the best NFL defenses since.

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Best NFL defenses 2024

10. Green Bay Packers (14)

There continue to be flashes from this Green Bay Packers pass rush, but that’s it. While the 365 passing yards allowed to Tua Tagovailoa is a bit deceptive, given much of that came with the game out of hand, its also apparent how sorely missed cornerback Jaire Alexander is. His absence is crucial because Green Bay can’t consistently get after the opposing quarterback without blitzing. Unfortunately for Green Bay, it’s likely going to encounter some problems next Thursday night because the Detroit Lions offensive line holds a huge advantage in the trenches, which should set up both the ground game and passing attack for success.

9. Los Angeles Rams (11)

The Los Angeles Rams pass defense has been stout for over a month now. From Weeks 7-12, opposing quarterbacks averaged just an 86.2 QB rating with a 9-8 TD-INT line, 19 sacks taken (3.2 per game) and 219.8 passing yards per game. The success continued on Sunday against Derek Carr, with New Orleans unable to get anything going through the air. Los Angeles still has big problems against the run, but this is a passing league and that’s exactly the kind of defense Los Angeles needs in Week 14 against Josh Allen.

8. Arizona Cardinals (9)

Jonathan Gannon is coaching up a masterpiece, at least within the context of the limited talent on this defense. From Weeks 7-12, Arizona Cardinals opponents averaged just 216.6 passing yards and 84.4 rushing yards per game. Meanwhile, quarterbacks averaged an 85.5 QB rating and 0.4 passing touchdowns per game, thanks in part to a Cardinals’ pass rush that averaged 3.6 sacks per game. On Sunday, Minnesota totaled just 68 rushing yards while Sam Darnold was sacked 5 times and finished with 205 net passing yards. All of this is why Arizona ranks as a top-10 defense in EPA per Play since Week 8.

7. Detroit Lions (3)

Injuries are really beginning to take their toll on the Detroit Lions defense. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn did a phenomenal job making this one of the best NFL defenses even after the Aidan Hutchinson injury. Unfortunately, the absences are stockpiling now with Carlton Davis III, Ennis Rakestraw Jr, Ifeatu Melifonwu, Alex Anazalone, Emmanuel Moseley, Malcolm Rodriguez and Josh Paschal all now injured. If at least a few of the Lions’ defensive starters can’t go in Week 14, this team could drop its matchup with the Packers.

6. Buffalo Bills (7)

Aided by both the snow and an injury-depleted 49ers’ offense, this Buffalo Bills defense feasted on Sunday Night Football. Buffalo allowed just 10 points, while generating as many takeaways (three) as third-down conversions (30 percent conversion rate). While the Bills run defense is still a vulnerability for this unit, the pass rush and secondary matter far more. Plus, All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano is back on the field and Buffalo even had one of the best NFL defenses this season without him.

5. Denver Broncos (4)

The Denver Broncos certainly missed No. 2 cornerback Riley Moss on Monday night. When Pat Surtain lined up on Jerry Jeudy in coverage, per NextGenState, he only surrendered 20 receiving yards on 2 receptions across 34 snaps. The rest of the Broncos’ secondary allowed 215 yards on 7 receptions to Jeudy. While Moss is sorely missed, it’s also now worth highlighting that this Broncos defense has allowed 247 passing yards per game with a 5-2 TD-INT line in its previous four matchups. So it now appears regression has hit this unit, but we’ll give Vance Joseph time to see what adjustments are made during the Week 14 bye.

4. Minnesota Vikings (6)

Bend but don’t break was the recipe for success from Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings defense on Sunday. Arizona got the yardage it wanted (406 total yards, but this Cardinals offense went 5-for-13 on third-down attempts (38.5 percent conversion rate) and an abysmal 1-for-6 inside the red zone. Minnesota also picked off Kyler Murray twice, including the game-sealing interception. It feels safe to project that Kirk Cousins will give Minnesota’s defense a few chances at interceptions in Week 14.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (2)

Even the best NFL defenses have issues against Joe Burrow. The Pittsburgh Steelers joined the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs in allowing 240-plus yards and 2-plus touchdowns to the Bengals’ quarterback. However, whole Pittsburgh allowed a 6.6 yards-per-play average to Cincinnati, it also generated 3 takeaways and 4 sacks. Those are the NFL stats that matter against elite offenses, so the Steelers are in no danger of losing their status as a top-five defense.

2. Los Angeles Chargers (5)

Simply a defensive clinic from Jesse Minter and the Los Angeles Chargers. Facing the Atlanta Falcons in a must-win situation, the Chargers defense allowed just 13 points and a 4.5 yards-per-play average on Sunday. Los Angeles stood out in critical situations – 21.4 percent third-down conversion rate allowed (3-for-14) and a 25 percent red-zone touchdown rate – and picked off Kirk Cousins four times, including rookie Tarheeb Still’s pick-six. Minter has orchestrated one of the best NFL defenses in an incredible turnaround for this unit.

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1. Philadelphia Eagles (1)

Even without Darius Slay, the Philadelphia Eagles showcased in Week 14 that they have the best defense in the NFL. Before Lamar Jackson’s garbage-time touchdown, he had less than 200 net passing yards, was sacked 3 times and the Ravens offense went 1-for-4 on red-zone trips. Jalen Carter is playing more consistently like an All-Pro defensive tackle, Cooper DeJean is already becoming a star in his rookie season and Philadelphia is putting on defensive clinics nearly every week since its bye.

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NFL defense stats 2024

NFL defense rankings FAQ

What is the best defense in the NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the best defense in the NFL right now.

Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?

The Houston Texans lead the NFL in takeaways this season with 23 (15 interceptions and 8 fumble recoveries).

What NFL defense is best for fantasy?

The Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos are some of the best NFL defenses to target in fantasy.

What is the NFL defense rankings?

Sportsnaut’s NFL defense rankings evaluate and rank all 32 NFL defenses each week, reviewing their performances and projecting how they’ll perform in their upcoming game based on matchups and NFL defense stats.

NFL team sack leaders 2024

NFL teams with fewest sacks

Denver Broncos – 44
Houston Texans – 42
Minnesota Vikings – 38
New York Giants – 36
Baltimore Ravens – 35
Los Angeles Chargers – 34
New York Jets – 34
Philadelphia Eagles – 33
Cleveland Browns – 32
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 32

New Orleans Saints – 25
Pittsburgh Steelers – 25
Tennessee Titans – 24
Jacksonville Jaguars – 21
Kansas City Chiefs – 21
Miami Dolphins – 21
Las Vegas Raiders – 20
Cincinnati Bengals – 19
Carolina Panthers – 17
Atlanta Falcons – 10

Who is the number 1 defense in NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the No. 1 defense in the NFL this season.

Who has the best defense in NFL history?

The 1985 Chicago Bears had the best NFL defense ever. Led by three Hall of Famers – Mike Singletary, Richard Dent and Dan Hampton – Chicago allowed just 101 total points on its way to winning Super Bowl XX, including an NFL record two shutouts in the playoffs. In addition, the 1985 Bears’ defense held opponents to a 50.2 passer rating with a 46.5 percent completion rate and 17-37 TD-INT ratio in 19 total games and opponents averaged just 76 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry across 19 contests in the regular season and playoffs.

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Who has the worst pass defense in the NFL?

The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst pass defense in the NFL, allowing the second-most passing yards per game (278.3), the most touchdown passes (23), the highest QB rating (111.6) and the second-highest completion rate (70.9 percent).

What’s the top 5 defenses in the NFL?

The top 5 NFL defenses are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Who gives up the most passing yards in the NFL?

The Baltimore Ravens allow the most passing yards in the NFL, allowing 284.5 passing yards per game.

What teams have the best defense in the NFL?

The Denver Broncos, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers have the best defenses in the NFL this season.

Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?

The Philadelphia Eagles have the best pass defense in the NFL, allowing the third-fewest passing yards per game (175.5), the sixth-fewest passing touchdowns (11) and the fifth-lowest QB rating (81.5).

Who has the best run defense in the NFL?

The Minnesota Vikings have the best run defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game (74.7) and the second-lowest yards per carry average (3.6) in 2024.

Who has the worst defense in the NFL?

The Carolina Panthers have the worst NFL defense right now.

Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?

The Carolina Panthers have the worst run defense in the NFL this year, allowing the most rushing yards per game (160.1) and the most rushing touchdowns (17).

What team has the most sacks in a season?

The Chicago Bears set the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 72 sacks in 16 games in 1984. Most recently, the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles became just the fourth team in NFL history to record 70 sacks in a single season.

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