Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league to determine the best defenses in the NFL. With the preseason wrapped up, let’s dive into our evaluations for the worst and best NFL defenses this season. We’ll update our NFL defense rankings, with analysis on all 32 teams, every Sunday night each week.
Our NFL defense rankings are updated as of Tuesday, October 14. We’ve provided analysis on how every defense performed in Week 6. Before that, we’re diving into our Week 7 fantasy defense rankings.
Week 7 Fantasy Defense Rankings
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Here is our Week 7 fantasy D/ST rankings. The analysis of the best and worst NFL defenses can be found below this list.
Denver Broncos D/ST vs New York GIants
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs Cincinnati Bengals
New England Patriots D/ST vs Tennessee Titans
Seattle Seahawks D/ST vs Houston Texans
Cleveland Browns D/ST vs Miami Dolphins
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs Las Vegas Raiders
Carolina Panthers D/ST vs New York Jets
Atlanta Falcons D/ST vs San Francisco 49ers
Green Bay Packers D/ST vs Arizona Cardinals
Los Angeles Rams D/ST vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs Minnesota Vikings
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST vs Los Angeles Rams
Indianapolis Colts D/ST vs Los Angeles Chargers
Minnesota Vikings D/ST vs Philadelphia Eagles
Houston Texans D/ST vs Seattle Seahawks
Miami Dolphins D/ST vs Cleveland Browns
Chicago Bears D/ST vs New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST vs Detroit Lions
1. Denver Broncos (1)
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Another Sunday with a defensive clinic courtesy of the Denver Broncos. Justin Fields averaged just 2.6 yards per attempt on Sunday morning, finishing with -10 net passing yards on a day when New York mustered just 1.4 yards per play and went 2-for-15 on third down. Over the last three games, Denver’s opponents have gone just 6-for-37 on third-down attempts (16.2 percent) and are averaging just 181 total yards per game. The Broncos’ defense is going to wreak some havoc on Jaxson Dart in Week 7.
2. Houston Texans (3)
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Heading into the bye, the Houston Texans defense limited its last three opponents to a 51.2 percent completion rate, 153.7 passing yards per game, 5.4 ypa and a 42.8 passer rating. Unsurprisingly, an edge rushing duo of Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. also spearheaded a unit that had the third-best ESPN pass-rush win rate (47 percent) in the NFL. There’s so much talent at edge rusher and cornerback, making Houston’s defense the perfect test for Sam Darnold and Co. in Week 7. It’s a must-see game.
3. Minnesota VIkings (6)
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Brian Flores is going to make life very difficult in Week 7 for an Eagles offense that is already struggling. The Minnesota Vikings are top-10 in ESPN pass-rush win rate (45 percent), run-stop win rate (31 percent), and pressure rate (30.2 percent) even with Andrew Van Ginkel sidelined. The one edge Philadelphia has is its receiving duo against the Vikings’ cornerbacks, but the issues Jalen Hurts and Co. are having could lead to the Eagles’ offensive woes continuing versus one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.
4. Seattle Seahawks (7)
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The Seattle Seahawks defense took away what Jacksonville does best, limiting it to 59 rushing yards and a 3.1 yards-per-carry average on Sunday. The Jaguars did try to take advantage of a Seahawks’ secondary missing Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Julian Love, but Seattle’s pass rush (17 quarterback hits and 7 sacks) wreaked havoc, resulting in Trevor Lawrence averaging under 4.4 yards per dropback in Week 6. That’s a defensive clinic from Mike Macdonald’s group. The Seahawks’ pass rush has a great chance to keep it going on Monday Night Football versus the Texans’ offensive line, especially if they get their corners back.
5. Cleveland Browns (2)
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Aaron Rodgers was methodical at getting the football out quickly on Sunday, resulting in this Cleveland Browns defense failing to record a sack on 30 dropbacks by the Steelers. Pittsburgh was pretty efficient when it had the football (5.8 yards-per-play average), but reached the red zone just once and finished with a 38.5 percent third-down conversion rate in Week 6. After allowing 20-plus points for the third consecutive week, we fully anticipate the Browns’ defense rebounds next Sunday against Miami.
6. Atlanta Falcons (11)
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In 2024, the Atlanta Falcons defense had the second-fewest sacks (31) in the NFL and that absence of a pass rush resulted in opponents scoring 24.9 PPG (23rd) and allowing the second-highest conversion rate (45.3 percent) on third downs. Through five games this year, Atlanta already had 14 sacks and that’s translated to the ninth-best scoring defense (20 PPG) and the fourth-best third-down defense (32.1 percent conversion rate) in the NFL. After neutralizing the Bills’ passing game, Atlanta still has the best passing defense (139.4 pass ypg and 77.1 QB rating allowed) in the league this season. There’s no reason to question this unit anymore and the one-year turnaround is truly historic.
7. Jacksonville Jaguars (8)
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The Jacksonville Jaguars defense failed to record a takeaway on Sunday, the first time that’s happened all season. While trading Tyson Campbell isn’t the reason Jacksonville had no answer for Jaxon Smith-Njigba (8-162-1), it did show the issues this secondary still has since the Jaguars’ coaching staff is adamant about keeping Travis Hunter as a two-way player. On the bright side for this unit, Week 6 (60 rush yards allowed and 2.3 yards per carry) looked a lot like Weeks 2-4 (72.7 rush yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry), and the Jaguars finally got a great performance from their defense on third down (11 stops on 12 third-down attempts). Given the Rams’ offense might be without Puka Nacua in Week 7, there’s a good opportunity for the Jaguars’ defense to rebound in Week 7.
8. Los Angeles Rams (13)
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The Los Angeles Rams defense met expectations on Sunday, at least defending the pass. Thanks to Byron Young (5 QB hits and 2 sacks) and Jared Verse (4 QB hits and 1 sack), the Rams’ pass rush netted 11 QB hits and 4 sacks, translating to Baltimore finishing with just 117 net passing yards on 38 dropbacks. Now, our concern ahead of a matchup against the Jaguars is how Los Angeles will fare versus Travis Etienne. Derrick Henry (122 yards and 5.1 ypc) thrived in Week 6, but the Rams have allowed the sixth-lowest yards-per-carry average (3.8) this season.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (4)
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In the last four games, opponents have averaged 144.8 rushing yards per game with a 5.2 yards-per-carry average against the Los Angeles Chargers defense. While that doesn’t completely overshadow what this pass defense did on Sunday, 3 interceptions and 6.4 ypa allowed, that is weighed down by how relatively easy it is for a great defensive mind to game plan for a passing game led by Tua Tagovailoa. Given the Chargers’ issues defending the run and generating pressure, it could be a very rough go in Week 7 versus the Colts.
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10)
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Christian McCaffrey became the latest running back to run into the brick wall that is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers run defense. San Francisco became the fifth opponent this season to finish under 100 rushing yards against Tampa Bay and the third in the last four games to get picked off by the Buccaneers. This isn’t a flawless defense by any means, after all, it’s allowing nearly 240 pass ypg this year. As long as Tampa Bay is neutralizing the run and generating great pressure, which can turn into a few takeaways, this will remain one of the best NFL defenses in 2025.
11. Detroit Lions (4)
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Entering Week 7, the Detroit Lions defense currently is playing without Alim McNeil, Mekhi Wingo, Terrion Arnold, DJ Reed, Ennis Rakestraw and Avonte Maddox. If that’s not challenging enough for first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, star safety Kerby Joseph is playing through a knee injury. For as good as Aidan Hutchinson and this Lions’ pass rush has been in 2025, there’s only so much you can do when you’re that thin in the secondary. It’s a very difficult position to be in for a Week 7 matchup agaisnt Baker Mayfield, who is putting up MVP-caliber performances even with Chris Godwin, Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka sidelined.
12. Kansas City Chiefs (18)
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After a rough three-game stretch (139.3 rush ypg and 5.4 ypc), the Kansas City Chiefs run defense has rebounded in the last two games with opponents averaging just 103.5 rushing yards per game. That’s translated to Kansas City allowing just 19.5 first downs per game, better than the league-average, even with this pass rush not able to generate pressure on a regular basis. Steve Spagnuolo’s group isn’t quite as good as it used to be, but that’s not necessary with the level this offense has reached. Facing a bottom-10 Raiders’ offense in Week 7, the Chiefs’ defense should put on a clinic.
13. Green Bay Packers (9)
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The numbers, or lack thereof, put up by this Green Bay Packers pass rush, will generate national attention. Coming off the bye, Micah Parsons and Co. netted just 5 quarterback hits and 1 sack (Lukas Van Ness) on Joe Flacco behind a porous Bengals’ offensive line. A lot of that can be attributed to a bad cornerback room and the continued absence of defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. Unless general manager Brian Gutekunst address the weaknesses ahead of the NFL trade deadline, this defense won’t reach its potential. With that said, Green Bay does match up pretty well versus the Cardinals’ offense in Week 7.
14. Indianapolis Colts (12)
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Considering all the injuries the Cardinals’ offense dealt with, Sunday’s showing was a bit of a letdown from this Indianapolis Colts defense. Arizona posted a 64.3 percent third-down conversion rate and averaged 5.7 yards per play (400 total yards), reaching the red zone six times on 10 drives. If this Colts’ pass rush can’t get home in Week 7 against an injury-ravaged Chargers’ offensive line, Justin Herbert will have a field day with Ladd McConkey, Quentin Johnston, and Keenan Allen constantly getting open and moving the chains.
15. New England Patriots (15)
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The New England Patriots defense has limited its last four opponents to 18.3 PPG in the last month, surrendering only a 41.5 percent third-down conversion rate in that four-game stretch. On Sunday, the only real mistake came on Chris Olave’s 53-yard play on the opening drive; from then on, this unit allowed just 240 total yards on the next eight drives (30 yards per drive) to New Orleans. It’s more steady progress for this unit, and it should absolutely continue against Cam Ward and the Titans’ offense.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (21)
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Too easy for the Pittsburgh Steelers defense on Sunday. Without any kind of deep threat to challenge this secondary, Pittsburgh put on a defensive clinic that resulted in just a 3.3 yards-per-play average allowed with only six third-down conversions surrendered (17 attempts), and Cleveland went 0-for-3 in the red zone. Those are all great numbers, but now we need to see this Steelers defense against better competition. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, it faces a backup quarterback for the third consecutive week in a Week 7 matchup versus Cincinnati on Thursday Night Football.
17. Washington Commanders (20)
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Of the 25 points allowed on Monday Night Football, 13 came off takeaways with three of those scoring drives covering fewer than 40 yards. On the other hand, Chicago averaged 6.5 yards per play against this Washington Commanders defense and a once-dormant ground game erupted for 145 yards and a 5.4 yards-per-carry average. Washington’s pass rush (8.5 percent sack rate, fifth in NFL) is still doing an admirable job given the talent level, but this front has also allowed 142.7 rush ypg and a 4.7 ypc average in the last three contests. Expect a high-scoring game versus Dallas in Week 7.
18. Buffalo Bills (19)
18. San Francisco 49ers (17)
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The San Francisco 49ers defense has now lost its two most integral players to season-ending injuries. Losing Nick Bosa dealt a devastating blow to this pass rush and with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner done for the year, the run defense and pass coverage will take a step back. For as much respect as we have for defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, there’s far too much inexperience on the field to overcome the holes in the front seven. Bijan Robinson should fare very well versus San Francisco in Week 7 on MNF.
19. Philadelphia Eagles (14)
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Without Jalen Carter, the Philadelphia Eagles defense has nothing up front. Edge rush was the team’s biggest weakness coming into the season and the lack of depth at cornerback is even more apparent with Quinyon Mitchell (hamstring) sidelined and Cooper DeJean deployed in the nickel. Philadelphia does match up against a banged-up Vikings offensive line in Week 7, but they don’t have anyone to match up with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson.
20. Carolina Panthers (22)
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The year-to-year turnaround by this Carolina Panthers run defense is remarkable. In 2024, opponents averaged nearly 180 rushing yards per game versus Carolina. This year, Carolina allows less than 95 rushing yards per game, and that number falls to 73.4 rush ypg in the last five contests. Unfortunately for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, his team still can’t generate anything resembling a competent pass rush, and that shows up in the 693 passing yards and 8-0 TD-INT line quarterbacks have put up versus Carolina in the last three games. A Week 7 matchup against the Jets meets the definition of a stoppable force versus a moveable object.
21. Arizona Cardinals (22)
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The lack of depth on this Arizona Cardinals defense, especially after injuries to both the secondary and defensive line, is starting to show. Jonathan Taylor put up 123 rushing yards on Sunday, averaging 5.9 yards per carry, with Indianapolis riding that success on the ground to 31 points, a 50 percent third-down conversion rate, and going 4-for-4 in the red zone. It won’t get any easier in Week 7 versus Green Bay.
22. New York Giants (25)
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In the last foru games, opponents are averaging jsut 20.8 points per game versus the New York Giants defense, largely because of a pass defense that is ceding just an 81.8 QB rating and 224.3 pass ypg during that stretch. Brian Burns was the difference-maker on Thursday Night Football, helping limit Philadelphia to 1-of-9 on third downs. Given the issues the Broncos’ passing game is having this season, there’s an opportunity in Week 7 for New York to hold an opponent under 24 points for the fourth time in five games.
23. Chicago Bears (23)
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Takeaways (12, second-most in the NFL) are doing the heavy lifting for this Chicago Bears defense in 2025. If you put the turnovers aside, Chicago allows the highest yards-per-play average (6.5), the sixth-highest scorign rate (43.5 percent) and the fifth-most points per drive (2.52) in the NFL this season. Given that turnovers can be random and the New Orleans Saints have just four giveaways this season, Chicago’s defense may not be particularly strong in Week 7.
24. Buffalo Bills (19)
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Losing defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to an injury during pregame warm-ups certainly didn’t do any favors for one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. Even noting that injury, this defense has wildly fallen short of expectations in 2025. Buffalo now has the second-worst run defense in the NFL (156.3 rush ypg, 9 rushing touchdowns and 5.8 ypc allowed) and this secondary has surrendered a 97.5 QB rating and 250 pass ypg in the last two weeks. Maybe things change after the bye, but we’re skeptical.
25. Tennessee Titans (28)
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Jeffery Simmons is doing everything he can for this Tennessee Titans defense, but there’s only so much that can be done when you’re saddled with that offense. Simmons (2 QB hits and 1 sack) led Tennessee’s defense on Sunday, limiting Las Vegas to 226 total yards and a 4.0 yards-per-play average. There are just far too many issues that Simmons has to overcome and that includes the Titans’ cornerbacks.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (27)
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The Las Vegas Raiders defense did what it should’ve against Cam Ward and the Titans in Week 6. Now, let’s see if that success leads to anything. Ahead of a Week 7 matchup versus the Chiefs’ offense, it’s worth noting that Kansas City came into Sunday allowing a 101.0 QB rating with 6 passing touchdowns in its previous four games. We’re a bit suspect of this Raiders’ secondary faring well versus Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Travis Kelce even if Kansas City’s run game is hit-and-miss.
27. New Orleans Saints (23)
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We have to give New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley credit for this—his unit defends the run (3.8 yards-per-carry average) really well. However, the pass defense leaves plenty to be desired. Drake Maye’s numbers (261 pass yards, 10.0 ypa, and 3-0 TD-INT) could’ve been even better if not for some iffy officiating. Chicago doesn’t have much of a run game to speak of, but we are excited to see Ben Johnson’s passing game against Staley’s pass defense in Week 7.
28. Baltimore Ravens (32)
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Now that Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and Kyle Van Noy are back on the field, this Baltimore Ravens defense should steadily begin improving. There were signs of that in Week 6, with the Rams’ offense mustering just 241 total yards and going 2-for-5 in the red zone; tangible progress for Baltimore. If the Ravens can get Roquan Smith and Chidobe Awuzie back after the Week 7 bye, the floor for this unit climbs considerably.
29. New York Jets (31)
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Sauce Gardner erased Courtland Sutton (1-17) and this New York Jets defense did a great job creating penetration in the backfield, allowing just a 3.0 yards-per-carry average and generating consistent pressure on Bo Nix. This was a nice step forward for Steve Wilks’ defense and there have been very few of those this season. Facing the Panthers’ offense in Week 7, Gardner could do the same to Tetairoa McMillan and that would go a long way in containing Carolina.
30. Cincinnati Bengals (28)
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Trey Hendrickson left Sunday’s game with a back injury and could misst ime. So, if you thought the Cincinnati Bengals defense was bad before, it’s about to get so much worse. The Bengals have no pass rush to speak of now and that’s just asking for Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf to destroy you on a short week.
31. Miami Dolphins (29)
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Even with the Chargers’ offensive line ravaged by injuries, this Miami Dolphins defense only managed 1 sack on Justin Herbert. To make make it even worse, fourth-string running back Kimani Vidal averaged 6.9 yards per carry versus Miami and put up 128 scrimmage yards. Entering Week 7, Miami ‘s defense has allowed enarly 390 total yards per game. Even Dillon Gabriel might look good against this unit.
32. Dallas Cowboys (30)
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The Dallas Cowboys have the worst defense in the NFL right now. Through six games, Dallas is the only team in the NFL to allow its opponents to average 400-plus total yards per game (411.7) and it is allowing the second-most points per game (30.7) in the league. One big part of the problem, the Cowboys allow the highest third-down conversion rate (53.2 percent) in the NFL. Jayden Daniels and Bill Croskey-Merritt should have a field day versus Dallas in Week 7.
NFL defense rankings FAQ
What are 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.
What is the best defense in the NFL?
The Denver Broncos have the best defense in the NFL right now.
Who has the worst defense in the NFL?
The Dallas Cowboys have the worst NFL defense right now.
Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?
The Atlanta Falcons have the best pass defense in the NFL this season.
Who has the worst pass defense in the NFL?
The Dallas Cowboys have the worst pass defense in the NFL this season, allowing the mostpassing yards per game (269.5) and the most passing touchdowns (15).
Who has the best run defense in the NFL?
The Green Bay Packers have the best run defense in the NFL this season, allowing just 73 rushing yards per game through Week 6.
Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?
The Miami Dolphins have the worst rushing defense in the NFL this season, allowing 168.5 rushing yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry.
Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?
The Jacksonville Jaguars lead the NFL in takeaways this season with 14.
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.
Who gives up the most passing yards in the NFL?
The Dallas Cowboys allow the most passing yards in the NFL in 2025.
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.
What NFL defense is best for fantasy?
The Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Cleveland Browns and San Francisco 49ers are some of the best NFL defenses to target in fantasy.
Matt Johnson is Senior Editor of NFL and College Football for Sportsnaut. His work, including weekly NFL and college … More about Matt Johnson