As we head into a full slate of games in week 5 of the NFL season, these are the defensive power rankings across the league:
1. Cleveland Browns – 222.5 Average Yards Against
The Browns face the Vikings this week after losing to the Lions. Even though the Lions put up 34 points against them, they couldn’t break the yards against statistics for the Browns.
2. Atlanta Falcons – 244 Average Yards Against
The Falcons get to enjoy a bye after their game against the Commanders. In that game, the Falcons racked up two sacks and an interception.
3. Los Angeles Chargers – 270 Average Yards Against
Like I said last week, the Chargers defense was going to get sacks. They ended up recording six of them against rookie Jaxson Dart, who was starting for the first time in the NFL.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 272.8 Average Yards Against
The Buccaneers started slow against the Eagles before finally putting themselves in a position to win last week. They came up short, but it was the defense that held Phill,y and they even sacked Jalen Hurts twice, which is a feat within itself
5. San Francisco 49ers – 280.5 Average Yards Against
The Niners are set up to face the Rams for a battle in the NFC West on Thursday. The Niners will have to be defensively sound if they want to beat the Rams due to their current injuries on offense.
5. Houston Texans – 280.5 Average Yards Against
The Texans are coming off a great performance against the Titans, which seems like anyone can do nowadays. However, with two sacks and an interception, they easily beat Cam Ward and the rest of the team.
7. Minnesota Vikings – 281.8 Average Yards Against
After losing a close game to the Steelers overseas, the Vikings have a tough, fervent matchup against the Browns before their bye.
8. Green Bay Packers – 283.3 Average Yards Against
The Packers have a bye this week after a 40-40 tie with the Cowboys. What was surprising is they only had one sack in this game, but it was Micah Parsons who got it.
9. Los Angeles Rams – 284.5 Average Yards Against
The Rams face the Niners this week on Thursday Night Football. This game should be low scoring since both these teams have great defenses.
Who will be the winner of every game in week 5? Check out our NFL game picks: NFL Game Picks
10. Denver Broncos – 285.3 Average Yards Against
The Broncos defense just locks up anyone, and right now, it’s hard to bet against them with this defense. After three sacks against the Bengals, they’re ready for their next test in Philly.
11. Buffalo Bills – 290 Average Yards Against
The Bills face the Patriots this week in what should be another barn-burner for them. The Patriots have a good defense, but in the end, the Bills will remain unbeaten.
12. Detroit Lions – 293 Average Yards Against
The Lions defense had finally hit a stride and, after losing to the Packers in week one, has been a terror for opposing teams. With 14 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and three interceptions, look for the Lions to dominate the Bengals this week.
13. Seattle Seahawks – 297 Average Yards Against
In a divisional game against the Cardinals, the Seahawks racked up six sacks and two interceptions. They may not have the same luck this week against the Buccaneers, but they should make it to Baker Mayfield a few times.
14. Kansas City Chiefs – 312.8 Average Yards Against
The Chiefs are back on track after beating the Ravens last week. This week, they get another test with the Jaguars, who have a sneaky offense that has been scoring all year.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars – 316.3 Average Yards Against
Ironically, both of these teams are ranked next to each other, but the Jaguars do have a defense that can so the Chiefs. Will they? That will be determined in Jacksonville this week.
16. New England Patriots – 319 Average Yards Against
The Patriots have a big test this week against the Bills in Buffalo this week. Even though they have kept the scoring low for other offenses, the Bills are next-level.
17. Indianapolis Colts – 319.8 Average Yards Against
The Colts defense had been sneaky this year, even though they seem to give up points. With seven sacks in the past two games, they should be able to continue that success against the Raiders.
Check out our NFL Week 5 Power Rankings: NFL Power Rankings In Week 5
18. New Orleans Saints – 324 Average Yards Against
Laugh all you want, but the Saints give up points and get sacks. With 11 sacks so far this season, the Giants may want to consider protecting their young star at quarterback.
19. Carolina Panthers – 327.5 Average Yards Against
The Panthers make the top 20 due to a shutout against the Falcons. However, I can see them easily slipping out of the top 20 if they let the Dolphins come to town and light them up.
20. New York Jets – 330.3 Average Yards Against
The Jets are your middle-of-the-road defense in the NFL. They give up points, yards, and offer only six sacks to help their case. I see them also slipping since the Cowboys are coming to town this week.
