LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 05: A Boise State Broncos cheerleader's "DEFENSE" sign lies on the field before the team's game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Broncos defeated the Rebels 38-13. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
It’s that time of the week when we look at which defenses stepped up and which others fell after week 6 in the NFL. Even though we had some great performances, like what Rico Dowdle did to his former team, the Cowboys. That means we could have some new teams on this list, so let’s get to this week’s top defenses in the NFL. Have a great day, everyone, and may the tackles be with you.
1. Atlanta Falcons: 253.4 Total Yards Against
Jul 24, 2025; Flowery Branch, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell (24) covers during a drill during training camp at IBM Performance Field. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
The Falcons harassed Josh Allen and the Bills, who sacked Allen four times while picking him off for two interceptions. This week, they get the 49ers, who are still having injury problems, even though Brock Purdy might be back this week.
2. Denver Broncos: 254.2 Total Yards Against
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II poses with the Defensive Player of the Year award during Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Broncos showed no remorse for the Jets last week by shutting down incumbent quarterback Justin Fields. Garrett Wilson wasn’t safe either since he left the game with an injury that had him doubtful for week 7.
3. Cleveland Browns: 262.3 Total Yards Against
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Browns don’t care what team they play, they’re going to stop your run and sack your quarterback. This week, they play the Dolphins, who play right into their strengths, which could factor into a win for the Browns.
4. Houston Texans: 265.8 Total Yards Against
Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs onto the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Coming off their bye week, the Texans defense has been solid all season. This week, they play the Seahawks in a game in which both defenses should contain both offenses.
5. Green Bay Packers: 280.2 Total Yards Against
Green Bay Packers defensive end Micah Parsons (1) is introduced before their game against the Detroit Lions Sunday, September 7, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The Packers came off their week 5 bye and took out their frustrations of giving up 40 points to the Cowboys on the Bengals. This week, they play the Cardinals, who could be without Kyler Murray, giving them another win.
6. Minnesota Vikings: 289.8 Total Yards Against
Jun 10, 2025; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) and linebacker Brian Asamoah II (6) practices during minicamp at the Minnesota Vikings Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
The Vikings are fresh off a bye with the disgruntled Super Bowl Champions coming to town. In what’s going to be a great game, I can see the Eagles winning this matchup, but it won’t be easy, especially if Andrew Van Ginkel comes back.
7. Los Angeles Chargers: 301.7 Total Yards Against
Nov 17, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (3) celebrates at the end of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Chargers put on a clinic in Miami, recording three interceptions and two sacks. This week, they face the resurrected Daniel Jones and the Colts.
8. Los Angeles Rams: 306.8 Total Yards Against
Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams linebacker Jared Verse (8) and linebacker Byron Young (0) celebrate a sack against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Rams had to deal with injuries during their game against the Ravens, which included the starting wide receiver, Puka Nacua. However, this week they play the Jaguars overseas in what should be another defensive game this week.
9. Detroit Lions: 308.2 Total Yards Against
Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) in action during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
After getting smoked by the Chiefs, the Lions slipped a little this week. They’re going to need to lick their wounds real quick because Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers are coming to town to break their defense even more.
10. Carolina Panthers: 308.3 Total Yards Against
Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (92) on the sidelines in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
The Panthers are surprising many by being in the top 10 defenses. That means this week, they should be able to handle the Jets, who are one-dimensional, and they don’t even know it.
11. Las Vegas Raiders: 311 Total Yards Against
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
The Raiders are a defense that many of us were wrong about, but that was because a lot of people didn’t trust their young players. Regardless, they have held down their fort, which could help this week against the Chiefs.
12. Kansas City Chiefs: 311.2 Total Yards Against
Feb 5, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) in a press conference ahead of Super Bowl LIX at New Orleans Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Speaking of the Chiefs, the Chiefs defense has finally stepped up. After holding the Lions to 17 points, anything is possible.
13. Seattle Seahawks: 314.5 Total Yards Against
Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Seahawks have a huge game against the Texans this week, before their bye. What is impressive is recording 14 sacks in their last three games, with seven coming last week against the Jaguars.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 319.5 Total Yards Against
Sep 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Buccaneers’ defense had a day against the 49ers in which they sacked Mac Jones six times. This week, they’ll be playing the Lions in Detroit, which should be high-paced with a lot of points scored.
15. San Francisco 49ers: 321.7 Total Yards Against
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) leaves the field at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
After losing Fred Warner for the season, the 49ers have to turn to their backups to hold down their fort. However, after giving up 79 points in the last three games, it doesn’t look good for them to stay in the top 20.
16. New England Patriots: 322.5 Total Yards Against
Sep 28, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Milton Williams (97) and safety Craig Woodson (31) react after making at tackle against the Carolina Panthers during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The Patriots haven’t done anything impressive over the past few weeks if you look at their sack total and turnovers. However, holding the Bills to 20 points and only giving up a total of 52 points in the games shows they bend but never break.
17. Buffalo Bills: 323.5 Total Yards Against
Jan 19, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) flexes after a play during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The Bills are coming off a horrible defensive effort on Monday in which Bijan Robinson and the Falcons diced them up. This week, they have a bye week, which could help them assess their defense and maybe make a trade soon.
18. New Orleans Saints: 327.3 Total Yards Against
Aug 14, 2025; Carson, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis (56) during a joint practice against the Los Angeles Rams at the Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Saints are good some weeks and really bad other weeks. Their best game came against the Giants a couple of weeks ago, which doesn’t say much for a team that looks lost at times on defense.
19. Indianapolis Colts: 329.2 Total Yards Against
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Laiatu Latu (97) works through a drill Monday, July 28, 2025, during training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield.
The Colts have had to deal with a ton of injuries in their secondary, which has led to a lot of their problems on defense. This week, they get a stacked offense to deal with, with the Chargers, who should be able to move the ball on them through the air easily.
20. New York Jets: 330.5 Total Yards Against
Sep 29, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New York Jets cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) reacts after a play against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images
Even though the Jets are bad at times, their defense can be impressive. Last week, the Jets had their best game of the year, defensively, against the Broncos, and should be able to continue that trend against the Panthers.
