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NFL Week 1 Highest Graded Defenses

Staff

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to the media after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

The NFL season is officially underway, and Pro Football Focus has released its highest-graded defenses from Week 1.

The Kansas City Chiefs lead the group with a 78.8 grade, while the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets are tied for second at 72.8. The Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens round out the top five.

Chiefs lead the way

Aug 15, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet during the first half of the pre season game against the Los Angeles Rams at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Chiefs earned the highest defensive grade of Week 1 at 78.8, helping Kansas City open the season with a 31-10 victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday night.

Kansas City also limited Denver to 176 total yards, the fewest allowed by any NFL defense through Week 1.

The performance came at an important time for a Chiefs defense looking to establish itself early in the 2026 season. Kansas City kept Denver’s offense from generating consistent production and allowed just one touchdown.

Steelers and Jets tied for second

Nov 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet before a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets both received a 72.8 defensive grade from PFF.

Pittsburgh held Atlanta to just 238 total yards and forced the Falcons to convert only two of 12 third-down opportunities. T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith each recorded two sacks as the Steelers defense consistently pressured Atlanta’s offense.

The Jets were particularly impressive statistically, allowing only 195 total yards, second-fewest in the NFL behind Kansas City. New York also held Tennessee to 10 points in a 23-10 victory.

Raiders and Ravens round out top five

Nov 23, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders helmets on the sidelines at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders ranked fourth with a 72.2 grade after holding Miami to 13 points in a 27-13 victory.

Las Vegas generated five sacks and 27 quarterback pressures, with new addition Kwity Paye producing two sacks and eight pressures in his Raiders debut.

The Baltimore Ravens rounded out the top five at 71.9 after limiting Indianapolis to 23 points in a 41-23 victory.

PFF’s Week 1 highest-graded defenses

Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
  1. Kansas City Chiefs — 78.8
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers — 72.8
  3. New York Jets — 72.8
  4. Las Vegas Raiders — 72.2
  5. Baltimore Ravens — 71.9

It’s only one week, but the early PFF grades highlight several defenses that made an immediate impact in opening the 2026 NFL season.

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