2022 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading into Week 9
The unsung heroes on defense keep the parity flowing in a league dominated by offense. Matt MacKay is here with his top ten defensive power rankings heading into Week 9.
Matt MacKay - November 2, 2022, 11:00 AM EDT
5 mins2022 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading into Week 9
It wasn't the best week for defense in Week 8, but there were still plenty of impressive performances to dissect. New Orleans is not a top-ten unit right now, but they rallied and shut out the Las Vegas Raiders in a 24-0 rout in the Superdome. Quietly, Tennessee has won five consecutive games, and its defense is allowing 19.7 points per game, ranking ninth-best in the league. Washington is another team that rallied around its defensive line to stop Jonathan Taylor and the Colts, leading to an impressive comeback win in Week 8.
Offenses sparked to life during Week 8, but these power rankings factor in the body of work through the season's first two months. Cleveland's defensive line dominated Cincinnati's expensive free-agent offensive line in a 32-13 beatdown on Monday Night Football, while the New England Patriots forced three interceptions against Jets' second-year quarterback Zach Wilson. Even Miami, who allowed Detroit to rack up 27 points in the first half, shut out the Lions in the second half, which deserves big recognition.
Here's a look at the latest top ten NFL defensive power rankings heading into the ninth week of the 2022 season.
Searching for the best way to place a future bet on one of the best defenses in the NFL? Get over $5,000 in free bets by checking out our free bets page
Best NFL Defense Rankings After Week 8
1. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has occupied the top spot in the NFL defensive power rankings, and they aren't budging after another dominant display against Green Bay in Week 8. Von Miller leads the Bills' front seven with an unstoppable motor off the edge, which allows the secondary to dominate coverages and lock up opposing wideouts. The scariest part is that cornerback Tre'Davious White and others are still returning to full health, while the Bills are the only defense holding teams under 100 points through eight weeks.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles paid up this offseason to strengthen their secondary with James Bradberry and C.J. Gardner-Johnson alongside Darius Slay. It's been a great return on investment thus far, as offenses have totaled eight touchdowns through seven games against Philadelphia. The recent signing of Robert Quinn Jr. adds depth to a defensive line filled with talent, allowing the Eagles to be disruptors and ballhawks on the back end against passing attacks.
3. Denver Broncos
While the wins aren't sexy, Denver's defense must be credited for allowing the offense to hang around and win close games. Pat Surtain is becoming an All-Pro talent at cornerback in his second year with the Broncos, while Dre'Mont Jones and Justin Simmons are other notable players at different levels of this talented Denver defense. The Broncos have held every quarterback they've faced under 225 passing yards this season, which is a remarkable feat that warrants being placed inside the top three.
4. San Francisco 49ers
After getting eviscerated by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs passing attack, the 49ers bounced back with a resounding 31-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco went from surrendering 417 passing yards to 167 passing yards in a week, which is much more of the defensive unit's standard. The 49ers' run defense is its strength, holding five of eight opponents under 100 collective rushing yards. The turnovers aren't consistent, but San Francisco can flip the momentum with any given play. It also benefits from the run-centric, methodical clock-chewing offense that Kyle Shanahan deploys.
5. Dallas Cowboys
Week 8 saw Dallas engage in a surprising shootout against Chicago, resulting in a 49-29 win. Micah Parsons continues to be the most valuable player on the Cowboys' defense, along with cornerback Trevon Diggs and safety Jayron Kearse. Dallas has held every offense, excluding the Rams, under 200 passing yards this season, forcing running backs to win the matchup. The Cowboys are surrendering 16.6 points per game, which ranks third-lowest in the league.
6. Tennessee Titans
It's official. The Titans have a legitimately talented defense. Yes, the secondary bleeds chunk plays through the air, but the Titans tighten up in the red zone. Tennessee has allowed only one rushing touchdown this season, forcing Houston's stud rookie running back to score as a receiver instead of a ball carrier. The presence of Bud Dupree, Jeffery Simmons, and Kevin Byard form a nice tandem of talent to hold teams under 20 points per game. The Titans have also forced four turnovers in the last two games, so they are heating up at the right time in the season.
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The defensive line and linebacking corps in Tampa Bay cover up the lack of talent in the secondary. The Buccaneers haven't forced a turnover since Week 4 against Kansas City, but they are holding teams under 225 passing yards in four consecutive outings. The Bucs started off holding teams under 20 points in three consecutive games, but lately, they have allowed three consecutive opponents to score 20 points or more. Until the Bucs allow a 300-yard passer or a 30-point scorer, they will remain in the top ten defensive power rankings.
8. New York Giants
The Giants have been grinding and scrapping out wins with first-year head coach Brian Daboll. His addition of DC Wink Martindale was also a smash hire, as New York is holding opponents to 19.6 points per game. Only two teams have thrown for over 250 yards on the Giants this season while consistently forcing turnovers. They are coming off of a bad outing against Geno Smith and Seattle's offense, but the Giants get a great spot against Houston and Detroit coming out of their Bye in Week 9.
9. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota's defense finally appears in the top ten of the defensive power rankings. The signing of edge rusher Za'Darius Smith has been the difference maker in the front seven, creating constant pressure opposite of Danielle Hunter. All-Pro linebacker Eric Kendricks and safety Harrison Smith are the talented veterans in the center of the Vikings' defensive unit, which has shut down the rushing attack in its last three games, holding teams under 80 collective rushing yards. It's an opportunistic defense that has forced at least one turnover every week, so watch out for Minnesota to continue roosting inside of the top ten against Washington in Week 9.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
One of the regular defensive units making its appearance in the defensive top ten power rankings this season has been the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a bad night for the Bengals' secondary against Jacoby Brissett in Cleveland, as they coughed up 268 passing yards. The run defense began the year holding opposing ball carriers under 100 rushing yards, but it's been inverted in October. The previous firepower from the Bengals' offense took a notable hit without star wideout Ja'Marr Chase, which exposed the defense a bit. The Bengals will face a revived Carolina offense in Week 9 and need to be prepared to stand against P.J. Walker and D.J. Moore.
