2023 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading Into Week 13
There might be some surprises with this week's edition of the defensive team rankings. Jason Radowitz provides his NFL Team Defense Rankings as we head into Week 13. Where does your team fall on the list?
Jason Radowitz - November 30, 2023, 11:17 AM EST
5 min2023 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading Into Week 13
There might be some surprises with this week's edition of the defensive team rankings.
The New York Jets, who had been No. 1 and No. 2 for most of the season, have officially dropped to No. 4 on my list after a brutal performance against the Dolphins.
The list is below.
NFL Defensive Team Rankings Heading Into Week 13
32. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has allowed 26.3 points per game, with over 140 yards on the ground per game.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have allowed under 20 points per game. But they've also allowed over 360 yards of total offense per game.
30. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have just five interceptions this entire season. They've also added only 18 sacks this year.
29. Cincinnati Bengals
Teams are getting close to 400 yards of total offense against the Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed 389.3 yards per game this season.
28. Washington Commanders
The Commanders have allowed 26.8 points per game this season. That's the worst number in the NFL.
27. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have given up 388.2 yards per game. But this rate is actually getting better from earlier this season.
26. Tennessee Titans
Three interceptions from the Titans this season. Three.
25. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams aren't much better with five interceptions.
24. New England Patriots
New England hasn't dominated with turnovers this season, but they've at least kept teams to 19.8 points. That's just not good enough when you have Bailey Zappe and Mac Jones at quarterback.
23. Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles has a dominant pass rush that has earned 36 sacks. However, they've also allowed 390.6 yards per game this season.
22. New York Giants
The Giants have given up 136.1 yards per game on the ground. However, they've also earned 12 interceptions and have kept teams below 23 points.
21. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons only earn about one takeaway per game.
20. Houston Texans
Houston has held teams to 20.5 points per game. But they could add more sacks and turnovers.
19. Chicago Bears
The Bears have earned only 17 sacks this season. But four interceptions last week were critical in their win against the Vikings.
18. Indianapolis Colts
The defense has the Colts in playoff contention over the last month. They've earned 12 interceptions and six more fumbles, with 36 sacks.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have Maxx Crosby. That's made them formidable on defense.
16. Detroit Lions
The Lions have still held opponents to 91.6 yards per game on the ground this season.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have earned 21 turnovers on the defensive end this season.
14. Green Bay Packers
The Packers only have 13, but they've allowed only 205.1 yards per game in the air.
13. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City has allowed only 15.4 points per game with 37 sacks. But they've added only six interceptions.
12. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has added 32 sacks and has kept teams below 100 yards rushing.
11. Seattle Seahawks
Opponents have scored 22.6 points against the Seahawks. But Seattle has at least earned 15 turnovers with 32 sacks.
10. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have 21 turnovers and 41 sacks.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
I don't know how the Steelers do it. They've allowed only 17.7 points per game despite giving up over 350 yards of offense.
8. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have held teams to 18.7 points per game but only have 18 sacks. This defense has so much more potential down the stretch.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles' defense isn't overrated. But it gets talked about a lot for a team that still gives up about three touchdowns per game. Philadelphia's secondary also has just six interceptions.
They're good, but not top-five good.
6. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland has held teams to 17.2 points and 247.9 yards per game this season.
5. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins' defense has greatly improved since Jalen Ramsey stepped on the field.
4. New York Jets
The Jets are still a top-five defense. But Miami proved that they were vulnerable in some areas last weekend.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Opponents have added 16.6 points per game against the Cowboys. Dallas also has 37 sacks with 12 interceptions and five fumbles.
2. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lead the NFL with 47 sacks this season. They also have added 19 turnovers.
1. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco has 15 interceptions, six fumble recoveries, and 33 sacks while holding teams to 14.9 points and under 300 yards.
NFL Odds
