2023 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading Into Week 14
There might be some surprises with this week's edition of the defensive team rankings as the Dolphins surge up the list. Jason Radowitz provides his NFL Team Defense Rankings as we head into Week 14. Where does your team fall on the list?
Jason Radowitz - December 7, 2023, 9:56 AM EST
4 min2023 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading Into Week 14
We've released our defensive rankings heading into Week 14 of the NFL season.
Although the Chiefs have done well limiting points, Kansas City might be one of the more overrated defenses in the NFL.
Let's talk about it.
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NFL Defensive Team Rankings Heading Into Week 14
32. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has allowed 25 points per game with over 355 yards per game. There's not a single area where the defense has played above average.
31. Denver Broncos
The Broncos have allowed 385.3 yards per game. They've also missed countless tackles and have a weak secondary.
30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have only allowed 19.9 points per game. However, they've also allowed 356.9 yards per game and have struggled against the pass all season long.
29. Chicago Bears
The Bears only have 17 sacks this season.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
If you took away the pass rush, the Bengals would be the worst defense in the NFL. They've allowed over 388 yards per game this season.
27. Tennessee Titans
The Titans have three interceptions all year.
26. Washington Commanders
Washington only has six interceptions this season.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs aren't great against the run, and the secondary isn't all that good. The regression is already starting. The Chiefs also have only six interceptions.
24. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams also have only six interceptions.
23. Carolina Panthers
Carolina isn't getting a lot of sacks or turnovers. But the secondary is starting to play much better in the season's second half.
22. New England Patriots
The Patriots have allowed no more than ten points in each of their last three games.
21. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have forced 16 fumbles but have only recovered eight of them.
20. New York Giants
The Giants could use more sacks. They've got 21 this season, while other teams, like the Colts, have 42.
19. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have earned plenty of turnovers. But they've also allowed nearly 380 yards per game defensively. Last week's matchup against the Patriots helped.
18. Houston Texans
Houston's your average defense with 27 sacks and 18 turnovers.
17. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders could be better defensively against the run, allowing 127 yards per game. But they've still kept teams to under 21 points per game.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
The secondary has allowed nearly 255 yards per game in the air this season. They struggled against Jake Browning last week. But they've been up and down all year with their play. The Jaguars could perform at a higher level this week.
15. Seattle Seahawks
The 36 sacks have helped the Seahawks this year.
14. Green Bay Packers
Teams have scored only 19.8 points per game against the Packers this year.
13. Detroit Lions
The Lions have held opponents to 93.1 yards per game on the ground this season.
12. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are solid against the run and have held teams to 19.2 points per game.
11. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota's secondary has been under the radar all season, allowing only 224.3 yards per game in the air this season.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have allowed 22.7 points per game. But the 34 sacks and solid run defense have kept them in the top 10.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have little margin for error defensively. They've done well with that pressure, holding teams to 18.3 points per game.
8. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have added 14 interceptions and six fumble recoveries this season.
7. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland has added 16 turnovers 34 sacks, and has allowed just 153.4 yards per game in the air.
6. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo has earned 41 sacks, 11 interceptions, and 10 fumble recoveries this year.
5. New York Jets
The Jets have 49 hurries, 19 turnovers, and two defensive touchdowns this year. They've also been on the field a lot this season.
4. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have six defensive touchdowns this season.
3. Miami Dolphins
The defense has improved in the second half since Jalen Ramsey returned to the field. That's not a coincidence.
2. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has compiled 47 sacks this season.
1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have a league-high 15 interceptions and six more fumbles to go along with 36 sacks. They're the best defense in the NFL.
NFL Odds
