2023 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading Into Week 17
NFL Week 16 was full of thrilling performances. Jason Radowitz shares his NFL Team Defense rankings entering Week 17. Read on to see where your team lies on the list.
Jason Radowitz - December 28, 2023, 9:59 AM EST
4 min2023 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading Into Week 17
Heading into Week 17, we've got a new No. 1 defense in the NFL.
If the Ravens and Niners played again, the Niners would still likely be favorites. However, the Ravens dominated the 49ers in every area on Monday, and deserve the top spot in the defensive rankings.
Check out the full rankings below for Week 17.
NFL Defensive Team Rankings Heading Into Week 17
32. Washington Commanders
Washington has allowed 27.8 points per game. Even the Jets found a way to get to 30 points last week against this defense.
31. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona has allowed 26.1 points per game and has just 33 sacks on the season.
30. Denver Broncos
Denver has allowed 276.2 yards per game this season, including 141.1 yards on the ground.
29. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers only have eight interceptions through 15 games this season.
28. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati might have 15 interceptions, but the secondary has also allowed over 256 yards per game in the air this year.
27. Tennessee Titans
How do the Titans have just four interceptions this year?
26. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams haven't even averaged a turnover per game this year.
25. Green Bay Packers
Joe Barry will seek a new job after these next two weeks. Carolina just scored 30 points on Green Bay.
24. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have earned only 21 sacks this season.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
At least the Buccaneers have a solid run defense that has allowed only 92.1 yards per game.
22. Detroit Lions
The Lions have earned 13 interceptions but have allowed 22.3 points per game with nearly 235 yards in the air.
21. Indianapolis Colts
Indianapolis has given up over 24 points per game this season, despite adding 15 interceptions. Their run defense is also weak.
20. New York Giants
The Giants have allowed 134.2 yards on the ground and 23.4 points per game this year.
19. Houston Texans
The Texans don't have a single touchdown on defense this season.
18. Chicago Bears
Chicago's improved dramatically with 18 interceptions. The Bears have also allowed only 80.7 yards per game on the ground.
17. New England Patriots
New England is also dominant against the run but has added only nine interceptions, unlike the Patriots.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have allowed over 257 yards per game in the air this season. However, they've also forced 12 fumbles and recovered 11 of them.
15. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle's not the most efficient against the run. But they've played better as a unit as of late.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles' defense might be one of the most overrated units in the NFL this year.
13. Atlanta Falcons
Teams have earned just 197.5 yards in the air per game this year. The pass rush and secondary is playing well right now.
12. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have still allowed just 15.9 points per game this season.
11. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have allowed 19.1 points per game but have held teams to 95.4 yards per game on the ground with 11 interceptions in the secondary.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers have added 16 interceptions and have allowed only 18.6 points per game.
9. New Orleans Saints
The Saints would like to get more sacks. But they've still done well, limiting teams to 18.7 points per game.
8. Las Vegas Raiders
Since Antonio Pierce took over, the Raiders have been incredibly consistent on the defensive end this season.
7. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have added 50 sacks while giving up only 310.2 yards per game this year.
6. Cleveland Browns
Cleveland's allowed only 260.3 yards per game this season. That's the best number in the NFL.
5. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has six defensive touchdowns this year.
4. New York Jets
The defense would have even better numbers if the Jets had a reliable offense. Eventually, they get fatigued being out on the field so often.
3. Miami Dolphins
Miami has earned 23 turnovers, 52 sacks, and 77 pass deflections this season.
2. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers lead the league in interceptions and have added 45 sacks while holding teams to 90.3 yards on the ground per game.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore's defense has earned 26 turnovers with a league-leading 54 sacks.
NFL Odds
