2023 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading Into Wild Card Weekend
The regular season is in the books, and the 2024 NFL Playoffs are officially underway. Which team's defense is going to carry them to a Super Bowl run? Jason Radowitz breaks down the best of the remaining teams.
Jason Radowitz - January 11, 2024, 9:20 AM EST
4 min2023 NFL Team Defense Rankings: Ranking the Top Defenses in the NFL Heading Into Week 18
We've got one final week of the NFL regular season.
Take a look at where your favorite team's defense is ranked as we approach the playoffs in the 2023-2024 season.
NFL Defensive Team Rankings Heading Into Wild Card Weekend
32. Washington Commanders
31. Arizona Cardinals
30. Denver Broncos
29. Los Angeles Chargers
28. Cincinnati Bengals
27. Tennessee Titans
26. Carolina Panthers
25. Indianapolis Colts
24. New York Giants
23. New England Patriots
22. Atlanta Falcons
21. Chicago Bears
20. New Orleans Saints
19. Jacksonville Jaguars
18. Seattle Seahawks
17. Minnesota Vikings
16. Las Vegas Raiders
15. New York Jets
The New York Jets had one of the best defenses in the NFL. However, the offense was so bad that the Jets missed the playoffs entirely.
14. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles might be 11-6. However, the defense allowed the Giants and Cardinals at least 25 points in the season's final three weeks.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has not been consistent defensively. But after holding the Panthers to no points in a must-win game, the Buccaneers are no longer the worst defense in the playoffs.
12. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams earned only 15 turnovers this season. That's less than one turnover per game.
11. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay allowed 128.3 yards per game on the ground this season.
10. Detroit Lions
The Lions were good against the run but allowed over 4,200 yards passing.
9. Houston Texans
Houston allowed under 20 points per game this season and held teams to 96.6 yards rushing per game.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh was known for its pass rush. Without T.J. Watt, they will likely fall in the Wild Card round due to lack of defense.
7. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City allowed just 15.8 points per game this year.
6. Buffalo Bills
The Bulls earned 54 sacks and added 18 interceptions this season.
5. Cleveland Browns
Opponents averaged just 270.2 yards per game against the Browns.
4. Dallas Cowboys
The 17 interceptions and six defensive touchdowns pushed the Cowboys to the No. 4 spot for the Wild Card round.
3. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have forced 27 turnovers and have allowed just 97.1 yards on the ground per game this season.
2. San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco has added a league-leading 22 interceptions and has held teams to under 90 yards rushing per game.
1. Baltimore Ravens
With 18 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, and 60 sacks, the Ravens are the best defense in the NFL.
NFL Odds
