NFL Defense Rankings 2025/26: A Busy Offseason Leads to Shake-Up of Rankings

The Philadelphia Eagles used their elite defense to win Super Bowl LIX, once again proving the old saying of “defense wins championships” to be true. Their success led to many teams adding defensive depth in the offseason, leading to our rankings looking very different to start the 2025 season.

We update our NFL Offense Rankings weekly, but here, it’s all about the backbone of every team: the defense.

Here are our rankings for all 32 NFL defenses.

Ranking All 32 NFL Defenses

32. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers upgraded their secondary this summer by signing cornerback Jaycee Horn and safety Tre’Von Moehrig. However, the team made little effort to upgrade its run defense. They allowed the most rushing yards per game last season (179.8), which was 38 more than the next closest team. This means opponents will continue to dominate time of possession, likely leading to another 12-loss season.

31.  Tennessee Titans

The Titans upgraded their linebacking corps by adding Cody Barton over the summer. However, the former Bronco won’t provide a boost to the team’s ailing pass rush. The team finished with just 32 sacks in 2024, which was the third-lowest total in the NFL. While Jeffrey Simmons remains elite, this team lacks the edge rushers to support him. 

30. New Orleans Saints

The Saints hired Brandon Staley to take over as the defensive coordinator during the offseason. He raises this unit’s ceiling, but he inherits a defense that ranked in the bottom five against the run and pass last season. The pass rush is aging, and the secondary will once again be an issue. While the unit has had some flashes during training camp, we chalk that up to facing the Saints’ unproven quarterbacks.

29. Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders' defense is going to be awful in 2025, even with defensive end Malcolm Koonce healthy. A big reason for that is the team’s decision to release defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. They signed the star to a big contract last summer, but he was limited to just five games with a foot injury. With him gone and Koonce coming back from a significant knee injury, Maxx Crosby won’t have much support this season.

28. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons remain toward the bottom of our rankings, but their ceiling could be high in 2025. That’s because of the team’s focus on defense in the draft, using its first four picks on defense. That includes Atlanta’s first two first-round picks, which were spent on upgrading the pass rush with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. There will be a learning curve, but don’t be surprised to see this unit click in the second half of the season.

27. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts' defense has been creating some buzz this summer under new coordinator Lou Anarumo. The unit has been impressive during training camp, and seems to have a spark they have lacked the last few seasons. Former Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion Charvarius Ward represents a massive upgrade for the secondary, which needed it. If their young players show growth in 2025, this team could end up flying up our rankings. 

26. New England Patriots

The Patriots finished the season with just 28 sacks last season, which was the lowest total in the league. While the secondary was strong, the lack of pressure made their job far more difficult. The team helped address the issue by adding Pro Bowl linebacker Harold Landry III. The Pats also added Milton Williams from the Eagles, giving Landry some support up the middle. The biggest question will be what 26-year-old Christian Barmore can provide. He posted 8.5 sacks in 2023, but only managed one in four games last year.

25. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jags were the worst pass defense in the NFL last season and could do so again in 2025. While they used the second pick of the draft on CB/WR Travis Hunter, it appears the team is going to have him focused on offense. Jacksonville did add safety Eric Murray and drafted cornerback Caleb Ransaw in the third round, but it seems to be banking on an improved pass rush to help cover for the weakness. 

24. Washington Commanders

The Commanders' secondary is strong, but their defensive front remains a concern. Bobby Wagner and Von Miller are both aging, and Jonathan Allen left for the Vikings over the offseason. However, newly acquired Jacon Kinlaw has been turning heads during training camp. He was solid for the Jets last season, but seems to be feeling freer in the Commanders system. If he can keep that momentum going into the season, it could lead to this defense overperforming.

23. New York Jets

We really like the talent the Jets have on defense, but we still don’t see them finishing as a top 20 unit. That’s mainly due to the team’s offense, which is expected to flounder once again. This has been a theme for New York’s defense, which has been forced to spend far more time on the field than normal. Unless the offense surprises everyone and finds a way to click, this defense is in for another long season.

22. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins upgraded their secondary by adding safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has been looking sharp during training camp. However, we believe their season will come down to the health of Jaelan Phillips. The young but oft-injured pass rusher is talented, but has been limited to 12 games over the last two seasons. The team will need him on the field this season to support star Zach Sieler and 2025 first-round draft pick Kenneth Grant.

21. Cincinnati Bengals

We are very high on the Bengals' defense this season. Their secondary is led by four starters that are 26 or younger. They have been impressive during training camp, earning praise from Joe Burrow. The defense front remains a bit of a question, but we believe rookies Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight Jr. 

20. Cleveland Browns

While Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah could end up missing the season, first-round pick Mason Graham has looked fantastic. He appears ready to produce at the NFL level and will benefit from sharing a line with All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett. We do have concerns about Ronnie Hickman starting at safety, but a breakout from Graham would more than make up for it.

19. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals made a big splash in free agency by signing pass rusher Josh Sweat. He brings a veteran presence to the defensive line and could help the team’s 2025 top pick, Walter Nolen III, thrive. League experts have also been very high on rookie corner Will Johnson, with many believing he could end up winning this year’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. It could take time for this unit to gel, but we believe they have the potential to be a top-15 unit. 

18. New York Giants

The Giants added a big piece in free agency by signing safety Jevon Holland. However, we are more impressed by what New York’s pass rush could look like. Dexter Lawrence II, Brian Burns, and third-overall pick Abdul Carter could end up forming one of the best units in the league, making it hard for quarterbacks to find receivers. If the team’s middle linebackers can improve against the run, this will suddenly become a very balanced unit.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs have a solid defense, but their season may hinge on what they can get out of Haason Reddick. The veteran pass rusher finished with fewer than 10 sacks for the first time since 2019. He was limited to 10 games by a contract dispute with the Jets, but is finally back on the field and ready to prove himself. With the doubters growing louder after last season, expect him to come out on a mission in 2025.

16. Chicago Bears

The Bears' defense added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo to improve its presence up front in 2025. The team was awful against the run last season, which allowed opponents to work the clock when given the lead. That made it hard for the offense to get in a rhythm with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. If that problem is truly fixed, it could lead to the team improving on both sides of the ball. 

15. Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys open the season in our fifteenth spot, but this defense could end up tumbling down our rankings this season. One reason for that is two-time All-Pro pass rusher Micah Parsons asking for a trade recently. While the team has seemed to dismiss the idea, it could lead to issues on and off the field. Combine that with 2024 breakout DeMarvion Overshown missing at least half the season, and you can see why we have concerns about Dallas. 

14. San Francisco 49ers

We are excited for Robert Saleh’s return to lead the Niners’ defense, but the team has a lot of question marks. Offseason losses will force young players to step into crucial starting roles, which makes it hard to gauge how good this unit will be. We believe Saleh will help breathe some life into this unit, but it's hard to see them becoming a top ten unit given their disappointing depth. 

13. Los Angeles Rams

The Rams could end up having one of the best defensive fronts in the NFC this season. It's a young unit with a ton of talent, including promising rookie Josaiah Stewart. Expect them to vastly improve against the run and keep opposing quarterbacks under pressure. That will take the pressure off their weak secondary and could lead to an NFC West title. However, if they don’t take a step forward, it could lead to this team missing the playoffs in 2025. 

12. Seattle Seahawks

While they didn’t have a strong season overall, the Seahawks' defense did finish in the top ten with 45 sacks last season. With the additions of veterans like Demarcus Lawrence, the team’s front seven should be improved in 2025. That will allow the team's young and incredibly dangerous secondary to thrive. Offensive struggles could hinder this group, but we believe they are a borderline top-ten team. 

11. Los Angeles Chargers

The Charges start in our top twelve largely thanks to head coach Jim Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. They overachieved with the talent they had in 2024, and we believe they’ll be even better this season. The loss of Joey Bosa hurts, but his inability to stay on the field was a problem. The good news is that the team has 22-year-old Tuli Tuipulotu, who had 8.5 sacks last season, ready to fill in. This isn’t the most talented defense, but we believe their scheme will lead to another successful campaign.  

10. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs' defense has been a big reason for their success over the last few seasons, but some holes are starting to form. The team remains strong up front, but the pass defense has taken some hits. Safety Justin Reid is gone, and corner Kristian Fulton is dealing with a knee injury that landed him on the PUP list. Unless the unit can find a way to step up, they will find themselves on their heels against the likes of Bo Nix and Justin Herbert. 

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

We expect Pittsburgh to be elite on defense again in 2025, especially up front. However, we do have some questions over what veteran defensive backs Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsety have left in the tank. The former will turn 35 this season, while the latter has been regressing over the last couple of seasons. The team will likely need both to hit to compete in the AFC North, especially with an aging Aaron Rodgers leading the offense.

8. Green Bay Packers

There are many reasons to love this Packers defense. The secondary lost Jaire Alexander in the offseason, but added Nate Hobbs. The unit has been fantastic during training camp, with 2024 second-round pick Javon Bullard showing a lot of growth. He brings depth to a position group many saw as a weakness, but now ends up being one of the better pass defenses in the league. Look for this team to lean on its defense to navigate a brutal NFC North schedule. 

7. Minnesota Vikings

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has helped make the Vikings one of the top defensive teams in the league. The unit got even better when it added veteran defensive ends Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen. Those additions will help compensate for the team’s weak secondary, which didn’t get better during the offseason. If the pass defense can improve this season, it could make this a top-three defense. 

6. Houston Texans

The Texans’ defense is expected to be great again after finishing fifth in yards allowed last season. They added veteran safety CJ Gardner-Johnson earlier this year, giving them an experienced star to lead the young secondary. Will Anderson Jr. and Henry To’oTo’o should show growth with another season under their belt, while Danielle Hunter remains one of the league’s top pass rushers. Keep an eye on young safety Calen Bullock, who has been playing like an All-Pro in training camp. 

5. Detroit Lions 

This was one of the trickiest defenses for us to rank. On the one hand, the Lions will be welcoming back elite defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who missed the majority of the 2024 season. He is one of the best defensive players in the NFL, and his return will boost an already good Detroit defense. 

On the other hand, vaunted defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn left for a head coaching role during the offseason. His schemes were a big reason for the Lions’ success on defense, helping to make up for some holes. With him gone, will this defense be able to remain elite? 

4. Buffalo Bills

The Bills made a big splash during the offseason by signing defensive end Joey Bosa. The former Charges star has been hammered by injuries, but continues to produce at an elite level when healthy. He’ll be joining a good Buffalo defense, and will be determined to show the Chargers what they’re missing. While an injury to top pick Maxwell Hairston is concerning, Tre'Davious White is more than capable of covering while he’s out. Expect the defense to help land the Bills another AFC East title. 

3. Denver Broncos

This was one of the league’s top defenses in 2024, and they got even better during the offseason. The team upgraded at linebacker by adding Dre Greenlaw and Talanoa Hufanga from the Niners. Combine that with Alex Singleton being healthy, and you have a recipe for an elite defense. There aren’t many weak points on this impressive defense, and they should lead the Broncos to another playoff appearance this year. 

2.  Philadelphia Eagles

The reigning champion Eagles will again be elite on defense this season. They upgraded at linebacker and remain strong on the defensive line with Jalen Carter leading the way. The questions we have are how Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean will follow up their impressive rookie campaigns. With the 2025 rookie Andrew Mukuba expected to start at safety, it will be crucial for both young stars to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump. 

1. Baltimore Ravens

We see the Ravens as having the league’s best defense as we head into the preseason. Our confidence comes from the team’s upgrades in its pass defense, which allowed the second-most passing yards per game last season (244.1). Rookie safety Malaki Starks is already looking like a star, while the team also added two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander. If he can stay on the field, we expect this new-look secondary to thrive.

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Top Five NFL Passing Defenses

5. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens were bad against the pass last season, but that will change with Jaire Alexander on the field. Combine that with an electric young safety duo, and you can see why we are starting them in our top five this season.

4. New York Giants

The Giants have a strong secondary led by newly acquired safety Jevon Holland. With the team’s pass rush also getting a boost, expect opponents to struggle passing the ball against the pass defense. 

3. Houston Texans

The Texans' secondary got even better during the offseason as they added veteran safety CJ Gardner-Johnson. His presence will provide a crucial veteran presence for a starting group made up of players drafted in 2022 or later.

2. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings' secondary isn’t great, but the team’s suffocating pass rush makes up for that. That led them to be a top pass defense last season, and there is little reason to expect that to change this season.

1. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles finished the 2024 season as our top pass defense thanks to standout performances from Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. We expect both to have grown during the offseason, leading to another great year for Philly.

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Top Five NFL Rushing Defenses

5. Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings allowed the second-fewest rushing yards (93.4) and the fourth-lowest YPC average (4.1). With the team adding Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave to its defensive line, we expect the unit to be even better this season.

4. Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson will be back for the Lions, and we believe he will help boost this front line. His presence adds some badly needed depth and will change the way offensive lines scheme against them. 

3. Philadelphia Eagles

The loss of Milton Williams hurts, but we expect the Eagles' young linebacking corps to take a step forward in 2025. Zack Baun leads a young group loaded with talent, and we think they will shine against the run this season.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

We have zero doubt that the Chiefs will continue to dominate the line of scrimmage on defense. They allowed just 4.1 yards per carry last season, tied for the third-lowest mark in the league. 

1. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens ranked first in the league in run defense last season, allowing just 80.1 yards per game. They return most of their front seven, so there is no reason to believe they won’t be great again in 2025.

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NFL Defense Rankings 2025