Who has the best NFL defense in 2024? Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league every week to determine the best defenses in the NFL.
Let’s dive into our NFL defense rankings following Week 3. Note: Our NFL defense rankings are season-long, but you can find our Week 2 fantasy defense rankings below followed by our analysis of all 32 defenses.
Week 4 fantasy defense rankings
- Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs Indianapolis Colts
- New York Jets D/ST vs Denver Broncos
- Houston Texans D/ST vs Jacksonville Jaguars
- San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs New England Patriots
- Tennessee Titans D/ST vs Miami Dolphins
- Cleveland Browns D/ST vs Las Vegas Raiders
- Denver Broncos D/ST vs New York Jets
- Chicago Bears D/ST vs Los Angeles Rams
- Minnesota Vikings D/ST vs Green Bay Packers
- Dallas Cowboys D/ST vs New York Giants
- Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs Los Angeles Chargers
- Miami Dolphins D/ST vs Tennessee Titans
- Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots D/ST vs San Francisco 49ers
- Cincinnati Bengals D/ST vs Carolina Panthers
Related:Â Week 4 fantasy QB rankings, evaluating top 15 fantasy quarterbacks for Week 4
NFL defense rankings 2024: Worst NFL defenses right now
32. Carolina Panthers (32)
The Carolina Panthers offense stole the show in Week 3, but it really doesn’t change our opinion of this defense. Losing standout defensive tackle Derrick Brown was just a massive blow for this defensive line, especially for a team that entered Sunday with the lowest pressure rate (8.3 percent) in the NFL. We also need to put that pressure rate into perspective, as the second-worst team has a 14.5 percent pressure rate and a majority of the NFL has a pressure rate above 18 percent. Week 3 was a greater reflection on the Raiders.
Related: Week 4 fantasy rankings
31. Los Angeles Rams (31)
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t have Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk and this Los Angeles Rams defense still allowed 425 total yards, 6.5 yards per play and a 54.6% third-down conversion rate. That is why the Rams have one of the worst NFL defenses in 2024. Quite frankly, even when some members of the secondary get healthy, this still projects to be a bottom 5 defense.
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30. Washington Commanders (28)
That’s even worse than we expected from this Washington Commanders defense on Monday Night Football. Chase Brown and Zack Moss each averaged over 4.7 yards per carry, combining for 120 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. Meanwhile, this Commanders secondary allowed 3 touchdowns and an 8.5 yards per attempt average. Washington’s defense is as bad as it’s ever been, but they finally have the quarterback who can make up for it and that takes a lot.
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29. Cincinnati Bengals (24)
The glory days for this Cincinnati Bengals defense are just gone and Lou Anarumo’s buzz as a head-coaching candidate just two years ago feels like an alternate reality. Jayden Daniels is a special talent and he picked Cincinnati’s secondary apart, throwing as many incompletions (2) as interceptions. The Bengals defense looks as bad as it did in its lowest moments last season, which is a great reminder that this front office let Jessie Bates walk and he’s now thriving in Atlanta.
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28. Indianapolis Colts (30)
An optimist might see the 63 rushing yards and 2.3 yards per carry allowed to the Chicago Bears as a turning point for this Indianapolis Colts run defense. We tend to believe the unit that allowed over 200 rushing yards per game when DeForest Buckner was on the field is closer to reality and the Bears’ inability to run the football is entirely a reflection on that franchise. We know what the Pittsburgh Steelers game plan will be in Week 4 against Indianapolis. If the Colts defense does this again, there will be reason to believe.
27. Arizona Cardinals (27)
It’s simply a talent and depth issue for the Arizona Cardinals. Jonathan Gannon is an excellent defensive coordinator, but he doesn’t have the bodies at any level to field an effective defense. That’s why Detroit bullied Arizona on the ground – 187 rushing yards and 4.3 yards per carry – and why Jared Goff posted a 113.6 QB rating against the Cardinals secondary. If Arizona wants to win seven-plus games, Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr. need to carry the team.
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26. Las Vegas Raiders (15)
Antonio Pierce said it best, several Las Vegas Raiders defended made business decisons against the Carolina Panthers. Of course, effort is a reflection on this Raiders coaching staff as is the fact that Dave Canales’ scheme carved up this defense. After a performance like this – 38 points and 437 total yards by the Panthers offense – it’s going to take a long time before we trust this Raiders defense again. Unfortunately, we might not see this Raiders defense return to ‘normal’ for a while given Maxx Crosby is playing through a high-ankle sprain. After all, you saw the effect an injured Crosby just had on this defense.
Worst NFL pass defenses 2024
- Los Angeles Rams – 127.3 QB rating, 248.7 pass ypg, 9.8 yards per attempt, 7-1 TD-INT
- Washington Commanders – 127.6 QB rating, 227.5 pass ypg, 8.1 yards per attempt, 6-0 TD-INT
- Carolina Panthers – 110.4 QB rating, 201.7 pass ypg, 7.5 yards per attempt, 7-2 TD-INT
- Arizona Cardinals – 114.4 QB rating, 200 pass ypg, 8.9 yards per attempt, 4-1 TD-INT
- San Francisco 49ers – 101.5 QB rating, 217.7 pass ypg, 6.2 yards per attempt, 5-2 TD-INT
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (26)
It still feels impossible to knock this Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense when they are playing without Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Calijah Kancey. It completely changes the Buccaneers ability to win at the line of scrimmage and contain the pass, forcing Todd Bowles to make up for it with his game plan. It helps explain why Bo Nix had a career-best performance and this Denver Broncos offense went for 136 yards with 2 touchdowns and a 4.9 yards per carry average.
24. New York Giants (29)
The one advantage the New York Giants had over the Cleveland Browns was in the trenches. Needless to say, New York seized on its opportunity. This Giants defense sacked Deshaun Watson 8 times with an astonishing 17 quarterback hits. There won’t be many matchups like this, but we wouldn’t rule out New York sacking Dak Prescott three-plus times on Thursday Night Football. Though, the Giants might not have answers for CeeDee Lamb and Jake Ferguson.
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23. Miami Dolphins (17)
Regression from this Miami Dolphins was inevitable the moment Tua Tagovailoa went down. Suddenly, all the pressure is on a unit that is dealing with some injuries and learning a new system. Without an offense to kill the clock and put some points on the board, this Dolphins defense is simply being asked to do far too much considering its current personnel. Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis should give the Dolphins some freebies in Week 4, but that’s more a testament to his poor decision-making and the Titans offensive line.
22. Atlanta Falcons (25)
Without Jessie Bates, the Atlanta Falcons would certainly have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. That’s the beauty of an All-Pro free safety who plays the position like Earl Thomas, he erases mistakes and turns them into takeaways. Patrick Mahomes learned that on Sunday Night Football, but Bates is turning quarterbacks into his victims seemingly every week. At some point, we might have to start talking about Bates as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (14)
We had high hopes for Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen this season and this unit was fine for the first two weeks. Everything unraveled on Monday Night Football and it’s one of those performances that might just be the beginning. The Jaguars’ franchise is in complete disarray right now and the situation seems unsalvageable. It’s unfortunate for Nielsen and some of the standouts on this Jaguars defense, but it’s the reality of the situation.
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Worst NFL pass defenses 2024
- Dallas Cowboys – 185.7 rushing yards per game allowed, 8 rushing touchdowns, 5.4 ypc
- Los Angeles Rams – 177 rushing yards per game allowed, 3 rushing touchdowns, 5.1 ypc
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 137.7 rushing yards per game allowed, 6 rushing touchdowns, 4.9 ypc
- Carolina Panthers – 151.3 rushing yards per game allowed, 4 rushing touchdowns, 4.7 ypc
- Indianapolis Colts – 179 rushing yards per game allowed, 1 rushing touchdown, 4.4 ypc
NFL Defense Rankings: Broncos, Packers, Lions and Eagles rise
20. Los Angeles Chargers (23)
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is squeezing everything he can out of this defense. The Chargers aren’t that deep in the secondary and the only Pro Bowl-caliber player on this unit right now might be Khalil Mack, though even that is a stretch. Yet, Minter’s defense is allowing just 11 points per game heading into Week 4. We’ll see if that lasts against Patrick Mahomes, we tend to doubt it.
Related:Â Love LA Sports? Check out LAFBNetwork.com
19. Dallas Cowboys (8)
The Dallas Cowboys defense has now surrendered 88 total yards and 72 total points in the last two games. Nothing else needs to be said about just how alarming that is. What’s inexcusable for this organization is the fact that after fielding one of the worst run defenses in the NFL in the second half last season, Dallas did nothing to improve it this offseason and the problem has only gotten worse. Nothing this Cowboys defense does in Week 4 against the New York Giants will ease our concerns with this unit.
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18. Philadelphia Eagles (20)
After some rough showings to open the season, Vic Fangio delivered the game plan that finally stopped this New Orleans Saints offense. Keep in mind, New Orleans took the field as just the fourth team since the 1920s to score 90-plus points in their first two games. This Eagles defense held the Saints to 12 points, with Alvin Kamara (3.3 yards per carry) and David Carr (40.6 ESPN QBR) effectively erased. This is a very nice step forward for this Eagles defense and if the young guys can keep it going, Philly will quickly keep ascending the NFL defense rankings.
17. Green Bay Packers (22)
The Green Bay Packers already have as many interceptions through three games (seven) as they did in 17 contests last season. Jeff Hafley’s group also recorded 8 sacks, the most in a game by a Packers defense since 2005. We are going to attribute some of those takeaways and sacks to the gift that keeps on giving – Will Levis – but it’s also apparent the Packers defense will be making a lot more plays this season. If the takeaways and sacks are there, providing Green Bay’s offense with more opportunities, that’s all that matters.
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16. Seattle Seahawks (19)
First, we’ll acknowledge that it’s a lot easier to face this Dolphins defense when Skylar Thompson is under center. With that said, Mike Macdonald’s guys are playing at a level we didn’t expect to see in the second half of the season. Seattle sacked Thompson 5 times on Sunday and limited the Dolphins to 3.6 yards per carry. That’s three straight games with 20 or fewer points allowed. Now, the litmus test comes against the Detroit Lions offense in Week 4 on Monday Night Football.
Related: Winners, losers from NFL Week 3
15. San Francisco 49ers (6)
If this defense isn’t going to step up with Deebo Samuel, Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle sidelined, the San Francisco 49ers are in trouble. It would be one thing if the 13 points allowed in the fourth quarter was surrendered to Matthew Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Instead, this 49ers defense blew a 10-point lead to Stafford, Tutu Atwell (93 yards) and multiple backups on the offenseive line. Kyle Shanahan sure seemed confident after last season that Steve Wilks was the problem. Perhaps, it miight just be that San Francisco has so much invested in its stars that its now too top-heavy to field a great defense.
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14. Denver Broncos (22)
It’s time to give the respect this Denver Broncos defense has rightfully earned. Heading into Week 3, Denver allowed the 10th-lowest scoring rate (30.8 percent) with the 12th-highest pressure rate (25.9 percent) and the 12th-lowest net yards per pass attempt (5.5) to opponents. Facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this Broncos defense sacked Baker Mayfield 7 times, picked him off once and limited the Buccaneers to just 4.9 net yards per pass attempt. Yeah, this is a legitimately good defense and they blitz (45 percent blitz rate) more than anyone.
Related: Worst NFL QB performances from Week 3
13. Tennessee Titans (12)
Of the 30 points scored by the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, 7 came as a result of a pick-six. We also have to recognize the Tennessee Titans for a very effective third-down defense, which held Green Bay to a 35.7% conversion rate. However, Tennessee’s defense was facing Malik Willis and it still allowed 6.4 yards per play. It was a bit of a shaky performance, but everyone already knows the team’s biggest problem is Will Levis.
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12. Houston Texans (10)
An early turnover gave the Minnesota Vikings the football on the doorstep of the red zone and they quickly punched it in for a touchdown. It was one of 4 touchdowns this Houston Texans defense allowed to Sam Darnold on Sunday afternoon, but this also wasn’t an awful day for this unit. Houston contained Minnesota to 274 yards (4.6 yards per play), sacked Darnold four times and generated quite a few stops. It just wasn’t nearly enough when the Texans offense was being neutralized by the top defense in football.
11. Detroit Lions (16)
The Detroit Lions opened Sunday’s game by allowing an 8-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to Arizona. Following that series, Aaron Glenn’s unit ceded only 6 points with 207 total yards and only 4.6 yards per play. That’s the caliber of defense we hoped to see from Detroit this season following their offseason acquisitions. If the Lions defense can replicate it on Monday Night Football against the Seahawks, there’s a top-10 spot open.
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Best NFL run defenses 2024
- Baltimore Ravens – 50 rushing yards per game allowed, 4 rushing touchdowns, 2.8 ypc
- Pittsburgh Steelers – 71.3 rushing yards per game allowed, 0 touchdowns, 3.5 ypc
- Minnesota Vikings – 71.3 rushing yards per game allowed, 1 rushing touchdown, 3.6 ypc
- Detroit Lions – 76.7 rushing yards per game allowed, 2 rushing touchdowns, 3.6 ypc
- Los Angeles Chargers – 91.7 rushing yards per game allowed, 1 rushing touchdown, 3.9 ypc
Best NFL defenses 2024
10. Buffalo Bills (19)
We dropped the Buffalo Bills in our NFL defense rankings early in September due to all the injuries. Once again, though, Sean McDermott and the Bills young defenders are stepping up when injuries hit. Through the first three games of the season, Buffalo has allowed the ninth-lowest scoring rate (31.6 percent) and allows the fourth-fewest yards per play (4.6).
9. Baltimore Ravens (12)
The first three quarters were excellent for this Baltimore Ravens defense. Then, 19 unanswered points happened. A majority of the damage allowed by this Ravens unit came in that final quarter, which pushed Dallas over 400 total yards with a 54% third-down success rate. For now, Baltimore reclaims its spot as one of the 10 best NFL defenses, but it’s also quite apparent this unit is worlds removed from the dominant force we witnessed in 2023 and it’s not going to come close to that level this year.
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8. New England Patriots (7)
In order for the New England Patriots defense to be maximized, this offense needs to at least sustain drives so the likes of Christian Gonzalez, Keion White and Kyle Dugger can not be worn out. That wasn’t the case in Week 3, with the Jets offense spending 40 minutes on the field which naturally resulted in 400 total yrda and 5.7 yards per play. We still like this Patriots defense, but it’s becoming increasingly clear an absent offense and the loss of Christian Barmore might just drag this unit down.
Related: NFL Week 4 power rankings
7. Kansas City Chiefs (4)
It’s been a mixed bag of results for the Kansas City Chiefs defense so far this year. Entering Week 4, the Chiefs defense has the eighth-highest scoring rate allowed (43.3 percent) in the NFL and they are 20th in third-down conversion rate allowed (36.1 percent). We tend to believe a big part of that is the Chiefs schedule to date, which has been much more daunting than teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos have faced. However, confidence in this Chiefs defense is certainly slipping and it’s clear the secondary misses L’Jarius Sneed.
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6. Chicago Bears (11)
The Chicago Bears continue to demonstrate that they have an excellent pass defense. Chicago held Indianapolis to 156 net passing yards on Sunday, tacking on 2 interceptions and a sack with a 17.5 ESPN QBR surrendered. Stopping the run – 150 yards, 4.5 yards per carry and 3 touchdowns – was another matter. Issues on the ground are a problem, but it also seems to be something a lot of NFL defenses are willing to tolerate. So, as long as Chicago’s secondary stays healthy, this should be one of the 10 best NFL defenses this season.
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5. New York Jets (9)
A defensive clinic by the New York Jets. The pass rush rightfully drew criticism for its lack of production early in the year and there’s nothing like a matchup against the Patriots offensive line – 7 sacks and 5 tackles for loss – to change that around. Neutralizing New England’s passing ‘attack’ is easy for good defenses, but New York’s ability to erase Rhamondre Stevenson on the ground (3.8 ypc) was a big improvement compared to recent performances. New York has regained some of our confidence, but it still faces a bit of an uphill climb to reclaim the top spot in our NFL defense rankings.
Related: NFL playoff predictions
Best NFL pass defenses 2024
- Seattle Seahawks – 132.3 passing yards per game allowed, 67.0 QB rating allowed, 1-2 TD-INT
- Chicago Bears – 165.0 passing yards per game allowed, 66.2 QB rating allowed, 2-4 TD-INT
- Pittsburgh Steelers – 158.3 passing yards per game allowed, 69.5 QB rating allowed, 2-4 TD-INT
- Buffalo Bills – 179.0 passing yards per game allowed, 71.5 QB rating allowed, 2-3 TD-INT
- Minnesota Vikings – 239.3 passing yards per game allowed, 71.5 QB rating allowed, 2-5 TD-INT
4. New Orleans Saints (3)
On the one hand, this New Orleans Saints defense only allowed 15 points to the Eagles offense. The effort was aided by the fact that Philadelphia went 1-for-3 on fourth-down attempts and 1-for-3 on red-zone trips. It’s certainly worrying that New Orleans was gashed on the ground to the tune of 172 rushing yards and 6.9 yards per carry (ESPN). Still, this Saints defense spent a lot of time on the field taking body blow after body blow from Philadelphia. Considering some of the other defensive performances around the league, we’ll hold off on bumping New Orleans too far down. Though, that will change if they allow 400 yards next week to Atlanta.
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3. Cleveland Browns (2)
The Myles Garrett injury could change everything for the Cleveland Browns defense. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year admitted earlier this week (Cleveland.com) that the issues with his feet might eventually require surgery and he’s now headed for an MRI. Take him off the field or even putting him out there at a significantly reduced effectiveness would be a masisve blow for this unit. For now, the Browns defense is coming off a performance that saw them allow 21 first-half points and 340 total yards (full game) to the Giants offense. In this unit’s defense, they generated a pair of takeaways, held New York to a 29.6% third-down success rate and didn’t allow a point in the second half. Unfortunately, that’s not good enough because of the Browns offense and the margin for error gets even thinner if Garrett misses time.
Related: Check out Sportsnaut’s YouTube page for analysis, interviews
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (1)
A blown coverage led to a 27-yard Quentin Johnston touchdown in the first quarter, capping off a 5-play, 59-yard drive by the Chargers offense. Outside of that series, this Pittsburgh Steelers defense held Los Angeles to 118 total yards on 40 plays (2.95 yards per play) with just 3 points surrendered. Pittsburgh also once again dominated on third downs, limiting the Chargers to a 27.3% percent success rate. The Steelers are utterly dominating bad competition right now, keeping them out of the No. 1 spot in our NFL defense rankings. Even at No. 2, this Steelers defense is phenomenal and it will make Anthony Richardson have a miserable Week 4.
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1. Minnesota Vikings (5)
The Minnesota Vikings have the best defense in the NFL. After doing a phenomenal job against Kyle Shanahan’s offense in Week 2, Vikings defensive coordinator just did it again. C.J. Stroud threw 2 interceptions and was sacked 4 times before being pulled in a blowout with a 25.0 ESPN QBR. Minnesota has only allowed double-digit points once this season and it’s effectively shut down two of the league’s best offenses. There’s nothing left to be said, the Vikings have the No. 1 defense in the NFL right now.
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NFL defense rankings: Worst NFL defenses 2024
NFL defense stats 2024
NFL defense rankings FAQ
What is the best defense in the NFL?
The Minnesota Vikings have the best defense in the NFL right now.
Which NFL defense has forced the most turnovers?
The Green Bay Packers defense has the most forced turnovers in the NFL this season with 9 (7 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles).
What NFL defense is best for fantasy?
The Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns are some of the best NFL defenses to target in fantasy.
What is the NFL defense rankings?
Sportsnaut’s NFL defense rankings evaluate and rank all 32 NFL defenses each week, reviewing their performances and projecting how they’ll perform in their upcoming game based on matchups and NFL defense stats.
What team has the most sacks 2023?
The Baltimore Ravens lead the NFL with 57 sacks. The Dolphins, Ravens, Chiefs and Bills are the only NFL teams with 50-plus sacks this season.
NFL team sack leaders 2024
NFL teams with fewest sacks
- Dallas Cowboys – 6
- Minnesota Vikings – 5
- Buffalo Bills – 4
- Indianapolis Colts – 4
- New Orleans Saints – 4
- Carolina Panthers – 1
- Cincinnati Bengals – 1
- Las Vegas Raiders – 1
- New York Giants – 1
- Washington Commanders – 1
Who is the number 1 defense in NFL?
The Dallas Cowboys have the No. 1 defense in the NFL this season.
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Who has the best defense in NFL history?
The 1985 Chicago Bears had the best NFL defense ever. Led by three Hall of Famers – Mike Singletary, Richard Dent and Dan Hampton – Chicago allowed just 101 total points on its way to winning Super Bowl XX, including an NFL record two shutouts in the playoffs. In addition, the 1985 Bears’ defense held opponents to a 50.2 passer rating with a 46.5 percent completion rate and 17-37 TD-INT ratio in 19 total games and opponents averaged just 76 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per carry across 19 contests in the regular season and playoffs.
Who has the weakest pass defense in the NFL?
The Washington Commanders have the worst pass defense in the NFL, allowing a league-high 104.1 QB rating, 259.3 passing yards per game and 35 passing touchdowns in 16 games.
Related: Best undrafted players in NFL history
What’s the top 5 defenses in the NFL?
The top 5 NFL defenses are the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings.
Who gives up the most passing yards in the NFL?
The Baltimore Ravens allow the most passing yards in the NFL, allowing 257.0 passing yards per game right now.
What teams have the best defense in the NFL?
The New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers have the best defenses in the NFL this season.
Who has the best pass defense in the NFL?
The Chicago Bears have the best passing defense in the NFL this season, allowing the lowest average QB rating (66.2) and the eighth-fewest passing yards per game (165.0).
Who has the best run defense in the NFL?
The Baltimore Ravens have the best run defense in the NFL, allowing the fewest rushing yards per game (50) and the lowest yards per carry average (2.8) in 2024.
Who has the worst defense in the NFL?
The Carolina Panthers have the worst NFL defense right now.
Who has the worst run defense in the NFL?
The Dallas Cowboys have the worst run defense in the NFL right now, allowing the most rushing yards per game (185.7), the most rushing touchdowns (8) and the highest yards per carry average (5.4)
What team has the most sacks in a season?
The Chicago Bears set the NFL record for most sacks in a season with 72 sacks in 16 games in 1984. Most recently, the 2022 Philadelphia Eagles became just the fourth team in NFL history to record 70 sacks in a single season.
