With the exception of a few spare parts, most NFL rosters have been set—and we have a much better idea of what to expect from these teams heading into the start of the regular season.

There is some carryover from last year’s NFL season, with top defenses like the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets returning a number of key pieces, but that is not to say that there hasn’t been some serious shake-up around the league.

So… Let’s get into it—and rank all 32 NFL defenses based on what we expect out of them this upcoming season from worst to first!

Which teams had the best defense after week two of the NFL season?

32. Los Angeles Rams (Last Week #21)

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 18: A Los Angeles Rams helmet is shown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 18, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Week 2 was about as bad as it gets for the Rams. Los Angeles’s defense had no answers for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ explosive attack, as they poured 41 points and well over 400 yards of offense on them.

31. Carolina Panthers (Last Week #32)

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 05: A detail view of a Carolina Panthers helmet before the game between the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Every week, it seems to get worse for the Panthers, as their defense got shredded for 219 yards on the ground and an effortless 26 points.

30. Dallas Cowboys (Last Week #2)

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 05: Dallas Cowboys helmets are seen against the Philadelphia Eaglesat Lincoln Financial Field on November 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Dallas defense got exposed this week. Derek Carr and the Saints marched all over them to the tune of 432 yards and 44 points.

29. New York Giants (Last Week #30)

LANDOVER, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 18: A New York Giants helmet sits on the grass before the start of the Giants and Washington Commanders game at FedExField on December 18, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Giants defense did not look great on Sunday. Washington was able to move the ball way too easily, and New York was really just bailed out by boneheaded Washington penalties.

28. Tennessee Titans (Last Week #18)

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 22: Tennessee Titans helmets sit on the field before the start of the Titans and Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

The Titans’ defense was their own worst enemy against New York on Sunday, with the main culprit being Jeffery Simmons. The two-time Pro Bowler made a huge mistake with a roughing-the-passer penalty that extended a Jets drive and led to a touchdown, and the Titans faltered down the stretch to Rodgers and co.

27. Washington Commanders (Last Week #31)

ASHBURN, VA – MARCH 17: A view of a Washington Commanders helmet on display during a press conference to introduce quarterback Carson Wentz at Inova Sports Performance Center on March 17, 2022 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Commanders’ defense had a solid day, bending but not breaking when it mattered most. Heck, if Malik Nabers wasn’t on the Giants, they might’ve completely shut them out!

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week #27)

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 21: A Jacksonville Jaguars helmet rests on a heater prior to the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jason Hanna/Getty Images)
Week 2 in the NFL was a solid showing overall for the Jaguars defense. Granted, it came against a sputtering Browns offense, but they held them to 18 points, which should’ve been enough to win.

25. Miami Dolphins (Last Week #9)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – NOVEMBER 06: A detail of a Miami Dolphins helmet prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 06, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Granted, their offense put them in quite a few unenviable positions, but Miami did not look great this week on defense. They had no answer to James Cook, who scored three touchdowns, and Buffalo dog-walked them for 31 points.

24. Detroit Lions (Last Week #25)

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 12: A detailed view of a Detroit Lions helmet on the field before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Aidan Hutchinson and the Lions D got off to a hot start in Week 2. He notched three sacks in the first quarter and five on the day. The defense held pretty well all day, but not well enough, as surrendering a couple of big plays allowed Tampa to narrowly edge them out 20-16 during their NFL game.

23. Seattle Seahawks (Last Week #24)

RENTON, WASHINGTON – FEBRUARY 01: A general view of the press conference stage, microphone, backdrop and Seattle Seahawks helmet after Mike Macdonald spoke to media after he was announced as the new Seattle Seahawks head coach at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on February 01, 2024 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
The Seahawks’ defense pulled it together nicely against an admittedly weak Patriots offense in Week 2. They sacked Jacoby Brissett three times and held New England off, winning the game in overtime 23-20.

22. Arizona Cardinals (Last Week #28)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 24: A detail view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field on December 24, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Cardinals’ defense set the tone early, making life difficult for Matthew Stafford and the Rams early and often. Dennis Gardeck did his best Aaron Donald impression against the future Hall-of-Famer’s old team and was a one-man wrecking crew, racking up three sacks and constantly pressuring Stafford. Arizona held Stafford and co. to just 10 points in a thorough beatdown.

21. New York Jets (Last Week #17)

ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 15: A New York Jets helmet sits on an equipment case during the second half of an NFL preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
While the Jets’ defense looked troublesome in Week 1 of the NFL season and got off to a slow start this past week against the Titans, they really pulled it together in the second half. Will McDonald was a wrecking ball, drilling Will Levis for three sacks, and the D was able to snag a couple of key turnovers to turn the tide after halftime.

20. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week #15)

TEMPE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 09: A detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet lays on the field in a practice session prior to Super Bowl LVII at Arizona Cardinals Training Center on February 09, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Kansas City Chiefs play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on February 12, 2023 at State Farm Stadium. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Monday Night Football was a mixed bag for the Eagles defense. They performed well most of the night but ultimately caved to the pressure the Falcons put on them when it mattered most.

19. Indianapolis Colts (Last Week #13)

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: A Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on the bench before the start of the Colts and Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Week 2 was a tough showing for the Colts on defense, as they got absolutely bullied by a Jordan Love-less Packers team. Indy’s run defense got gashed all game to the tune of 261 yards. Ouch!

18. Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week #14)

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the field before Super Bowl LVI against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Even with Joe Burrow’s crew struggling to light up the scoreboard, the Bengals’ defense has kept them in games. Akeem Davis-Gaither had a big interception this week to set up a touchdown early, and Trey Hendrickson gave Mahomes and the Chiefs all they could handle. If the offense can round into form and take some pressure off this group, they could become one of the top defenses in the league this year.

17. Atlanta Falcons (Last Week #19)

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 17: Isaiah Prince #75 of the Atlanta Falcons helmet on the sides lines during the third quarter in the game against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Very impressive bounce-back performance from the Falcons defense on Monday Night Football. The pass rush wasn’t overwhelming, but it was disruptive enough to force Hurts into some mistakes, and their ability to tighten up in crucial moments and make key stops was the difference in this game.

16. Houston Texans (Last Week #23)

HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 11: A detail of a Uvalde Strong decal on a Houston Texans helmet prior to the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
The Texans’ defense looked like it was on a mission Sunday night to take advantage of a bad Bears offensive line. And with seven sacks, two clutch interceptions, and relentless pressure on Caleb Williams, it is safe to say mission accomplished. Will Anderson Jr. led the charge, racking up 1.5 sacks, and rookie Kamari Lassiter sealed the deal with a pick that had everyone buzzing.

15. Green Bay Packers (Last Week #26)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 04: A detail of a Green Bay Packers helmet during the first half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 04, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Green Bay’s defense was put to the test this weekend without Jordan Love under center, and, man, did they deliver. They were relentless and pressured Anthony Richardson effectively all game, holding the Colts to just 10 points.

14. Las Vegas Raiders (Last Week #22)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 22: A detail of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 22, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
It is hard to put all, or really any, of the blame on the Broncos’ defense with the way that their offense played on Sunday, but they need to clean up the penalties. Patrick Surtain’s 37-yard defensive pass interference in the third quarter was devastating.

12. Baltimore Ravens (Last Week #11)

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 31: A detailed view of a Baltimore Ravens helmet is seen prior to a game against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images)
The Ravens’ defense started strong, limiting the Raiders to just six points in the first half and sacking Gardner Minshew five times during their recent clash in the NFL. Unfortunately for Baltimore, they came apart at the seams in the second half and were ultimately edged out by the Raiders in a shocking upset.

11. Buffalo Bills (Last Week #20)

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 02: A Buffalo Bills helmet sits on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Bills’ defense came to Miami with a tough task at hand—shut down one of the most explosive offenses in the league, but they did that, and then some! Buffalo forced three turnovers and held Miami to just 10 points on their home turf!

10. Cleveland Browns (Last Week #29)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 11: A Cleveland Browns helmet rests on the field prior to the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on September 11, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Browns 29-10. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

While it could be a product of facing a struggling Jaguars offense, the Browns’ defense looked scary on Sunday and maybe regaining form. They sacked Trevor Lawrence four times and held the Jags to just 13 points at home.

9. New England Patriots (Last Week #8)

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 25: A view of New England Patriots helmets on the bench before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Patriots defense has looked surprisingly sound so far in 2024. They held up well against Geno Smith and the Seahawks for most of the afternoon before bowing out and losing the game in overtime.

8. Chicago Bears (Last Week #7)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 25: A detail of a Chicago Bears helmet prior to the game against the Houston Texans at Soldier Field on September 25, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Bears’ defense did everything they could to keep them in the game, but when the offense can’t get out of neutral, it’s almost always going to be a fool’s errand. They did an exceptional job of getting after C.J. Stroud and making things challenging for the star quarterback, but the offense’s continued turnovers made the outcome somewhat inevitable.

7. San Francisco 49ers (Last Week #4)

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 21: A San Francisco 49ers helmet on the bench during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on November 21, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The 49ers defense looked solid this week aside from the jailbreak that Sam Darnold and Justin Jefferson ran from their own three-yard line. Fred Warner stood alone as their top performer, making plays all over the field, including a sack, an interception, and nine tackles.

6. Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week #3)

MIAMI, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 02: Details of Kansas City Chiefs helmet before Super Bowl LIV at Hard Rock Stadium on February 02, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Week 2 against the Bengals was full of highs and lows for the Chiefs D. They struggled to contain Mike Gesicki but did a really nice job locking down Ja’Marr Chase. The afternoon was highlighted by a scoop and score for Chamarri Conner, and the Chiefs were able to edge out the Bengals 26-25.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week #12)

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 17: A detailed view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets seen on the sideline prior to a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 17, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers defeated the Packers 34-20. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Despite being backed against the wall late in their NFL game, the Bucs’ defense rose to the occasion, stopping Detroit twice in the red zone to preserve what can only be described as a major statement win. The Tampa D gave Jared Goff a tough time all day, picking him off twice and announcing that they are for real!

4. Los Angeles Chargers (Last Week #10)

GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 08: Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench prior to the start of the NFL preseason game the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ralph Freso/Getty Images)
The Chargers’ defense was lights out on Sunday against an admittedly terrible Carolina side. They held the Panthers to a measly 159 total yards and three points and allowed just seven first downs on the afternoon.

3. Minnesota Vikings (Last Week #5)

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 15: A detail of a Minnesota Vikings helmet prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 15, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Minnesota’s defense did the old Bill Belichick bend-but-don’t-break routine. They gave up 406 yards and let the 49ers march up and down the field, but when it came to crunch time, they made plays and ended up getting the win.

2. New Orleans Saints (Last Week #6)

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 19: A New Orleans Saints helmet on the bench before the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Wow, what has gotten into the New Orleans Saints?! Dennis Allen’s defense absolutely manhandled Dak Prescott and the Cowboys on Sunday, holding them to just 19 points.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week #1)

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 16: A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on the field prior to a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh’s defense rose to the occasion again this week, forcing two interceptions and making life difficult for Bo Nix in the red zone and really all afternoon. The Steelers D stepped up in critical moments, especially on third downs, and looks like one of the best units in the league.