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 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 NFL.
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!
Who are the top teams in the NFL when it comes to defense?
32. Carolina Panthers
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)
It’s not a huge shocker here—as they will likely be amongst the worst teams in the league this season… but the Panthers find themselves at the bottom of the barrel for 2024 on the defensive side of the ball.
The group was bad the last couple of years, to begin with—and now they have to learn to adjust to life without Brian Burns, who was far and away their best defensive player… who they dealt to the Giants for next, nothing I might add!
Not to mention the fact that they have a first-time head coach in the building, Dave Canales, don’t expect much out of the defense in Charlotte.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars
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)
There is a bit of optimism in Duvall about this NFL team overall, but the defense still has a lot of work to do. Some pundits are excited about the potential that the Jaguars defensive line has under D.C. Ryan Nielsen, who should be will equipped to rotate guys in and out and create chaos for opposing quarterbacks.
With the way this group finished the 2023 season, however, we are going to have to see it to believe it.
30. Arizona Cardinals
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)
With a lot of youth and inexperience on the defensive side of the ball, many expect it to be a tough year in the desert. The Cardinals might have a flash potential here and there, but don’t expect much in terms of a cohesive, shutdown unit by any stretch of the imagination.
29. New York Giants
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 was a pleasant surprise in an otherwise horrible 2023 NFL season, and they’ve got the pieces to be even better in 2024. Kayvon Thibodeaux looks like he is finally developing into the star they expected when they snagged him second overall, and the secondary is poised to improve. If they can build on last year’s success, this could be a top-15 unit by mid-year.
28. New England Patriots
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 historically been one of their calling cards, but let’s face it… those days are done, and this year feels—and will likely be different. Especially now that they’ve dealt their best player on the defensive side of the ball in Matthew Judon, for a measly 3rd round pick!
If they want any hope of being competitive, they’ll need some young players to step up, but they also don’t need Belichick’s schemes, as he has been usurped by first-year coach Jerod Mayo, who will have his hands full trying to compete in a deep AFC East.
27. Buffalo Bills
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)
With the departure of longtime secondary stalwarts Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer, this Bills defense is going to look very unfamiliar this NFL season.
Yes, head Coach Sean McDermott has developed a strong defensive culture, but there are simply too many question marks to confidently project them any higher.
26. Washington Commanders
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)
Washington’s defense has some talented young players, but they’re likely to be a boom-or-bust unit—capable of big plays but also vulnerable to giving up yards in chunks.
Until they start to mature as a group, they’ll hover near the bottom. However, it is worth noting that they are in good hands, with Dan Quinn taking over the team.
25. Los Angeles Rams
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)
And, so, the Aaron Donald era is officially over—leaving many to wonder what exactly this Rams defense will look like without the All-Universe defensive lineman.
The Rams were wise to add talent to the line through the draft with tackle Braden Fiske and edge rusher Jared Verse, but even so, that is a big hole to fill!
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24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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)
Todd Bowles may be a talented, defensive-minded head coach, but it was critical that the team retained safety Antoine Winfield Jr., which it did.
However, the Bucs will need to find a way to get consistent linebacker play to pull together a strong enough defensive unit to compete in the NFC.
23. Miami Dolphins
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)
Calais Campbell and Teair Tart are bonafide professionals who will make waves for the Dolphins on the D-line, but the loss of Christian Wilkins will really hurt. Miami is rolling the dice with veteran additions like Jordan Poyer to the secondary.
That said—if he still has gas in the tank—this unit could really start to come together.
22. Tennessee Titans
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 expectations in Nashville for their first NFL season post-Mike Vrabel are low, but the Titans did make some nice moves to build a foundation for the defense by trading for L’Jarius Sneed and signing Chidobe Awuzie.
21. Minnesota Vikings
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)
The Vikings’ defense was inconsistent at best in 2023, but they were navigating a lot of injuries… Both on the actual defense and the fallout of losing their starting quarterback, Kirk Cousins, during the middle of a playoff run.
Now that Minny has brought Brian Flores into the fold to call the shots on the defensive side of the ball, however, there is a renewed sense of hope about this group!
20. Indianapolis Colts
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)
The Colts’ defense is solid across the board but lacked the star power needed to really differentiate itself in the NFL. They’ve got a strong front seven, but the secondary is a question mark. If they can improve their pass coverage, they could move up the rankings, but for now, expectations are still somewhat low.
Even with the addition of Laiatu Lu—who was the first defensive player off the board this year in the draft.
19. Green Bay Packers
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – OCTOBER 29: A detail of a Green Bay Packers helmet against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
As we saw during last year’s surprising playoff run—and subsequent dismantling of the Dallas Cowboys in the playoffs… the Packers have a solid foundation on defense.
With stars like Jaire Alexander in the secondary and a steadily improving front seven, there’s potential for them to climb the rankings very quickly.
18. Detroit Lions
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)
The Lions’ defense is on the rise, thanks to the culture of toughness led by Head Coach Dan Campbell and the elite pass-rushing ability of Aidan Hutchinson. There’s still work to be done, but expect this group to make a huge leap forward from where it was in 2023.
17. Seattle Seahawks
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)
With the way that Devon Witherspoon emerged as a star in Seattle’s defensive secondary last year, there is reason to believe that the Seahawks D could be trending in the right direction.
It is clear that the team is focusing on that aspect of the game with their decisions to draft Byron Murphy II out of Texas to their d-line 16th overall and hire Mike Macdonald as their new head coach. Macdonald was the orchestrator of the Ravens’ defense over the last couple of NFL seasons and has proven he has a unique ability to mix and match pieces and create exceptionally challenging schemes for opposing offenses to navigate.
16. New Orleans Saints
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)
There is reason to be excited about how the Saints’ defense is shaping up for this upcoming season. The secondary is among the most intimidating in the league, with Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu holding it down.
If New Orleans can find a way to get consistent contributions out of former number one overall pick, Chase Young, which they very well may by pairing him with a pro like Cameron Jordan up front, this group could improve exceptionally quickly.
15. Chicago Bears
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 has a lot of promise heading into 2024, but there is even more to prove. The addition of Montez Sweat to the defensive line last year did signal a change in the right direction—and made an impact on the field almost immediately, but the secondary still has question marks. The Bears are banking on a lot out of Jaylon Johnson at cornerback—even with the safety support from Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard.
14. Las Vegas Raiders
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)
There is a chance that this Raiders defense really comes into its own this NFL season during Antonio Pierce’s first full year at the helm. Las Vegas already has one of the most talented and hardest-working players in the game at Maxx Crosby leading the way on the edge, and it added Christian Wilkins to the interior of the d-line.
With these two wreaking havoc, there will be minimal pressure on the secondary, and this group could really make waves.
13. Dallas Cowboys
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 Cowboys have one of the best defensive players in the game, Micah Parsons, but there are too many question marks around the rest of the unit to put them in the top 10. Trevon Diggs is obviously talented in their secondary, but his playstyle is way too boom or bust.
It will be interesting to see what Mike Zimmer can do to help reign Diggs in—and turn this Cowboys defense into one that can hold its own against actual contenders this year—not just beat up on scrub offenses.
12. Atlanta Falcons
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)
Up until the Matthew Judon trade, the Falcons were quietly building a formidable defense in the NFL. With a pass rush that looks to be much improved, this could be one of the surprise units in 2024. Don’t sleep on the Falcons this year!
11. Pittsburgh Steelers
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 01: A detail of Gunner Olszewski #89 of the Pittsburgh Steelers helmet prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh’s defense is as tough as they come… you know… as long as their All-World talent at defensive end, T.J. Watt, is healthy!
Otherwise, we have seen that it can get scary quickly. He is that much of a game-changer.
They also made an awesome addition in Patrick Queen, who they stole out from under the divisional rival Ravens, to their linebacker corps, which only strengthens this unit. Mike Tomlin will have this group competing at a high level this season, no doubt!
10. Philadelphia Eagles
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)
The Eagles are loaded with young talent on defense, particularly on the defensive line with Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.
This is why their stumble in the second half of the 2023 season was so puzzling. That said, Vic Fangio’s arrival as defensive coordinator is expected to bring a more disciplined and aggressive approach—and should help to get this group back on track.
9. Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO – NOVEMBER 05: A detail view of a Cleveland Browns helmet before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
The Browns’ defense was up and down in the 2023 NFL season, but that was largely due to a ridiculous onslaught of injuries.
This season—they look stacked, particularly on the defensive line, with Myles Garrett still leading the charge.
With the addition of Za’Darius Smith on the edge and Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator, this unit has the potential to be a real force to be reckoned with.
8. Houston Texans
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)
Will Anderson showed all of the makings of a potential star during his rookie season in Houston, notching seven sacks and 45 tackles coming off the edge.
Now that the Texans have the confidence of that 2023 playoffs run under their belt—and have made key additions on that side of the ball with guys like Danielle Hunter on the line and Azeez Al-Sharaair at linebacker, they could take a big step forward this season.
7. Cincinnati Bengals
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – AUGUST 26: A Cincinnati Bengals helmet sits on the grass before the start of a preseason game between the Bengals and Washington Commanderat FedExField on August 26, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Look, the loss of DJ Reader will really hurt, but Cinci did well to re-tool on defense with Sheldon Rankins—and Lou Anarumo has proven to be one of the most competent defensive coordinators in the NFL with the way he’s revamped that defense since taking over in 2019.
With Joe Burrow coming back to lead the offense, look for this group to be playing inspired football at a very high level this season.
6. Denver Broncos
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 23: The helmet and gloves of Will Parks #34 of the Denver Broncos · rests on the field before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Broncos’ defense has been the team’s backbone for years, and with Vance Joseph back as defensive coordinator, they’re expected to be strong again in 2024. They’ve got a solid secondary, led by budding star Patrick Surtain II—and a lot to prove in Year 2 of the Sean Payton era.
5. San Francisco 49ers
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 29: A San Francisco 49ers helmet is displayed prior to a press conference with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for Super Bowl LIV at the Hilton Miami Downtown on January 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The 49ers will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the 54th playing of the Super Bowl, Sunday February 2nd. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
The 49ers defense has been among the league’s best for years now—and 2024 should be no exception. Unfortunately, they did have a couple of painful cap casualties, but they were able to retain Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, which was critical.
Plus. a few newcomers, such as Maliek Collins and Leonard Floyd up front, will pick up the slack for some of the talent that left for big contracts.
4. New York Jets
FLORHAM PARK, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 11: New York Jets helmets are shown during New York Jets Mandatory Minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center on June 11, 2024 in Florham Park, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
With Quinnen Williams anchoring the defensive line and Sauce Gardner and DJ Reed locking down the secondary, this unit is stacked. Plain and simple…
They have been playing at an elite level for a couple of years now in spite of having zero ability to play complementary football due to the ineptness of the New York offense under Zach Wilson.
If Aaron Rodgers can return from injury and play at even 75% of his peak level—that could open up a whole new world of opportunities for a defense that has typically had to shoulder the entire weight of this NFL team.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 08: Los Angeles Chargers helmet on the sidelines 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)
With Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack coming off the edge—and Jim Harbaugh setting the tone as their new head coach, this pass rush—and this defense could be terrifying.
The Chargers have talent all over the field; they just need the right voice to bring it all together.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
MIAMI, FLORIDA – JANUARY 29: A Kansas City Chiefs helmet is displayed prior to a press conference with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for Super Bowl LIV at the Hilton Miami Downtown on January 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. The San Francisco 49ers will face the Chiefs in the 54th playing of the Super Bowl, Sunday February 2nd. (Photo by Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
The Chiefs did the one thing this offseason that they absolutely had to do to maintain the structural integrity of their defense… and that retained Chris Jones—the one-making wrecking crew on their defensive line.
They were, unfortunately, forced to trade L’Jarius Sneed, who was a pace-setter for their secondary, but Steve Spagnuolo has done a good job molding his aggressive defensive schemes to match the talent he has on the roster.
1. Baltimore Ravens
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 has been a model of consistency for years, and 2024 should be no different.
Even with the loss of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who took the head job in Seattle, and linebacker Patrick Queen, this unit remains stacked.
Baltimore, which has also proven itself to be a model organization in terms of player development, brought in some top-notch prospects on D, with their first-round pick, cornerback Nate Wiggins, out of Clemson, who is expected to make an immediate impact.
All in all—Baltimore’s defense is poised to dominate again.
