The NFL Playoffs are here. Here are all 14 defenses ranked worst to first ahead of Wild Card Weekend
Getty Image / Mitchell Leff
The old adage is that defense wins championships. Historically, that’s been true in the NFL, as far more top defenses have won Super Bowls than top offenses.
This year’s crop of playoff defenses may not have a team that conjures up visions of the 1985 Chicago Bears. But, there are some solid units in here as we head into the postseason.
14. Washington Commanders
While they’re ranked last in this rankings, this unit has improved considerably throughout the season, especially in the secondary, under first-year head coach Dan Quinn. But, they don’t really have an elite game-wrecker, and against good quarterbacks it’s hard to get consistent stops without one.
13. Detroit Lions
When healthy, this defense is one of the league’s best units under the direction of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. But, they’ve been decimated by injuries, and really struggled down the stretch. That being said, getting linebacker Alex Anzalone back in Week 18 really seemed to help the unit against Minnesota. And, superstar pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson is trying to return for the Super Bowl after suffering a gruesome broken leg in October.
12. Los Angeles Rams
Credit to Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, as he’s gotten a lot out of a unit that lost all-time great Aaron Donald to retirement. And, young players on their front in Jared Verse and Braden Fiske have flashed. But, it’s far from an elite unit and has weaknesses on the back-end.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers can be pretty stout against the run, as nose tackle Vita Vea is unblockable. But, they’re vulnerable against the pass and don’t force a ton of turnovers.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steel Curtain is ranked this low? Ever since TJ Watt injured his ankle in a loss to the Eagles in December, he hasn’t been the same. And, this is a defense that relies on Watt and other pass-rushers to help force turnovers. They have not done that in recent weeks, and have been exposed.
9. Houston Texans
We’re getting into the territory of defenses that I have a good bit of confidence in. The Texans have struggled on offense. But, Will Anderson, Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr. and company have played really good football all year long. They haven’t been quite as good down the stretch, though, and need to regain their footing.
8. Baltimore Ravens
Early in the year, the Ravens were giving up a ton of yards through the air. But, as the year has gone on, the pass rush has improved, the secondary is playing better, and they’ve become one of the league’s better units once again. Watch out for safety Kyle Hamilton, arguably the league’s most versatile defender, to have a big year.
7. Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have both been opportunistic, forcing 30 turnovers, and assignment-sound this year. Free agent signing Xavier McKinney has been stellar at safety, and they have a bunch of different players who can pressure the quarterback.
6. Buffalo Bills
There are issues in the secondary that could become an issue. But, the front seven is really good, especially now that star linebacker Matt Milano has returned to the lineup. Gregory Rousseau has emerged as one of the league’s better defensive ends.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
At times, the Chiefs have been a bend-but-don’t-break defense this year. They’ve been stingy in the red zone, which has saved them repeatedly. And, we all know that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo turns it up a notch in the postseason.
4. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings definitely do not play a bend-but-don’t-break style of defense. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores blitzes as much as anyone in the league. That’s led to a huge year for this defense, especially the pass-rushing duo of Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel. They’re going to make life tough on opposing quarterbacks.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Young talent in Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean has completely rejuvenated a defense that was awful down the stretch last year. It seems they’re peaking at the right time, too, as they’re starting to get comfortable in Vic Fangio’s scheme.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has remade a Chargers defense that was awful last year into one of the league’s best units. They’re especially good in the red zone, as they lead the league in opponent touchdown percentage in the red zone. Five players have at least five sacks, and they can apply pressure from anywhere.
1. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos defense has been, for my money, the best defense in the league this year. Everything is made easier for this bunch by cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr., who is likely to take home NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors, locking down the other team’s top target. Up front, they’re stout against the run, and hound the quarterback. Nik Bonitto, among others, has had a huge breakout season.