Week 3 was a crazy one for the NFL, as we saw quite a bit of shake-up with the way teams performed. As a result, there were some pretty significant changes to our defensive power rankings list! So… Let’s get into it—and rank all 32 NFL defenses based on what we expect out of them coming out of the third week of the season.
Which teams had the best defense after week three of the NFL season?
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (Last Week #26)
The Jaguars defense got humiliated in front of a national audience this week. Buffalo came charging out of the gate for almost 300 yards in the first half. By night’s end, the Jags had gotten gashed for an effortless 47 points.
31. Dallas Cowboys (Last Week #30)
Dallas’s defense was porous once again against better competition, as the Cowboys got shredded for 274 rushing yards and 28 points in a crushing loss.
30. Tennessee Titans (Last Week #28)
After looking sharp the first two weeks, the Titans’ spirits broke against Green Bay, as Malik Willis tore them up all game, and they simply had no answer for the dual-threat quarterback.
29. Carolina Panthers (Last Week #31)
Carolina’s defense stepped up, limiting the Raiders to just 22 points and only 55 rushing yards. This allowed them to get after Gardner Minshew, making him uncomfortable all game.
28. Miami Dolphins (Last Week #25)
The Seahawks jumped all over a deflated Miami defense early, pouring 17 points on them in the first quarter. Miami surrendered 370 yards, and it felt like it could’ve been way more had the game remained close.
27. Las Vegas Raiders (Last Week #14)
The Raiders defense looked like it was missing Maxx Crosby in a big way this week. Andy Dalton and the Panthers moved the ball at will as the previously winless Carolina Panthers racked up 36 points with ease.
26. Los Angeles Rams (Last Week #32)
The Rams’ defense bent but didn’t break. Unfortunately, Jauan Jennings racked up three touchdowns before the Rams tightened up in the fourth quarter.
25. Cincinnati Bengals (Last Week #18)
The Bengals’ defense was disjointed and struggled to contain Jayden Daniels and the Washington offense. What people thought to be a strength for the team is looking like it could be the death nail as the squad falls to 0-3.
24. Washington Commanders (Last Week #27)
The Commanders’ defense bent but didn’t break against Joe Burrow’s high-powered offense. While they gave up 324 passing yards and three touchdowns, they came up big in critical moments to secure a shocking victory.
23. New York Giants (Last Week #29)
The Giants’ defense looked the best it has all season this week, sacking Deshaun Watson eight times and keeping the Browns’ offense on the back foot the entire game. Brian Burns had his most impactful play as a Giant with his strip-sack that set up a crucial touchdown.
22. New England Patriots (Last Week #9)
The hype surrounding New England’s defense has faded fast. Jerod Mayo’s squad fell apart against the Jets, allowing Aaron Rodgers and company to move the ball with ease in a Thursday night beatdown.
21. Arizona Cardinals (Last Week #22)
Arizona’s defense held strong in the second half, shutting out Detroit after halftime and giving the offense a chance to rally for the victory, though they ultimately came up short.
20. Detroit Lions (Last Week #24)
Detroit’s defense delivered in the clutch, forcing Kyler Murray into a critical interception and holding the Cardinals’ high-powered offense to just 13 points.
19. Seattle Seahawks (Last Week #23)
Seattle’s defense continues to impress, holding their third straight opponent to under 150 passing yards while sacking Miami’s quarterbacks five times. The front seven dominated, making things miserable for Skylar Thompson.
18. Houston Texans (Last Week #16)
The Texans’ defense was clearly left on the field far too often, as the Vikings were able to run roughshod over them. If Houston wants to compete for a Lombardi Trophy, they’ll need to tighten up defensively.
17. New York Jets (Last Week #21)
This was the Jets defense we were all expecting. They were all over Jacoby Brissett, racking up seven sacks and routing the Patriots in a comfortable win.
16. Baltimore Ravens (Last Week #12)
The Ravens defense was steady early, holding Dallas to six points through three quarters. However, they nearly collapsed in the fourth quarter as the Cowboys surged for 19 points.
15. Atlanta Falcons (Last Week #17)
Atlanta’s defense hung tough against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, keeping the game close before eventually succumbing to Kansas City’s relentless offensive pressure in the second half.
14. Cleveland Browns (Last Week #10)
The Browns defense allowed 21 first-half points to Daniel Jones and the Giants. While they made some second-half stops, Malik Nabers torched the secondary for two touchdowns as they fell to the Giants.
13. Indianapolis Colts (Last Week #19)
The Colts’ defense shined, holding Chicago to just 63 rushing yards and forcing three key turnovers. Their goal-line stand just before halftime was a pivotal moment in the game.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (Last Week #20)
The Eagles defense stepped up big time, holding the Saints to just 219 yards and 12 points. Reed Blankenship sealed the game with a late interception of Derek Carr.
11. Chicago Bears (Last Week #8)
The Bears’ defense was tough all game but eventually wore down under Jonathan Taylor’s relentless rushing attack. They couldn’t stop the Colts on key third downs late in the game.
10. Green Bay Packers (Last Week #15)
Green Bay’s defense came into play, racking up eight sacks and a pick-six in a massive win, even without Jordan Love.
9. San Francisco 49ers (Last Week #7)
San Francisco’s defense started strong but crumbled late, allowing the Rams to rally from a 14-point deficit. The lack of a consistent pass rush cost them against Stafford.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Week #5)
Tampa’s defense struggled without key players like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Vita Vea. They unexpectedly allowed a weak Denver team to get the better of them.
7. Denver Broncos (Last Week #13)
Denver’s defense was a force, racking up seven sacks and holding Tampa Bay to just 223 total yards. Brandon Jones’ early interception set the tone for a dominant win.
6. Buffalo Bills (Last Week #11)
The Bills’ defense was lights out, holding Jacksonville to just 70 yards and five first downs in the first half. The Jaguars had no answers all night.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (Last Week #4)
The Chargers defense wasn’t the problem in their loss to Pittsburgh in their NFL contest. They fought hard, but the offense’s struggles kept them on the field too long, and they eventually broke.
4. New Orleans Saints (Last Week #2)
New Orleans’ defense did well to hold off the Eagles’ attack, allowing just 15 points. They made big plays when needed, but it wasn’t enough with their offense faltering.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Last Week #6)
The Chiefs defense dominated, pressuring Kirk Cousins all game, forcing an interception, and limiting his ability to move the ball downfield. They were relentless against the Falcons.
2. Minnesota Vikings (Last Week #3)
Minnesota’s defense fed off the home crowd and suffocated C.J. Stroud, sacking him four times and picking him off twice. Jonathan Greenard led the charge with three sacks.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (Last Week #1)
Pittsburgh’s defense is for real. They held the Chargers to just 168 total yards, racked up five sacks, and shut down any attempt at a comeback. This unit is the backbone of the Steelers’ success.
