Defense wins championships, but not all NFL defenses are built the same. From lockdown units forcing turnovers to struggling squads leaking yards at every level, 2024 has had it all. Week 6 showed us a lot.
Let’s look around the league at which units are carrying their teams and which are their team’s Achilles Hill—and rank them from worst to first.
Which teams had the best defense in the entire NFL after week 6?
32. Dallas Cowboys: (Last Week #23)
Whelp. Rock bottom for the Cowboys’ defense, as they were humiliated by the Lions to the tune of 47 points and 492 total yards of offense.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars: (Last Week #30)
Jacksonville’s defense buckled under Chicago’s relentless pace and offensive pressure. To make matters worse, the injuries piled up Sunday morning, with Darnell Savage and Jarrian Jones exiting with concussions. Who knows what this group will look like next week for their second consecutive London game?
30. Carolina Panthers: (Last Week #32)
29. Arizona Cardinals: (Last Week #27)
Arizona’s defense jumped out to a red-hot start, snagging a pick-6 early, but they struggled to generate pressure or contain the Packers’ receivers—both critical factors in leading a successful NFL defense.
28. New Orleans Saints: (Last Week #14)
Week 6 was about as bad as it gets for the Saints defense. Despite a strong start that included three interceptions, the “big play” bug bit them as the Bucs racked up 51 points and nearly 600 yards of offense.
27. Las Vegas Raiders: (Last Week #26)
The Raiders defense fought hard early but ultimately ran out of gas. They spent way too much time on the field, and the Steelers broke a few big runs in the second half that put the game out of reach.
26. New England Patriots: (Last Week #18)
New England’s defense crumbled early under the Texans’ intense offensive pressure, giving up 41 points and struggling to keep Houston off the field. The Texans piled up 368 yards in a dominant performance against the Patriots defense.
25. Seattle Seahawks: (Last Week #28)
The absence of Uchenna Nwosu left a glaring void during the mid-week matchup, as Seattle’s defense struggled to contain the 49ers’ rushing attack. They allowed a massive 483 total yards en route to a 36-24 loss.
24. Cincinnati Bengals: (Last Week #31)
Cincinnati’s defense put forth its best performance of the season under the lights on Sunday Night Football—albeit against a Giants offense without Malik Nabers and led by a struggling Daniel Jones.
23. Cleveland Browns: (Last Week #22)
The injury bug hit Cleveland’s defense again, further straining a unit already under pressure. With an anemic offense consistently putting them in bad situations, it looks like tougher days lie ahead.
22. Los Angeles Rams: (Last Week #24) – (bye)
The Rams’ defense hasn’t dealt with as many injuries as the offense, but it has become clear that their once-dominant form is gone. Their identity feels lost without Aaron Donald leading the charge.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: (Last Week #29)
The Eagles’ defense didn’t exactly shine, but they did enough to get the job done against a dysfunctional Browns offense.
20. Indianapolis Colts: (Last Week #25)
When it mattered most, the Colts defense clamped down, forcing back-to-back three-and-outs and snagging a clutch interception from Will Levis to secure the 20-17 victory over the Titans.
19. Miami Dolphins: (Last Week #21) – (bye)
Things have spiraled in Miami. The ripple effects of Tua Tagovailoa’s absence have hit both sides of the ball, leaving the Dolphins struggling to find a rhythm or momentum as they approach the season’s midpoint.
18. Tennessee Titans: (Last Week #19)
Tennessee’s defense came out strong against Joe Flacco and the Colts, but they wore down late, unable to stop Indy’s offense when it mattered most.
17. Washington Commanders: (Last Week #10)
The Commanders’ defense simply couldn’t match the firepower of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, who moved the ball at will in a 30-23 loss. Washington needs answers fast to avoid further backsliding.
16. New York Giants: (Last Week #17)
The Giants’ defense held well on Sunday Night Football, limiting Joe Burrow and the Bengals to 25:53 minutes of time of possession and 17 points. Unfortunately, that wasn’t enough as their offense only managed 7 points behind Danny Dimes. If they can get a legit quarterback under center this team could be scrappy, their defensive line behind Dexter Lawrence continues to be a problem.
15. Buffalo Bills: (Last Week #12)
The Bills’ defense gave up too many penalties and struggled in the red zone, but when it counted, they held firm. Buffalo will need to stay disciplined, as Tennessee is coming to town next week.
14. Atlanta Falcons: (Last Week #15)
Atlanta’s defense wasn’t flashy but delivered in the clutch. A.J. Terrell’s fourth-quarter interception halted Carolina’s momentum, paving the way for the Falcons to close things out.
13. New York Jets: (Last Week #11)
Without Robert Saleh calling the shots, the Jets’ defense still played with an edge, containing Buffalo for most of the night. But Josh Allen’s hot start proved just enough to seal the deal for the Bills.
12. San Francisco 49ers: (Last Week #8)
The 49ers defense set the tone early against Seattle, forcing three turnovers. Rookie Malik Mustapha grabbed his first career interception, helping San Francisco hold Kenneth Walker to just 32 rushing yards.
11. Baltimore Ravens: (Last Week #13)
Baltimore’s defense answered the call against Jayden Daniels and the Commanders, holding them to 23 points. The Ravens continue to show they can grind out wins against tough offenses.
10. Minnesota Vikings: (Last Week #4) – (bye)
The Vikings’ defense has surprised everyone, tightening up when needed to maintain an unbeaten streak. Next week, they face their toughest challenge yet—Jared Goff and the Lions’ high-octane offense.
9. Denver Broncos: (Last Week #2)
Losing Patrick Surtain II early was a gut punch, and the Broncos defense never quite recovered. The Chargers sustained long drives, draining Denver’s energy and control.
8. Detroit Lions: (Last Week #16)
Even without Aidan Hutchinson for most of the game, Detroit’s defense stepped up big. Rookie Brian Branch was the star, notching two interceptions and a forced fumble as they held Dallas to just nine points.
7. Green Bay Packers: (Last Week #9)
The Packers’ defense showed up in a major way, bottling up Arizona’s rushing attack and forcing three fumbles in a 34-13 statement win.
6. Chicago Bears: (Last Week #7)
The Bears took advantage of weaker opposition and piled pressure on Trevor Lawrence, forcing four turnovers to secure the win.
5. Los Angeles Chargers: (Last Week #6)
Elijah Molden’s interception on the opening series set the tone for the Chargers’ defense, which managed to dominate without Joey Bosa leading the way.
4. Houston Texans: (Last Week #4)
Houston’s defense held strong against rookie Drake Maye, keeping New England’s offense at bay and ensuring the game was never truly in doubt.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Last Week #20)
The Buccaneers defense stumbled early but slammed the door on any Saints comeback hopes, holding New Orleans to just one productive quarter during their recent clash in the NFL.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers: (Last Week #5)
T.J. Watt continues to be the ultimate difference-maker. The Steelers allowed just 275 yards and kept Las Vegas in check throughout the game.
1. Kansas City Chiefs: (Last Week #1) – (bye)
Kansas City’s defense continues to impress even without playing this week, maintaining their spot near the top of the rankings.
