Ranking NFL defenses from first to worst in 2026: New team at No. 1

It's getting close to last call for any NFL teams to make meaningful defensive personnel additions before the start of the season.

With training camps and the preseason winding down, a handful of veteran contributors – including Jadveon Clowney, Von Miller and Za'Darius Smith – have all settled on landing spots. The cut deadline, along with accompanying waiver claims and trade opportunities, will provide front offices and coaching staffs with one final chance to reshape their defensive outlooks ahead of Week 1.

After our initial breakdown earlier in the summer, here are our updated rankings of every NFL team's defense, sorted from first to worst:

1. Houston Texans

In shoring up its depth at edge rusher by signing Jadeveon Clowney, Houston now stands without a readily evident vulnerability on defense. This fall could be the year that the Texans create some separation from the pack as the NFL's most outright dominant outfit. While Houston trailed only Seattle for the league lead at 1.54 points allowed per drive last season, no unit was better at forcing three-and-outs (29.4%) or ranked higher in defensive expected points added per play (-0.18), according to Next Gen Stats. The group doesn't rely on surprises, with coach DeMeco Ryans preferring instead to let the overwhelming pass rush and vise-grip secondary simply overwhelm opponents. With almost all notable contributors back and some additional help (safety Reed Blankenship, second-round defensive tackle Kayden McDonald) joining, Houston looks as intimidating as ever. And barring injury, things might stay this way for quite a while for a crew that largely consists of stars in their early-to-mid 20s.

2. Seattle Seahawks

Focusing on Seattle's lone blemish of questionable depth on the back end might seem like nitpicking. But with the defending champs taking fliers on Trevon Diggs and Terrion Arnold – with the latter still not officially signed – and losing second-round safety Bud Clark for the season, it's enough of a concern to keep the Seahawks out of the top slot. Still, it seems highly unlikely that Mike Macdonald's group will be subject to the volatility other top units are. Seattle might still be the most difficult defense to crack given how it can dictate terms up front with its pressure packages and ability to stuff the run while living in light boxes. Don't be surprised if Nick Emmanwori makes the leap from dynamic nickel playmaker to full-blown star.

3. Denver Broncos

While other defenses have fluctuated, Denver has enjoyed an enviable level of sustained excellence over the last two seasons. Might this be the year that the unit falls off? Even if the Broncos can't match last year's league-leading 68 sacks and 4.5 yards allowed per play, the depth and breadth of talent should prevent any skid from becoming too steep. And the mere threat of pressure could prompt teams to become decidedly more conservative with their passing attacks, boxing them in and forcing them to string together long drives that stall out. The bottom-line results might not be as flashy as they were last fall, but this year's crew still looks plenty imposing.

4. Los Angeles Rams

The league's best? Not yet. It's understandable that some might be prepared to crown what might already be the league's most robust set of defensive starters after the arrivals of Myles Garrett, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. But Los Angeles hasn't exhibited the same resiliency as the other top-notch outfits, especially as it comes off last season's late collapse on the back end. Still, it might not be long before it becomes fully clear what the Rams are about to unleash on the rest of the NFL. Garrett gives defensive coordinator Chris Shula a figure who will prompt offenses to collapse into themselves in anticipation of his game-wrecking capabilities, as well as someone who substantially softens the ask on the secondary. Perhaps just as meaningful is the malleability Shula is now afforded with his treasure trove of options at defensive back. If the Rams ascend to elite territory, it won't surprise anyone. For now, though, any such proclamation is premature.

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5. Philadelphia Eagles

There's plenty of unrest lingering for the post-A.J. Brown Eagles, but nearly all is well with Vic Fangio. The famed defensive coordinator shrugged off speculation that he might retire and came back for another run with Philadelphia's stacked roster. Jonathan Greenard's lingering stint on the physically unable to perform list is some cause for concern given the state of the edge rush group. Still, with Riq Woolen stepping into the spot opposite All-Pro Quinyon Mitchell, this group can pick up considerable slack while the new-look offense sorts things out.

6. Minnesota Vikings

Like Denver, Minnesota earns special consideration for the rare consistency exhibited by Brian Flores and his singularly confounding scheme. While questions remain along the defensive line and secondary, Flores has already demonstrated himself more than capable of navigating shortcomings at either spot, helping the Vikings finish fourth in points per drive (1.7) while shutting down big plays better than anyone else. How third-year edge rusher Dallas Turner handles a much weightier role could significantly shape a critical campaign for Kevin O'Connell and Co., though rookie defensive linemen Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange also have a lot on their plates as they acclimate to life in the pros.

7. Baltimore Ravens

Here's a major vote of confidence for Jesse Minter. The first-year head coach was the catalyst for the Chargers' sharp defensive turnaround, and he has all the necessary elements in place for an encore effort in Baltimore. Hardly lacking for talent, the Ravens last year were doomed by a toothless pass rush and repeated missed tackles. The expected return of Nnamdi Madubuike and addition of Trey Hendrickson provide hope on the former front, while Minter's insistence on precision and cohesion could solve the latter issue. Several veterans, including linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, have to bounce back from subpar seasons in order for Baltimore to unearth any sense of consistency. Still, this might be the leading candidate for the league's most improved unit.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

Never known as a franchise to embrace radical change, the Steelers once again pursued a steady route as they tasked Mike McCarthy with leading the post-Mike Tomlin transition. Still, a defense that had long been static and predictable could be in store for a significant shake-up under new coordinator Patrick Graham, whose more varied and dynamic approach could help maximize returns from the league's highest-paid collection of talent. Pittsburgh can't afford to let the standoff with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. boil over, but the ingredients are here for the organization's first top-10 finish in total defense since 2021.

9. Los Angeles Chargers

New defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary will be keeping the framework that Jesse Minter established for the Bolts – and with good reason. Under Minter, the Chargers became one of the NFL's stingiest and most disciplined defenses, seldom giving up anything easy. O'Leary, Minter's longtime mentee, can carry out the existing vision, thanks in large part to a roster that presents few deficiencies. Some slippage is possible in the transition, but don't expect a precipitous fall.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars

In his first season as a defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile put himself on the fast track for head-coaching consideration by engineering one of the league's most impressive transformations of a unit. Jacksonville jumped from 31st in EPA/play in 2024 to third last fall, according to Next Gen Stats. An aggressive approach facilitated the rapid rise, with the Jaguars ranking second in takeaways (31). Even if that big-play production tails off, Jacksonville can compensate for any hit by picking up its sack production, where it looks due for a jump after tallying just 32 last year.

11. New England Patriots

Last year's fourth-ranked scoring defense was somewhat of an illusion, with a favorable schedule repeatedly serving up bottom-tier or backup quarterbacks. But New England also was forced to figure things out on the fly when Zak Kuhr had to take on play-calling duties in Week 2 when coordinator Terrell Williams took a leave of absence after his prostate cancer diagnosis. Elevated to the full-time role, Kuhr and the defense might be more settled this time around. It remains to be seen, however, if New England can dial back on the all-out blitzing, which became a late-season necessity as the edge rush evaporated. Mike Vrabel also sounded the alarm on his team's overall depth, a problem the defense largely managed to sidestep last season with good fortune on the injury front. The bottom-line production might indicate a step back for the unit, but the Patriots could end up in a more tenable spot by the end of the season.

12. Buffalo Bills

After merely scraping by on defense toward the tail end of Sean McDermott's tenure, Buffalo made a full departure on that side of the ball with the hire of coordinator Jim Leonhard. More changes rolled through later in the offseason, with three potential starters signing in free agency. The new system could allow many of the Bills' standouts to play faster and with more flexibility, but any shift won't amount to much if a run defense that ranked 30th in yards allowed per carry (5.1) doesn't tighten up. If the defensive front can do its part there, it could get significant disruption from interior linemen Ed Oliver and Deone Walker.

13. Kansas City Chiefs

Even amid persistent questions about how Kansas City's offense can rekindle its spark, general manager Brett Veach went all in on reloading the defense in the draft, using his first four picks on that side of the ball. The early glimpses have been extremely promising, with first-round defensive tackle Peter Woods and second-round edge rusher R Mason Thomas each flashing playmaking potential that could invigorate a stagnant front four. There's still significant stress on a secondary that's counting on No. 6 overall pick Mansoor Delane and 2025 third-rounder Nohl Williams to be quick studies as the new starting cornerback duo. If the coverage holds, though, coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could get a lot of mileage out of the revved-up pass rush.

14. New Orleans Saints

Brandon Staley's group is unquestionably greater than the sum of its parts. Despite lacking the brand recognition of other units, New Orleans finished last season ranked sixth in yards allowed per play (4.8). An uneven pass rush and the needed youth movement, particularly in the secondary, could impede progress in 2026. But a forgiving schedule and solid existing foundation should help enable further growth.

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In his first few months as a pro, Rueben Bain Jr. seems to be tossing aside concerns about his short arms just as easily as he sheds opposing blockers. Between his early impact and second-round linebacker Josiah Trotter solidifying his bid for the starting spot next to Alex Anzalone, Tampa Bay could be in store for a serious boost from its instinctive rookies. Losing Jamel Dean reduces the secondary's margin for error greatly, with neither Zyon McCollum nor Benjamin Morrison having proven sufficiently reliable at cornerback. With Vita Vea back in the fold after a contract dispute, the Buccaneers at least should still be able to continue to set the tone at the point of attack.

16. Indianapolis Colts

If Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward Sr. can stay on the field, the talented cornerback tandem opens a bevy of possibilities for vexing coordinator Lou Anarumo to throw opposing offenses off balance. Any disturbance in Indianapolis' man coverage efforts, however, could prove costly. An edge rush that lacks any complementary threat to Laiatu Latu places a heavy burden on Anarumo and the secondary, though getting defensive tackle DeForest Buckner back from a herniated disc should provide some relief.

17. Cleveland Browns

Maybe not all is lost for Cleveland – at least on one side of the ball. Jared Verse surely will come up short whenever measured against Myles Garrett, but he still should be the consistent source of pressure and physical play up front that he was in Los Angeles. With the interior line buoyed by Maliek Collins' return from a torn quad and Mason Graham's considerable upside, the Browns can still generate plenty of heat, even if doing so will be more of a group effort than it was in previous years. Taking over for Jim Schwartz is a tall order for first-time coordinator Mike Rutenberg. But there's still a good deal of talent to keep things going.

18. Carolina Panthers

With splashy signings Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd in the fold, Carolina looked poised for a defensive breakout this fall. Then second-year edge rusher Nic Scourton, who tied for the team lead in sacks (five) as a rookie, tore his anterior cruciate ligament at the outset of training camp. That's the kind of hit that a group that ranked last in pressure rate (26.2%) can ill afford. Carolina could keep progressing, but making another sizable leap will be difficult unless someone emerges as a suitable running mate for Phillips in creating chaos for opposing passing attacks.

19. Detroit Lions

The Lions are accustomed to fighting attrition battles, with injuries taking a significant toll on the team's defense for the last two years. Being significantly shorthanded to open a season rather than end it, however, is a fresh challenge. Between the release of Terrion Arnold and lengthy recovery periods for safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, coordinator Kelvin Sheppard will have to be considerably creative out of the gates to compensate for his undermanned secondary. At least a defensive line that's no longer entirely dependent on Aidan Hutchinson can help lead the charge in the early going.

20. Green Bay Packers

After acquiring Micah Parsons, the Packers opened the season looking as though their defense might lay waste to the rest of the league. By the end of the year, though, it was Green Bay that had been wrecked, most notably by injuries to season-ending injuries to Parsons and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt. With the former acknowledging that the organization's nine-month timetable for anterior cruciate ligament tear recoveries will sideline him until mid-October, the Packers could open the fresh campaign in a precarious place. But perhaps Parsons' eventual return will enable the team to flip its 2025 trajectory.

21. Dallas Cowboys

A sizable leap of faith is required to envision a group that surrendered more points per game (30.1) than any other unit could approach the middle of the pack. Yet Dallas' incessant breakdowns on the back end – including a league-worst 14 completions of 40-plus yards – were largely a product of miscommunication and schematic misalignment. Even as a first-time coordinator, Christian Parker could make a massive difference by keeping the secondary on point and catering his malleable approach to Dallas' personnel. An even higher ascent is possible, though pushing forward the edge rush and maintaining health among an unsteady collection of cornerbacks are both necessary steps.

22. San Francisco 49ers

It's almost impossible to judge the 49ers off a year in which they lost edge rushers Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams and perennial All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner in the early going. Yet even a full return to health doesn't set everything straight for San Francisco. Raheem Morris, the team's fifth coordinator in as many years, will have to revitalize a defense that no longer meets its previous lofty standards. Getting Bosa and Williams back should prove meaningful in resuscitating what was easily the league's most lackluster pass rush, but the addition of disruptive defensive tackle Osa Odihizuwa indicated that general manager John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan understood external help was required to jolt the front.

23. Cincinnati Bengals

The Dexter Lawrence trade is already looking transformative for Cincinnati, with the forceful defensive tackle already leaving a game-wrecking imprint in practices. It'll take longer to render any judgment on the development of second-year linebackers Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter, who both severely hindered the defense with their miscues as rookies. With some progress at the second level, however, the Bengals could comfortably return to at least a league-average unit, which should be sufficient to put Joe Burrow and Co. in favorable spots.

24. New York Giants

There's an undeniably alluring upside to a collection of talent led by its deep stable of disruptors, starting with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux. Yet there might only be so many dropbacks required to take advantage of a defense that dealt away Lawrence after giving up a league-worst 5.3 yards per carry. The post-draft signing of DJ Reader should provide some assistance in commanding the line of scrimmage after leading the NFL with a 71.7% double-team rate, according to ESPN, but No. 5 overall pick Arvell Reese still might shoulder a considerable load in blowing up blocks up the middle. With the secondary still on shaky ground, it might be another year before this group finds its footing.

25. Washington Commanders

Between Daronte Jones and Sonny Styles, the Commanders are pinning a lot on a pair of first-timers. The former is tasked with rejuvenating a defense that was one of the NFL's most easily gashed groups, giving up more total yards (384 per game) than anyone else while ranking 30th in yards allowed per play (6). The latter might be the most vital offseason addition for a unit that will hang its hat on versatility, as the No. 7 overall pick will shoulder a heavy load and potentially wear the green dot right away. Though the hyperathletic linebacker has proven capable of handling any assignment thrown at him, he'll still need significant assistance from edge-rushing additions Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson. The preseason has featured several promising flashes of the unit's disruptive potential, but this group could still concede big plays just as easily as it produces them.

26. Chicago Bears

Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was counting on a reconfigured secondary to keep his opportunistic defense rolling. Now, free-agent pickup Coby Bryany is out for 4-6 moths after knee surgery, and cornerback Kyler Gordon remains out with a nagging calf injury. That leaves Allen in a precarious place as he tries to avoid a dreaded regression after an NFL-best 33 takeaways in 2025 were the saving grace for a Bears defense that otherwise infrequently found ways to stand up to opposing offenses. A pass rush that ranked 27th in pressure rate and had the worst average time to pressure (2.9 seconds), according to Next Gen Stats, went largely untouched, leaving the line's hopes in the hands of Dayo Odeyingbo and Austin Booker. Good thing head coach Ben Johnson is eyeing the single-season scoring record. Chicago might need to be a historically prolific unit to stay out in front of the cutthroat NFC North.

27. Las Vegas Raiders

The dissolution of the Maxx Crosby trade prevented the Silver and Black's defense from bottoming out – and potentially provided the always revved-up edge rusher with additional motivation. With several signings – led by linebackers Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, edge rusher Kwity Paye and nickel Taron Johnson – addressing problem areas, Las Vegas should be at least functional in more areas than not. But the Raiders still lack the proper pieces, particularly up front, to rise much higher than a league-average outfit.

28. Tennessee Titans

After a one-year stint back at the coordinator level, Robert Saleh returned to the head-coaching ranks to take on a different challenge than the one he faced last season with the 49ers. General manager Mike Borgonzi quickly went to work reshaping a talent-starved defense to Saleh's proclivities. The result: Tennessee added rangy playmakers at almost every level, most notably on the edge and at cornerback. The Titans seem somewhat stuck partway through the process of an extensive build, but a group that remains under construction could at least serve as proof of concept for Saleh's vision.

29. Atlanta Falcons

At the start of the summer, the Falcons' defense looked as though it might at least rate in the middle of the pack once again. Then its edge rush collapsed, as Jalon Walker was lost to a torn ACL and James Pearce Jr. was suspended for eight games. The duo accounted for 16 of Atlanta's franchise-record 57 sacks. With his pass-rush now defanged, coordinator Jeff Ulbrich will now have to get even more creative and aggressive with his blitz packages to keep the unit afloat. Ultimately, there's too much for a pedestrian group of talent to overcome.

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30. New York Jets

Having sold off Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams at midseason, Gang Green spent its offseason shooting for the middle – and it still might have come up short. Though veteran additions Demario Davis and Minkah Fitzpatrick could help fill the leadership void, each can only do so much to assist a widely deficient group. A fast start for No. 2 overall pick David Bailey and better fortune on the takeaway front could go a long way toward propping up the unit. But head coach Aaron Glenn raised eyebrows by adding defensive play-calling duties to his plate, calling the responsibility his "superpower." Given how his first year at the helm went, it probably would have been a good idea for him to learn how to walk before attempting to fly.

31. Arizona Cardinals

A series of short-term health setbacks denied Arizona's defense any chance at coming together in 2025. With better fortune on that front and new coach Mike LaFleur retaining defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, perhaps some semblance of continuity will emerge in the fall. Still, the Cardinals didn't bring aboard any true difference-makers in free agency before ignoring that side of the ball through the first two days of the draft. Breakout campaigns by second-year standouts Walter Nolen III and cornerback Will Johnson could nudge this group forward, but slowing the NFC West's supercharged offenses will likely again prove too much for Arizona.

32. Miami Dolphins

First-year coach Jeff Hafley bemoaned his team's persistent slip-ups throughout the preseason, saying, "We are not where we need to be." That should be a harbinger for what's sure to be a trying inaugural season for the Dolphins' new brain trust. Hafley noted that Miami is "still evaluating" whether it has sufficient pro-caliber talent at safety, and the shortcomings throughout the secondary seem likely to linger throughout the season. With the depth chart primarily topped by first- or second-year players alongside free-agent also-rans, expect plenty of turbulence as the Dolphins merely try to identify building blocks for the near future.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ranking NFL defenses from first to worst in 2026: New team at No. 1