The 2024 season is sadly over. We saw some memorable moments on defense all season long. Some of the league’s best defenders were resting for the playoffs while their backups took over and either helped their teams win or suffered defeat.
However, other starters managed to play as if week 18 was the playoffs and won out despite not making the playoffs. For the 14 teams making the NFL playoffs, we can’t wait to see what their defenses will do in the Wildcard round. As for the defenses that didn’t make the playoffs, there’ll be plenty of time to regroup and retool in the 2025 NFL offseason.
Here are the week 18 grades for all 32 NFL teams’ defenses.
Which NFL teams have the highest grades on defense after week 18?
Arizona Cardinals: B+
The Cardinals’ defense played very well in their regular-season finale, helping the team win 47-24 against the San Francisco 49ers. Julian Okwara and Zaven Collins both had three tackles and a sack each. Sean Murphy-Bunting had a tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception; Kei’Trel Clark had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Jalen Thompson had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery.
The Redbirds have an underrated unit that played its heart out despite not making the playoffs. Hopefully, in a season or two, the Cardinals can emerge as playoff contenders.
Atlanta Falcons: D
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The Falcons’ defense had a tough game. as they couldn’t slow down Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers in their 38-44 overtime loss to conclude the NFL regular season. Kaden Elliss had 10 tackles, Nate Landman had eight tackles, and Dee Alford had seven tackles and a pass deflection.
No one on the Falcons was able to land a single sack or interception against Young as the game went on. They have a lot to fix and retool in the 2025 offseason if they want to have a successful 2025 regular season.
Baltimore Ravens: A-
The Ravens’ defense played a hard-hitting game for the team, winning 35-10 against the woeful Cleveland Browns. Roquan Smith had 10 tackles, Odafe Oweh had five tackles and a sack against Bailey Zappe, Michael Pierce had a pass deflection and an interception returned for six yards, Nate Wiggins had a tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for a 26-yard pick-six, and Kyle Van Noy had three tackles and a sack against Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
The Ravens’ defense may not have played to the level of the 2023 team, but they still are just as aggressive against opposing offenses and should make some noise in the playoffs.
Buffalo Bills: C-
The Bills’ defense had an okay afternoon in Foxborough, MA, losing 16-23 against the New England Patriots. Joe Andreessen had 10 tackles, Von Miller had a tackle and a sack, and Javon Solomon had seven tackles and a fumble recovery. The Bills’ backups played fair on defense while the starters were out resting for the playoffs. The Bills will welcome the Denver Broncos to town.
Carolina Panthers: C+
The Panthers’ defense may not be the flashiest unit in the NFL, but they finished on a high note, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 44-38 in overtime. Demani Richardson had 10 tackles, Michael Jackson had four tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for 19 yards, and Jadeveon Clowney had four tackles and a sack.
The Panthers’ defense may not have been able to slow down Drake London or Bijan Robinson, but they did intercept a pass from Michael Penix Jr. and showed some effort in the overtime victory.
Chicago Bears: B-
The Bears’ defense had a good afternoon at Lambeau Field, helping the team win 24-22. Kevin Byard III had 14 tackles and a sack, Tremaine Edmunds had nine tackles and a pass deflection, Jonathan Owens had five tackles and a fumble recovery, T.J. Edwards had four tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery, and Byron Cowart had two tackles and a sack.
The Bears’ defense has some hard hitters, but they’ll have to wait until the 2025 season to be unleashed against their opponents. They were able to finish the 2024 season on a positive note.
Cincinnati Bengals: C+
The Bengals’ defense played decently well for the team, helping come away with the win 19-17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Akeem Davis-Gaither had 12 tackles and a fumble recovery, Josh Newton had seven tackles and a pass deflection, Trey Hendrickson had five tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a pass deflection, and Joseph Ossai had a tackle and 0.5 sacks.
The Bengals’ defense did what they could to help the team win against their AFC North rivals, but they weren’t able to secure that final NFL playoff spot in the end. As a result of the 9-8 season, defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo was relieved of his duties.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses After Week 15 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: F
The Browns’ defense had a rough night, losing 10-35 against the Baltimore Ravens. Sam Kamara had six tackles, Mike Ford Jr., Winston Reid, Cameron Thomas, and Mohamoud Diabate each had five tackles, and Nathanial Watson had three tackles and a pass deflection. Although Jim Schwartz’s defenses are known for being aggressive and hard-hitting, the team failed to land a single sack or interception against Lamar Jackson.
The 2025 offseason awaits the Browns as the team looks to regroup and retool the team for the 2025 regular season.
Dallas Cowboys: C+
The Cowboys’ defense had a decent afternoon, which could’ve been better in their 19-23 loss to the Washington Commanders. Marist Liufau had eight tackles, Micah Parsons had four tackles and 2.5 sacks, Chauncey Golston had three tackles and 1.5 sacks, Osa Odighizuwa had three tackles and 0.5 sacks, Donovan Wilson had two tackles and a sack, Mazi Smith had two tackles and 0.5 sacks, and C.J. Goodwin had a tackle and a fumble recovery.
The Cowboys failed to have any interceptions but managed to have four sacks against Jayden Daniels and two sacks against Marcus Mariota. They also held the Commanders’ rushing attack to a combined 113 yards on the ground.
Denver Broncos: B+
The Broncos’ defense played very well against the Kansas City Chiefs in their 38-0 shutout victory and earned the final NFL playoff spot. Nik Bonitto had three tackles and two sacks, Jordan Jackson had two tackles and a sack, Jonathon Cooper had two tackles and a sack, and John Franklin-Myers had a tackle and a sack.
The Broncos’ defense under Vance Joseph’s leadership continued to be a force to be reckoned with and will need to carry that same energy on the road when they square off against the Buffalo Bills.
Detroit Lions: B-
The Lions’ defense had a good night in their regular-season finale, helping the team win 31-9 against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Alex Anzalone had seven tackles and a pass deflection, Za’Darius Smith had two tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery, and Al-Quadin Muhammad had two tackles and a sack.
The Lions’ defense also kept the Vikings’ offense out of the end zone all game long and held them to three field goals on the night. The Lions’ defense also earned an extra bye week and the one-seed to the NFC Playoffs thanks to the victory.
Green Bay Packers: C
The Packers’ defense had a decent afternoon at home, but the team lost 22-24 against the Chicago Bears to conclude the regular season. Edgerrin Cooper and Eric Wilson both had seven tackles, but Cooper had a fumble recovery, Xavier McKinney had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception against Keenan Allen on a failed trick play, and Rashan Gray had three tackles, and the team’s only sack.
McKinney and Gray stepped up for the Packers despite the loss and have to get prepared for the team’s Wildcard match-up against the Philadelphia Eagles on the road.
Houston Texans: B-
The Texans’ defense had a decent afternoon in the team’s 23-14 win over the Tennessee Titans on the road. M.J. Stewart had six tackles, Derek Barnett had two tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery, and Mario Edwards Jr. had a tackle and a sack. The Texans’ defense did their part in the victory and now has to get set for their upcoming playoff match-up against the Los Angeles Chargers coming to town.
Indianapolis Colts: B
The Colts’ defense played fairly well in their NFL regular-season finale against the Jacksonville Jaguars and won 26-23 in overtime. Jaylon Jones had nine tackles, Zaire Franklin had eight tackles and a sack, Kwity Paye had two tackles and a sack, and Justin Blackmon had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 10 yards.
The Colts did relieve defensive coordinator Gus Bradley after three years on the job, showing there’s some change coming to the Colts in the 2025 offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C
The Jaguars’ defense had an okay afternoon on the road but lost to the Indianapolis Colts 23-26 in overtime. Andrew Wingard had 10 tackles and a pass deflection, Devin Lloyd had six tackles and a pass deflection, Travon Walker had five tackles and a sack, and Jarrion Jones had three tackles and a sack.
Jones performed well in the match-up despite the loss and should be utilized in the 2025 team. Meanwhile, the rest of the Jaguars will need to begin the 2025 rebuild immediately.
Kansas City Chiefs: F
The Chiefs’ defense, consisting of backups, didn’t play their best game, losing 0-38 against the Denver Broncos while the starters were out resting for the AFC Divisional round. Cam Jones had 12 tackles, Nazeeh Johnson had nine tackles, and Jaden Hicks had five tackles and a pass deflection.
The backups for the Chiefs had a rough afternoon but need to be prepared in case the starters go down with injuries. The Chiefs will have a playoff bye week and will wait for whoever they’ll face in the divisional round.
Las Vegas Raiders: D
The Raiders’ defense ended the 2024 season on a bitter note, losing 20-34 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Robert Spillane had 16 tackles, Decamerion Richardson had nine tackles, and Adam Butler had four tackles and a sack. The Raiders’ defense will have a lot of things to fix in the 2025 offseason, as well as getting key guys back from injuries like Maxx Crosby. Hopefully, the Silver and Black have a better 2025 NFL season, not just on defense but on all sides of the ball.
Los Angeles Chargers: C
The Chargers’ defense played a decent game against the Las Vegas Raiders and won 34-20. Tarheeb Still had seven tackles, Troy Dye had six tackles, and Daiyan Henley had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for four yards.
The Chargers’ defense wasn’t able to land any sacks against Aidan O’Connell but have other priorities ahead of them, such as their upcoming playoff match-up against the Houston Texans on the road. The defense will need to get electric for their upcoming match-up against C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ offense.
Los Angeles Rams: C-
The Rams’ defense played an average game, which could’ve gone better in their 25-30 loss at home to the Seattle Seahawks. Jacob Hummel had eight tackles, Desjuan Jackson had five tackles and a sack, Byron Young had two tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Braden Fiske had a tackle and 0.5 sacks. The Rams rested some of their starters for the playoffs and will need to get prepared for the Minnesota Vikings coming to town for their Wildcard match-up.
Miami Dolphins: C
The Dolphins’ defense had a decent afternoon at MetLife Stadium, but the team lost 20-32, ending their hopes of an NFL playoff berth. Jordan Poyer had eight tackles, Zach Sieler had six tackles and 1.5 sacks, Tyrel Dodson had four tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for seven yards, Calais Campbell had three tackles and a sack, and Emmanuel Ogbah had two tackles and 0.5 sacks.
The Dolphins’ defense had their good moments in the game, but they weren’t able to overcome the connection between Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams. Time for the Dolphins to regroup and reset during the 2025 offseason.
Minnesota Vikings: C+
The Vikings’ offense may not have gotten much going in their 9-31 loss against the Detroit Lions, but the defense kept the team in the game all night. Ivan Pace Jr. had 10 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for six yards; Jonathan Greenard had five tackles and a sack. Jonathan Bullard had three tackles and a sack, and Harrison Smith had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception.
The Vikings’ defense played their hearts out against the Lions but failed to stop Jahmyr Gibbs from having an impressive night on the ground. The Vikings need to get prepared for their upcoming playoff match-up.
New England Patriots: F
The Patriots’ defense had a very quiet afternoon in their 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills, resting their starters. Christian Ellis had 13 tackles and a pass deflection, Anfernee Jennings had six tackles and a pass deflection, and Miles Battle had two tackles and three pass deflections.
The Patriots’ defense had eight pass deflections but no interceptions against the Bills’ backups. After the loss, the Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo as the team prepared for drastic changes in the 2025 NFL offseason.
New Orleans Saints: D
The Saints’ defense had a decent day against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but painfully lost 19-27. Demario Davis had nine tackles and a pass deflection, Will Davis had eight tackles and a pass deflection, Nephi Sewell had eight tackles and a sack, and Jordan Howden had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for three yards.
The Saints’ defense has a lot of work ahead of them in the 2025 offseason if they want to return as contenders for the NFC South and the playoffs.
New York Giants: C-
The Giants’ defense had an okay afternoon, but the team lost 13-20 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dyontae Johnson had 11 tackles, Brian Burns had five tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Kayvon Thibodeaux had four tackles and 1.5 sacks. Although the 2024 season was a complete disaster, the Giants’ defense has a lot of work ahead of them in the 2025 NFL offseason if they want to return to relevancy in the 2025 regular season.
New York Jets: B+
The Jets’ defense put it all on the line and finished their rough 2024 season on a positive note, winning 32-20 against the Miami Dolphins. Quincy Williams had nine tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery. Ashtyn Davis had nine tackles, two pass deflections, and two interceptions returned for 18 yards. Bruce Hector had three tackles and a sack, Haason Reddick had three tackles and 0.5 sacks, Javon Kinlaw had two tackles and a sack, Will McDonald IV had two tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Solomon Thomas had a fumble recovery.
The Jets’ defense under Ulbrich had a rough 2024 NFL season, but finishing the year with a victory in front of the home fans will always be a special thing before the team begins their well-needed rebuild in the offseason.
Philadelphia Eagles: C+
The Eagles’ defense rested their starters and managed to win 20-13 against the woeful New York Giants. Oren Burks had 17 tackles, Sydney Brown had a tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 21 yards, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. had 11 tackles. The Eagles’ backups played well while the team rested their starters in anticipation of the upcoming playoffs. We’ll just wait and see how the Eagles’ defense will fare in the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B-
The Steelers’ defense put up a decent fight against the Cincinnati Bengals but weren’t able to help the team secure the win, losing 17-19 in the end. Cory Trice Jr. had 11 tackles, Keanu Benton and Patrick Queen both had five tackles and a sack each, Preston Smith and Nick Herbig had two tackles and a sack each, and Beanie Bishop Jr. had a pass deflection and an interception.
The Steelers’ defense continued to be a lethal unit with the NFL playoffs on their mind. The question is, will they be able to step up in their Wildcard match-up against the Baltimore Ravens on the road? We’ll just have to wait and see.
San Francisco 49ers: F
The 49ers’ defense had a rough afternoon in the desert, losing 24-47 against the Arizona Cardinals. Fred Warner had eight tackles, Dee Winters had six tackles, and Renardo Green had three tackles and three pass deflections. The 49ers’ defense failed to land any sacks or interceptions against Kyler Murray, but the team has to focus on getting healthier, signing new talent, and retaining key players for the 2025 season.
Seattle Seahawks: B
The Seahawks’ defense played with a lot of courage and grit as a team that won’t be heading into the playoffs in their 30-25 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Tyrice Knight had 10 tackles and 0.5 sacks, Ernest Jones IV had nine tackles and 0.5 sacks, Julian Love had six tackles, three pass deflections, and an interception returned for seven yards, and Leonard Williams had five tackles and two sacks.
As much as missing the playoffs hurts, this Seahawks’ defense will learn for this season to continue to improve during the offseason and potentially return to the playoffs in the 2025 NFL season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B-
The Bucs’ defense had a good afternoon at home, helping the team win 27-19 at home against the New Orleans Saints. Josh Hayes had 11 tackles, Lavonte David had nine tackles and a pass deflection, Zyon McCollum had six tackles and four pass deflections, and Yaya Diaby had five tackles and the team’s only sack.
The Bucs’ defense became more disruptive in the second half of the game and kept the Saints out of the end zone throughout the half, except for the Saints making a field goal in the third quarter. The Bucs’ defense has a busy week ahead of them as they get set for the NFL playoffs.
Tennessee Titans: C+
The Titans’ defense played decently well against the Houston Texans but didn’t come through with the win, losing 14-23. Daryl Worley and Luke Gifford both had seven tackles, Harold Landry III had two tackles and a sack, and Jarvis Brownlee Jr. had four tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery.
The Titans’ defense has a lot of retooling to do in the offseason if they want to have a much better 2025 season. However, since the Titans lost, they earned the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Washington Commanders: C-
The Commanders’ defense played fairly well against the Dallas Cowboys and helped the team win 23-19. Jeremy Chin had 13 tackles and a sack, Mike Sainristil had 10 tackles and three pass deflections, and Jonathan Allen had three tackles and a sack. The Commanders’ defense didn’t play their best game of the season, but they did enough to keep the Cowboys at bay and secure the win in the end.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses From WORST To FIRST After Week 15 Games Of The 2024 Season
