Week 11 was a crazy week for NFL defenses, as they made key plays to stop opposing team offenses from scoring, keeping games very close regardless of the outcome.
We’re seeing which teams have the best defensive units, as teams show up ready to go to battle against some of the league’s best offenses. We can’t wait to see what else happens, as the wild 2024 season continues.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ defenses after week 11.
Which NFL teams have the highest grades on defense after week 11?
Arizona Cardinals: Bye Week
The Cardinals’ defense has played very well under defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, while Budda Baker continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the secondary. The Cardinals return to action in week 12 when they square off against the Seattle Seahawks on the road.
Atlanta Falcons: D
The Falcons’ defense had a rough afternoon in the Mile High City, as they lost 6-38 against the Denver Broncos. Kaden Elliss had 10 tackles, Jessie Bates III had 10 tackles and a pass deflection, and Matthew Judon had three tackles and the team’s only sack. A rough afternoon for the Falcons’ defense, as they had trouble slowing down Bo Nix and the Broncos’ passing attack. Luckily, the Falcons have a bye week in week 12.
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Baltimore Ravens: B
The Ravens’ defense did a good job against the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense by keeping them out of the endzone. Unfortunately, the Ravens lost the game 16-18 thanks to Steelers’ kicker Chris Boswell making six field goals. Roquan Smith had 13 tackles, Odafe Oweh had five tackles and 2.5 sacks, Brandon Stephens had five tackles, 0.5 sacks, and two pass deflections, Broderick Washington had four tackles and a sack, and Marlon Humphrey had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception.
The Ravens’ defense did what they could against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the Ravens’ offense had a tougher time against the Steelers’ defense, resulting in sour grapes in the end. The Ravens travel to the West Coast for a week 12 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football.
Buffalo Bills: B+
The Bills’ defense had a very nice afternoon as they ended the Kansas City Chiefs’ quest for an undefeated season in their 30-21 win. Terrel Bernard had eight tackles, a sack, a pass deflection, and the game-ending interception; Taylor Rapp had six tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for five yards, and Von Miller had two tackles and a sack.
The Bills’ defense, coached by head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich, deserves a lot of credit for playing an outstanding game against the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The Bills enter a bye week in week 12 and will return to action in week 13 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday Night Football.
Carolina Panthers: Bye Week
The Panthers defense hasn’t had much going for them for the majority of the NFL season, even though the team was able to snag three wins so far. The Panthers also have guys on injured reserve, which also stings. The Panthers will return to action in week 12 when they get set to welcome the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs to town.
Chicago Bears: C-
The Bears’ defense played a very close and competitive battle against the Green Bay Packers, but the Bears ended up losing 19-20. Terell Smith had a pass deflection and an interception returned for 23 yards, DeMarcus Walker had two tackles and the team’s only sack, and Kevin Byard III had nine tackles.
The Bears’ pass rush had a tough time trying to slow down Jordan Love and Josh Jacobs, while the secondary had no answers against Christian Watson, who had 150 receiving yards on the day. The Bears remain home for week 12 and will host the Minnesota Vikings coming to town.
Cincinnati Bengals: B-
The Bengals’ defense played a very tough and intense battle on Sunday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers. Unfortunately, the Bengals lost 27-34 against the Chargers. Geno Stone had nine tackles and a fumble recovery, Joseph Ossai had three tackles and a sack, Trey Hendrickson had three tackles and 0.5 sacks, Cam Taylor-Britt had a tackle and 0.5 sacks, and Germaine Pratt had eight tackles. The Bengals’ defense started to show up in the second half but failed to help the team earn the win, as they were defeated in the very end.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses From WORST To FIRST After Week 10 Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: C-
The Browns’ defense tried to put up a fight against the New Orleans Saints but fell in a tough 14-35 battle in the Superdome. Grant Delpit had nine tackles and a pass deflection, Denzel Ward had four tackles, two pass deflections, an interception, and a fumble recovery, and Ogbo Okoronkwo had four tackles and this NFL team’s only sack.
Outside of Okoronkwo and Ward, the defensive line struggled and couldn’t get much going against the Saints, while the linebackers and secondary held their own, for the most part. The Browns’ defense will return home for week 12 and will welcome their AFC North rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, to town.
Dallas Cowboys: C-
The Cowboys’ defense had an okay night at home but lost 10-34 against the Houston Texans. Eric Kendricks had nine tackles, Malik Hooker had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 21 yards, Trevon Diggs had six tackles and a pass deflection, and Osa Odighizuwa had two tackles and the team’s only sack. The team tried to put up a fight against the Texans as they prevented C.J. Stroud from throwing a touchdown pass, but they had no answers on how to slow down Joe Mixon.
Denver Broncos: A-
The Broncos’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, had an incredible afternoon at home in their 38-6 dominating victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Ja’Quan McMillian had nine tackles and a pass deflection, Nik Bonitto had seven tackles and two sacks, Cody Barton had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 15 yards, Malcolm Roach had three tackles and a sack, and Jonah Elliss had a tackle and a sack.
A great afternoon for a strong and ferocious Broncos’ defense, ready to show the league they have a lot of fight in them to potentially compete for a playoff spot.
Detroit Lions: A
It looked like a practice session for the Lions’ defense as they demolished the Jacksonville Jaguars 52-6. Jack Campbell had nine tackles and 0.5 sacks, Za’Darius Smith had a tackle and 0.5 sacks, Kerby Joseph had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Brian Branch had seven tackles. The Lions also held the Jaguars’ rushing attack to a combined 41 yards on the ground.
However, this NFL team did take a hit on defense, as Alex Anzalone broke his forearm and will be out for six to eight weeks. Regardless, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s unit, one of the best in the league, deserves a lot of credit for his outstanding coaching and results.
Green Bay Packers: C
The Packers’ defense played a very competitive battle against the Chicago Bears and emerged on top 20-19 thanks to Karl Brooks blocking Bears’ kicker Cairo Santos’ field goal attempt in the game’s final seconds. Xavier McKinney and Carrington Valentine both had nine tackles, Rashan Gary had six tackles and a sack, Brenton Cox Jr. had three tackles and a sack, and T.J. Slaton had a tackle and a sack. The Packers had no defensive turnovers in the game but made up for it with their three sacks against Caleb Williams. Let’s not forget Brooks’ blocked field goal to give the Packers the win.
Houston Texans: B+
The Texans’ defense had themselves a massive victory at AT&T Stadium as they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 34-10. Danielle Hunter had three tackles, two sacks, and a pass deflection. Denico Autry had four tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection; Tim Settle Jr. had two tackles and a sack; Derek Barnett had a tackle, a sack, and returned a fumble recovery for a 28-yard touchdown, and Derek Stingley Jr. had two tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for seven yards.
A great night for the Texans’ defense, as NFL head coach DeMeco Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke deserve credit for the team’s aggressive performance on the night.
Indianapolis Colts: C
The Colts’ defense had a decent afternoon at Metlife Stadium, as the team narrowly defeated the New York Jets 28-27. E.J. Speed had nine tackles, Kwity Paye had seven tackles and two sacks, Laiatu Latu had three tackles and a sack, and Jaylon Jones had five tackles and two pass deflections.
Outside of Paye and Latu, the Colts’ defense had a bit of a tough time trying to slow down Breece Hall from having a big game, as he scored a rushing touchdown and hauled in a receiving touchdown. However, Paye sacks Aaron Rodgers in the final seconds of the game, ending it in the team’s favor. The Colts return home in week 12 and will welcome the Detroit Lions to town.
Jacksonville Jaguars: F
The Jaguars’ defense was nonexistent, as the team was dismantled 6-52 against the Detroit Lions. Foyesade Oluokun had nine tackles, Tyson Campbell had eight tackles, Ventrell Miller had seven tackles, and Ronald Darby had four tackles, which was the team’s only pass deflection. The Jaguars couldn’t land a single sack against Jared Goff or intercept any of his passes, and they failed to stop the Lions’ offense from scoring four receiving touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns. It’s time the Jaguars began to clean up shop for a fresh 2025 season.
Kansas City Chiefs: C
The Chiefs’ defense had an okay game but had trouble trying to stop the Buffalo Bills in their 21-30 loss in Western New York. Chamarri Conner had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 29 yards. Nazeeh Johnson and Drue Tranquill both had eight tackles; Justin Reid had six tackles, and Chris Jones had five tackles.
The Chiefs’ defense may have had one interception, but they failed to land a single sack against Josh Allen, nor could they slow down the Bills’ passing attack. The Chiefs’ defense will rebound from this loss as they get prepared for their next road matchup in the Tar Heel State and square off against the Carolina Panthers in week 12.
Las Vegas Raiders: D
The Raiders’ defense fell apart in the team’s 19-34 loss in South Beach against the Miami Dolphins due to their inability to slow down the other NFL squad’s hot defense and add in costly penalties. Robert Spillane had 11 tackles, Adam Butler had five tackles and a sack, Tyree Wilson had two tackles and a sack, and Maxx Crosby had five tackles. The Raiders failed to take the football away from the Dolphins, nor could they force a punt against the Dolphins in the loss. The Raiders return home for a week 12 divisional matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Los Angeles Chargers: B+
The Chargers’ defense had a great night under the lights, as they won an intense 34-27 battle against the Cincinnati Bengals. Daiyan Henley had 11 tackles and a pass deflection. Derwin James Jr. had 10 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a pass deflection; Tuli Tuipulotu had five tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Poona Ford had two tackles and a sack. The Chargers’ defense, coached by defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, may not have gotten an interception, but they played a very nice matchup against a great offense and came away with the victory. The Bolts remain home in week 12 and will welcome the Baltimore Ravens to town.
Los Angeles Rams: A-
The Rams’ defense had a very nice afternoon as they defeated the New England Patriots 28-22. Quentin Lake had 11 tackles and a pass deflection, Kamren Kitchens had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for nine yards, Braden Fiske had three tackles and two sacks, Byron Young had three tackles and a sack, and Kobie Turner had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and a fumble recovery.
A very good afternoon as the Rams’ defense made quick work of the rebuilding Patriots, even though the Patriots were able to score touchdowns in the first and fourth quarters.
Miami Dolphins: B+
The Dolphins’ defense had a nice afternoon at home as they defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 34-19. Jordyn Brooks had 12 tackles, Jaylen Ramsey had five tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for seven yards late in the fourth quarter, Zach Sieler had four tackles and a sack, Calais Campbell had two tackles and a sack, and Emmanuel Ogbah had a tackle and a sack.
Although the Dolphins were able to come away with a strong win, the team was cooked by Raiders’ tight end Brock Bowers as he had 126 receiving yards and scored a touchdown against them. In the end, a win is still a win.
Minnesota Vikings: B+
The Vikings’ defense came ready to roll as they defeated the Tennessee Titans 23-13 on the road. Andrew Van Ginkel had eight tackles and two sacks, Pat Jones II had five tackles and two sacks, Blake Cashman had four tackles and a sack, and Harrison Smith had three tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception to end the game.
The Vikings’ defense was very effective against Levis and the Titans’ rushing attack as they held them to a combined 33 yards on the ground. However, the secondary was torched by Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who scored a 98-yard touchdown, while Calvin Ridley had 58 receiving yards. The Vikings’ defense heads north for a week 12 divisional matchup against the Chicago Bears on the road.
New England Patriots: F
The Patriots’ defense was almost nonexistent in the team’s 22-28 loss at home against the Los Angeles Rams. Marcus Jones had nine tackles, Jahlani Tavai had seven tackles, and Christian Elliss had five tackles. The Patriots failed to land any sacks or interceptions against Matthew Stafford, as he and the Rams’ offense made quick work of the struggling and rebuilding defensive unit.
New Orleans Saints: B
It was a nice afternoon in the Big Easy for the Saints’ defense, as they helped this NFL team earn a nice 35-14 win over the Cleveland Browns. Demario Davis had 13 tackles and two pass deflections, Carl Granderson had four tackles and a sack, Bryan Bresse had three tackles and 1.5 sacks, Chase Young had two tackles and 0.5 sacks, and Tyrann Mathieu had five tackles. Even though the Saints’ defense had no interceptions, they managed to hold Nick Chubb to 50 rushing yards on the ground and kept the Browns out of the endzone for the second and fourth quarters.
New York Giants: Bye Week
Even though the Giants currently have a 2-8 record, they still have some decent playmakers on defense, like Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns, as bright spots on the defensive side of the ball. The Giants return to action in week 12 when they square off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming to town.
New York Jets: C
The Jets’ defense had an okay afternoon at MetLife Stadium, even as they fell 27-28 to the Indianapolis Colts. Michael Clemons had eight tackles, Quinnen Williams had seven tackles and a sack, Javon Kinlaw had five tackles and a sack, and Leonard Taylor III had two tackles and a pass deflection.
The Jets’ defense failed to intercept any of Anthony Richardson’s passes, nor could they stop him from scoring two rushing touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown. The Jets’ defense luckily enters a bye week in week 12 to regroup and get refreshed for their week 13 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks coming to town.
Philadelphia Eagles: A-
The Eagles’ defense had a very nice night against the Washington Commanders and helped the team win 26-18. Brandon Graham had four tackles and a sack, Josh Sweat and Nolan Smith Jr. both had three tackles and a sack each, Zach Baun had 15 tackles and a pass deflection, and Reed Blankenship had 10 tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception.
The Eagles’ secondary truly soared, as they made things miserable for the Commanders’ passing attack. They held the wide receivers to a combined four catches for 28 yards. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio deserves a lot of credit for coaching a vicious unit to victory.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
The Steelers’ defense had a good afternoon, slowing down a competitive Baltimore Ravens offense in this NFL team’s very close 18-16 victory. Patrick Queen had 10 tackles and a fumble recovery, T.J. Watt had three tackles and a sack, DeShon Elliot had two tackles and a fumble recovery, Payton Wilson had two tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Dean Lowry had a tackle, a sack, and a pass deflection.
A great afternoon for the Steelers’ defense as they made the Ravens’ offense look average at best and prevented the game from going to overtime as they stopped Lamar Jackson’s two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter.
San Francisco 49ers: B
The 49ers’ defense had a good divisional battle against the Seattle Seahawks, but they ended up losing a very close 17-20 game against them. Deommodore Lenoir had eight tackles, Isaac Yiadom had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 11 yards, Nick Bosa had four tackles and 1.5 sacks, Leonard Floyd had three tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Yetur Gross-Matos had two tackles and a sack.
The 49ers’ defense held the Seahawks’ rushing attack to a combined 94 rushing yards, but they failed to stop Kenneth Walker III and Geno Smith from scoring two rushing touchdowns, which ultimately changed the game in the Seahawks’ favor. It also didn’t help matters when Bosa left the game with an oblique injury, which is bad news if he’s out long-term.
Seattle Seahawks: B-
The Seahawks’ defense had a good afternoon in Santa Clara, CA, as they helped the team defeat the San Francisco 49ers 20-17. Ernest Jones IV had 13 tackles, Derick Hall had three tackles and a sack, Dre’Mont Jones had a tackle and a sack, Johnathan Hankins had a tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception, and Tyrice Knight had 10 tackles.
The Seahawks’ defense had trouble slowing down 49ers’ wide receiver Jauan Jennings, as he had 91 receiving yards and scored a touchdown, but they were effective against the rushing attack, even though they allowed one rushing touchdown by Brock Purdy. The Seahawks’ defense returns home in week 12 for a divisional showdown against the Arizona Cardinals coming to town.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bye Week
The Bucs’ defense has good veteran leadership with Lavonte David, Vita Vea, and Jordan Whitehead, but they need to help this NFL team snap their four-game losing streak. The Bucs travel north to MetLife Stadium for a week 12 showdown against the New York Giants.
Tennessee Titans: C
The Titans’ defense had an okay day, as the team fell 13-23 against the Minnesota Vikings at home. Kenneth Murray Jr. had 10 tackles and a sack, Jerome Baker had eight tackles, Arden Key had five tackles and a sack, and Jeffrey Simmons had four tackles and a fumble recovery. The Titans’ defense continues to play fairly, but it is not good enough to close games out as opposing offenses continue to push on through and win. The Titans travel west in week 12 for an AFC South showdown against the Houston Texans in the Lonestar State.
Washington Commanders: C
The Commanders’ defense played a good game until the fourth quarter when the Eagles’ offense dropped the hammer and defeated them 18-26. Jeremy Chinn had 13 tackles, Frankie Luvu had 10 tackles and two sacks, and Mike Sainristil had six tackles and two pass deflections.
The Commanders’ secondary did a good job keeping the Eagles’ two talented wide receivers (A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith) out of the end zone but didn’t get any help from the offense, who had to deal with the Eagles’ secondary. The Commanders return home for another divisional showdown against the woeful Dallas Cowboys.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses After Week 10 Games Of The 2024 Season
