Week 14 of the 2024 NFL regular season was a great week for defenses trying to get their respective teams to the playoffs, as well as earn as many wins as possible before the regular season concludes in some very close and competitive games.
However, some defenses had a rough week 14, as injuries and struggles against incredibly talented offenses came to bite them when it mattered. With four more weeks left in the regular season, we’ll see more defenses working to keep their games down to the wire and as competitive as possible.
Here are the grades for all 32 NFL teams’ defenses after week 14.
Which NFL teams have the highest grades on defense after week 14?
Arizona Cardinals: C-
The Cardinals’ defense had a bit of a tough yet competitive afternoon, losing 18-30 against the Seattle Seahawks. Budda Baker had 18 tackles, Kyzir White had 13 tackles, Sean Murphy-Bunting had four tackles and a pass deflection, and Jalen Thompson had six tackles.
The Redbirds’ defense had a tough time trying to slow down Zach Charbonnet, who rushed for 134 yards and scored two rushing touchdowns, but White and Baker both combined for 31 tackles and carried the defense on their backs.
Atlanta Falcons: D+
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The Falcons’ defense could’ve had a better afternoon in their week 14 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings but were crushed 21-42 despite getting four sacks against Sam Darnold. Kayden Elliss had 10 tackles and a sack, Eddie Goldman had four tackles and a sack, Matthew Judon had two tackles and a sack, and Arnold Ebiketie had a tackle, a sack, and a pass deflection.
The Falcons’ defense also dealt with a rough defensive holding penalty on a fourth down-field goal attempt, which the Vikings capitalized on with a touchdown. The Falcons’ defense travels to Sin City for a Monday night showdown against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Baltimore Ravens: Bye Week
The Ravens’ defense has some hard hitters in the unit, but the secondary has been an issue for certain parts of the 2024 season. Some players on the Ravens’ defense have regressed but need to step up if they want to help their NFL team make a strong and successful playoff run by January.
Buffalo Bills: C
The Bills’ offense may have taken center stage in the very close 42-44 loss against the Los Angeles Rams, but the defense was a nonfactor in the offensive showdown. Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin both had 13 tackles, Terrel Bernard had 10 tackles, and Christian Benford had eight tackles and two pass deflections.
The defense was unable to land any sacks or interceptions against Matthew Stafford, and the secondary had a tough time slowing down Puka Nacua (who scored a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown in the game). The Bills’ defense travels to the Motor City for a week 15 matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Carolina Panthers: B-
The Panthers’ defense played fairly well against the elite Philadelphia Eagles’ offense, even though they lost 16-22 in a very competitive battle. Josey Jewell had 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, D.J. Wonnum had five tackles and a sack, A’Shawn Robinson had four tackles and 1.5 sacks, and cornerback Michael Jackson had two tackles and two pass deflections.
The Panthers’ defense kept the Eagles’ passing attack at bay by holding them to a combined 108 yards in the air but had a bit of trouble slowing down Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley in the Eagles’ rushing attack. The Panthers return home for a week 15 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys coming to town.
Chicago Bears: D
The Bears’ defense had a rough afternoon in Santa Clara, CA, losing 13-38 against the San Francisco 49ers. T.J. Edwards had 10 tackles, this NFL team’s only sack, and a pass deflection. Tremaine Edmunds had eight tackles, and Jonathan Owens had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception against 49ers’ backup quarterback Brandon Allen.
Bears’ defensive coordinator Eric Washington’s unit had a rough time dealing with zone defensive calls and couldn’t stop Brock Purdy, Isaac Gurendo, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings from having solid offensive performances.
Cincinnati Bengals: C+
The Bengals’ defense played well against the Cowboys and won 27-20 in a very competitive Monday night shootout at AT&T Stadium. Akeem Davis-Gaither had eight tackles and a pass deflection; Joseph Ossai had three tackles and a sack.
B.J. Hill had three tackles and a sack, Trey Hendrickson had a tackle and a sack, and Geno Stone had five tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception. A good performance for the Bengals’ defense, as they helped the team earn the win and keep their NFL playoff ambitions alive… for now.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses After Week 13 Games Of The 2024 Season
Cleveland Browns: C
The Browns’ defense played fairly well against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the team lost a tough 14-27 rematch. Mohamoud Diabate had seven tackles, Myles Garrett had three tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery, and Devin Bush had six tackles.
The Browns’ defense did bottle up the Steelers’ rushing attack to a combined 120 yards on the ground and kept the Steelers’ wide receivers and tight ends from topping 50 yards each. However, their efforts weren’t enough due to Jameis Winston throwing two interceptions on offense, which hurt the Browns in the game.
Dallas Cowboys: C-
The Cowboys’ defense had an okay Monday night, even though they lost an annoying 20-27 battle against the Cincinnati Bengals. Eric Kendricks had 12 tackles, Donovan Wilson had nine tackles and 0.5 sacks, Marist Liufau had two tackles and 1.5 sacks, and Malik Hooker had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for negative one yards.
While a few guys played their hearts out on the Cowboys’ defense, the team needs to land key hits and improve on their defensive strategies if they want to make a run for the 2024-25 NFL playoffs.
Denver Broncos: Bye Week
The Broncos defense has been one of the best units in the league, thanks to defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s coaching. The team has been a hard-hitting unit and has the potential to help the team return to the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 NFL season.
Detroit Lions: B
The Lions’ defense played strong, despite dealing with injuries, in their 34-31 very close and competitive win over their NFC North rivals, the Green Bay Packers. Jack Campbell had eight tackles, David Long Jr. had a tackle and a fumble recovery, and Za’Darius Smith had two tackles and the team’s only sack.
Even though the Lions secured the win, the team lost Alim McNeill to a head injury. Even without McNeill, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s unit continued to step up and played well against a competitive Packers offense.
Green Bay Packers: B
The Packers’ defense played a very close and competitive neck-and-neck battle against the Detroit Lions but ultimately lost 31-34 in last-second fashion. Isaiah McDuffy had 15 tackles, Keisean Nixon had 10 tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for 16 yards, and Rashan Gray had three tackles and the team’s only sack.
The Packers’ defense managed to hold the Lions’ rushing attack to 111 combined yards on the ground, but David Montgomery and Jahmry Gibbs both scored a rushing and receiving touchdown, respectively.
Houston Texans: Bye Week
The Texans’ defense has had a respectable 2024 season so far. Outside of Azeez Al-Shaair’s dirty hit on Trevor Lawrence in week 13, this unit has the potential to make some noise in the 2024-25 playoffs under Ryans’ and defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s system.
Indianapolis Colts: Bye Week
The Colts defense has had an average 2024 season so far. They can play above average to good in some games, but they can be mediocre or not great in other games. The Colts’ defense needs to help the team win most or all four of their remaining games if they want to have a chance at potentially making the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2020.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C-
The Jaguars’ defense played a very close and low-scoring affair and came out victorious 10-6 against the Tennessee Titans. Foyesade Oluokun had 11 tackles, Devin Lloyd had eight tackles, Montaric Brown and Jarrian Jones both had five tackles and two pass deflections each, while Jones had a sack, and Josh Hines-Allen had two tackles and a sack.
The Jaguars’ defense managed to keep the Titans out of the end zone for the entire game and held them to two field goals. The Jaguars return home and will host the New York Jets in week 15.
Kansas City Chiefs: C
The Chiefs’ defense had a decent game against the Los Angeles Chargers and won 19-17. Charmarri Conner had nine tackles, Nick Bolton had five tackles and a sack, Tershawn Wharton had three tackles and two sacks, and Trent McDuffie had three tackles and two pass deflections.
A steady performance by the Chiefs’ defense helped the team not only secure the win but also secure their ninth straight AFC West championship. It would’ve been nice to see Steve Spagnuolo’s unit snag an interception, but it didn’t happen.
Las Vegas Raiders: C
The Raiders may have struggled for most of their 13-28 loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the team’s defense showed some signs of fight throughout the game. Tre’Von Moehrig had eight tackles, 0.5 sacks, and three pass deflections. Darnay Holmes had seven tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection. K’Lavon Chassion had four tackles, 0.5 sacks, a pass deflection, and an interception.
Adam Butler had four tackles and a sack, Jack Jones had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 24 yards, and Amari Burney had a tackle and a sack. The Raiders’ defense took advantage of Baker Mayfield’s first-half struggles and played as competitively as they could against the Bucs. However, they couldn’t get the win in the end.
Los Angeles Chargers: C-
The Chargers’ defense played a very close and competitive battle against their AFC West rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, and lost 17-19 in the most improbable way possible. Dayian Henley had eight tackles and a pass deflection, Joey Bosa had a tackle and a sack, Khalil Mack and Tuli Tuipulotu both had two tackles and 0.5 sacks each, and Derwin James Jr. had two tackles and a sack.
This NFL team’s defense couldn’t intercept any of Patrick Mahomes’ passes, but they did hold the Chiefs’ rushing attack to a combined 96 yards on the ground. The Chargers return home in week 15 and will welcome the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to town.
Los Angeles Rams: C
Similar to the Buffalo Bills’ defense, the Rams’ defense was almost nonexistent in the team’s 44-42 victory over the Bills, which was more of an offensive showdown rather than a defensive one. Christian Rozeboom had eight tackles, Darious Williams had six tackles, and Kamren Curl, Omar Speights, and Byron Young each had four tackles.
The Rams’ defense wasn’t able to slow down Josh Allen in the air and on the ground, but they managed to hold James Cook to just 20 yards on the ground. The Rams’ defense travels to northern California for a week 15 divisional showdown against the San Francisco 49ers.
Miami Dolphins: B
The Dolphins’ defense had a very nice afternoon against the New York Jets, as they won 32-26 in overtime. Jordyn Brooks had nine tackles, a sack, and a pass deflection; Kendall Fuller had eight tackles and pass deflections, and Zach Sieler had four tackles and two sacks.
The Dolphins’ defense held the Jets to a field goal in the first and fourth quarters of the game and ended Gang Green’s playoff hopes, while the Dolphins’ playoff hopes remain alive.
Minnesota Vikings: B+
The Vikings’ defense made Kirk Cousins’ afternoon in Minneapolis a rough one as they defeated the Atlanta Falcons 42-21. Jamin Davis had a tackle and a sack. Byron Murphy Jr. had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception; Josh Metellus had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for four yards, and Jalen Redmond had four tackles and two pass deflections.
The Vikings’ defense seized on Kirk Cousins’ struggles and had a tremendous day holding Bijan Robinson to under 100 yards, but couldn’t stop him from scoring a touchdown. The Vikings’ defense remains home in week 15 and will welcome the Chicago Bears to town.
New England Patriots: Bye Week
The Patriots’ defense has not been the best unit in the NFL, but guys like Christian Gonzalez, Christian Elliss, and Christian Barmore are leading the way for this young defensive unit. The Patriots return to action in week 15 and will travel to the desert for a showdown against the Arizona Cardinals.
New Orleans Saints: C-
The Saints’ defense had an okay afternoon, as they narrowly defeated the New York Giants 14-11. Ugo Amandi had eight tackles and two pass deflections. Demario Davis had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception; Khalen Sanders had five tackles and a sack, and Bryan Bresee had a tackle, a sack, and two pass deflections.
The Saints’ defensive line did a good job forcing Drew Lock out of the pocket, forcing him to make throws that were costly to the Giants but easily thwarted by the Saints’ defense.
New York Giants: C-
The Giants’ defense outperformed the offense but ultimately fell 11-14 against the New Orleans Saints. Micah McFadden had 11 tackles, Tre Hawkins III had six tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception (the Giants’ first interception since week one), Brian Burns had four tackles and a sack, and Kayvon Thibodeaux had three tackles and a sack.
A decent performance for the hard-hitting unit, but it would’ve been very nice to see the G-Men pull through with a victory, even though losing will guarantee the team a higher draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
New York Jets: C-
The Jets’ defense had an okay afternoon in South Beach, which could’ve been better, as they lost 26-32 in overtime against the Miami Dolphins. Jamien Sherwood had 18 tackles and a pass deflection, Brandin Echols had 10 tackles and a pass deflection, Chuck Clark had seven tackles and a pass deflection, and D.J. Reed had six tackles and a pass deflection.
The Jets’ defense did hold the Dolphins’ rushing attack to a combined 44 yards on the ground, even though De’Von Achane scored a rushing touchdown. The Jets’ defense was also unable to stop the Dolphins’ passing attack. The Jets’ defense also were eliminated from the 2024 playoffs.
Philadelphia Eagles: C
The Eagles’ defense had an okay afternoon against the Carolina Panthers, winning 22-16 in a very competitive game. Nakobe Dean had 12 tackles, Zach Baun had 11 tackles and a sack, Darius Slay Jr. had six tackles and two pass deflections, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson had six tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception returned for 15 yards in the second quarter, which helped set Jalen Hurts up to throw a four-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith.
The Eagles’ defense did have trouble slowing down Chuba Hubbard, who rushed for 92 yards and scored a rushing touchdown in the third quarter. The Eagles’ defense has a major test in week 15 when they square off against the Pittsburgh Steelers coming to town.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B
The Steelers’ defense had a good afternoon against the Cleveland Browns and won 27-14 against their AFC North foes. DeShon Elliot had 13 tackles and a pass deflection, Cameron Heyward had five tackles and two sacks, Alex Highsmith had three tackles and a sack, Keanu Benton had a tackle, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 11 yards, and James Pierre had two tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 18 yards.
The Steelers defense played great against the Browns as Benton’s interception gave this NFL team the ball back, which got Najee Harris a rushing touchdown with 11 minutes to go in the second quarter. The Steelers’ defense will be tested in week 15 when they square off against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
San Francisco 49ers: A-
The 49ers’ defense rebounded from their humiliating snow-covered loss against the Buffalo Bills in week 13 and won 38-13 against the Chicago Bears under the California sunlight. De’Vondre Campbell had seven tackles, Yetur Gross-Matos had four tackles and three sacks, Leonard Floyd had two tackles and two sacks, Maliek Collins had a tackle and a sack, and Evan Anderson had three tackles and a fumble recovery in the third quarter against Caleb Williams.
The 49ers’ defense may be dealing with injuries, but they managed to play very aggressively against the Bears’ offense, with seven sacks against Caleb Williams and held the Bears’ rushing attack to a combined 68 yards on the ground.
Seattle Seahawks: B+
The Seahawks’ defense played great on the road against the Arizona Cardinals and helped the team win 30-18. Tyrice Knight had 12 tackles and two pass deflections, Ernest Jones IV had eight tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for 12 yards, Rayshawn Jenkins had three tackles and a sack, Johnathan Hankins had a tackle and a sack, and Coby Bryant had four tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for nine yards.
Both of the Seahawks’ interceptions led to the team’s offense scoring touchdowns in the first half to build upon the Seahawks’ lead, which resulted in the team securing a great divisional win over their NFC West foes.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B-
The Bucs’ defense had a good afternoon at home, helping the team win 28-13 against the woeful Las Vegas Raiders. Lavonte David had seven tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery; Kaevon Merriweather had seven tackles and a sack, and Tykee Smith had three tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception.
The Bucs’ defense took advantage of the Raiders’ woes at quarterback by pressuring Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder for most of the game and kept the Raiders’ wide receivers and tight ends out of the end zone. However, the Bucs lost Antonie Winfield Jr. (who is out with a knee sprain). The Bucs travel to the West Coast for a week 15 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Tennessee Titans: C
The Titans’ defense put up a good fight against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but their efforts fell apart in the fourth quarter, as the Jaguars scored a touchdown and a field goal to defeat them 6-10. Luke Gifford had 12 tackles, Otis Reese IV had seven tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for two yards, Chidobe Awuzie had three tackles, a pass deflection, and an interception returned for eight yards, and Harold Landry III had two tackles and this NFL team’s only sack.
The Titans’ defense has great playmakers, but the offense let the team down in the fourth quarter with 1:11 seconds left when Will Levis overthrew a potential touchdown pass intended for Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. The Titans’ defense remains home in week 15 when they welcome the Cincinnati Bengals to town.
Washington Commanders: Bye Week
The Commanders’ defense has had some strides of success in the 2024 season thanks to veteran leadership from Bobby Wagner. However, the unit has had its fair share of challenges as well. The Commanders return to action in week 15 when they square off against the New Orleans Saints on the road.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses From WORST To FIRST After Week 13 Games Of The 2024 Season
