Just like that, the regular season is in the books, and the playoffs will be underway in short order.
Let’s take a look back at the year that was and this most recent week and rank all 32 of the defenses around the NFL from last to first.
Which NFL teams have the best defense after week 18?
32. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons defense had a rough day at the office, unable to contain Bryce Young’s five-touchdown showcase and surrendering 44 points as their playoff dreams went out the window and the nail was put firmly in the coffin for their 2024 season.
31. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers’ defense had their hands full in their final showing of the 2024 NFL season, allowing rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. to light up the field with 312 passing yards and two touchdowns. Bijan Robinson was a runaway train, racking up 170 yards and two scores on the ground, as a couple of key injuries to CB Akayleb Evans and DE A’Shawn Robinson only added to the defensive woes.
30. Cleveland Browns
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Cleveland’s defense had no answer for Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and the rest of that bully-balling force, which is the Baltimore Ravens offense. They got carved up for a relatively effortless 35 points.
29. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders defense had no answers for the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday. In Week 18, Justin Herbert carved them up for well over 300 yards. A tough end to a tough season for Las Vegas.
28. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers defense struggled to contain Kyler Murray, who threw for 242 yards and four touchdowns en route to a 47-point bludgeoning.
27. Kansas City Chiefs
Well, it appears that the Chiefs’ second-string defense doesn’t quite pack the same punch as Bo Nix, and the Broncos shredded them all afternoon.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses From WORST To FIRST After Week 15 Games Of The 2024 Season
26. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ defense could hardly get a stop to save their life this week as the Seahawks carved the lower end of Los Angeles’s depth chart up.
25. New York Giants
While the Giants’ defense looked okay, it wasn’t inspiring, considering this NFL squad was going up against a bunch of second-stringers for most of the contest.
24. Miami Dolphins
Week 18 was an unceremonious finish to the season for the Miami D as they let the ghost of Aaron Rodgers carve them up for 274 yards and four touchdowns.
23. New Orleans Saints
The Saints’ defense started strong, limiting the Buccaneers to just six points in the first half, but they fell apart after the intermission, as Tampa ran away with it.
22. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle’s defense managed just enough this week to secure their 10th win of the season, as they edged out the Rams 30 to 25.
21. New England Patriots
The Patriots’ defense showed pride this week against the Bills’ second-stringers, limiting them to 16 points and securing a win, albeit losing the first overall NFL draft pick in the process.
20. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay’s defense played well in Week 18 but ultimately faltered when it mattered most, allowing Caleb Williams to carve them up on his final, game-winning drive.
19. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts’ defense did just enough on Sunday to secure a meaningless win over the NFL cellar-dwelling team, the Jaguars. Linebacker Zaire Franklin’s pivotal third-down sack in overtime was instrumental in halting the Jaguars’ momentum, forcing a turnover on downs that set the stage for the Colts’ game-winning drive.
18. Arizona Cardinals
Arizona had a nice showing in Week 18. The defensive line applied consistent pressure on 49ers quarterback Joshua Dobbs, disrupting San Francisco’s offense all afternoon and making his return to the gridiron a constant struggle.
17. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars defense had no answers for Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ rushing attack, as they got shredded over and over all afternoon.
16. New York Jets
The Jets’ defense had its way with Tyler Huntley and the Dolphins’ offense this week. They limited Miami to 20 points and forced four turnovers.
15. Tennessee Titans
The Titans’ defense has fought hard all year despite the horrible situations that the offense has routinely left them in.
14. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ defense came to play, holding the Steelers to just 193 total yards—a stark contrast to the 520 yards allowed in their previous NFL matchup. Trey Hendrickson was a force off the edge, racking up 3.5 sacks to bring his season total to an NFL-leading 17.5.
13. Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons came out swinging, notching double-digit sacks for the fourth straight season—a feat that cements his status among the elite. But despite Parsons’s heroics, the Cowboys defense couldn’t contain Mariota’s second-half surge, ultimately faltering when they had a chance to win.
12. Houston Texans
Defensive end Derek Barnett showcased his playmaking abilities, returning a fumble 36 yards for a touchdown—his second defensive score of the season. This opportunistic defense has been critical to Houston’s recent success, as the offense has been far less consistent than expected coming into the year.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s defense did just enough against an admittedly weak Saints offense led by Spencer Rattler. They will have to raise their level of defense heading into the NFL postseason.
10. Chicago Bears
Chicago’s defense came out swinging, forcing turnovers and capitalizing on special teams trickery to keep the Packers on their heels. Their aggressive play set the tone early, leading to a much-needed victory to cleanse the palate after a painful back half of the 2024 season.
9. Washington Commanders
Despite only seeding being on the line and a number of second-stringers in the game, Washington was resilient defensively in Week 18.
8. Buffalo Bills
The highlight of the afternoon came for Von Miller who notched a major bonus with his sixth sack of the year, but the Bills D seemed to largely be going through the motions otherwise.
7. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s defense has been among the tops in the NFL all season, but they could not contain Jahmyr Gibbs on Sunday night.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ defense showcased its depth and resilience, limiting the Giants to 13 points despite resting key starters.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defense did its part in Week 18, holding the Bengals to just 19 points and flustering Joe Burrow throughout the matchup.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens defense was relentless in Week 18, holding the Browns to just 10 points.
3. Detroit Lions
What a stunning performance from the Lions’ defense this week in the NFL. They absolutely stifled Sam Darnold on Sunday Night Football.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles showed its teeth this week against the Raiders, limiting them to just 13 points.
1. Denver Broncos
It may have been against second-stringers, but it always feels good to secure a shutout as Denver heads into Wild Card weekend.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses After Week 15 Games Of The 2024 Season
