The NFL season is a grind, and by Week 14, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly when it comes to defensive play. Whether it’s elite pass rushers wreaking havoc, ball-hawking secondaries picking off passes, or defenses that couldn’t stop a nosebleed, we’ve got a clear picture of who’s thriving and who’s barely surviving.
Let’s take a look around the league and rank every defense from worst to first!
Which NFL teams have the best grades on defense after week 14?
32. Atlanta Falcons: (Last Week #22)
This was rock bottom for the Falcons defense. Minnesota embarrassed them, as Sam Darnold carved them up for 42 points in a game they needed to win.
31. New York Jets: (Last Week #30)
The Jets’ defense did not have its best showing this week in Miami, as the Dolphins carved them up all afternoon.
30. Cincinnati Bengals: (Last Week #32)
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
The Bengals’ defense has been a sore spot for them all season. They’re just fortunate that they had a favorable matchup this week with Cooper Rush under center for Dallas.
29. Las Vegas Raiders: (Last Week #28)
Amari Burney’s sack and forced fumble set up their only touchdown, and Jack Jones’ end zone pick was a momentum-saver. But once the second half hit, the wheels fell off as the Bucs racked up 27 total points and an easy win against Vegas’ NFL team.
28. Arizona Cardinals: (Last Week #13)
The Cardinals’ defense came out flat as could be in Week 14, allowing 17 first-quarter points to Seattle, effectively crumbling in a game that they needed to win.
27. Cleveland Browns: (Last Week #27)
Not the best showing from the Cleveland defense, as they allowed a George Pickens-less Steelers offense to pour on 27 points.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses From WORST To FIRST After Week 13 Games Of The 2024 Season
26. Chicago Bears: (Last Week #18)
The Bears’ defense came out hoping for a fresh start under interim coach Thomas Brown, but they were torched from the opening whistle as the 49ers marched down the field and racked up 319 yards in the first half alone.
25. Miami Dolphins: (Last Week #21)
Facing a resurgent Aaron Rodgers, Miami’s D bent plenty, but they didn’t break when it counted most.
24. New England Patriots: (Bye)
Defense, like many things, has been a struggle for the Patriots. Let’s see if Jerod Mayo can rally this NFL unit coming out of the bye.
23. San Francisco 49ers: (Last Week #31)
After two weeks of looking lost and lifeless, Fred Warner and company reminded everyone what they are capable of when they are at their best.
22. Dallas Cowboys: (Last Week #20)
Dallas’s defense has been better of late, but no one is mistaking them for a world-class unit. Still, they did well in limiting Burrow and Co for most of the night.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars: (Last Week #29)
Their season may be long over, but the Jaguars defense finally showed up. For a unit that’s been a punching bag all season, holding the Titans to six points had to feel good, even if it was only a moral victory.
20. Los Angeles Rams: (Last Week #16)
The first half was impressive, but after the whistle, it was another story. The Rams’ defense bent, twisted, and almost shattered under the weight of star NFL quarterback Josh Allen’s greatness, but in the end, they made just enough plays to survive.
19. Tennessee Titans: (Last Week #26)
Missing three starters, the defense tried to hold the line, but they just didn’t have enough, largely because their offense couldn’t move the ball, let alone put points on the board. You expect to win the game when you allow just 10 points.
18. New Orleans Saints: (Last Week #24)
New Orleans kept the Giants’ offense in check, limiting them to just 11 points and making key stops down the stretch.
17. New York Giants: (Last Week #23)
Tre Hawkins finally snapped the Giants’ 11-game interception drought, but that wasn’t enough to save a unit that gave up a 98-yard drive and let the Saints make just enough plays to win.
16. Indianapolis Colts: (Bye)
For the Colts to stay competitive, this NFL team needs to tighten up and eliminate the self-inflicted wounds.
15. Carolina Panthers: (Last Week #19)
Carolina’s defense fought hard and had one of its better games of the year against a strong Eagles offense.
14. Baltimore Ravens: (Bye)
Baltimore’s defense has not been elite, but they have been solid. John Harbaugh will have to get creative in order to get them to raise their level heading into the NFL playoffs.
13. Washington Commanders: (Bye)
The Commanders D has been up and down this year. It seems that the defense lacks cohesion and confidence, making it hard for this NFL squad to perform when the games get close.
12. Houston Texans: (Bye)
After the promise of 2023, the Texans’ defense has taken a disappointing step back in 2024. DeMeco Ryans’ squad was expected to build on last year’s improvement, but they’ve struggled to find consistency.
11. Green Bay Packers: (Last Week #5)
Green Bay simply did not have an answer for the high-powered Detroit offense. But, granted, no one really has this year.
10. Buffalo Bills: (Last Week #3)
Tough week for the Bills’ defense. The Rams piled up 44 points, and the front seven got pushed around all game long. No sacks, no turnovers, and a glaring inability to get off the field when it mattered most for this NFL squad.
9. Denver Broncos: (Bye)
The Broncos defense has been the backbone of their mid-season turnaround, alongside improved play from Bo Nix. They should look fresh coming off the bye as Denver tries to secure an AFC Wild Card spot.
8. Seattle Seahawks: (Last Week #11)
Seattle’s defense really tightened up this week. It was an impressive showing against a strong Cardinals offense, as they held them to just 18 points.
7. Minnesota Vikings: (Last Week #6)
The Vikings defense gave up nearly 500 yards, but somehow it didn’t matter. When they needed plays, they made them and won easily.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (Last Week #9)
Big showing from the Bucs defense this week against an admittedly weak Raiders offense. The front seven applied consistent pressure, and while they only recorded one sack, they rattled the Raiders enough to force mistakes during their recent clash in the NFL.
5. Detroit Lions: (Last Week #2)
The Lions’ defense did not have its best showing on Thursday Night against Jordan Love and the Packers, but considering the onslaught of injuries, including to their best player in Aidan Hutchinson, the unit has been impressive.
4. Philadelphia Eagles: (Last Week #1)
Though they weren’t as dominant as they have been in recent weeks, they managed to hold Bryce Young in check, forced mistakes when it mattered, and made the final stop to seal the win.
3. Los Angeles Chargers: (Last Week #4)
The first half was a grind for the Chargers to get pressure on star NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which resulted in a 13-point deficit that could’ve been worse. But in the second half, they found their fight, sacking Mahomes three times and nearly pulling off a huge comeback win.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: (Last Week #7)
Five straight punts, a first-half shutout, and relentless pressure on Justin Herbert. That’s the kind of defensive effort that wins championships. The Chargers were able to move the ball a little bit more after the intermission, but the Chiefs were impressive nonetheless.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: (Last Week #8)
The Pittsburgh defense brought it again this week, flustering Jameis Winston, forcing two picks, including a beauty by rookie Keeanu Benton, and holding the Browns to just 14 points.
Also Read: Grading All 32 NFL Teams’ Defenses After Week 13 Games Of The 2024 Season
