NFL Defensive Power Rankings for 2023
Defense wins championships, or so they say. In the NFL, having a strong defense is crucial for success, as it can dictate the outcome of games and ultimately determine the fate of a team’s season. Whether you’re a casual fan just researching for the upcoming 2023 NFL season or an avid fantasy football fan, we’re here for you.
In this article, we’ll be ranking all 32 team defenses in the NFL. With that, we’re taking into account various factors such as statistics, playmakers, key departures, coaching, and overall performance. If you’re looking for a DST to draft for fantasy football this year, this list will absolutely help you. Without further ado, let’s dive into our NFL Defensive Power Rankings for 2023.
32. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a confusing team with the only path forward being through earning a draft pick in 2024 that can net them one of Drake Maye or Caleb Williams. Their front-seven unit struggled in 2022, allowing the second-most first downs in the league. Additionally, the departures of J.J. Watt, Markus Golden, and Zach Allen further weaken their defensive front. With a new defensive coordinator and a team in the midst of a rebuild, it may be unrealistic to expect significant improvement from the Cardinals’ defense in 2023.
31. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams find themselves alongside the Cardinals at the bottom of the rankings, making them the worst defense in the league. Since their Super Bowl run, the team has experienced a significant collapse despite featuring future Hall of Fame member, Aaron Donald. They traded away star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and released veteran linebacker, Bobby Wagner, leaving little to like outside of Donald. Overall, the outlook for the Rams’ defense appears bleak as they may enter a rebuilding phase.
30. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears had the worst defense in the NFL in 2022 and will hope for improvement in 2023. Some linebacker improvements and promising safety Jaquan Brisker offer hope. However, their pass rush and secondary remain areas of concern. Luckily, the Bears have made some draft picks to bolster their defense, and fans will be looking for significant improvement this season.
29. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks have a strong secondary, particularly with the return of Jamal Adams and the addition of Julian Love. However, they need to address their pass rush issues and improve their run defense to succeed in 2023.
28. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have a solid defensive line, but they face challenges in the secondary. With some young and inexperienced players, the Colts need to step up quickly for their defense to succeed. Ultimately, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and safety Julian Love will be crucial for the Colts’ defense in 2023.
27. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings struggled with their pass rush in 2022. With the loss of key defensive players such as Za’Darius Smith, their defense looks to be even worse this year. However, the addition of Brian Flores as the defensive coordinator brings optimism. He is considered one of the more brilliant coordinators in the NFL when it comes to dialing up blitzes. In the end, the Vikings will need players to step up, particularly in the secondary, for their defense to improve.
26. Houston Texans
The Houston Texans struggled in run defense in 2022 but had a more effective pass defense. With the addition of defensive mastermind DeMeco Ryans as head coach, there is hope for improvement. They also traded up for a potential game-changer in Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr., giving fans optimism for the defense’s performance in 2023.
25. Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions showed improvement towards the end of the 2022 season, and additions in the offseason, including Emmanuel Moseley, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and Cameron Sutton in the secondary, should bolster their defense. Furthermore, the Lions also drafted talented linebacker, Jack Campbell, giving them hope for a more solid defensive showing in 2023.
24. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders boast a solid pass rush with edge rushers Chandler Jones, Maxx Crosby, and Tyree Wilson. However, their secondary remains a significant concern. Additionally, the linebacker position is also a weak point, and it is uncertain if their personnel will fit the defensive coordinator’s scheme. While some personnel changes may offer hope, the Raiders’ defense still faces significant challenges in 2023.
23. Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have invested resources into their defense in the offseason, bringing in Bud Dupree, Calais Campbell, and David Onyemata. With star cornerback A.J. Terrell and the third-round draft pick of athletic freak Zach Harrison, the Falcons have the potential to be a team to watch on the defensive front in 2023. However, they will need to address their pass rush issues and build on recent performance.
22. Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have star players like Kenny Clark and Jaire Alexander, but they need to address the elephant in the room which is defensive coordinator Joe Barry. The Vic Fangio soft zone defense was exposed for what it was across the league last season, with all but one of Fangio’s disciples, Barry, being fired. However, this is a massive oversight from an organization that seems to have the worst instincts of when to let a familiar face go.
21. Tennessee Titans
In 2022, the Titans’ run defense was exemplary, led by Denico Autry, Jeffery Simmons, and Teair Tart, ranking first in Rush DVOA and other vital metrics. However, their pass defense was a different story, struggling as one of the worst in the league, allowing an average of 7.1 yards per pass attempt. Finally, the addition of former Buccaneers’ cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting should help. However, their cornerbacks need to step up for the defense to succeed in 2023.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have promising young players in cornerback Tyson Campbell and linebacker Josh Allen. Their defense showed signs of improvement towards the end of 2022, but there is still uncertainty surrounding their performance. Really, the Jaguars need some young players (Travon Walker) to step up and help improve their defense, particularly in pass defense and generating more sacks.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have star players like Jamel Dean and Antoine Winfield Jr., but their secondary has not been as effective as their pass rush. With Vita Vea, Shaquil Barrett, Devin White, and Lavonte David, this rush defense is still very solid. However, they need to address some question marks in their defense, particularly in their cornerback group. Ultimately, they’ll need to do this to maintain their status as one of the more feared matchups for opposing offenses.
18. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers possess one of the best pass defenses in the league. However, they have struggled with their run defense. Until they address this issue, their defense may not reach its full potential. However, the return of Joey Bosa to full health will pay dividends for a team hoping to keep pace with the Chiefs back east.
17. Kansas City Chiefs
The reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs have some question marks on defense with a young unit. They will rely on their young talent to take substantial strides in the right direction. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones’ return should bolster their defense, but they need their young players to step up for significant improvement.
16. Washington Commanders
Washington’s defense showed improvement in the latter part of the 2022 season. If Chase Young returns to his pre-injury level and Kamren Curl continues to progress from his strong 2022 season, the Washington defense is poised for success in 2023.
Furthermore, the performance of their rookie cornerback duo will also play a crucial role in the team’s outcome. Washington’s potential makes them an intriguing team to watch, as their 2023 season could go either way.
15. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers lost defensive coordinator Steve Wilks but replaced him with Ejiro Evero, inheriting a solid defensive unit. They have promising players like Brian Burns and Derrick Brown, but their cornerback play needs to improve for the defense to excel.
14. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have lost some key defensive players, but they still have solid pieces all across their front seven. However, this unit is headlined by one of the most underrated defensive players in the league, nose tackle DJ Reader. In the end, the performance of young players like Dax Hill and Cam Taylor-Britt will be crucial for their defensive success in 2023.
13. New Orleans Saints
The Saints have struggled defensively in recent years. However, the addition of defensive end Isaiah Foskey and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee may lead to some improvement. They have a mix of experienced and talented players on defense, and a return to form for some veterans could prove enough to take home the NFC South title.
12. New York Giants
The New York Giants boast a formidable defensive line with Dexter Lawrence, Leonard Williams, and Kayvon Thibodeaux leading the way. Expectations are high for Azeez Ojulari’s improvement as a young edge rusher, and the addition of linebacker Bobby Okereke should strengthen their run defense significantly. Additionally, safety play and cornerback performance will be critical for the Giants’ defensive success in 2023.
11. Cleveland Browns
The Browns’ defense features a promising defensive end pairing in Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith. Moving forward, this should be a far more aggressive unit under the leadership of Jim Schwartz. Additionally, their secondary is quietly one of the deepest in the league. Thanks to 2022 standout Martin Emerson as their third corner along with the new additions of Juan Thornhill and Rodney McLeod. Finally, the further acquisition of players like Dalvin Tomlinson and Anthony Walker should bolster their run defense. All in all, making them a strong unit to watch out for in 2023.
10. Denver Broncos
Despite ranking seventh in pass DVOA in 2022, issues emerged in the second half of the season, with a rise in opposing quarerback ratings and a low-pressure rate. Unfortunately, the loss of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is notable. However, with the addition of Vance Joseph, they hope to maintain their 2022 success. Furthermore, concerns on the defensive line remain, and improved pressure rate and consistency will be key for the Broncos to make it to the top 10 in 2023.
9. Baltimore Ravens
While the Ravens struggled early in the 2022 season, their defense gelled later in the year. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s scheme is expected to allow the team to thrive, and safety Kyle Hamilton is poised for a breakout season. This year, improvement in their pass defense will be key to their success.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
In 2022, Pittsburgh’s defense faced struggles due to injuries affecting key players. This was Ahkello Witherspoon, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and T.J. Watt, with two of them landing on the injured reserve. As a result, their once top-10 defense dropped to 12th in total DVOA and showed average performance in other defensive categories. However, with a healthier lineup and the addition of key players like Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr, they are expected to bounce back and maintain their strong 2022 form.
7. Buffalo Bills
They showcased one of the best defenses in the NFL during the first 10 weeks of the previous season, ranking fourth in defensive DVOA. However, injuries, including Von Miller’s ACL tear, led to a decline in their defensive performance late in the season and in the playoffs. Now, with the loss of linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and struggles against opposing teams’ WR1, the Bills face challenges they need to address in the upcoming season.
6. Miami Dolphins
Despite middling rankings in 2022, the Dolphins have made significant player acquisitions, including All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Sadly, he appears to have torn his meniscus early into training camp, potentially putting his 2023 campaign in jeopardy. With an already strong defensive line led by Jaelen Philips, Bradley Chubb, and additional reinforcements, Miami could emerge as a surprise powerhouse out of the AFC East.
5. New England Patriots
Led by legendary coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have consistently fielded a formidable defense. The addition of Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez aims to address their cornerback concerns. Additionally, standout performances from players like Jack Jones are expected to elevate their defensive ranking.
4. New York Jets
Surprisingly, the Jets underwent a remarkable defensive transformation. From being one of the worst defenses in 2021, they turned into a top-five unit by DVOA in 2022, thanks in part to rookie All-Pro Sauce Gardner’s exceptional performance. On top of that, the contributions of Quinnen Williams and D.J. Reed were also significant factors in their defensive improvement.
3. Dallas Cowboys
In 2022, under Dan Quinn, the Cowboys showcased an impressive defense with standout players like Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. They led the NFL in various defensive categories, such as sacks, pressure rate, and points allowed. Given their exceptional performance last season, it’s reasonable to anticipate the Cowboys remaining one of the league’s top defenses in 2023.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles boast an elite cornerback duo in Darius Slay and James Bradbury, along with a strong pass rush, making them a formidable force against the passing game. They added promising defensive talents through the 2023 draft, including 9th overall pick DT Jalen Carter and former Georgia OL Nolan Smith. Additionally, free agent acquisitions like linebacker Nicholas Morrow and veteran safety Terrell Edmunds further strengthen their defense, making Philadelphia a challenging opponent for any opposing offense in 2023.
1. San Francisco 49ers
In what promises to be a closely contested battle for the top spot, the 49ers claim the title of the best projected NFL defense for 2023. Despite the departure of defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, new coordinator Steve Wilks inherits a talent-laden defense. The 49ers’ impressive run defense, coupled with additions like Javon Hargrave, make them a force of nature on the defensive side of the ball.
Micah Parsons + Nick Bosa stats vs Eagles 2022
0 sacks combined 🔒
0 forced fumbles combined🔒
8 tackles combinedHaason Reddick stats vs 49ers & Cowboys 2022
4 sacks
1 forced fumble
7 tackles
pic.twitter.com/sJYG2W6eU2— ʟᴇᴇᴍ (fan) 🦇 (@RunHurts) July 13, 2023
Defensive rankings in the NFL are a constant source of debate and interpretation. Each team brings its unique strengths and challenges to the field, making it difficult to create a definitive list. We invite you, the audience, to share your thoughts and insights on our rankings. Where do you think we went wrong, and which teams do you believe should have been higher or lower? Your input and perspectives play a crucial role in the ongoing conversation about the best defenses in the league, so let’s hear your opinions!
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