Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter, . With that side, star linebacker David Long Jr. is a free agent and the Titans cornerback room is a mess. Cant imagine 98 or 09 were better (although both were solid). -- Paul Gutierrez, Defensive efficiency: 42.7 Even if Aaron Donald returns to his elite form and linebacker Bobby Wagner plays at an All-Pro level again, there are too many voids at cornerback, edge rusher and safety for Los Angeles to maintain a top-15 defense next season. In my opinion, that narrative isnt fair and is a relatively lazy one at that. In the NFC Championship Game, DeMeco Ryans unit handled the Eagles offense until late in the second quarter, when undisciplined play by players extended the drive. It's that time of year again, when the top . League rank: 4th. The club did so early Tuesday morning, announcing that they have tagged star defensive tackle Daron Payne. The Colts might also need to upgrade at edge rusher over Yannick Ngakoue and even safety could become a position to address. Although the Colts were one of the better defenses in 2021, they have taken a step back sans their former defensive coordinator. After Baltimore totaled 126 yards in the second half in Week 3, and Green Bay totaled 199 yards on 35 carries overall in Week 4, it has exposed a vulnerability for the Patriots. It takes every single play during the NFL season and compares each one to a league-average baseline based on situation. But there's little to pick apart. Crosby has four of the Raiders' five sacks -- cornerback Nate Hobbs has the other -- and while that's a good early return on Las Vegas' four-year, $98.98 million investment via the extension Crosby got this offseason, the Raiders need more from the defensive line in general, Chandler Jones in particular. 2 in takeaways and No. Johnson only managed nine. The Panthers are allowing 10.5 points a game in the final quarter to rank among the worst in the league. League rank: 31st. Reed and rookie Sauce Gardner are holding up nicely on the outside, but they're giving up too many chunk plays in the middle of the field. More NFL coverage . If the Buccaneers are going to turn it on and make any type of noise in the playoffs, this defense must continue playing at a high level. Here is an explanation from Football Outsider's website: DVOA is a method of evaluating teams, units, or players. Losing Chandler Jones this offseason while not addressing their needs in the secondary, most notably, at cornerback, we expected the Cardinals defense to be among the leagues worst. Sunday's 26-16 loss to Arizona was a prime example as the Cardinals had the ball for just over 38 minutes to 21:25 for Carolina. 5. . That's not to oversimplify what's gone wrong for Seattle's defense, which has had all sorts of issues during another awful start. This can be one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, but we havent seen any signs of its run defense improving for two years now. Los Angeles Rams (at 49ers) 14. 1 corner and the quarter of Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, Frankie Luvu and Shaq Thompson gives Carolina a strong front seven. Related: 2023 NFL franchise tag projections. Related: NFL teams that have never won a Super Bowl. The Broncos allow the fewest touchdowns in the NFL and are a force in the red zone. The Falcons are allowing opponents to convert 44% of third-down chances, ranking 24th out of the 32 teams. Defense has carried the Saints since the retirement of Drew Brees. -- Nick Wagoner, Defensive efficiency: 51.0 The greatest issue the Dolphins are having this season is when they are in the red zone. The Panthers have been one of the biggest messes in the NFL this season, and that led to the early firing of head coach Matt Rhule. Heading into the offseason, especially with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero likely gone, wed love to see Denver upgrade its pass rush. -- Mike Reiss, Defensive efficiency: 51.9 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings for Week 18 | 1-10 1. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports. -- Courtney Cronin, Defensive efficiency: 54.3 Per our consensus rankings, the Buffalo Bills' loaded defensive unit is at the top. 2022 NFL Team Defense Statistics The following are the 2022 NFL team overall defense statistics, including team rushing yardage, team passing yardage and total team yardage. All betting content on TheGameDay.com is exclusively intended for audience members 21 years and older who are permitted to gamble in legal states. The 27-year-old rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries last season, with another 39 catches for 295 yards and two scores on 56 targets, though his 4.4 yards per carry was a. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a staple of our NFL defense rankings for years. 2nd in Sacks 4th in Defensive 3rd Down % 10th Interceptions 11th in Forced Fumbles Recovered While the Packers ended last season ranked 14th in points allowed, they are conceding the seventh most this year. They must also find a way to create more turnovers. The Vikings defense overall has had stretches of brilliance and others where you question literally everything. Given Bobby Okereke is a free agent, it adds linebacker to the pressing list of needs this offseason. There are also 15 teams this week that have a 2-2 record. 2. 2 outside corner, this could be an excellent unit. Who threw the most touchdowns in the 1990s? Ranked 28th in sacks, 31st in takeaways, and 26th in third-down percentage, this defense can simply not get off the field. Plus, edge rusher George Karlaftis showed improvement and defensive tackle Chris Jones played like the Defensive Player of the Year. With an Eagles team that runs the ball effectively in their division, the Cowboys have to get better. The Miami Dolphins defense started putting it together midway through the 2022 season, allowing just 222.4 pass ypg with 23 sacks (2.9 per game). He'll likely end up with a good chunk of dough in free agency, but it's hard to believe . The Jaguars had allowed just 55 yards per game on the ground through the first three games, but gave up 210 yards and four touchdowns rushing to the Eagles on Sunday. Ok so this is where we need to say again that DVOA still needs context. The San Francisco 49ers defense played outstanding football all year. The biggest issue on defense is allowing big plays. San Francisco ranks near the top of the NFL in nearly every major defensive category, but the offense has been near the bottom of the league in a number of areas, most notably points scored. Figures indicate statistics each team allowed to their opponents. The Vikings defense graded highly in PFFs model, ranking fourth in the NFL with a grade of 85.3. This is a team that can turn it around fast, however, with the right moves in the offseason. It feels even more likely to happen with Ejiro Evero taking over as defensive coordinator. The biggest issue on defense is the run defense. However, Washington allowed the fourth-most passing touchdowns because corner is a glaring issue that must be addressed via free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft. But not anywhere near the level of '17. Could Carolina swap soon? Minnesota Vikings (3-1) Week 4 ranking: 9. With both Patrick Peterson and Dalvin Tomlinson free agents, Minnesota needs to re-sign its starters and overhaul the cornerback room. League rank: 1st. Season-Long Dynasty Dynasty Rookies It didn't help that they spotted the Chiefs 14 points with two lost fumbles in Week 4. Year Advertising. Although you can run all over them the Texans are ranked dead last in rushing attempts and yards and rank 25th in rushing TDs allowed they are stingy against the pass. With studs like Brian Burns, Shaq Thompson, and Jaycee Horn on all three levels of the defense, this unit could emerge in 2023, especially if they end this season on a high note. NFL Defensive Rankings By Year 2000 To 2021 | StatMuse NFL defensive rankings by year 2000 to 2021 Explore Who has the most career 5+ passing TD games? Change is coming. Cincinnati Bengals @ CLE 9. Just ask the 2018 Chiefs. So 3 years were ahead of 2017 by total number but one of those was ranked #4 within it's year. Team Att Cmp Cmp % Yds/Att Yds TD INT 1st 1st% Sck; Buccaneers . Its understandable to not fully buy into the team, but 23rd in the league is quite the outlier. Its Week 14, and while some team defenses are living up to the hype, others have fallen short or exceeded expectations. -- Jordan Raanan, Defensive efficiency: 68.3 2020 Team DVOA Ratings: Defense Updated 02/22/2023 10:17 AM EST Year 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 Related: 5 NFL QB trades wed love to see this offseason. While building around Justin Fields is a priority, the Bears defense will also be completely overhauled. Although, New England would be wise to improve at outside corner. The Dolphins have been stout against the run, and the numbers they've given up are a bit skewed considering Josh Allen's 63 pass attempts in Week 3 and Lamar Jackson's prolific first half in Week 2. League rank: 28. There are many positives to draw from the 2022 Jaguars in Year 1 under Doug Pederson. Usually these comments are made in one of the endless Kirk arguments to say he never had a good defense. The biggest issue on defense is the fourth quarter. The Bengals are 26th in sacks per dropback, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, and are tied for 22nd in total sacks. With the right defensive coordinator and the addition of a No. The Chicago Bears had the worst defense in the NFL this season. Some positives to build off of in an otherwise lost campaign. The Denver Broncos defense played extremely well given the circumstances of the 2022 season. However, they also lost some talent in free agency, and it has shown throughout the year. These are the Vikings definitive year-end defensive rankings. Stat to know: The Rams defensive line ranked tied for first in the NFL in time to pressure generated with a mark of 2.48. Bet Tip: Cowboys to Win Super Bowl 57 (+800) at FanDuel Sportsbook. Lets dive into our 2023 NFL defense rankings after Super Bowl LVII, evaluating every single defense and where they stand heading into the offseason. The biggest issue on defense is effectively rushing the passer. From 2015 to 2019, the Vikings were consistently towards the . While they are 7-5, nobody expected them to be where they are entering Week 14. The Raiders made a key move this offseason with the acquisition of Chandler Jones. Even that's a reach, as corners Darius Slay (forearm) and Avonte Maddox (right ankle) are expected back soon. This shows that the organization is looking to rebuild for 2023 and beyond. It's time to project how each team's defense will fare in 2021. Twelfth in sacks, but 28th in interceptions, the Colts defense has not been as opportunistic as they have been in years past. Following J.J. Watts retirement, almost the entire Arizona Cardinals defense needs to be addressed. Miami currently has the second-worst pass defense in the NFL through its first four games, although that hasn't translated to the scoreboard. Transactions | Injuries But injuries to key players have made it difficult for the unit to develop an identity through four games. The Game Day may earn revenue from site visitor referrals to betting services. CBSSports.com 247Sports MaxPreps The Bolts are also having to adjust without Pro Bowl edge rusher Joey Bosa, who was placed on injured reserve after tearing his groin in Week 3. The Seahawks are getting gashed against the run, in part because they're struggling in their transition to a 3-4 but also because they're missing tackles. From injuries to defending the run, every team has something it can improve on. This would be a bottom-feeding team in the NFC if Smith didnt bail out this defense as much as he has. The Panthers give up the 14th-most points per game. A defense that led the NFL in ESPN's pass rush win rate (52%), allowed the third-lowest average QB rating (81.6) and ceded the lowest adjusted net yards per pass attempt (4.4) in the NFL.. DVOA: -0.5-13th, The Vikings rushing attack has been inconsistent this season but the big touchdown runs by Dalvin Cook have been a major factor in not seeing their rankings lower. -- John Keim, What will define Eric Bieniemy's success? . If the 49ers' defense can stay reasonably healthy, they don't need an offensive juggernaut to be a contender. Which is false (cue Dwight face). Jan 15, 2022 The Minnesota Vikings ended their disappointing 2021 campaign with an 8-9 record, missing the postseason altogether and firing their general manager and head coach. They have allowed the most yards per game to their opponent and consistently let players catch the ball shallow and they usually get yards after the catch to amplify that. It was an essential foundation to put them on this year's list of best fantasy football defenses. They were fifth best in that category . Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. The biggest issue on defense is injuries. Cornerback A.J. The unit is a headache for all challengers. The only three teams ahead of the Vikings are the 49ers, Dolphins and Chiefs. Arizona allowed the highest completion rate (69.8%) to opponents and it surrendered the second-most passing touchdowns (29). Thankfully, the defense is not devoid of talent. However, since they score at a higher rate, a lot of that production is a result of garbage time and shootouts. The Browns defense is more than just elite pass-rusher Myles Garrett. Using DVOA once more, the Vikings rank 11th in "mid-zone" defense (plays between the opponents' 40-yard line and their 40-yard line) and 15th in "front zone" defense, (plays between . The Vikings' No. The Bills finished as the fourth-ranked defense for fantasy last year. Indianapolis Colts @ JAX 7. Cornerbacks D.J. The architect of the defensive schemes that have become increasingly popular around the NFL, Fangio should help Miamis pass defense take a step forward in 2023. Vikings opponents are catching 75% of their targeted passes, the second-highest rate in the NFL. -- Stephen Holder, Defensive efficiency: 46.0 SRS -- Simple Rating System: Team quality relative to average (0.0) as measured by SRS (Simple Rating System), SRS = Margin of Victory + Strength of Schedule = OSRS + DSRS, OSRS: Offensive SRS Team offense quality relative to average (0.0) as measured by SRS (Simple Rating System), DSRS: Defensive SRS Team defense quality relative to average (0.0) as measured by SRS (Simple Rating System), I definitely agree with the spirit of the post, but all I can think of when I recall the '98 season is, offense on field for 2 minutes: touchdown, defense on field for 10 minutes: exhausted, 4th quarter: No such thing as a 4-minute offense with Carter, Moss, Reed, and Smith, And intense stress when playing anyone that could finish off those 10 minute drives, There werent three better, I dont know the intricacies of defensive DVOA, but from a just pure output perspective Im questioning the value tbh. What will the Buffalo Bills do without defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier? Their run defense has been terrible all season. The biggest issue on defense is defending the pass. The defense struggles in yards per rush, red zone efficiency and third-down conversions -- ranking last in all categories. With TreDavious White finally back in the fold, the Bills defense will be just fine in January when they need it to step up most. Sign up for the Vikings Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, The PFF grades reflect Sunday's game very well. | 13th most accurate ranker in the FantasyPros ECR for in-season accuracy, including 2nd at quarterback and 3rd at tight end (2021). He brings a brilliant defensive mind and his philosophies should get even more out of this unit. However, I am deducting points from the Chargers because they should be better. Green Bays defense is ranked 31st in rushing yards, 30th in attempts, and 25th in rushing touchdowns allowed. The 2022 Minnesota Vikings had a great overall season but it ended up finishing in a fashion that left them something to be desired with a loss to the New York Giants. The Vikings came from behind to beat the Bills 33-30 in overtime.Ag3i9021, 276.1 YPG-32nd The biggest issue on defense is the 49ers' offense. The losses in the secondary could have significant ramifications on this pass defense in 2023. League rank: 2nd. Washington had the sixth-ranked fantasy season last year and they keep on getting better. See trending I know those 80s teams were a little up and down but Im guessing 87 or 88 might be one of the three defenses that were better. Related: Realistic veteran QB options for the Las Vegas Raiders. Without either, the Browns couldn't get pressure, while the Falcons ran the ball at will. While injuries to the secondary forced their defense to take a step back, they are managing to get the job done when they need to. in 89 Doleman had 21 and Millard was NFL Defensive Player of the Year with 18 sacks out of the DT spot. When youre not getting pressure, opposing signal-callers will pick you apart. They have been better as of late as well, allowing only 45 yards on the ground this past Thursday against the New England Patriots. Outside of rookie Roger McCreary, all of the Titans' primary cornerbacks have been beat for explosive plays. The Minnesota Vikings finished with a grade of 92.5 and that ranks them fourth in the National Football League behind only the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs. The Vikings ranked top-five again at fourth with a grade of 82.0. DT Folorunso Fatukasi had been a key part of the success, but he went down with a quad injury against the Eagles and his status going forward is unclear. If the Texans are doing anything right in 2023, its on defense. Under the tag, Payne is projected to make roughly $18.9 million fully guaranteed for the 2023 season. In 2021, the Commanders had one of the leagues worst defenses, which is no longer the case. Stats courtesy Football Outsiders, Pro Football Reference, ESPN, and Pro Football Focus. Carter is projected to be among the top selections in the 2023 NFL Draft CBSSports.com . -- Jake Trotter, Defensive efficiency: 51.0 League rank: 5th. Teammate Glover Quin has performed like an elite safety for years and earned an . Elite rookie corner Derek Stingley Jr. has made an immense impact containing enemy No. The fourth-quarter comebacks have significantly made an impact on the passing yards and PFF grade, but DVOA, a metric designed to predict future success, isnt convinced of the sustainability of the unit. Los Angeles' defense, which ranked second in Football Outsiders' rush DVOA going into the Week 4 matchup, ranks significantly worse against the pass (23rd in the NFL). Barnwell predicts the next QBs to get benched: Did Pittsburgh wait too long? Vikings Defensive Rankings By Year 2008 To 2021 | StatMuse vikings defensive rankings by year 2008 to 2021 Explore What was the Vikings over/under record last year? A top-11 unit in points per game, the Titans defense is one of the stingiest defenses against the run, allowing the fewest rushing scores in the NFL, as well as the third-fewest rushing yards. We love the front of this group, especially if DaRon Payne returns. The Seahawks entered the season with question marks on both sides of the football. Get updated NFL defense rankings for the 2022 season. I have no clue myself. Bet Tip: Bengals to Win AFC Championship (+600) at Caesars Sportsbook. The Vikings pass defense has been interesting to say the least. Coming from the Vic Fangio coaching tree, Evero oversaw one of the best pass defenses in the NFL last season. Donald led all defensive lineman in the NFL last year in pass-rush wins with 127. If the right additions are made at cornerback, this could be a top-5 unit. Every year, the Chiefs defense seems to get better as the season progresses. Dallas must re-sign linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, who proved to be an integral piece this year. This might be a minor quibble given how well the unit is playing as a whole. The biggest issue on defense is stopping the run. While they allow their opponents into the red zone quite frequently, this defense is stingy as they come from inside 20 yards. Ranking 15th in points per game allowed, the Indy defense is still a middle-of-the-pack unit, but they have been slashed and gashed by superior offenses.