Its quite remarkable that the New Orleans Saints defense continues to play at a high level every season despite constant turnover. That's exactly when it mattered. 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. Green Bay Packers @ DET 4. Cap issues might push either linebacker Lavonte David or corner Jamel Dean out. But what has also stood out is how many injuries the Bills have accumulated, especially in the secondary. The Chiefs have taken the ball from their opponent just four times. Bet Tip: Bengals to Win AFC Championship (+600) at Caesars Sportsbook. Not everybody shares that sentiment, however. But they do need much more than what they've gotten thus far. 2021 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings: Standard Scoring - The Game Haus Below, we checked in with NFL Nation reporters across the league and asked what the biggest issue faced by each team's defense is. A healthy Adams would be making a difference as a run defender and a pass-rusher. Vikings Defense at Bye: Stats Explain 5-1 Start & Room to Improve Far from it. League rank: 10th. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a staple of our NFL defense rankings for years. The Cowboys have not allowed 20 points in a game yet and have allowed just one touchdown in each game. Outside of Grady Jarrett and A.J. While the Packers ended last season ranked 14th in points allowed, they are conceding the seventh most this year. The Eagles have a new defensive coordinator in Jonathan Gannon and added several key pieces during a quietly efficient offseason. However, when it comes to the Broncos defense, they have done their part to keep this team in games. More NFL coverage . Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier to take 2023 season off from 2022 Minnesota Vikings: How each unit ranked by PFF grades They have the personnel to do so. Donald led all defensive lineman in the NFL last year in pass-rush wins with 127. The Vikings ranked sixth again at 77.3, tied with the Miami Dolphins. Consistently a top-12 pass and run defense, the Ravens have room for improvement if they find younger plays to fill the voids left by Peters and Co. The defense lead the Vikings to a road playoff win vs the Saints. 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 -- Jenna Laine, Defensive efficiency: 52.3 They are allowing the second-most passing yards and the fourth-most touchdowns through the air. While they are worse on offense, their defense has not been able to carry them. Sometimes inexperience has led to the big plays, but other times it's just corners getting beat, whether outright or because they anticipated help that didn't arrive. Here's our new No. Despite having a great season from punter Ryan Wright and PFFs number one long snapper in Andrew DePaola, the Vikings finished a paltry 21st in special teams with a grade of 76.0. Therefore, selecting just five team defenses from a 59-year pool was not elementary. 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. -- Michael Rothstein, Defensive efficiency: 42.4 The Browns defense is more than just elite pass-rusher Myles Garrett. League rank: 9th. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Garrett could return next Sunday following last week's single-car crash. 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. Change is coming. The biggest issue on defense is run defense. They converted each into a touchdown. Finding NFL ready defensive tackle is a tricky proposition for franchises and that's why its typically the . 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. The Los Angeles Chargers ended the regular season averaging 2.7 sacks per game with a 77.1 QB rating and 55.7% completion rate allowed to opponents in their past seven contests. A lot of analysts believe that the Vikings are not what their record says they are. They're actually getting decent pressure on the quarterback, with a 35% pressure rate (19th) on third down. Through four games this season, Detroit has allowed 141 points (35.3 points per game), which is the second most in franchise history -- trailing only the 0-16 squad from 2008. However, they also lost some talent in free agency, and it has shown throughout the year. If they can get these areas right, they will be a vastly improved defense in 2023. 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. Watt is the cog in the defense that makes everything go, and without a formidable pass rush, the rest of the defense isn't succeeding in picking up the slack. Here are the PFF grades for each unit and how they rank against the rest of the NFL. The unit is a headache for all challengers. Here's the weird part: It's not because of the pass rush. Fantasy Football Defense Rankings: Who Makes Up The Top 12? While the Eagles are seventh in points allowed, they are one of the best overall units across the board. J.J. Watt may be an elite player on the back end of his career, but he cant do it alone. Minnesota Vikings (3-1) Week 4 ranking: 9. Ultimately, the Eagles got Mahomesd in the Super Bowl and the San Francisco 49ers, along with so many other NFL teams, know what thats like. It was an essential foundation to put them on this year's list of best fantasy football defenses. Nov 24, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) hands the ball off to running back Dalvin Cook (4) against the New England Patriots during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. 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. Danielle Hunter and Za'Darius Smith both finished in the top 15 of the PFF rankings for edge rushers. Top 12 Defense (D/ST) Rankings, Tiers & Notes (2022 - FantasyPros The Broncos allow the fewest touchdowns in the NFL and are a force in the red zone. Once No. Arizona has some players on defense like Budda Baker, Zaven Collins, and Isaiah Simmons, but when you are light on the back end and the EDGE, youre going to give up lots of yards in the pass-heavy NFL. PFF Pass rush: 73.8-11th Still, there is room for improvement in terms of getting to the quarterback and forcing turnovers. The Jaguars have to figure out what went wrong because they face Dameon Pierce, Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley the next three weeks. In the meantime, the Chiefs have made the most of their four turnovers. Justin Fields unfixable? Who has the most career 200 receiving yard games? Choose from seasonal averages or review past weekly performance to help optimize your lineup. I went by the total number (2017 being -12.3). 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. The Saints need Marcus Davenport and Cam Jordan to consistently step up, while getting production out of 2021 first-round pick Payton Turner, to have success moving forward. Sheil Kapadia wrote two articles for The Athletic ranking every NFL teams offense and defense, Robby and Joe discuss where the Titans fall. In the fourth quarter, opposing quarterbacks have posted an NFL-best 88.6 QBR against the Ravens, throwing five touchdowns and getting sacked twice. They are the third-worst unit in that category. 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). Next year, the defense will be able to not have to worry about a full install but rather tweaking things and bringing in more personnel. Disputed loan at center of Commanders probe. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. League rank: 3rd. 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. League rank: 17th. When you are a top-four defense in plays and touchdowns allowed, you are going to win a lot of football games. Its difficult to imagine the Cleveland Browns defense performing worse with a new defensive coordinator. That ranked right ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals at 79.4. With David Onyemata and Marcus Davenport both set to hit the open market, salary cap restrictions will likely force New Orleans to lose at least one of them. The biggest issue on defense is stopping the run. Bet Tip: Aidan Hutchinson to Win Defensive Player of the Year (+850) at Caesars Sportsbook. While they allow their opponents into the red zone quite frequently, this defense is stingy as they come from inside 20 yards. Year Advertising. League rank: 8th. 6) New England Patriots. The Rams do have four interceptions this season. Stingy against both the run and the pass, young players like Sauce Gardner are stepping up in a big way and making an immediate impact. It's time to project how each team's defense will fare in 2021. If the 49ers' defense can stay reasonably healthy, they don't need an offensive juggernaut to be a contender. The Bengals are 26th in sacks per dropback, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, and are tied for 22nd in total sacks. They finished with a grade of 74.5, good enough for third in the NFL. Teams have still been able to run on the Buccaneers, something that was an afterthought under Todd Bowles, but theyre a bit more difficult to throw on, allowing the fifth-fewest passing yards in the NFL. These are the Vikings definitive year-end defensive rankings. 2 in takeaways and No. League rank: 12th, The Rams have their best cornerback healthy (Jalen Ramsey) but have been dealing with several injuries in the secondary early in the season. "Last year, we sort of had to feel our way through things because we didn't have an offseason together. 2023 NFL defense rankings: Offseason outlook for all 32 - Sportsnaut Fantasy Football Rankings 2022: Defenses - Yahoo! Vikings offensive and defensive rankings: a breakdown Power Ranking Every Minnesota Vikings Team of the Past Decade Call 1-800-GAMBLER. They have figured it out in critical stretches and have played well against top-tier quarterbacks and offenses. The biggest issue on defense is getting pass rush from someone other than Maxx Crosby. -- Kevin Seifert, Defensive efficiency: 76.1 Lunchbreak: Stats Show Vikings Defense Incorporating 'Bend-Don't-Break League rank: 20th, The Texans are allowing 5.1 yards per carry and have allowed 688 total rushing yards, the second most in the NFL. With the incredible talent this team boasts on defense and a defensive-minded head coach, there is simply no excuse for the Chargers defense conceding 25.8 points per game, the third-worst mark in the NFL. Who had the most wins as an underdog last season? Reinforcements could be on the way if Ugo Amadi recovers from an ankle injury that held him out of the past two games and Elijah Molden eventually returns from injured reserve. The Lions need to make some changes immediately, and head coach Dan Campbell knows it. Minnesota Vikings 2022 Stats | NFL.com We rank the 2023 draft prospects at DT ahead of the Combine. Washington had the sixth-ranked fantasy season last year and they keep on getting better. Where this position ranks in the draft. However, despite the promotion of Dennis Allen to head coach, the New Orleans defense is no longer a strength. Full schedule | Standings NFL 2022 Regular Season Overall Defense Entire League The biggest issue on defense is getting off the field on third down. It's that time of year again, when the top . They also arent as good in the red zone as they have been in years past. The Broncos had surrendered only six points in the second half of their first three games combined, so they were rolling. The biggest issue on defense is forcing takeaways. I am being generous with my ranking of the Cardinals. The Vikings are allowing the 11th-most points per game. They have legit talent at all three levels of their defense. League rank: 21st. There is also a lot of room for improvement in the red zone and on third downs. 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. Viking year by year defensive ranking (DVOA) under Zimmer Losing Chandler Jones has taken a greater toll on Arizona's pass rush than expected. Thankfully, the defense is not devoid of talent. In 2021, the Commanders had one of the leagues worst defenses, which is no longer the case. Maybe the most talented DL in Viking history outside of the Purple People Eaters. The biggest issue on defense is defending the run. DVOA: -8.2%-13th. However, since they score at a higher rate, a lot of that production is a result of garbage time and shootouts. Usually these comments are made in one of the endless Kirk arguments to say he never had a good defense. Plenty of work remains. Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 18: Heavily motivated Bills and Patriots 2021 Team DVOA Ratings: Overall | Football Outsiders The biggest issue on defense is getting gouged on the ground, again. The Vikings have been good at defending the run and PFF thinks they are among the best in doing so. -- Sarah Barshop, Defensive efficiency: 39.6 Not only are the Packers allowing nearly 5 yards per rush, but they're having troubling bringing runners down. Smith, who opted out of all other tests and interviews, put up 34 reps of 225 pounds. However, they are 14th in third-down rate, giving opposing offense more opportunities to take advantage of the injuries on the back end. T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Alex Highsmith and Minkah Fitzpatrick are the reason why Pittsburgh has one of the best NFL defenses in 2023. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons finished with the lowest pressure rate (14.6%) and the second-fewest sacks (20) in the NFL. The Ravens have lost two games this season in which they have led by 17 points or more because they can't stop teams late in games. 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. Most impressively, in a sign of things to come, the Lions averaged 3.1 sacks per game in those last seven games. Fantasy Football: Week 17 Defense Rankings - RSN League rank: 7th. In the second half, Baltimore has given up an NFL-worst 1,019 yards while allowing 67 points. Reed Jr. standing out in coverage vs No. There are also 15 teams this week that have a 2-2 record. Buffalo Bills vs. NYJ 2. The loss of Matt Eberflus has made an impact. Honestly, there's very little to nitpick the Bengals' defense about. DeMeco Ryans coming in is the first small step toward fixing the Houston Texans defense. This is one defense that offenses struggle to get anything going against. All 32 NFL defenses, ranked | Yardbarker Ranking 25th in third-down percentage, 28th in rushing yards, and 26th in passing touchdowns allowed, this team has a lot of work to do in the offseason. There are many positives to draw from the 2022 Jaguars in Year 1 under Doug Pederson. Minnesota Vikings (vs. New Orleans Saints) Regarding those last two: The Saints D is good, the . Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. The Falcons are another team that we expected to struggle defensively. They had a pile of big gains against the nickel, including a 43-yard run by Josh Jacobs in the third quarter. Vikings Patrick Peterson celebrates as Bills quarterback Josh Allen walks off the field. The Vikings' No. They have the 2017 team as the only one that ranks with the Purple People Eaters. -- Jake Trotter, Defensive efficiency: 51.0 All of the other teams ahead of them scored at least three, with the Dolphins and Cowboys scoring six and nine, respectively. Its Week 14, and while some team defenses are living up to the hype, others have fallen short or exceeded expectations. Another year in Aaron Glenns system with additions to the secondary and defensive line can make this a top-15 defense in 2023. While the Saints defense is 16th in points per game, they are second to last in interceptions and takeaways. The Bucs have given up 27 total points in the first quarter through four weeks -- fourth most in the league -- yet their 68 total points given up would be fifth fewest. It is important to note that Pittsburgh is 24th in sacks. The biggest issue on defense is allowing big plays. In 2020, Pittsburgh led the way and were being drafted 4th. -- Rich Cimini, Defensive efficiency: 59.0 Will the Dolphins get a veteran QB? This was an issue last year, and it continues to be one this season. Learn More > It will have ramifications on a unit that ranked 22nd in pass rush win rate (37%) and ceded the 11th-highest average QB rating (92.7). XFL Week 3 preview: Can AJ McCarron, Battlehawks continue their fourth-quarter heroics? Terrell took a step back in 2022 after a breakout season a year prior. 1 receivers helps everyone else on this unit. The biggest issue on defense is forcing turnovers. Who threw the most touchdowns in the 1990s? Cant imagine 98 or 09 were better (although both were solid). 1 team: Jump to a team: Ive been watching since around 1995 and cant recall any season that was definitively better. PFF: 80.3-16th CAR 3. The Chiefs' defensive rankings in four years with Patrick Mahomes as their quarterback: 24th, 14th, 18th, and 26th. Jets GM Joe Douglas has also hit on a few key free-agent acquisitions, including D.J. The Chiefs are much better against the run, but they employ one of the most vulnerable secondaries in the NFL. This is another team that is ranked in the bottom eight in the most important defensive categories. The Washington defense is a big reason why this team is in the postseason conversation in December. I think DVOA is very good but not perfect. Assessing Browns' FA needs, Defensive efficiency: 69.3 Steelers done? The biggest issue on defense is sluggish starts. Furthermore, the Browns also have the fifth-fewest interceptions. The Las Vegas Raiders defense fell well short of expectations under play-caller Patrick Graham. They did a better job of it in 2019 but still came up short when it mattered. NFLPA Releases First Ever 'Report Cards' For All 32 NFL Teams After Surveying Every Player In League. The Panthers give up the 14th-most points per game. Heading into the offseason, especially with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero likely gone, wed love to see Denver upgrade its pass rush. Rookie cornerbacks arent supposed to be great early, but Sauce Gardner became an All-Pro in his first season. Minnesota also ranked between 25th and 29th in the following. Which is false (cue Dwight face). PFF has spent the best part of the NFL offseason been ranking players and position groups to give fans a better idea of where things stand. -- Rob Demovsky. Who threw the most touchdowns in the 1990s? Stout against the run, the Ravens are another club that struggles to defend the pass, ranking 25th in passing yards allowed and 26th in completions and attempts. 2. They ranked behind only the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. Here's everything we know, QB Young 5-10 1/8, 204 pounds at NFL combine, Sources: Patriots tell QB Hoyer he's being cut, Horns' Robinson: Versatility worthy of early pick, Jones: Not fixated on Cowboys' drought, just '23, Sources: Raiders plan franchise tag for Jacobs, WR Addison to Steelers' Pickett: 'Come get me', Wolverines' Turner wows with 4.26 40 at combine, Top QB prospect Levis eager to unleash 'cannon', Everything you need to know about Geno Smith's contract negotiations. New York Giants. Fantasy Points Against | NFL Fantasy - Fantasy Football - NFL Fantasy The Vikings rushing offense graded higher at 79.4, but they ranked 21st in the NFL. League rank: 1st. This is something that needs to be corrected for Week 5. Sutton not only enjoyed the best year of his career, but he also arguably played like a top-10 cornerback. Cleveland was missing three of its four starters along the defensive line in Sunday's loss to the Falcons, including star pass-rusher Myles Garrett. DVOA: 10.8%-19th. Still very sound against the run, the Steelers are 27th in passing yards and 30th in passing touchdowns conceded. 2021 fantasy football defensive line rankings While injuries have played a role, notably to T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, a decline that began in last season has continued, with no signs of improvement. The Vikings have a very balanced offense because of their star players. If you go look at the PFF grades per unit, the Vikings were an excellent team. 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. Hes a brilliant strategist and coach, whose impact should be felt immediately. League rank: 23rd. They are the No. All betting content on TheGameDay.com is exclusively intended for audience members 21 years and older who are permitted to gamble in legal states. To win NFC +1800. The defensive line was gassed after dominating all year and the Eagles RPO took full advantage. Our weekly NFL defense rankings examine every unit across the league on a weekly basis to determine the best defenses in the NFL. Here you go: Vikings top 6 DVOA rankings 2008 was a legit D. Great DL, Good LBs, Better secondary than 2009 because that creep Sharper was still on the team. Ranking 2022 NFL defenses: Rams, Bills, Saints most likely units to crack the top 10 . With D.J. When you can hold the Chiefs to 24 points, you know you are doing something right. Despite a rough start to the year, as well as the fact that Chase Young has yet to play a snap, Jack Del Rios unit has turned it around. Related: Latest on Washington Commanders sale. The Jags have five picks in the first four rounds in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. And although they can contain the run, they are a bottom-five unit in most passing categories, as well as plays. The team is also feeling the aftermath of horrendous drafts from Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden. PIT He brings a brilliant defensive mind and his philosophies should get even more out of this unit. The biggest issue on defense is finishing the game. The biggest hole in the Jaguars defense is on the back end as they allow the fifth-most passing yards. Related: 2023 NFL franchise tag projections. It is difficult to put any team ahead of the 49ers. The Cardinals have been able to get to the quarterback and get their hands on him at times, as was the case against Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, but getting opposing quarterbacks down has been a struggle. Of the 97 pass completions against them, 69 have come by receivers who have at least three yards of separation at the time of the throw, the fourth-highest total in the league. May 23, 2012 at 2:53 pm ET 1 min read. Anthony has made appearances on SiriusXM, amongst other publications. Reed and Carl Lawson. . A variance of this magnitude will only get you so far in the postseason. This season, Baltimore defenders are making it too easy with missed assignments and no consistent pass rush. 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. -- David Newton, Defensive efficiency: 47.6 Figures indicate statistics each team allowed to their opponents. The biggest issue on defense is effectively rushing the passer. League rank: 11th. 2006 Minnesota Vikings (6-10) 3 of 10 The 2006 Vikings were led by 38-year-old quarterback Brad Johnson, a journeyman on the last leg of his career in Minnesota. Still, it is not all bad for the Saints. That said, on paper, this defense isnt as bad as it appears. Bet Tip: Seahawks to Win NFC West (+320) at FanDuel Sportsbook. They must also find a way to create more turnovers. The Vikings easily had a top 10 offense in 2022 and they should be at the top of the league in 2022. League rank: 15th. So 3 years were ahead of 2017 by total number but one of those was ranked #4 within it's year.