Error code: %{errorCode}
Ranking the NFL's best defenses - who tops the 2025 charts?
As the 2025 NFL season progresses, defensive units are beginning to assert themselves, with several teams showcasing dominant performances.
Through Week 4, the following five teams have stood out for their defensive prowess, ranked here by their total yards allowed.
5. Houston Texans
Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Houston Texans have demonstrated a formidable defense, allowing just 1,122 total yards per game through the first three weeks of the season.
Their defensive line has been particularly effective, with headline edge duo Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter consistently pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
The Texans’ stellar defense has propped up what has been a vastly underperforming offense so far this season and even registered a shutout in a 26-0 win over the Tennessee Titans as Houston secured their first victory of 2025 this past Sunday.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been impressive defensively once again, allowing just 1,091 yards.
Head coach Todd Bowles remains arguably the finest architect of defense in the game and has implemented schemes that confuse opposing quarterbacks, leading to turnovers and limiting big plays.
The Buccaneers’ ability to adapt and pressure the quarterback has been a key factor in their defensive success.
3. Los Angeles Chargers
Brooke Sutton/Getty Images
The Los Angeles Chargers have been outstanding on defense this season, with their ability to pressure the opposing quarterback and limit explosive plays key to their 3-1 start.
Their defensive front, led by standout outside linebacker Khalil Mack – who was out injured for Sunday’s 21-18 loss to the New York Giants – has been relentless in pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run, ranking fourth in the NFL for total quarterback pressures (39) through Week 4.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Atlanta Falcons made a bold move to upgrade their defense during the 2025 draft by not only selecting star linebacker Jalon Walker at No.15 overall but also trading back up into the first round to snag gifted pass rusher James Pearce Jr at No.26.
So far, that bet appears to be paying dividends. The Falcons are second in total yards allowed (976) and only the Buffalo Bills (503) have given up fewer passing yards (540).
1. Cleveland Browns
Jason Miller/Getty Images
Leading the league in total yards allowed per game (890), the Cleveland Browns have established themselves as the premier defensive unit in the NFL.
Their defense has been suffocating, with a standout performance in Week 3 enabling them to record a 13-10 upset win over the Green Bay Packers.
In Myles Garrett, the Browns possess the most feared pass rusher in the NFL, but they have also been hugely efficient against the run, with a league-best (281) yards allowed.
Watch NFL for even less - with 25% off NFL Game Pass now
UK and Ireland NFL fans can now buy an upfront 12 month NFL Game Pass Regular subscription for just £124.99 / €139.99 reduced from £169.99 / €189.99. An upfront Ultimate subscription is now £144.99 / €159.99 down from £189.99 / €209.99.
A subscription includes every game of the season, including the playoffs and Super Bowl, plus the NFL Network, RedZone and magazine shows including Downs 2 Business, Kittle Things and X's & O's coaching breakdown.
