For some reason, NFL defenses are more volatile than offenses. Turnovers aren’t as reliable year in and year out, making some defenses that are highly predicated on forcing turnovers be more up and down than the ones at the top. Despite that, there are still some elite defenses at the top of the league who will help reshape and redefine the NFL this year. Some of them are ones we know, but there might be a few in here that have been putting together the pieces for a really strong defense going into 2025.
So, which teams will have the top defenses in the NFL this year? Let’s take a look.
The Ravens are sitting in the top spot on both the top offense and defense predictions, which is a testament to their team-building and continuity. I think the Ravens are in a really good spot heading into the season on both sides of the ball, but the defense should see a major uptick. They’re getting a second year with coordinator Zach Orr, who really found his groove in the second half of the season. This team has incredible depth in the front seven, with ageless wonder Kyle Van Noy and DT Nnamdi Madubuike leading the pass rush and LB Roquan Smith behind them. The secondary loses S ArDarius Washington, but in his place steps rookie Malaki Starks, someone I had highly rated entering the 2025 NFL Draft. They also added CB Jaire Alexander in free agency, allowing for Marlon Humphrey to play in the slot and give them a formidable trio of Alexander, Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. This defense is loaded, and should take the spot as the best in the league in 2025.
The defending champs are soaring into the second spot for a multitude of reasons. They retained almost all their core talent, including defensive tackle (Jalen Carter), linebacker (Zack Baun) and secondary (Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell). They also retain the services of the best defensive coordinator in the league in Vic Fangio. In addition, due to shrewd drafting, they’re able to reload at spots where they lost guys due to free agency or retirement? Milton Williams out the door? No worries, in steps Moro Ojomo. No more Josh Sweat? Jalyx Hunt had a great run to finish the year and will step into his role. The only question mark I have for the Eagles defense is at the second cornerback spot, where the battle is still currently being fought between Kelee Ringo, newly added Jakorian Bennett and Adoree Jackson. DeJean could play outside, but he’s at his best in the slot so finding a reliable second outside corner will be big.
From top to bottom, this Broncos defense is incredibly nasty. They have the continuity as well as added pieces that’ll keep this unit within the top three of the sport, led by returning DC Vance Joseph. Their defensive line quite frankly rules, with varying body types along the front. On the interior, DTs DJ Jones and Zach Allen are the Bash Brothers of the NFL, complementary playing styles benefiting the Broncos defense. John Franklin-Myers is a monster on the edge who helps blend their defensive fronts, and the speedy trio of Nik Bonnito, Jonah Elliss and Jonathon Cooper boost the pass rush. The secondary is loaded with talent, led by reigning DPOY Patrick Surtain II. Riley Moss is in the second corner spot, but at nickel will probably be first round pick Jahdae Barron, whose short area instincts and competitiveness will be really useful in the secondary. My biggest question for them is health, especially from their new acquisitions. LB Dre Greenlaw is recovering from an injury, as well as S Talanoa Hufanga. If they can come back from injury as close to 100% as possible, the Broncos could be back at the top.
It’s incredible how quickly Texans’ HC Demeco Ryans has reshaped the Houston defense in the form of the peak Niners defenses Ryans coached. The defensive line has two dominant EDGEs in Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr that are teeing off on every snap. The secondary plays with the same physicality and aggression, and has another legit DPOY candidate in CB Derek Stingley Jr. CB Kamari Lassiter is a physical corner who played extremely well in his rookie year, and S Calen Bullock is coming on strongly as well. This team is the embodiment of “hit first, ask questions later,” and that could take them very far. The questions come from the linebacker spot, where LB Azeez Al-Shaiir solidifies the group when healthy. Outside of him, LB Henry To’oto’o looks ready for a jump but might need more time. If they can answer those questions, the Texans defense is going to be awesome.
I’m incredibly high on the Seahawks’ defense coming into the season. They finished really strong under Mike Macdonald, and have continued to add to their defensive front to make the pass rush even more formidable. Their defensive line is stacked, complete with vets such as Leonard Williams, Demarcus Lawrence and Uchenna Nwosu as well as young guys like Byron Murphy II, Boye Mafe and Derick Hall. Their secondary should also be really fun, with CBs Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen leading the group. The reason they aren’t higher is because I still have some questions about their ability to defend at the second level. I love LB Ernest Jones and think Tyrice Knight has made strides, but Jones’ speed is dwindling and Knight is still a young guy, so they might give up big plays over the middle of the field. Outside of that, I think Seattle’s defense is going to have to carry that team, and could be a top 4 unit.
The Vikings are coordinated by one of the best defensive coordinators in the game (Brian Flores), and return most of their starting talent including EDGEs Jon Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel and CB Byron Murphy. However, the biggest question for the Vikings’ defense is the health of their aging stars. They added a lot to the defensive tackle group with guys like Johnathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, but both are aging stars who haven’t been very healthy in a while. If they can regain their pre-injury form this defense should be very good once again. In addition, I have questions about their second outside cornerback spot, but hey—put Josh Metellus out there and it might be fine.
Is this a bit high for Arizona? Possibly, but I’m a big fan of their defensive talent and structure. Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and head coach Johnathan Gannon have constructed a real “pocket sand” style of defense, incorporating three safeties and college style defenses with NFL talent. Their problem was that they were too small, but now they’ve added a lot to the group up front. EDGE Josh Sweat is now a Cardinal, as is DT Dalvin Tomlinson. DE Calais Campbell returns to the desert and first round pick Walter Nolen comes in to round out a defense that’s gotten much bigger. Their secondary should be awesome, led by S Budda Baker who is one of my favorite defenders in the NFL. S Jalen Thompson also plays really well in their defense, and nickel corner Garrett Williams is one of the better slot defenders in the NFL. Their outside CBs are young, but very talented. CB Max Melton finished 2024 strong, and second round pick Will Johnson was highly touted. This is a big jump for Arizona, but this defense could be VERY good.
Honorable Mention: Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs
