2025 NFL Defensive Tiers Week 17: Chargers, Bears Step Up; Cowboys Tumble

[ad_1] Most of the finest defenses within the NFL turned in underwhelming performances in Week 16.

The highest-rated Texans’ protection gave up two touchdowns of 50-plus yards to the Raiders, who've the league's worst offense. The Broncos allowed a season-high 34 factors to the Jaguars at dwelling. Even the Seahawks and Rams, who squared off in final Thursday’s additional time thriller, gave up practically 40 factors to one another.

How does that impression the standing of their defenses?

Forward of Week 17, right here’s my tiered rating of all 32 models (see Week 16 right here):

Houston Texans Philadelphia Eagles Los Angeles ChargersDenver BroncosSeattle Seahawks

In what marked a foul week for lots of the NFL’s high defenses, the Chargers stood out. They held the high-powered Cowboys, who rank fifth within the league in scoring, to 17 factors — their lowest whole since Week 9.

Los Angeles has held opponents underneath 100 dashing yards in three of its previous 4 video games. And since Week 10, the Chargers have 13 takeaways. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has helped his head-coach candidacy exponentially down the stretch.

Jacksonville JaguarsLos Angeles RamsGreen Bay PackersCleveland BrownsNew England PatriotsChicago Bears

The Bears prior to now a number of weeks have climbed from "Mediocre" and "Aggressive" to the "Wager the Beneath" tier.

Main the NFL with 31 takeaways, Chicago has given up only one landing within the final two video games mixed and has allowed 17 or fewer factors in 4 of its previous six appearances. In final week’s OT thriller in opposition to the Packers, the Bears held the Packers to 0-for-5 within the pink zone, together with three stops in goal-to-go territory.

Minnesota VikingsNew Orleans SaintsCarolina PanthersPittsburgh SteelersSan Francisco 49ers Baltimore RavensKansas Metropolis ChiefsTampa Bay BuccaneersBuffalo BillsIndianapolis Colts

Mike Tomlin’s protection has been up and down all season, however Pittsburgh's skill to cease the run has been spectacular as of late. The AFC North-leading Steelers have allowed simply 78 dashing yards mixed prior to now two video games, together with simply 15 (!) to the Lions in Week 16.

The Saints, far out of the nationwide highlight, have had a sneaky sturdy protection for the higher a part of the final month and a half. Over its previous six video games, New Orleans is permitting simply 15.8 factors per contest, coming off a sport wherein it had two takeaways and gave up solely six factors to the Jets.

Atlanta FalconsDetroit Lions Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins’ protection discovered its groove in the midst of the season, when Miami went 5-1 from Weeks 8-14. However the unit has unraveled in back-to-back losses, first giving up 28 factors to the Steelers on Dec. 15 after which permitting 45 factors — together with six touchdowns — to the Bengals on Sunday.

Takeaways had been a staple for Miami throughout its mini-winning streak, and people have evaporated prior to now couple of weeks. The Fins didn’t drive a turnover in opposition to Pittsburgh or Cincinnati.

Las Vegas RaidersNew York GiantsCincinnati BengalsTennessee TitansDallas Cowboys

The Cowboys’ protection, which was on an upward trajectory within the instant aftermath of the commerce deadline, has reverted to the struggling unit we noticed firstly of 2025.

Dallas gave up 34 factors to the Chargers on Sunday, the third consecutive sport wherein it has allowed at the least 34 factors. The Cowboys have given up at the least 28 factors in 4 straight contests.

Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is taking a look at a one-and-done stint.

Washington CommandersNew York Jets Arizona Cardinals

A horrible 12 months bought even worse for Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon and his protection Monday, when two starters — cornerback Garrett Williams and first-round rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III — had been positioned on season-ending injured reserve.

Arizona has given up at the least 26 factors in six of its previous seven video games, together with 40 factors 3 times. The Cardinals have additionally allowed 140-plus dashing yards in three consecutive video games.

Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports activities. He beforehand labored for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Community, the place he was the Titans beat author for a 12 months and a half. He lined the Seattle Seahawks for SeattlePI.com for 3 seasons (2018-20) previous to shifting to Tennessee. You may comply with Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur.

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