They say defense wins championships, and that may decide who comes out on top of this year’s Super Bowl.
The 2025-2026 NFL season has been unique in the sense that there isn’t a clear-cut best team or few best teams, just a bunch of really good and okay teams. For the last five-ish years, the high-powered offensive teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, etc. have been the clear favorites.
This year, a more low-key, defensive-led team could come out on top with a Lomardi Trophy.
Let’s explore the top defenses in the NFL right now: (Teams with top defenses in some categories such as the Cleveland Browns weren’t included in the list.)
*EPA (how well a team performs compared to their expectation on a play-by-play basis) has been factored into the rankings.*
Top 5 Defenses That Could Wreak Havoc in Playoffs
#1 – Houston Texans
The Houston Texans may have the best defense in the NFL. They rank 1st in fewest yards allowed per game (266.3) and rank second in turnover differential (+12.) In recent weeks, they’ve held quarterbacks Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes to 38/67 for 413 passing yards, zero touchdowns and five interceptions. Texans rank first in EPA (-0.15.) Houston also ranks first in fewest points allowed at 16 per game.
#2 – Denver Broncos
Another scary defense is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have 11 more sacks than any time with 55 and rank fourth in yards allowed per game (282.) Denver ranks sixth in EPA (-.08.) Denver allows just 18.1 points per game which ranks as fourth-best.
#3 – Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams may have the best defense in the NFC. They rank third in points allowed per game (17.5) and rank third in turnover differential (+10.) The Rams rank fourth in EPA (-.10.)
#4 – Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle defense ranks second in two major defensive categories: points allowed per game and EPA. The Seahawks give up just 17.4 points per game and have an EPA of -.12. The Seahawks rank top five in total sacks, ranking fourth with 41.
#5 – Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are also one of the best defensive units in the NFC. They rank in the top six for both yards allowed per game (287.2, fifth) and points allowed per game (10.0, sixth.) They rank ninth in turnover differential (+4.)
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