Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Week 18 NFL Defense Power Rankings
January 3, 2026 By  Power Rankings

NFL Power Rankings: Top 20 Defenses Week 18

Photo Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

16. Las Vegas Raiders – 327.2 Total Yards Against

The Raiders got beaten by the Giants pretty easily in a game that everyone thought Ashton Jeanty would run wild. Instead, they’ll get to face the Chiefs in a battle of the bottom feeders in the AFC West.

15. Carolina Panthers – 326.6 Total Yards Against

The Panthers went up against one of the best teams in the league and practically got punked. This week, they’ll face the Buccaneers for the NFC South title.

14. Atlanta Falcons – 325.8 Total Yards Against

The Falcons are living in the limelight after beating the Rams in a game that was farther apart than close at times. They did that by sacking Matthew Stafford the times and forcing him into throwing the interceptions, with one of them being returned for a touchdown.

13. Philadelphia Eagles – 316.7 Total Yards Against

The Eagles showed up in Buffalo to sack the Bills, and that’s exactly what they did by sacking Josh Allen five times. The Eagles could have lost this game, but the defense held strong on a two-point try by the Bills, giving them the win.

About Doug Henderson

Doug Henderson grew up playing every sport imagineable. He quickly hit a ceiling his playing skills didn't let him break and had to turn to writing to get his sports fix.