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

NFL Power Rankings: Top 20 Defenses Week 18

Week 18 NFL Defense Power Rankings
Photo Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

4. Los Angeles Chargers – 288.1 Total Yards Against

Just like a said last week, this game was going to be a defensive struggle, and in the end, the Texans won. This week, they’ll be facing the Broncos in another game that will probably go under on the sportsbooks.

3. Denver Broncos – 282.1 Total Yards Against

The Broncos had it easy last week against the Chiefs, but they only recorded one interception. You would have thought they could have recorded a few sacks, but that wasn’t the case. This week, the Chargers are coming to town in what will be another defensive game.

2. Cleveland Browns – 278.6 Total Yards Against

The Browns had their Super Bowl last week by beating the Steelers, making the Ravens and the Steelers play for the division in Week 18. This week, they’ll be facing the Bengals in another bottom-feeder game, which could end up exciting if Myles Garrett can break the all-time sack record in a season.

1. Houston Texans – 272.4 Total Yards Against

The Texans finish the year as the number one defense. Since there is no reason to cover next week, it’s safe to say that my pre-season analysis of the Texans defense came true. However, this week they’ll be facing the Colts, who are another team that has nothing to play for but incentives.

 

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.