NFL Defense Rankings: Who's a Must-Start & Who's a Bust?

The 2023 NFL season is upon us, and fantasy football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the start of the regular season to gear up their lineups. As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to have one of the top defenses, but which teams will step up to the challenge and provide owners with a solid foundation for their fantasy teams? In this article, we'll delve into the NFL defense rankings and identify the must-start units that are sure to dominate the league and the busts that will leave owners scratching their heads.

The NFL has become a more pass-happy league over the years, with offenses now focusing on throwing the ball to exploit defenses that are struggling to keep up. This has led to an increase in scoring and a shift in the way defenses are constructed. With the rise of the passing game, teams are now placing a greater emphasis on speed, agility, and elite pass rushers to counter the aerial attack. As a result, some teams that were once considered stout on defense are now struggling to keep up.

On the other hand, some teams have made significant improvements to their defensive units, bolstering their rosters with talent and coaching that will have owners salivating. When it comes to fantasy football, having a strong defense is just as important as having a high-powered offense. A unit that can shut down opposing offenses and limit points will often be the difference between winning and losing in fantasy leagues.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the NFL defense rankings, breaking down the must-start units that are sure to excel and the busts that will underperform. We'll examine the key positions on each team's defense, from the pass rushers to the safeties, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each unit. Whether you're a seasoned fantasy football owner or just starting out, this article will provide you with the insights you need to make informed decisions about your team's defense.

Top 5 Must-Start NFL Defenses

The following defenses are expected to be among the best in the league this season:

Kansas City Chiefs

• Position-by-position breakdown:
  • Pass rush: Brown and Jones form a potent duo that will keep opposing quarterbacks off balance.
  • Secondary: Charles is a ball-hawking safety who will intercept plenty of passes, while Sneed and Hardman provide elite coverage.
  • Linebackers: Byrd and Bosa are both versatile players who will chip in on both run and pass stops.
  • Defensive line: Nixon and Clark provide a dominant presence up front, while Clark is a defensive end who will rattle opposing quarterbacks.
• Key stats to watch:
  • Pass rush yards per game
  • Interceptions
  • Fumble recoveries

Baltimore Ravens

• Position-by-position breakdown:
  • Pass rush: Jones and Oweh form a strong pass rush duo that will challenge opposing quarterbacks.
  • Secondary: Ingeals and Wilson provide elite coverage and will limit the damage from opposing offenses.
  • Linebackers: Jefferson and Bynes are both athletic players who will make plays in the secondary.
  • Defensive line: Ogden and Andrews provide a stout presence up front, while Andrews is a defensive end who will harass opposing quarterbacks.
• Key stats to watch:
  • Pass rush yards per game
  • Tackles for loss
  • Interceptions

Los Angeles Rams

• Position-by-position breakdown:
  • Pass rush: McDonald and Greg Davis form a strong pass rush duo that will pressure opposing quarterbacks.
  • Secondary: Roberts and Woods provide elite coverage and will limit the damage from opposing offenses.
  • Linebackers: Dante and Bynes are both physical players who will make plays in the secondary.
  • Defensive line: Carter and Lawson provide a dominant presence up front, while Lawson is a defensive end who will harass opposing quarterbacks.
• Key stats to watch:
  • Pass rush yards per game
  • Tackles for loss
  • Interceptions

San Francisco 49ers

• Position-by-position breakdown:
  • Pass rush: Charlton and Herbert form a strong pass rush duo that will challenge opposing quarterbacks.
  • Secondary: Skura and Needham provide elite coverage and will limit the damage from opposing offenses.
  • Linebackers: Wendell and Archer are both athletic players who will make plays in the secondary.
  • Defensive line: Hiale and Kendrick provide a stout presence up front, while Kendrick is a defensive end who will harass opposing quarterbacks.
• Key stats to watch:
  • Pass rush yards per game
  • Tackles for loss
  • Interceptions

Philadelphia Eagles

• Position-by-position breakdown:
  • Pass rush: McDougle and Saulsberry form a strong pass rush duo that will pressure opposing quarterbacks.
  • Secondary: Abdullah and Jenkins provide elite coverage and will limit the damage from opposing offenses.
  • Linebackers: Solak and Jefferson are both physical players who will make plays in the secondary.
  • Defensive line: Kraft and Allen provide a dominant presence up front, while Allen is a defensive end who will harass opposing quarterbacks.
• Key stats to watch:
  • Pass rush yards per game
  • Tackles for loss
  • Interceptions

NFL Defense Busts

The following defenses are expected to be among the weaker units in the league this season:

New York Giants

• Position-by-position breakdown:
  • Pass rush: Zero notable pass rushers on the roster
  • Secondary: Sample and Cotto are both struggling players who will give up big plays.
  • Linebackers: Moore and Hendricks are both underperforming players who will struggle to make plays.
  • Defensive line: Reason and Davis provide a lackluster presence up front, while Davis