Analysis
10/20/22
3 min read
Week 7: Top-10 NFL Defenses Right Now
The 33rd Team’s weekly top-10 defensive rankings are derived through an evaluation by our scouting department, led by former NFL team executive T.J. McCreight and assisted by scouts Justin Casey, Kevin Cohn and Evan Pritt.
>>> Other Week 7 Rankings: QB | RB | WR | Offense
1. Buffalo Bills
PPG: 13.5 (1st) | YPG: 281.5 (2nd) | Previous Rank: 1
Comment: They forced Patrick Mahomes into throwing two picks and gave up only 68 yards rushing in a big victory against the Chiefs.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
PPG: 17.5 (6th) | YPG: 297.8 (4th) | Previous Rank: 5
Comment: This is a huge jump for the Eagles. They are No. 1 in the NFL in takeaways and have yet to lose a game. Only gave up 17 points to Dallas as the Eagles continue to fly.
3. Denver Broncos
PPG: 16.5 (4th) | YPG: 290.3 (3rd) | Previous Rank: 4
Comment: With NO help from the offense the Denver defense is only giving up 16 points per game and is third in the league in total yards.
4. San Francisco 49ers
PPG: 14.8 (2nd) | YPG: 255.8 (1st) | Previous Rank: 2
Comment: They struggled against the run giving up 168 yards and did not do enough to get the victory against Atlanta. They have been shredded by injuries in recent weeks with just two starters remaining from their preferred starting 11.
5. Dallas Cowboys
PPG: 16.3 (3rd) | YPG: 304.2 (8th) | Previous Rank: 3
Comment: They dropped in our rankings after losing to the Eagles, but still are third in the league in points allowed.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
PPG: 17.2 (5th) | YPG: 302.5 (7th) | Previous Rank: 6
Comment: This unit may need to carry this football team. They have only given up 17 points per game, and they get create turnovers.
7. Cincinnati Bengals
PPG: 19.2 (10th) | YPG: 339 (14th) | Previous Rank: 10
Comment: They had a big win against the Saints and only gave up 178 yards passing. This defense will only get better.
8. New England Patriots
PPG: 18.8 (7th) | YPG: 337.8 (13th) | Previous Rank: N/A
Comment: The Patriots crack the top 10 after shutting down the Browns' running game the week. They are seventh in the NFL in points allowed and 13th in yards. Also, they are third in the league in takeaways.
9. New York Giants
PPG: 18.8 (8th) | YPG: 339.3 (15th) | Previous Rank: N/A
Comment: They continue to just win games and are top 10 in points allowed.
10. Green Bay Packers
PPG: 20.5 (15th) | YPG: 299.2 (5th) | Previous Rank: 7
Comment: They've dropped three spots and like the Buccaneers, this defense needs to step up and stop people. If they don’t start creating some turnovers they will fall out of the top 10.
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