6. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville ranked eighth in points allowed per game in the 2025 season, but perhaps most impressively, the team ranked first in rushing yards allowed per game, and they were the only team that allowed fewer than 90 yards per game last year.
This is a huge tell that the defense can remain elite and will continue to be among the best in the NFL. The trenches are where games are won and lost, so the Jaguars being able to stop the run like this is absolutely notable.
Jacksonville's pass defense wasn't overly special in terms of yards per game, but it is more important to be stronger against the run.
5. Philadelphia Eagles
To be honest, every defense that Vic Fangio is in charge of is going to be quite good. In 2025, Philly ranked fifth in points allowed per game and eighth in passing yards allowed per game. If not for the elite defense, Philly may have totally missed the playoffs.
Fangio typically likes to get home to the passer with as few rushers as possible to allow for more bodies on the backend. His various stunts up front and unique looks with the rest of the unit constantly have quarterbacks in a mental blender.
4. Los Angeles Rams
Adding a duo of starting cornerbacks and Myles Garrett to the mix does improve the Los Angeles Rams defense significantly. The unit was quite solid in 2025, ranking 10th in points allowed per game, but with the offense having ranked first in the league in points scored, one of the only areas to improve this offseason was on defense, especially at cornerback.
After the offseason additions, you struggle to find a notable hole with the Rams across the board. This defense creeping further inside the top-10 in points allowed per game would almost guarantee a Super Bowl victory in 2026.
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