3. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have ranked third in points allowed per game in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. They land at No. 3 in our rankings. Having lost John Franklin-Myers in free agency and also cutting Dre Greenlaw, the Broncos may not be quite as talented in 2026 as they were in 2025.
With that said, the defensive line is still the best in the league in terms of getting to the passer, and the secondary is loaded across the board. One obvious weakness here is the team getting a bit soft up the middle, especially late in the season.
This is more of a "NASCAR" defense and not a muscle car defense. Denver's defensive line is on the lighter side, but overall, the unit has sustained success over multiple years and have a good thing brewing ahead of 2026.
2. Seattle Seahawks
Seattle might have the deepest unit in the NFL and did just win it all. Cornerback Riq Woolen departed in free agency, but it seems like the Seahawks were preparing for that exit. Head coach Mike Macdonald is also a mastermind on defense, so the coaching is going to continue to be elite. With how many fresh bodies Seattle can rotate along the defensive line, the unit is primed to again be among the best in the league.
1. Houston Texans
Houston finished second in points allowed per game last year and somehow managed to get better on defense this offseason, notably adding Kayden McDonald, Reed Blankenship, and Jadeveon Clowney. The pass rush is in a great spot with Will Anderson Jr and Danielle Hunter, and the secondary is flat-out insane.
Houston allowed the third-lowest opposing passer rating last year, had the third-most interceptions, and allowed the third-lowest passer rating. This unit excelled at everything, and with the additions they made this offseason, it's hard to look at this unit and not think they're the most talented and best overall.
And what might be the most impressive is that Houston finished 12-5 in 2025 despite a brutal 0-3 finish. Going 12-2 across their final 14 games does also prove how good this unit was throughout the season.
The Texans take our top spot.
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