The NFL regular season is just two weeks away from climax, and there’s practically nothing new to unfold at this point. We have our winners, losers, division leaders, and failure stories. And one significant area in determining all of these is the team defenses.

So, moving into week 17, which NFL team has the best defense? Who has performed the best collectively and who are the biggest contenders for the prestigious Defensive Player of the Season?

NFL week 17 defense rankings: Top 5

5. Los Angeles Rams

Lately, the Rams‘ defense has come alive, probably smelling a playoff chance. Especially their run defense, which has allowed only 3.9 yards/carry and 68.7 yards/game in the last 7 matches. The 49ers’ effect is present in the division, and the remaining teams understand the importance of a competent defense to match the NFC leaders. The Rams are a prime example of that.

4. Miami Dolphins

Aside from being arguably the most robust offense, the Dolphins are one of the strongest defenses in the league as well. They are leading the season with 52 sacks, and the Cowboys recently got a taste of that. The NFC side stopped at just 75 rushing yards and 3.1 yards/carry. The Dolphins also accounted for 4 sacks in the game, just one of their many. All these get even more impressive given the unavailability of linebacker Jaelan Phillips.

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3. San Francisco 49ers

On paper, the 49ers possess the heaviest defense in the league. The team possesses the Nick Bosa–Chase Young pair in the middle, which saved things from getting even worse against the relentless Ravens attack. Despite allowing 30 points in the second and third quarter combined, the desperate 49ers’ defense limited the AFC leaders to 3.9 yards/carry. Surprisingly, the dual-threat Lamar Jackson-led offense only had a 50% red-zone success against the home side who had their backs to the wall.

2. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens were better known for their offense before the season, but with 50 sacks that has changed. Any defense that can force Brock Purdy to throw 4 interceptions doesn’t need a disclosure. They could have been the best defense considering yards allowed, if not for the 49ers’ 429 yards and 6.3 yards/play despite a disorganized offense.

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A rematch between them would be highly anticipated. And if it’s on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium, no one would ask for a better occasion.

1. Cleveland Browns

The Browns boast the best defense in the league for quite some time now. Led by none other than Myles Garrett, who won the mid-season Defensive Player of the Year award. The Browns are #1 in total defense, passing defense, and third-down defense. Their 266.6 yards/game and consistent defensive masterclasses further justify their ranking as the best NFL defense of 2023.

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