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Defenses in the NFL often don't get as much recognition as offenses, but they are just as important to a team's success. A strong defense keeps teams alive in every game and gives their offense a better chance to win it. A poor defense can, sometimes, destroy any chance a team has to win.
The best defenses limit yardage allowed, keep points off the board, force turnovers and create sacks. Versatility and balance are the key to a dominant defense. Here are the top ten defenses following the conclusion of Week 10 of the 2021 NFL season.
Best NFL defenses in 2021: Top 10
#10 - Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns had one of the top defenses in the NFL on paper entering the 2021 NFL season. They have allowed too many points this year, ranking 20th in the NFL but are in the top five in total yards and in rushing defense. The Browns have the most sacks in the NFL with 29, thanks to a league-leading 13 by Myles Garrett. He is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
#9 - Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have very quietly been one of the top defenses this season. They currently rank fourth in points allowed per game and seventh in yards allowed per game. Their defensive secondary is one of their biggest strengths, led by superstar safety Justin Simmons.
They will move forward without their legendary pass rusher Von Miller after trading him to the Los Angeles Rams. He is a future Hall of Famer and one of the best defensive players of the last decade.
Also Check Out: Complete NFL Bye Weeks 2021 Schedule
Best NFL defenses in 2021: Top 8
#8 - Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their defense and are toward the top, once again, in the 2021 NFL season. T.J. Watt has the second-most sacks this season. He sits just one half of a sack behind the leader while playing in two fewer games. He is the engine that drives their defense while Minkah Fitzpatrick is their best playmaker on the back end in the secondary.
#7 - Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams defense has been driven by two elite superstars the past couple of years. Aaron Donald is one of the best all-round players in the NFL while Jalen Ramsey is one of the top cornerbacks. They recently added a third superstar to the list. The Rams are tied for the most sacks in the league this season, and Von Miller can help them get that number even higher down the stretch.
#6 - New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints defense is loaded with veterans who play a smart and intense brand of football. They have great chemistry as a unit. Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis and Marshon Lattimore are the leaders at each of the three levels. Their best attribute is their rushing defense. They have the number one ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing just 72.9 yards per game on the ground.
#5 - Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals defense has far exceeded expectations this season as they crack into the top five overall. They rank in the top five in the NFL in points allowed per game, total yards allowed per game and passing yards allowed per game. Their top two pass rushers, Markus Golden and Chandler Jones, have combined for 15 sacks. They are both in the top ten in sacks individually.
Best NFL defenses in 2021: Top 4
#4 - Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers defense has been much better than most thought it would be prior to the 2021 NFL season. They currently rank second in yards allowed per game and sixth in points allowed per game. They recently added Stephon Gilmore, one of the best cornerbacks in the league. Haason Reddick is having a breakout year with 9.5 sacks, the fourth most in the NFL.
#3 - New England Patriots
Bill Belichick, once again, has the Patriots defense toward the top of the NFL. They rank second in points allowed per game and sixth in yards allowed per game. Matthew Judon was a huge offseason addition for them. His 9.5 sacks are the fourth most in the NFL. Cornerback J.C. Jackson is one of the best coverage defenders. His five interceptions are the second-most among all players.
#2 - Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers are one of only two defenses to be ranked in the top three in the NFL in both yards allowed per game and points allowed per game. They also rank in the top five in interceptions as a team. Most impressive is that they have done all of this without cornerback Jaire Alexander for the majority of the season due to injury. He is the best player on their defense.
#1 - Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are the top defense this season by a pretty wide margin. They lead the NFL this year in yards allowed per game and points allowed per game while ranking second in passing defense and third in rushing defense. Their 15 interceptions are also the most in the NFL this season. They are balanced and dominant at every level.
