NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense?

NFL power rankings: Which teams will have the best defense this season?

Dec 18, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos safety Justin Simmons (31) celebrates his second interception with Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II (2) against the Arizona Cardinals at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

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Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) celebrates a sack during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

31. Minnesota Vikings

Notable additions: CB Byron Murphy, EDGE Marcus Davenport
Notable losses: EDGE Za’Darius Smith, DT Dalvin Tomlinson, CB Patrick Peterson, ILB Eric Kendricks
2022 scoring defense: 30th
2022 yards defense: 31st

The Vikings’ defense struggled in 2022, finishing in the bottom three in the league in both points allowed and yards allowed.

To make matters worse, they lost key pieces in edge rusher Za’Darius Smith and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson. Last season, Smith was an elite pass rusher, recording 10 sacks and 37 pressures. Meanwhile, PFF ranks Tomlinson as the 18th-best interior defender in the NFL.

Free-agent addition Marcus Davenport has upside. In 2021, he had nine sacks and 21 pressures, but his production dipped last season. In 15 games, he posted only 0.5 sacks and 14 pressures. Even if Davenport has a bounce-back season, it will not be enough to elevate the unit as a whole.

Barring any unforeseen developments, the Vikings’ defense seems destined to be a bottom-three unit, once again.

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