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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Sep 25, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) celebrates after intercepting a pass thrown by New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (not seen) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Baltimore Ravens

Notable additions: CB Rock Ya-Sin
Notable losses: DE Calais Campbell, S Chuck Clark
2022 scoring defense: 3rd
2022 yards defense: 9th

Cornerback Marcus Peters and edge rusher Justin Houston remain free agents. Neither player is officially a “loss”, but their returns appear to be unlikely.

Both players represent significant potential losses. Since 2015, Peters leads the NFL in interceptions (32). Last season, Houston led the Ravens in sacks (9.5).

After finishing as the 19th-best scoring defense in 2021, the Ravens’ defense took a huge leap forward in 2022. They made big moves to improve their secondary, acquiring safeties Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton. Both moves paid off. In 10 games, Williams hauled in a team-high four interceptions. Meanwhile, Hamilton posted a PFF grade of 82.3.

Furthermore, the Ravens held opponents to 3.9 yards per carry (3rd-best in the NFL). There is no reason to anticipate a significant drop in that category this season.

In 2023, the Ravens’ defense could take a small step back, but they should still be one of the best all-around units in the league.

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