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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Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) celebrates after a sack during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. San Francisco 49ers

Notable additions: DT Javon Hargrave
Notable losses: DE Charles Omenihu, DE Samson Ebukam, S Jimmie Ward, CB Emmanuel Moseley, LB Azeez Al-Shaair
2022 scoring defense: 1st
2022 yards defense: 1st

Right now, this is not much of a debate. In 2022, the 49ers’ defense led the NFL in opponent points per game (16.3) and opponent yards per game (300.6). Here are some other notable statistics from last season:

2nd in takeaways (30)
2nd in first downs allowed (291)
2nd in opponent yards per carry (3.4)
4th in opponent average time per drive (2:38)

The 49ers did lose some depth, but they pulled off a major coup by signing Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. As I previously mentioned, he has recorded a 92.4 PFF pass-rush grade over the past two seasons (including the playoffs), which is the second-highest mark in the NFL behind only Aaron Donald.

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