Top 10 defenses in the NFL through Week 4, 2021

Who are the NFL's top 10 defenses? #5 to #1

The countdown of the NFL's top defenses through Week 4 continues with the five leading groups.

#5 – New Orleans Saints

Cameron Jordan and C.J. Gardner-Johnson of the New Orleans Saints

Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' run defense has conceded fewer yards than the New Orleans Saints, which is the shining light of Dennis Allen's defense. The pass defense is way down as the 26th-best, or seventh-worst in the NFL.

However, their 69 points allowed is the fifth-best in the league and has assisted Sean Payton's team to start 2-2. Only three teams have more turnovers than the Saints' eight.

#4 – Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett

Myles Garrett is dominating for the Cleveland Browns in 2021, leading the league in sacks with 6.0, he is tops in tackles for loss with seven, and he is second in quarterback hits with 13. Both the pass and rush defenses are the third best in the league, and their 67 points allowed has helped the team go 3-1.

#3 – Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson

Phil Snow's young defensive group were at the top of the defensive charts in many metrics before facing a super-charged Dallas Cowboys offense in Week 4. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard caused the Carolina Panthers to slip to 10th in rush defense, but they remain the NFL's second-best pass defense. Their 67 points against has helped build a 3-1 record.

#2 – Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson tackles Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Marvin Jones Jr.

A rejuvenated Vonn Miller has brought the fear factor back to the Denver Broncos. 32-year-old even with Garrett on the tackle-for-loss charts with seven, and has also recorded seven QB hits. The Broncos are the seventh-best pass defense and fifth-best rush defense, and they have only allowed 49 points through four games.

#1 – Buffalo Bills

Members of the Buffalo Bills secondary celebrate an interception

Head coach Sean McDermott has built a Super-Bowl worthy defense, with strengths at every level. The Buffalo Bills have two shutouts, against the Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans, and have only conceded 44 points in four games.

The Bills have the fifth-best pass defense and fourth-best run defense, and they lead the league in turnovers with 11. Only Garrett and Miller have more QB hits than linebacker Matt Milano, who has six.