Which team has the best defense in the NFL? Ranking top 5 ahead of Week 8

In the NFL, offense wins games, and defense wins Championships. An elite NFL franchise typically has a decent offense and an elite defense.

In 2023, the team with the best defense in the league is the Cleveland Browns. They have been very impressive in 2023. Jim Schwartz has built a fortress in Cleveland, and that might be key to a postseason run this season.

The Browns have allowed just 243.0 per game this season, while their opponents have scored 19.2.

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Top 5 NFL defenses ahead of Week 8

It's not just the Browns that are bossing it on defense. Here are four other teams that have made the art of defense their strong suit:

#5 Dallas Cowboys

Jerry Jones' Cowboys have become synonymous with defense over the years, and 2023 isn't an anomaly. The Cowboys are limiting their opponents to a meager 16.7 per game, and that has led them to significant success.

The Cowboys D is led by the likes of Micah Parsons and Stephon Gilmore, and the team is notorious for their suffocating style of play.

#4 New Orleans Saints

The New Orleans Saints came into the 2023 NFL season with intentions to dominate on offense.

That was the point of signing perennial Pro Bowler Derek Carr. However, this year has been the year of the D in New Orleans. The Saints have let their opponents score just 18.1 points per game and 285.7 yards overall.

Of course, they will need to be better offensively if they desire to make some noise in the postseason. However, at this rate, they could be a top-three defense at the end of the season.

#3 Atlanta Falcons

Yet another team with an offense that leaves a lot to be desired, the Atlanta Falcons have relied on their defense to bail out Desmond Ridder and Co.

The team from the Southside has conceded just 285.4 per game, and their pass defense is a thing of beauty.

Sure, just like the other teams on the list, they will need to improve on offense. However, with the likes of Bryce Young, Jordan Love and Jared Goff pocketed, the sky is the limit for the rebuilding franchise.

#2 Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are arguably the most complete team in the NFL. The franchise has been dominant on both the offense and defense.

First off, the franchise has limited their opponents to a paltry 271.7 yards per game, the second lowest in the league.

Moreover, they've allowed just 13.9 per game, by far the best in the NFL. Just take a look at what they did to the previously high-flying Detroit Lions. You will understand how impressive the Ravens defensive unit is.

#1 Cleveland Browns

As mentioned above, the Browns have the best defense in the 2023 NFL season. If they make the postseason, it could be largely thanks to their impeccable defensive unit.