Who has the best defense in the NFL Playoffs' Championship week? Ranking all 4 units feat. Eagles

The Conference Championship round of the NFL Playoffs has arrived as the final four teams battle for a spot in the Super Bowl. While most of the focus has been on the four quarterbacks, as usual, the defenses are likely to play a major factor in which teams will advance. Here's how the four defense stack up in this week's rankings.

Defense rankings for Conference Championship round of NFL Playoffs

Defense rankings

#4 - Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders' passing defense was excellent during the 2024 NFL season, allowing the third-fewest passing yards per game this year. Their rushing was exactly the opposite, allowing the third-most rushing yards per game to their opponents.

This could be a major issue when they take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who heavily feature Saquon Barkley in their offensive gameplan. He has totaled a massive 348 scrimmage yards in two games against them already this year, so this will be one of the key matchups to keep an eye on.

#3 - Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs' defense has been as important to their success this year as anything else. They have allowed the ninth-fewest yards per game to their opponents and the fourth-fewest points. They also sacked C.J. Stroud eight times in their playoff victory last week.

The Conference Championship round of the NFL Playoffs will present a more challenging situation for them as they take on MVP favorite Josh Allen and the surging Buffalo Bills. Allen put up 30 points against them in their first meeting this year in a Bills victory, so the Chiefs defense will need to step up in this one.

#2 - Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills' defense has thrived on forcing their opponents to commit turnovers. Their 32 takeaways were the third-most in the entire NFL this season and their impressive +24 turnover differential was ranked first by far, with the next closest teams eight points behind.

They have continued this trend by already forcing three of them in the NFL Playoffs this year and have yet to turn the ball over themselves. This could make a huge difference in the Conference Championship if they can keep it going.

#1 - Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles are the best remaining defense in the NFL Playoffs by a significant margin. They were also the best overall unit during the regular season. They allowed the fewest total yards per game and second-fewest points per game as the only team to rank inside of the top-five in both categories.

They have elevated their game even further during the NFL Playoffs, including forcing six total turnovers. The biggest issue they face in the Conference Championship round is containing Jayden Daniels, who threw for five touchdown passes and scored 36 points the last time these two teams faced off.