In the exciting world of NFL betting, assessing the strength of the defense is a key factor in making smart decisions. A solid defense not only prevents the opponent from scoring but also creates turnovers, changing the game. This article Bestsoccertips will analyze in depth the top defenses in the NFL, helping you understand their strengths, weaknesses and how they affect the outcome of the game, thereby increasing the odds of winning bets.
Who are the top defenses in the NFL?
Top 10: Philadelphia Eagles (1991)
The 2000 Baltimore Ravens boasted one of the most solid defenses in NFL history. The team allowed just 165 points in the regular season, the fewest in the 16-game era. They allowed an average of 10.3 points per game and kept their opponents scoreless in four games. Notably, no team allowed more than 14 points against them during the season without a defensive or special play. Despite a lackluster offense, the Ravens maintained consistency and advanced to the playoffs thanks to their excellent defense.
The backbone of this defense was Ray Lewis, who won the Defensive Player of the Year award. In addition, names like Rod Woodson, Peter Boulware, Tony Siragusa and Sam Adams also contributed to building a solid wall of steel. Entering the playoffs, the Ravens allowed just 23 points in four games, culminating in a 34-7 victory over the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV. The Giants’ only points came on a touchdown return, demonstrating the impenetrability of the Ravens’ defense. This team changed the way defense was viewed in the Super Bowl.
Top 9: New York Giants (1986)
The 1986 New York Giants boasted a formidable defense that helped them win their first Super Bowl. Under coach Bill Parcells, the Giants finished the regular season 14-2, second in the league in points conceded and yards conceded. Their defense, known as the Big Blue Wrecking Crew, was able to put a lot of pressure on opponents, especially thanks to the brilliance of Lawrence Taylor – one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. Taylor won MVP that season, becoming one of the few defensive players to achieve the honor.
In the playoffs, the Giants continued their dominance with two perfect games: they destroyed the San Francisco 49ers 49-3 and defeated the Washington Redskins 17-0 to advance to Super Bowl XXI. In the decisive game, they faced the Denver Broncos and won convincingly 39-20. The Giants’ defense completely shut down John Elway, making it difficult for him throughout the game. The Giants’ success not only brought them a Super Bowl title, but also laid the foundation for a solid defensive era that made them one of the best teams of the 1980s.
Top 8: Minnesota Vikings (1971)
The 1971 Minnesota Vikings boasted one of the most formidable defenses in NFL history, nicknamed the Purple People Eaters. With the slogan “Meet the Quarterback,” they were known for their fast-paced approach and not allowing opposing quarterbacks enough time to make effective passes. As a result, they forced opposing quarterbacks to average a passer rating of 40.4, one of the lowest on record. Led by Alan Page, Jim Marshall, Carl Eller, and Gary Larsen, the Vikings defense was a force to be reckoned with.
They finished the regular season 11-3, holding three clean sheets and allowing only 20+ points to one team. Their stellar performances earned Alan Page the distinction of being the first defensive player in NFL history to win MVP. However, despite topping the NFC Central, the Vikings fell 12-20 to the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional playoffs. Although they failed to advance to the Super Bowl, the Purple People Eaters are still remembered as one of the greatest defenses the NFL has ever seen.
Top 7: Seattle Seahawks (2013)
The 2013 Seattle Seahawks were known for their legendary defense, the Legion of Boom, one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. Under coach Pete Carroll, the Seahawks finished the regular season with a 13-3 record, leading the league in three key categories: fewest points allowed, fewest yards gained by an opponent, and most turnovers. This is a feat that only the 1985 Chicago Bears had previously achieved. The defensive trio of Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor turned the Seahawks defense into a nightmare for any opponent.
They continued their dominance in the playoffs, defeating the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers to reach Super Bowl XLVIII. In the decisive game, they faced the Denver Broncos – the NFL’s best offense that season, led by Peyton Manning. But the Seahawks smothered the Broncos in a 43-8 rout, leaving Manning unable to unleash his offensive prowess. This was the first Super Bowl championship in Seattle Seahawks history, capping a perfect season and cementing the Legion of Boom as one of the greatest defenses of all time.
Top 6: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2002)
The 1985 Chicago Bears set the gold standard for a dominant defense. With Buddy Ryan’s revolutionary “46 Defense” system, they made it difficult for opponents to score points. Finishing the season 15-1, the Bears allowed an average of just 12.4 points per game and forced 54 turnovers. Their pinnacle came in Super Bowl XX, where the Bears crushed the New England Patriots 46-10, cementing their status as one of the greatest defenses in NFL history.
Fifteen years later, the Baltimore Ravens (2000) followed the Bears’ lead with an impenetrable defense. Led by Ray Lewis, the Ravens set a record by allowing just 165 points in the entire season—the fewest in a 16-game season. They forced 49 turnovers and kept four clean sheets. Like the 1985 Bears, the Ravens’ defensive prowess helped them dominate Super Bowl XXXV, defeating the New York Giants 34-7. Both teams have proven that a great defense can carry a team to glory, even when the offense is not so outstanding.
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Top 5: Denver Broncos (2015)
The 2015 Denver Broncos boasted one of the most fearsome defenses in the NFL, nicknamed the “No Fly Zone.” Led by Von Miller and a stellar linebacker cast, the Broncos made every pass a dead end. They finished the season with 52 sacks and forced 27 turnovers. In Super Bowl 50, the Broncos defense stifled the Carolina Panthers and Cam Newton, helping the team win 24-10. Their dominance proved that defense can still determine victory in the modern era of football.
Two years earlier, the Seattle Seahawks (2013) with the “Legion of Boom” also set a new standard of defense. With Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor running the backfield, the Seahawks finished the season with the league’s best defense, allowing just 14.4 points per game. They showed absolute dominance in Super Bowl XLVIII, crushing Peyton Manning’s Denver Broncos 43-8. Both the 2013 Seahawks and 2015 Broncos proved that in an era of explosive offenses, a solid defense can still win titles.
Top 4: Pittsburgh Steelers (1976)
The 1976 Pittsburgh Steelers were a testament to the sheer defensive prowess of the NFL. For Steelers fans, 1976 may not be the fondest of memories as the team failed to defend their third consecutive Super Bowl title. However, the year saw the rise of one of the greatest defenses in league history, the ‘Steel Curtain’. The season started off rough with a 1-4 record, and an injury to legendary quarterback Terry Bradshaw left the team’s future in doubt. But it was during that time that the ‘Steel Curtain’ showed its extraordinary power.
They went on a nine-game winning streak, won the AFC Central title, and had five clean sheets, including three in a row. During that winning streak, the Steelers did not allow a point for eight quarters. What made Pittsburgh’s 1976 team immortal was that they only allowed 28 points in the final nine games of the season. This dominant defensive performance earned eight of their players selections to the 1976 Pro Bowl. With legends like Mean Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, and Mel Blount, the ‘Steel Curtain’ of 1976 was not only one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, but also a monument to sheer resilience and defensive prowess.
Top 3: Miami Dolphins (1972)
When it comes to the greatest defenses in history The 1972 Miami Dolphins of the NFL are often overlooked. Perhaps because it was only the seventh year since the team was founded, or because of some unfortunate prejudice. However, there is no denying that the 1972 Dolphins have gone down in football history as the only team to complete a perfect season. While other teams have gone undefeated in the regular season, like the 2007 New England Patriots, no team has finished the season without a tie, and more importantly, won the Super Bowl. The 1972 Miami Dolphins remain the epitome of perfection, the only team to win every game, regular season and playoffs.
It is worth noting that, like many other top defenses, the Dolphins were hampered by injuries to star quarterback Bob Griese. However, they still maintained an incredible offensive prowess, thanks to the talents of Earl Morrall. That season, the Dolphins posted impressive defensive numbers, leading the league in both total offense and defense, as well as points scored and allowed. They are the only team in NFL history to accomplish this feat. Numbers don’t lie, and the sheer dominance of the 1972 Miami Dolphins is etched into football history. Not just because of their outstanding defensive numbers, but because of the all-around dominance they displayed. We may never see another team repeat their feat of winning every game in both the regular season and the playoffs.
Top 2: Baltimore Ravens (2000)
The 2000 Baltimore Ravens didn’t play traditional football—they hunted down opponents. Ray Lewis and company didn’t just stop offenses, they crushed them. With an average of 10.3 points allowed per game, four clean sheets, and 49 turnovers, the Ravens weren’t just a team, they were a nightmare. When they entered Super Bowl XXXV, the New York Giants had no chance—the game ended 34-7, and the Ravens took the throne with their most feared weapon: defense.
Two years later, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t just continue that path, they turned defense into an art form. Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and John Lynch didn’t just stop offenses, they made quarterbacks think twice. Their passer rating was just 48.4—the lowest in nearly two decades. And when they entered Super Bowl XXXVII, they didn’t just win, they tore apart the Oakland Raiders 48-21. The 2000 Ravens and 2002 Buccaneers were proof that defenses can not only protect, but also determine the fate of a season.
Top 1: Chicago Bears (1985)
1985 saw the Chicago Bears’ defense dominate, one of the best defensive performances in NFL history. They started the season with a 12-game winning streak, before suffering their only loss to the Miami Dolphins. Finishing the regular season with a 15-1 record, the Bears advanced to the playoffs and won the Super Bowl in a landslide against the New England Patriots. The Bears’ defensive prowess in 1985 became legendary, setting records that are unlikely to be broken.
The Bears’ defensive statistics are truly astounding. They allowed just 198 points all season, an average of 12.4 points per game. The Bears were the first team to lead the league in points allowed, yards allowed, and steals, a feat only duplicated by the Seattle Seahawks in 2013. The Bears also hold the record for the best point differential in an NFL season, trailing only the 2007 New England Patriots and the 1942 Bears themselves. With legends like Mike Singletary, Dan Hampton, and Richard Dent, the 1985 Chicago Bears defense created an immortal legacy, a monument to strength and dominance in NFL history.
In Conclusion
Understanding the strength of defenses is absolutely essential to success in NFL betting. Always stay updated with information about the form, strength and playing style of the teams. Don’t forget, a top defenses in the NFL can do wonders, even when facing the strongest offenses. Be confident in your wise choices and wish you resounding victories on all fronts!
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