Our weekly NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus the biggest defensive issue for each team
NFL NationOct 13, 2026, 06:20 AM ET
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NFL teams are averaging 23.3 points in the 2026 season. Though some of those points have come from defensive touchdowns (but surprisingly no return TDs), it's mostly an indicator that offenses are getting into scoring territory a lot.
So why are defenses struggling so much? In addition to our updated 1-32 rankings, we asked our NFL Nation reporters to pick out the biggest defensive issue for each team. From secondary depth to third-down defense, what is causing each team to falter?
To form the list, our power panel of more than a dozen NFL analysts evaluates how all 32 teams stack up against one another. Here are a few highlights from this week's rankings:
The Patriots have returned to the top 10 after back-to-back wins over the Bills and Raiders. Sunday's win was catalyzed by another strong performance from quarterback Drake Maye, who led the team to its most points (45) and yards (536) in a game since 2021. The Patriots could continue their hot streak with matchups against the Jets and Dolphins in two of the next three weeks.
The Packers are also climbing back up our list after two losses in their first three games. Green Bay entered Sunday's matchup against Chicago as 1.5-point underdogs, but it completely dominated to avenge its wild-card loss last season. Quarterback Jordan Love's 367 passing yards were the second most by any QB in Bears-Packers series history, per ESPN Research.
The bottom three teams in our rankings (Chargers, Titans and Dolphins) are all 0-5. It's the fifth time since the 1970 merger that three teams from the same conference have started a season with that record, per ESPN Research. Los Angeles had the most excruciating loss of the bunch this past weekend, dropping a seven-point lead with nine minutes left against the Broncos.
Let's get into the full list, starting with the same No. 1 team from last week.
Previous rankings: Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
1. San Francisco 49ers (5-0)
Week 5 result: Beat the Seahawks 32-29
Week 5 ranking: 1
Biggest issue on defense: Third-down efficiency
Under new coordinator Raheem Morris, the Niners rank fifth in yards per play allowed (4.7) and have limited big plays as well as any team in the league. But they have struggled to get off the field consistently. The Niners rank 20th in third-down defense, giving up a first down on 40.8% of their opportunities. That has led to their defense being on the field for 31 minutes, 12 seconds per game, which ranks 23rd in the NFL. -- Nick Wagoner
2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
Week 5 result: Bye
Week 5 ranking: 2
Biggest issue on defense: Not enough sacks
The Chiefs can generate pressure on the quarterback, whether it's via Chris Jones, George Karlaftis or rookie R Mason Thomas. But they have one of the biggest statistical anomalies of the 2026 season: zero sacks in the first month. Before their bye week, they couldn't put Raiders QB Kirk Cousins on the turf despite a season-high 21 pressures. If the Chiefs can start collecting sacks, their defense could be a top unit in the second half of the season. -- Nate Taylor
3. Buffalo Bills (4-1)
Week 5 result: Beat the Rams 37-34 (OT)
Week 5 ranking: 4
Biggest issue on defense: Letting offenses off the hook
The Bills haven't had much issue pushing offenses backward on first down. But opponents have had far too much success extending drives in second-and-long and third-and-long situations. Plenty of this has to do with the Bills' dwindling cornerback depth, but that's hardly an excuse for how C.J. Stroud, Jared Goff, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford completed 74.6% of their passes for 558 yards and five touchdowns (80.8 QBR) on second downs against the Bills. -- Nick Suss
4. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
Week 5 result: Lost to the 49ers 32-29
Week 5 ranking: 3
Biggest issue on defense: Not enough stops in the red zone
The biggest problem for the Seahawks' defense might actually be Seattle's offense; the 44 points they've given up off turnovers is tied for most in the NFL. You have to look hard to find a true weakness with a unit that ranks second in both defensive EPA and ESPN's defensive efficiency metric, but the Seahawks are 27th in opponent red zone efficiency (75%) and tied for last in opponent goal-to-go efficiency (100%). Granted, they haven't allowed offenses to get that far down the field often -- only 12 times inside their 20 (tied for fifth fewest) and seven times inside their 10 (tied for seventh fewest). -- Brady Henderson
5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1)
Week 5 result: Beat the Eagles 19-17
Week 5 ranking: 5
Biggest issue on defense: Finishing with the pass rush
It's nitpicky, considering the Jaguars are No. 1 in run defense and second in scoring defense, but they could do a better job of getting sacks. Their 80 QB pressures are tied for sixth and 11 sacks rank ninth, but edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker only have 3.5 sacks combined. They each had 1.5 sacks in the season opener against the Browns but a half sack since (Walker last Sunday). Both are a large part of the run defense (63.8 yards per game) by setting the edge, but their sack production needs to increase. -- Michael DiRocco
6. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Week 5 result: Beat the Saints 23-13
Week 5 ranking: 9
Biggest issue on defense: Depth not tested yet
It's not easy to find a negative indicator from a defense that has been the league's best this season, based on NFL Next Gen Stats' expected point average. But because the Vikings have been almost entirely healthy, their depth at multiple positions is untested. In fact, eight defensive players have been on the field for at least 80% of the snaps. That doesn't mean the backups would falter in more prominent roles. It's just hard to judge based on game reps. -- Kevin Seifert
7. Baltimore Ravens (4-1)
Week 5 result: Beat the Falcons 30-23 (OT)
Week 5 ranking: 6
Biggest issue on defense: Getting stops on third down
The Ravens are allowing teams to convert 41.5% of their third downs, which ranks 20th in the NFL. It's frustrating because Baltimore seems as if it's winning on the early downs before giving up a big play on third down. Quarterbacks are averaging 8.7 yards per attempt on third down, the fifth highest in the league. The Ravens gave up nine third-down conversions Sunday, which are the most they've given up in a game in two seasons. "It obviously feels a lot better fixing those mistakes with a win," safety Kyle Hamilton said. "I might be a little too cynical or critical, but we can be better." -- Jamison Hensley
8. Los Angeles Rams (2-3)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Bills 37-34 (OT)
Week 5 ranking: 7
Biggest issue on defense: Missing Myles Garrett
The Rams' defense has been inconsistent at times, and it has only eight sacks this season (tied for sixth fewest in the NFL). But Los Angeles should get more sack production once the reigning Defensive Player of the Year is back on the field. Garrett, who had knee surgery in mid-September, is eligible to return to practice this week. Rams coach Sean McVay said the team is unlikely to open Garrett's 21-day practice window this week, but that the pass rusher is making "good progress." -- Sarah Barshop
9. New England Patriots (3-2)
Week 5 result: Beat the Raiders 45-17
Week 5 ranking: 14
Biggest issue on defense: Cornerback depth
They played with only three healthy CBs on Sunday, as starters Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) and Carlton Davis III (neck) were inactive, and rookie backups Karon Prunty and Channing Canada were unavailable because of hamstring injuries. When fill-in starter Charles Woods left the game in the second half because of a shoulder injury, it further thinned a perilous CB situation, leaving just Marcus Jones and Kindle Vildor as available options. New England has allowed a 66% completion percentage this season, which ranks 25th in the NFL. -- Mike Reiss
10. Denver Broncos (3-2)
Week 5 result: Beat the Chargers 23-17
Week 5 ranking: 10
Biggest issue on defense: Missed tackles
For a defense that continues to flash its teeth when the Broncos really need it -- they gave the offense the ball in Chargers territory on four of their five scoring drives Sunday, including three in the fourth quarter -- missed tackles continue to plague the group. From an astounding 19 missed tackles in the season opener to three missed tackles on Chargers running back Kimani Vidal's 42-yard touchdown run Sunday, Denver could get back to elite status if it cleans up its tackling. After giving up the second-fewest yards per game last season (278.2), the Broncos rank 22nd in 2026 (347.4). -- Jeff Legwold
0:39
Broncos defense shines in win over Chargers
11. Detroit Lions (3-2)
Week 5 result: Beat the Cardinals 45-21
Week 5 ranking: 16
Biggest issue on defense: A depleted secondary
Defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard was under fire after Detroit gave up 30 points in three of its first four games, though the Lions enjoyed a much better performance Sunday before heading into their bye week. The biggest struggles have been in the secondary, as they've given up a league-high 1,487 passing yards. To Detroit's defense, they entered the season without Pro Bowl safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph. And they're are missing safety Thomas Harper and defensive back Avonte Maddox, who are on injured reserve. Branch should return for Week 7 after being sidelined since December because of a torn Achilles. -- Eric Woodyard
12. Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Week 5 result: Beat the Dolphins 31-24
Week 5 ranking: 15
Biggest issue on defense: Stopping big runs
It has been boom or bust for Cincinnati's run defense. Though it has been good in spots, it has given up far too many big plays. The Bengals lead the NFL in giving up 21 carries of 10 or more yards, per ESPN Research. Seventeen of those have come the past three weeks. Even in Week 5, the Bengals surrendered 217 rushing yards, including 80 yards over expectation, per NFL Next Gen Stats. Improving the run defense will be crucial with the Bengals set to face the Ravens and Derrick Henry after the upcoming bye week. -- Ben Baby
13. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Packers 31-7
Week 5 ranking: 8
Biggest issue on defense: The secondary is more problematic than the pass rush
The Bears' preseason belief that their secondary would be the strength of the defense has gone out the window. That unit allowed Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love to complete six passes for 25-plus yards and has been trending down since a shootout with the Panthers in Week 1. Rookie defensive backs Dillon Thieneman and Malik Muhammad II will understandably experience growing pains, but the play of veteran cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson (77.3% of targets thrown into his coverage have been caught) and Tyrique Stevenson Sr. (allowing a 140.7 passer rating when targeted) is a major cause for concern. -- Courtney Cronin
14. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Week 5 result: Beat the Bears 31-7
Week 5 ranking: 23
Biggest issue on defense: Injuries to the front seven
In back-to-back weeks, the Packers lost linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to season-ending Achilles injuries. Cooper was their best linebacker; Hargrave their most experienced defensive lineman. And who knows when edge rusher Micah Parsons will play? He hasn't practiced since last year's torn ACL in Week 15. While they've struggled to get off the field on third down and they've been gashed on the ground a couple of times, the biggest issues are injuries and the corresponding absences of key players such as Cooper and Parsons. -- Rob Demovsky
15. Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Buccaneers 24-16
Week 5 ranking: 12
Biggest issue on defense: Everything!?
How do you pick just one issue when it comes to the Cowboys? They are giving up 27.3 points per game, which is 30th in the NFL. They are giving up 168.4 rushing yards per game, which is last in the league. They have recorded only five sacks and do not have an interception this season. Opposing quarterbacks are completing 72.3% of their passes. Through five games, new coordinator Christian Parker's defense might not be worse than it was under Matt Eberflus last season. But it is at least the same and a big reason why Dallas is 2-3. -- Todd Archer
2:28
Stephen A. is all smiles over Michael Irvin's Cowboys' disappointment
16. Philadelphia Eagles (2-3)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Jaguars 19-17
Week 5 ranking: 13
Biggest issue on defense: Fourth-quarter effectiveness
There have been stretches in games, including Sunday, when coordinator Vic Fangio's unit looks as dominant as advertised. But the closing quarter has not been kind. Philly is last in opponent yards (648), 31st in touchdowns allowed (six) and 30th in opponent success rate (52.5%) in the final frame. The struggle is almost certainly linked to how much the defense is on the field, working opposite an Eagles offense that leads the league in three-and-outs (20). This defense is tied for the second-most snaps (332) in the NFL and will continue to wear down if that amount of usage continues. -- Tim McManus
17. Las Vegas Raiders (3-2)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Patriots 45-17
Week 5 ranking: 11
Biggest issue on defense: Growing pains in the secondary are kicking in
Rookie cornerback Hezekiah Masses had a strong start, being named the AFC's Defensive Player of the Week after the Raiders' Week 2 win over the Chargers. But Masses has allowed nine catches, 155 yards, two touchdowns, and a 60% completion percentage the past three games. Against the Patriots, the Raiders' young trio of defensive backs -- Masses, rookie safety Treydan Stukes and second-year cornerback Darien Porter -- all struggled. Porter gave up a 49-yard reception to wide receiver Kyle Williams. Stukes gave up three catches for 59 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown in the first quarter. -- Ryan McFadden
18. Carolina Panthers (2-2)
Week 5 result: Bye
Week 5 ranking: 18
Biggest issue on defense: Starting cornerbacks on IR
With Jaycee Horn (quad) and Mike Jackson (groin) on IR, the Panthers enter Week 6 with rookie Will Lee III and special teams ace Akayleb Evans penciled in as starting cornerbacks. In their Week 4 win over the Lions, Evans allowed 12 catches for 208 yards and a touchdown (on 16 targets), according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Lee had a better outing (four catches for 47 yards on seven targets). The Panthers could use some help at the position or a significant switch-up in the starting lineup. Chau Smith-Wade, a 2024 fifth-round pick, is an option. -- Mike Kaye
19. New York Giants (3-1-1)
Week 5 result: Tied the Commanders 27-27 (OT)
Week 5 ranking: 17
Biggest issue on defense: Interior defensive line depth
The Giants are thin on the interior of their defensive line, so it's no wonder they are ranked 25th in run defense (127.6 rushing yards allowed per game), and 30th with 5.19 yards allowed per carry. On the Commanders' first two long touchdown runs Sunday, starting defensive linemen DJ Reader and Shelby Harris were off the field in place of Darius Alexander and CJ Okoye. New York is going to need to find a more palatable rotation. -- Jordan Raanan
20. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
Week 5 result: Beat the Colts 34-22
Week 5 ranking: 20
Biggest issue on defense: Lack of secondary depth
The Steelers' secondary has been in flux since Joey Porter Jr. began the hold-in during training camp that ultimately ended with his trade to the Cowboys. As a result, the Steelers' secondary has been plagued with inconsistent play and busted coverages. Porter's absence and departure, coupled with Jamel Dean's ankle injury, forced rookie Daylen Everette into more action. And Asante Samuel Jr. hasn't replicated his training camp performance. At safety, starter DeShon Elliott unexpectedly began the season on IR while still recovering from his 2025 knee injury, and free agent acquisition Jaquan Brisker has underperformed. Rookie Robert Spears-Jennings has shown promise, but he's still young. -- Brooke Pryor
21. Houston Texans (1-4)
Week 5 result: Beat the Titans 26-3
Week 5 ranking: 24
Biggest issue on defense: Health at all three levels
The Texans have dealt with injuries to key players. Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair sat out time because of a groin injury. Nickel back Jalen Pitre just sustained a shoulder injury against the Titans, defensive tackle Kayden McDonald was on IR because of a quad injury to start the season, and linebacker Henry To'oTo'o landed on IR after Week 1 because of a shoulder injury. That's factored into their pass defense giving up 234 passing yards a game (23rd). And overall, Houston is tied for 15th in scoring defense after ranking second last season (17.4). -- DJ Bien-Aime
22. Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Ravens 30-23 (OT)
Week 5 ranking: 25
Biggest issue on defense: Not enough takeaways
The Falcons have made great improvements against the run compared to last season. And Atlanta's pass rush has been better than expected despite the loss of edge rushers Jalon Walker (torn ACL) and James Pearce Jr. (suspension). But the Falcons' secondary has been banged up, with top cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (groin) on injured reserve and his replacement C.J. Henderson (groin) being injured in Sunday's loss. Atlanta has only one interception this season; 27 teams have more. Coach Kevin Stefanski has preached winning the turnover battle, which means the Falcons need to generate more takeaway opportunities. -- Marc Raimondi
23. Cleveland Browns (3-2)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Jets 17-12
Week 5 ranking: 19
Biggest issue on defense: Run defense
The Browns' defense rebounded after giving up 34 points to the Jaguars in Week 1, but the inability to stop the run has been a consistent theme this season. Cleveland is giving up 4.5 yards per attempt, the ninth-worst mark in the NFL. And its success rate on opponent rushes (52.8%) is the second-worst mark in the league. Tackling has been an issue; opponents are averaging 2.53 yards after contact per rush, which ranks 30th. -- Daniel Oyefusi
24. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Steelers 34-22
Week 5 ranking: 22
Biggest issue on defense: Poor tackling
The Colts have a litany of issues on defense, but tackling is a fundamental problem that affects many areas. Consider: They rank 28th in yards allowed after contact, with opponents racking up 482 yards after first contact. That showed up repeatedly Sunday, including on a 50-yard touchdown run from Steelers running back Jaylen Warren. It's not a coincidence the Colts are 31st in the league in yards allowed per play (6.2). Most responsible for this issue are the team's underwhelming linebackers. -- Stephen Holder
25. New York Jets (2-3)
Week 5 result: Beat the Browns 17-12
Week 5 ranking: 26
Biggest issue on defense: Interceptions are rare
The frequency is roughly the same as a term in the House of Representatives -- every two years. The Jets have intercepted only one pass in the past 22 games, with safety Minkah Fitzpatrick ending a historic, 20-game drought in last week's loss to the Bears. On Sunday, he had a chance to make it two games in a row, but he dropped a would-be pick. The Jets are playing more zone than man-to-man this season, which makes the low total even more perplexing. The Cowboys are the only team with zero interceptions. -- Rich Cimini
26. New Orleans Saints (1-4)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Vikings 23-13
Week 5 ranking: 21
Biggest issue on defense: Interior defensive line
The Saints' defensive line has been confusing this season. Their depth issues started when Bryan Bresee tore his ACL in training camp, yet rookie second-round pick Christen Miller has barely been on the field. That lack of depth showed up Sunday, when two defensive linemen were inactive due to sickness and the team allowed a 100-yard rusher for the second straight game. The Saints rank 30th in rushing yards allowed and haven't had much of an interior pass rush this season. -- Katherine Terrell
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4)
Week 5 result: Beat the Cowboys 24-16
Week 5 ranking: 30
Biggest issue on defense: Inconsistency
You don't know who or what you're going to get with the Bucs right now. Take inside linebacker Alex Anzalone, who struggled mightily early in the season but was a standout Thursday night with his game-sealing interception. There was a reason he was tested so many times by Dak Prescott over the middle. When the offense doesn't turn the ball over, and the defense can get some takeaways of its own, the Bucs can make enough plays to win games. The key is doing it on a play-by-play and week-to-week basis. -- Jenna Laine
28. Washington Commanders (1-3-1)
Week 5 result: Tied the Giants 27-27 (OT)
Week 5 ranking: 27
Biggest issue on defense: Performing in the second half
The Commanders are last in second-half points allowed per game (19) and 28th in second-half yards allowed per game (151.2). They have given up 20 or more points after halftime in each of the past four games, which includes a blown two-touchdown lead Sunday. One big issue has been a lack of pressure. Washington ranks 28th in sacks per dropback in the second half. Their secondary has played better, but it lacks playmakers. That issue, combined with little pressure, is why the Commanders are giving up a third-down percentage of 53.1% after halftime. -- John Keim
2:35
Schefter: Everyone deserves blame for Commanders clock management fiasco
29. Arizona Cardinals (1-4)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Lions 45-21
Week 5 ranking: 29
Biggest issue on defense: Defending the pass
The alternative answer was everything, and though that might sound hyperbolic, it's not far from the truth. Arizona is giving up a league-high 32.4 points per game and has the second-worst point differential in the NFL (minus-54). But the core of the Cardinals' defensive issues are coming against the pass. Arizona is giving up a league-worst 8.5 net yards per attempt and 236.8 passing yards per game (25th in the NFL). And when it comes time to stop touchdown passes, the Cardinals continue to struggle, with opposing quarterbacks completing 10.1% of their passes for touchdowns (highest rate in the NFL). -- Josh Weinfuss
30. Los Angeles Chargers (0-5)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Broncos 23-17
Week 5 ranking: 28
Biggest issue on defense: Allowing points in short-field situations
According to defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary, a key emphasis for the Chargers during practice last week was the defense needing to rise up against a "sudden change opportunity." But they gave up points three times in four post-turnover possessions Sunday (a touchdown and two field goals) and the fourth was a missed field goal attempt. It's not an easy task, but with the offense giving away a league-high 13 turnovers, short fields are becoming common. Limiting touchdowns and generating quick stops can make a difference. -- Anthony Gharib
31. Tennessee Titans (0-5)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Texans 26-3
Week 5 ranking: 31
Biggest issue on defense: Poor communication on the back end
Coach Robert Saleh's scheme has been tough for the secondary to grasp so far. That has been shown on some blown coverages leading to touchdowns this season. Some of it has been as simple as identifying which receiver is No. 1 on a particular side of the formation. Other times, it has been miscommunication in telling one of the defensive backs where to go in his deep part of the zone. Saleh has preached how it will take time for his players to master his scheme, but the clock is ticking as the losses keep accumulating. -- Turron Davenport
32. Miami Dolphins (0-5)
Week 5 result: Lost to the Bengals 31-24
Week 5 ranking: 32
Biggest issue on defense: Rushing the passer
It took the Dolphins until the first snap of their fourth game of the season to record their first sack, but they still have the NFL's second-worst sack rate. Their issues pressuring opposing quarterbacks has compounded into easy completions -- Miami ranks last in both opposing QBR and completion percentage. Going into the season, the Dolphins were thin at pass rusher behind Chop Robinson, but the former first-round pick also started slow. With one of the NFL's youngest secondaries, Miami will continue to struggle against the pass until it can impact opposing QBs more consistently. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques
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