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NFL Teams Ranked by Passing Defense: 2025 Season

Elite pass defenses kill totals. Weak secondaries make overs automatic. The 2025 NFL season through Week 13 has shown which defenses can actually stop the pass. Some teams are holding quarterbacks under 170 yards per game and forcing turnovers. Others are getting torched for 250+ yards every single week. This ranking breaks down all 32 teams by their passing defense. We're tracking yards allowed per game, touchdowns allowed, interceptions, sacks, opponent passer rating, and yards per attempt allowed. These metrics predict totals, player props, and whether quarterbacks will cook or get shut down.

January 22, 2026

NFL Teams Ranked by Passing Defense: 2025 Season

Elite pass defenses kill totals. Weak secondaries make overs automatic.

The 2025 NFL season through Week 13 has shown which defenses can actually stop the pass. Some teams are holding quarterbacks under 170 yards per game and forcing turnovers. Others are getting torched for 250+ yards every single week.

This ranking breaks down all 32 teams by their passing defense. We're tracking yards allowed per game, touchdowns allowed, interceptions, sacks, opponent passer rating, and yards per attempt allowed. These metrics predict totals, player props, and whether quarterbacks will cook or get shut down.

Sharp bettors know passing defense predicts totals better than almost any other stat. Elite pass defenses (under 180 yards allowed per game, under 6.5 yards per attempt allowed, under 80 opponent passer rating) kill totals and make opposing quarterback props unplayable. Weak pass defenses (over 230 yards allowed per game, over 7.5 yards per attempt allowed, over 100 opponent passer rating) inflate totals and make opposing quarterback props automatic money.

No fluff. Just the rankings that matter for betting smarter.

The Top 10 Elite Pass Defenses

These defenses are shutting down quarterbacks every single week. If you're betting unders or fading opposing quarterback props, this is your starting lineup.

#1: Cleveland Browns (165.2 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Browns boast the NFL's best pass defense, allowing just 165.2 yards per game and 2,149 total passing yards through 13 games. Cleveland has allowed 20 passing touchdowns while recording 10 interceptions. They lead the entire league with 44 sacks (tied with the Chargers), generating constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Browns hold opponents to a 63.3% completion rate with an 89.8 opponent passer rating. They allow 6.8 yards per attempt, which is higher than some lower-ranked teams, but their volume suppression is elite.

Betting angle: Browns unders are automatic money. Opposing quarterback passing yardage props are fade material. When Cleveland faces a weak offense (Jets, Titans, Raiders), hammer unders because they'll suffocate the passing game completely. Browns team total unders are also profitable because games become defensive slogs.

#2: Buffalo Bills (171.8 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Bills rank second, allowing 171.8 passing yards per game and 2,234 total yards. Buffalo has been exceptional against the pass, allowing only 16 touchdown passes (third-fewest in the NFL) while recording 10 interceptions. They hold opponents to a 60.5% completion rate (fifth-lowest in the league) and a strong 83.5 passer rating. The Bills have generated 28 sacks and allow just 6.7 yards per attempt, demonstrating excellent coverage and pressure combined.

Betting angle: Bills unders are sharp plays, especially when they face mediocre quarterbacks. Fade opposing quarterback passing touchdown props because Buffalo rarely gives up scores through the air. Bills games stay low-scoring when their offense is also grinding clock with James Cook.

#3: Houston Texans (172.0 Yards Allowed/Game)

Houston features the NFL's most dominant pass defense, allowing 172.0 yards per game. The Texans lead the league in fewest passing touchdowns allowed with just 12 (extraordinary achievement). They've recorded 13 interceptions and generated 43 sacks (third-most in the league). Houston holds opponents to the lowest completion percentage at 57.1% and the best opponent passer rating at 69.8 (lowest in the NFL). They also allow the second-lowest yards per attempt at just 5.5, making them the most efficient pass defense in football.

Betting angle: Texans unders are automatic. Opposing quarterback props are complete fade material. Houston makes elite quarterbacks look average and average quarterbacks look terrible. When Houston plays at home, hammer unders because their pass rush dominates in that environment.

#4: Minnesota Vikings (172.3 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Vikings allow 172.3 passing yards per game and have accumulated 2,239 total yards allowed. Minnesota has allowed only 13 passing touchdowns (tied for second-fewest with Kansas City) while leading the league with 15 interceptions (tied with four other teams). They've generated 39 sacks and hold opponents to a 59.9% completion rate (third-lowest in the league). The Vikings' 90.8 opponent passer rating is excellent, and they allow 6.6 yards per attempt.

Betting angle: Vikings unders are sharp plays. Minnesota forces turnovers at an elite rate, which kills opposing drives and deflates totals. Fade opposing quarterback passing yardage props. Vikings games in cold weather become automatic unders because their defense dominates.

#5: Los Angeles Chargers (173.2 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Chargers rank fifth, allowing 173.2 yards per game. Los Angeles has allowed 15 passing touchdowns while recording 15 interceptions (tied for the league lead). They've generated a league-leading 44 sacks (tied with Cleveland), creating havoc in opposing backfields. The Chargers hold opponents to a 60.4% completion rate and post the second-best opponent passer rating at 73.0. They allow 5.8 yards per attempt (third-lowest in the NFL), showcasing their elite coverage ability.

Betting angle: Chargers unders are automatic when they face weak offensive lines. Los Angeles will get to the quarterback fast and force mistakes. Fade opposing quarterback props entirely. Chargers games become defensive battles because their offense also struggles to score consistently.

#6: New Orleans Saints (182.6 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Saints allow 182.6 passing yards per game and 2,372 total yards. New Orleans has struggled with allowing 21 passing touchdowns while recording only 8 interceptions. They've generated 28 sacks and hold opponents to a 65.6% completion rate. The Saints' 96.5 opponent passer rating is in the middle of the pack, and they allow 7.1 yards per attempt. The lack of turnovers is concerning for a defense that otherwise suppresses volume well.

Betting angle: Saints unders are situationally profitable. They suppress volume but allow touchdowns at a higher rate. Bet Saints unders when facing run-heavy offenses (Ravens, Bears, Bills). Fade when facing elite passing attacks because they don't generate enough turnovers.

#7: Green Bay Packers (185.8 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Packers allow 185.8 passing yards per game and 2,417 total yards. Green Bay has allowed 17 passing touchdowns while recording only 7 interceptions (fewest among top-10 defenses). They've generated 33 sacks and hold opponents to a 65.3% completion rate. The Packers post an 88.3 opponent passer rating and allow 6.1 yards per attempt, demonstrating strong efficiency despite fewer turnovers.

Betting angle: Packers unders are sharp plays in cold weather games at Lambeau. Green Bay's pass defense is efficient even without generating turnovers. Fade opposing quarterback passing yardage props in December and January when weather becomes a factor.

#8: New York Jets (190.9 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Jets allow 190.9 passing yards per game and 2,481 total yards. New York has allowed 20 passing touchdowns while recording only 5 interceptions (tied for fewest in the league). They've generated just 22 sacks (second-fewest among competitive defenses). The Jets hold opponents to a 63.1% completion rate but post a concerning 101.2 opponent passer rating (one of the highest among top-half defenses). They allow 6.9 yards per attempt.

Betting angle: Jets unders are less reliable than other top-10 defenses because they don't generate pressure or turnovers. Bet situationally. Jets games against elite quarterbacks (Mahomes, Allen, Burrow) become shootouts because they can't get off the field on third down.

#9: Atlanta Falcons (191.5 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Falcons allow 191.5 passing yards per game and 2,490 total yards. Atlanta has allowed 21 passing touchdowns while recording 10 interceptions. They've generated an impressive 43 sacks (tied for third-most in the league), demonstrating their ability to pressure quarterbacks. The Falcons hold opponents to a 64.2% completion rate with a 92.3 opponent passer rating. They allow 7.1 yards per attempt.

Betting angle: Falcons unders are profitable when they face weak offensive lines. Atlanta's pass rush is elite and forces mistakes. Fade opposing quarterback props when Atlanta faces immobile quarterbacks who can't escape pressure.

#10: Denver Broncos (193.0 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Broncos allow 193.0 passing yards per game and 2,509 total yards. Denver has allowed 17 passing touchdowns while recording 8 interceptions. They've generated 35 sacks and hold opponents to a 61.1% completion rate. The Broncos post an excellent 80.1 opponent passer rating (fifth-best in the league) and allow 6.2 yards per attempt, which demonstrates elite efficiency.

Betting angle: Broncos unders are sharp plays, especially in Denver where altitude affects passing accuracy. Fade opposing quarterback passing yardage props. Denver's defense is underrated and consistently shuts down passing games.

The Middle Tier: Inconsistent Pass Defenses (Teams 11-20)

These defenses can shut down weak quarterbacks but struggle against elite passers. Bet them situationally based on matchups, not blindly.

Teams 11-15: Good But Not Great

#11: Seattle Seahawks (197.1 yards allowed/game) - Seattle has allowed only 16 touchdowns (tied for third-fewest) while recording 15 interceptions (tied for league lead). They've generated 41 sacks and post the league's second-best opponent passer rating at 77.3. Seattle allows just 6.0 yards per attempt (tied for lowest in the league). Seahawks unders are sharp plays because their efficiency metrics are elite.

#12: Miami Dolphins (202.6 yards allowed/game) - Miami has allowed 20 passing touchdowns while recording 13 interceptions. The problem is they allow the worst completion percentage in the NFL at 69.9%. Dolphins unders are risky because they give up volume easily.

#13: Kansas City Chiefs (204.2 yards allowed/game) - Kansas City has allowed only 13 passing touchdowns (tied for second-fewest) while recording 7 interceptions. They allow 6.0 yards per attempt (tied for lowest in the league). Chiefs unders are profitable because they suppress explosive plays.

#14: New England Patriots (206.9 yards allowed/game) - The Patriots have allowed 21 passing touchdowns while recording 8 interceptions. They post a 94.6 opponent passer rating and allow 6.8 yards per attempt. Patriots unders are situationally profitable.

#15: Philadelphia Eagles (209.6 yards allowed/game) - Philadelphia has allowed 17 passing touchdowns while recording 11 interceptions. They hold opponents to the league's best completion percentage at 55.8%, showcasing elite coverage. Eagles unders are sharp plays because their coverage is suffocating.

Teams 16-20: Below Average But Functional

#16: Los Angeles Rams (211.5 yards allowed/game) - The Rams have allowed 18 passing touchdowns while recording 13 interceptions. They post an 83.3 opponent passer rating and allow 6.5 yards per attempt. Rams unders are situationally profitable.

#17: Las Vegas Raiders (211.8 yards allowed/game) - Las Vegas has allowed 19 passing touchdowns while recording 8 interceptions. They allow a high 68.5% completion rate. Fade Raiders unders against elite quarterbacks.

#18: Carolina Panthers (212.4 yards allowed/game) - Carolina has allowed only 14 passing touchdowns (tied for fourth-fewest) but has generated just 16 sacks (fewest in the league). Panthers unders are risky because they can't pressure quarterbacks.

#19: Detroit Lions (221.2 yards allowed/game) - Detroit has struggled, allowing 26 passing touchdowns (tied for fourth-most) while recording 11 interceptions. Fade Lions unders. Detroit games become shootouts consistently.

#20: Arizona Cardinals (224.3 yards allowed/game) - Arizona has allowed 20 passing touchdowns while recording 9 interceptions. They've generated only 24 sacks. Fade Cardinals unders against elite passing attacks.

Shurzy Tip: Teams allowing over 220 yards per game are fade candidates for unders. They give up too much volume and can't suppress opposing passing games consistently.

Bottom 10: Terrible Pass Defenses (Teams 21-32)

These pass defenses are getting torched weekly. If you're betting overs or opposing quarterback props, target these teams relentlessly.

#21: Chicago Bears (224.8 yards allowed/game) - The Bears allow 224.8 yards per game but lead the league with 18 interceptions. They've allowed 27 passing touchdowns and allow 7.7 yards per attempt. Bears unders are risky despite the turnovers because they give up explosive plays.

#22: Jacksonville Jaguars (227.5 yards allowed/game) - Jacksonville has allowed 22 passing touchdowns while recording 15 interceptions (tied for league lead). They post an 83.3 opponent passer rating. Jaguars unders are situationally profitable because they force turnovers.

#23: Tennessee Titans (228.5 yards allowed/game) - Tennessee has allowed 22 passing touchdowns while recording only 6 interceptions (tied for second-fewest). They post a concerning 103.7 opponent passer rating and allow 8.0 yards per attempt (second-highest in the league). Fade Titans unders always. Opposing quarterback props are automatic money.

#24: New York Giants (231.5 yards allowed/game) - The Giants have allowed 23 passing touchdowns while recording only 5 interceptions (tied for fewest in the league). They post a 98.1 opponent passer rating. Fade Giants unders against competent passing attacks.

#25: San Francisco 49ers (232.0 yards allowed/game) - San Francisco has allowed 23 passing touchdowns while recording only 5 interceptions (tied for fewest). They've generated just 16 sacks (tied for fewest in the league) and allow a 69.2% completion rate (second-worst). Fade 49ers unders entirely. Opposing quarterback props are automatic money.

#26: Baltimore Ravens (237.4 yards allowed/game) - Baltimore has allowed 19 passing touchdowns while recording 7 interceptions. They've generated just 19 sacks (second-fewest in the league). Fade Ravens unders against elite passing attacks.

#27: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (237.8 yards allowed/game) - Tampa Bay has allowed 21 passing touchdowns while recording 12 interceptions. They allow 7.7 yards per attempt. Fade Buccaneers unders against aggressive passing offenses.

#28: Pittsburgh Steelers (244.0 yards allowed/game) - Pittsburgh has allowed 21 passing touchdowns while recording 11 interceptions. They post an 89.0 opponent passer rating. Steelers unders are risky because they give up volume easily.

#29: Indianapolis Colts (246.3 yards allowed/game) - Indianapolis has allowed 18 passing touchdowns while recording 12 interceptions. They post an 86.3 opponent passer rating. Fade Colts unders against elite quarterbacks.

#30: Washington Commanders (246.9 yards allowed/game) - Washington has allowed 26 passing touchdowns (tied for fourth-most) while recording only 6 interceptions. They post the second-worst opponent passer rating at 109.7 and allow the most yards per attempt at 8.6. Fade Commanders unders always. Opposing quarterback props are automatic money.

#31: Cincinnati Bengals (254.9 yards allowed/game) - The Bengals rank second-worst, allowing 254.9 yards per game and 3,314 total yards. Cincinnati has allowed 29 passing touchdowns (tied for most in the league with Dallas) while recording 10 interceptions. They've generated just 21 sacks and allow 7.9 yards per attempt. Fade Bengals unders always. Opposing quarterback props are free money.

#32: Dallas Cowboys (255.2 yards allowed/game) - The Cowboys have the NFL's worst pass defense, allowing 255.2 yards per game and 3,318 total yards. Dallas has allowed 29 passing touchdowns (tied for most in the league) while recording only 5 interceptions (tied for fewest). They allow a 68.5% completion rate and post the worst opponent passer rating at 109.1. Fade Cowboys unders always. Opposing quarterback props are automatic money. When Dallas plays elite quarterbacks (Allen, Mahomes, Burrow), hammer overs.

Shurzy Tip: When betting overs, target games featuring teams from the bottom 5 pass defenses. Opposing quarterbacks will cook them consistently.

Key Trends & Takeaways

The 2025 NFL season is showing clear patterns in passing defense that sharp bettors are exploiting.

Elite pass rushes matter more than coverage. The Browns, Chargers, Texans, and Falcons all generate 40+ sacks, which collapses opposing passing games. When elite pass rushes face weak offensive lines, unders cash and opposing quarterback props are fade material.

Turnovers predict totals. Teams generating 15+ interceptions (Vikings, Chargers, Seahawks, Jaguars, Bears) kill opposing drives and deflate totals. Bet unders when these defenses face turnover-prone quarterbacks.

Opponent passer rating tells the truth. Teams holding opponents under 80 passer rating (Texans 69.8, Chargers 73.0, Seahawks 77.3, Eagles 77.3, Broncos 80.1) are elite. Fade opposing quarterback props against these defenses always.

Yards per attempt allowed predicts explosiveness. Teams allowing 6.0 or fewer yards per attempt (Seahawks, Chiefs, Packers, Broncos, Chargers) suppress explosive plays and keep totals low. Teams allowing 8.0+ yards per attempt (Commanders 8.6, Titans 8.0) get torched consistently.

The bottom tier is historically bad. The Cowboys, Bengals, Commanders, and Colts are all allowing 245+ yards per game. Opposing quarterbacks cook them weekly. Hammer overs and opposing quarterback props when these teams play elite passing offenses.

Wrapping It Up

The Browns, Bills, and Texans are the NFL's elite pass defenses in 2025. Cleveland's pass rush, Buffalo's coverage, and Houston's complete dominance make unders and faded opposing quarterback props consistently profitable.

The middle tier (Seahawks through Cardinals) is inconsistent. Bet them situationally based on matchups and opponent quality, not blindly.

The bottom 10 is tragic. The Cowboys, Bengals, Commanders, and Colts can't stop the pass consistently. Hammer overs and opposing quarterback props when these teams face elite quarterbacks.

Sharp bettors track opponent passer rating (efficiency), yards per attempt allowed (explosiveness), sacks (pressure), and interceptions (turnovers). These metrics predict totals and quarterback props better than raw yardage totals.

Your bookie hates this guide. Use it anyway. We're here to help you bet smarter, not harder. F*ck spreadsheets.

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