NFL Teams Ranked by Red Zone Defense: 2025 Season

Elite red zone defense kills totals. Weak red zone defense makes overs automatic.

The 2025 NFL season through Week 14 has shown which defenses can actually prevent touchdowns when opponents get close. Some teams are holding opponents under 45% touchdown conversion rates inside the 20-yard line. Others are giving up 70%+ and turning red zone trips into automatic touchdowns.

This ranking breaks down all 32 teams by their red zone defense. We're tracking touchdown percentage allowed, red zone attempts faced, touchdowns allowed, field goals forced, and red zone stops. These metrics predict totals, team totals, and opposing touchdown props better than almost anything else.

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

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The Top 10 Elite Red Zone Defenses

These defenses are forcing field goals and preventing touchdowns when opponents get close. If you're betting unders or fading opposing touchdown props, this is your starting lineup.

#1: Denver Broncos (40.00% TD Allowed)

The Broncos boast the NFL's best red zone defense, allowing touchdowns on just 40.00% of opponent trips, the lowest rate in the league. Denver has faced 40 red zone attempts, allowing only 16 touchdowns (fewest in the NFL) while forcing 18 field goals (most in the league). They face 3.0 red zone attempts per game and have recorded 6 red zone stops without any points. The Broncos' ability to stiffen inside the 20 has been crucial to their defensive success.

Betting angle: Broncos unders are automatic money. Opposing teams settle for field goals consistently when playing Denver. Fade opposing touchdown props entirely when facing Denver. When elite offenses (Chiefs, Bills, Ravens) face the Broncos, their team totals are set too high because books respect the offensive firepower, but Denver forces field goals instead of touchdowns. Hammer unders when Denver plays at home in altitude because red zone passing becomes even harder. Also, Broncos opponent team total unders are sharp plays. Books set opponent totals at 20-24 points, but teams settle for 17-20 with field goals instead of touchdowns.

#2: Los Angeles Rams (42.50% TD Allowed)

The Rams rank second with a 42.50% red zone touchdown rate allowed. Los Angeles has faced 40 red zone attempts, allowing only 17 touchdowns (second-fewest in the league) while forcing 15 field goals. They face just 2.8 red zone attempts per game (third-fewest in the NFL) and lead the league with 8 red zone stops without any points, tied with Baltimore and Indianapolis. The Rams' aggressive defensive front and physical secondary make them exceptional at preventing touchdowns in tight spaces.

Betting angle: Rams unders are automatic money, especially when combined with their elite red zone offense (66.67% conversion rate). Games involving the Rams become field position battles where both teams struggle to score touchdowns. Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face LA. When the Rams play other elite red zone offenses (Lions, Packers), hammer unders because both defenses force field goals. Also, Rams opponent team total unders are sharp plays. Books set opponent totals at 20-23 points, but teams settle for 14-17 with field goals.

#3: Minnesota Vikings (46.15% TD Allowed)

The Vikings rank third with a 46.15% red zone touchdown rate allowed. Minnesota has faced 39 red zone attempts, allowing only 18 touchdowns (tied for third-fewest) while forcing 14 field goals. They face 3.0 red zone attempts per game and have recorded 7 red zone stops without any points. The Vikings' ability to force field goals has been a key component of their strong defensive performance this season.

Minnesota's red zone defense is built on speed and pursuit. When opponents get inside the 20-yard line, the Vikings swarm to the ball carrier and prevent yards after contact. Minnesota's linebackers are elite at reading plays and filling gaps, which prevents running backs from reaching the end zone on power concepts.

The Vikings also excel at defending the back of the end zone. When opponents throw fades and back-shoulder passes, Minnesota's corners are physical and contest catches. This forces incompletions or short completions that don't reach the end zone.

Betting angle: Vikings unders are sharp plays. Opposing teams settle for field goals consistently. Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face Minnesota. Vikings games against high-scoring offenses (Lions, Packers, Bills) become lower-scoring than expected because Minnesota forces field goals. Also, Vikings opponent team total unders are profitable. Books set opponent totals at 21-24 points, but teams settle for 17-20 with field goals.

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#4: Philadelphia Eagles (48.72% TD Allowed)

The Eagles rank fourth with a 48.72% red zone touchdown rate allowed. Philadelphia has faced 39 red zone attempts, allowing 19 touchdowns while forcing 13 field goals. They face 3.1 red zone attempts per game and have recorded 7 red zone stops without any points. The Eagles' red zone defense has been a strength, complementing their elite offensive efficiency in the red zone (70.97% conversion rate).

Betting angle: Eagles unders are sharp plays, especially when combined with their elite red zone offense. Philadelphia wins games 27-20 instead of 35-28 because both teams settle for field goals. Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face Philadelphia. Eagles games against high-scoring offenses (Cowboys, 49ers, Bills) become lower-scoring than expected. Also, Eagles opponent team total unders are profitable. Books set opponent totals at 20-24 points, but teams settle for 17-20 with field goals.

#5: Miami Dolphins (48.89% TD Allowed)

The Dolphins rank fifth with a 48.89% red zone touchdown rate allowed. Miami has faced 45 red zone attempts, allowing 22 touchdowns while forcing 16 field goals (tied for third-most). They face 3.7 red zone attempts per game and have recorded 7 red zone stops without any points. Despite facing more red zone attempts than the top four teams, Miami's ability to limit touchdowns has been impressive.

Betting angle: Dolphins unders are sharp plays despite facing more red zone volume than elite defenses. Miami forces field goals consistently. Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face Miami. Dolphins games against high-scoring offenses (Bills, Chiefs, Ravens) become lower-scoring than expected because Miami forces field goals. Also, Dolphins opponent team total unders are profitable.

#6: Seattle Seahawks (50.00% TD Allowed)

The Seahawks rank sixth with a 50.00% red zone touchdown rate allowed, meaning they hold opponents to touchdowns exactly half the time. Seattle has faced 44 red zone attempts, allowing 22 touchdowns while forcing 15 field goals. They face 3.4 red zone attempts per game and have recorded 7 red zone stops without any points. The Seahawks' disciplined red zone defense has been a critical component of their overall defensive excellence.

Betting angle: Seahawks unders are sharp plays at home where crowd noise disrupts red zone execution. Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face Seattle at Lumen Field. Seahawks games against high-scoring offenses become lower-scoring than expected because Seattle forces field goals 50% of the time. Also, Seahawks opponent team total unders are profitable at home.

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#7: Pittsburgh Steelers (52.08% TD Allowed)

The Steelers rank seventh with a 52.08% red zone touchdown rate allowed. Pittsburgh has faced 48 red zone attempts, allowing 25 touchdowns while forcing 16 field goals (tied for third-most). They face 3.7 red zone attempts per game and have recorded 7 red zone stops without any points. Despite facing a high volume of red zone attempts, the Steelers have maintained strong efficiency.

Betting angle: Steelers unders are sharp plays in cold weather home games. Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face Pittsburgh in December. Steelers games against high-scoring offenses (Ravens, Bengals, Browns) become lower-scoring than expected because Pittsburgh forces field goals. Also, Steelers opponent team total unders are profitable in cold weather.

#8: Houston Texans (52.83% TD Allowed)

The Texans rank eighth with a 52.83% red zone touchdown rate allowed. Houston has faced just 31 red zone attempts (second-fewest in the league), allowing only 18 touchdowns (tied for third-fewest) while forcing 9 field goals. They face only 2.5 red zone attempts per game (second-fewest in the NFL) and have recorded 4 red zone stops without any points. The Texans' excellent overall defense prevents opponents from reaching the red zone frequently.

Betting angle: Texans unders are automatic money because opponents rarely reach the red zone. When they do, Houston forces field goals at above-average rates. Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face Houston. Texans games become defensive slogs where field position matters more than explosive plays. Also, Texans opponent team total unders are sharp plays. Books set opponent totals at 17-20 points, and teams usually settle for 13-17.

#9: Kansas City Chiefs (53.85% TD Allowed)

The Chiefs rank ninth with a 53.85% red zone touchdown rate allowed. Kansas City has faced 39 red zone attempts, allowing 21 touchdowns while forcing 13 field goals. They face just 2.8 red zone attempts per game (tied for third-fewest) and have recorded 5 red zone stops without any points. The Chiefs' ability to limit red zone opportunities has been crucial to their defensive success.

Kansas City's red zone defense is effective because of Chris Jones and their defensive line. When opponents get inside the 20-yard line, the Chiefs' defensive line collapses pockets and forces quick throws. Kansas City also uses zone coverage in the red zone, which prevents easy completions.

The Chiefs also excel at preventing opponents from reaching the red zone in the first place. They face only 2.8 red zone attempts per game, which means their defense between the 20s is elite.

Betting angle: Chiefs unders are sharp plays because opponents rarely reach the red zone. When they do, Kansas City forces field goals at above-average rates. Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face Kansas City. Chiefs games become lower-scoring than expected because Kansas City controls field position. Also, Chiefs opponent team total unders are profitable.

#10: Baltimore Ravens (52.83% TD Allowed)

The Ravens rank 10th with a 52.83% red zone touchdown rate allowed, tied with Houston. However, Baltimore has faced 53 red zone attempts (most in the league), allowing 28 touchdowns while forcing 17 field goals (second-most in the NFL). They face 4.1 red zone attempts per game (highest in the league) but have recorded 8 red zone stops without any points (tied for most). Despite the high volume of red zone attempts faced, the Ravens maintain respectable efficiency.

Baltimore's red zone defense is interesting. They face the most red zone attempts in the NFL (4.1 per game), which means their defense between the 20s struggles. But when opponents do reach the red zone, Baltimore forces field goals at above-average rates (17 field goals, second-most in the NFL).

Betting angle: Ravens unders are situationally profitable despite facing high red zone volume. Baltimore forces field goals consistently (17, second-most in the NFL). Fade opposing touchdown props when teams face Baltimore. Ravens games become lower-scoring than expected because Baltimore forces field goals instead of touchdowns. Also, Ravens opponent team total unders are situationally profitable when Baltimore faces run-heavy offenses that struggle to execute in the red zone.

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

These defenses force field goals at average rates but lack the consistency of the elite tier. Bet them situationally based on opponent red zone offense.

Teams 11-15: Above Average But Not Elite

#11: Los Angeles Chargers (52.50% TD allowed) - The Chargers have allowed 21 touchdowns on 40 red zone attempts while forcing 13 field goals. Chargers unders are situationally profitable.

#12: San Francisco 49ers (56.10% TD allowed) - San Francisco has allowed 23 touchdowns on 41 red zone attempts while forcing 12 field goals. 49ers unders are situationally profitable.

#13: Indianapolis Colts (54.90% TD allowed) - Indianapolis has faced 51 red zone attempts (third-most), allowing 28 touchdowns while forcing 15 field goals. They've recorded 8 red zone stops (tied for most). Colts unders are situationally profitable despite high volume.

#14: Atlanta Falcons (55.00% TD allowed) - Atlanta has allowed 22 touchdowns on 40 red zone attempts while forcing 12 field goals. Falcons unders are situationally profitable.

#15: Carolina Panthers (55.81% TD allowed) - Carolina has allowed 24 touchdowns on 43 red zone attempts while forcing 13 field goals. Panthers unders are situationally profitable.

Teams 16-20: Below Average Efficiency

#16: New Orleans Saints (56.41% TD allowed) - New Orleans has allowed 22 touchdowns on 39 red zone attempts while forcing 11 field goals. Saints unders are risky.

#17: Cleveland Browns (56.76% TD allowed) - Cleveland has faced just 37 red zone attempts (fifth-fewest), allowing 21 touchdowns while forcing 11 field goals. Browns unders are situationally profitable because they prevent red zone opportunities.

#18: Green Bay Packers (58.33% TD allowed) - Green Bay has faced just 36 red zone attempts (fourth-fewest), allowing 21 touchdowns while forcing 10 field goals. Packers unders are risky despite low volume.

#19: Buffalo Bills (59.46% TD allowed) - Buffalo has allowed 22 touchdowns on 37 red zone attempts while forcing 10 field goals. Bills unders are risky.

#20: Arizona Cardinals (60.00% TD allowed) - Arizona has faced 50 red zone attempts (tied for fourth-most), allowing 30 touchdowns (tied for fourth-most). Cardinals unders are fade material.

Shurzy Tip: Teams allowing over 60% red zone touchdowns are targets for opposing team total overs. They give up scores when opponents get close.

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Bottom 10: Terrible Red Zone Defenses (Teams 21-32)

These red zone defenses are brutal. If you're betting opposing team total overs or opposing touchdown props, target these teams relentlessly.

#21: Las Vegas Raiders (60.00% TD allowed) - Las Vegas has faced 50 red zone attempts (tied for fourth-most), allowing 30 touchdowns (tied for fourth-most). Hammer opposing team total overs against the Raiders.

#22: Chicago Bears (61.90% TD allowed) - Chicago has allowed 26 touchdowns on 42 red zone attempts while forcing 11 field goals. Hammer opposing team total overs against the Bears.

#23: New York Jets (62.50% TD allowed) - The Jets have faced 48 red zone attempts, allowing 30 touchdowns (tied for fourth-most). Hammer opposing team total overs against the Jets.

#24: Detroit Lions (60.98% TD allowed) - Detroit has allowed 25 touchdowns on 41 red zone attempts while forcing 11 field goals. Hammer opposing team total overs against the Lions.

#25: Tennessee Titans (63.04% TD allowed) - Tennessee has allowed 29 touchdowns on 46 red zone attempts while forcing 11 field goals. Hammer opposing team total overs against the Titans.

#26: Jacksonville Jaguars (58.97% TD allowed) - Jacksonville has allowed 23 touchdowns on 39 red zone attempts while forcing 11 field goals. Jaguars unders are risky.

#27: Washington Commanders (64.00% TD allowed) - Washington has faced 50 red zone attempts (tied for fourth-most), allowing 32 touchdowns (third-most in the league). Hammer opposing team total overs against Washington always.

#28: Cincinnati Bengals (64.29% TD allowed) - Cincinnati has faced a league-high 56 red zone attempts, allowing a league-high 36 touchdowns (tied with Dallas). Hammer opposing team total overs against the Bengals always. They can't prevent touchdowns.

#29: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (68.75% TD allowed) - Tampa Bay has faced just 32 red zone attempts but allowed 22 touchdowns (68.75% rate, third-worst). Hammer opposing team total overs against the Buccaneers. When opponents get close, they score touchdowns.

#30: New York Giants (65.96% TD allowed) - The Giants have allowed 31 touchdowns on 47 red zone attempts while forcing 11 field goals. Hammer opposing team total overs against the Giants.

#31: Dallas Cowboys (72.00% TD allowed) - The Cowboys have the second-worst red zone defense, allowing 36 touchdowns on 50 red zone attempts (tied for most with Cincinnati). Hammer opposing team total overs against Dallas always. They can't prevent touchdowns when opponents get close.

#32: New England Patriots (73.08% TD allowed) - The Patriots have the NFL's worst red zone defense, allowing 73.08% touchdowns (19 TDs on 26 attempts). While they face the fewest red zone attempts in the NFL (2.2 per game), when opponents do get close, they score touchdowns automatically. Hammer opposing team total overs against New England. Fade Patriots unders entirely.

Shurzy Tip: Teams allowing 65%+ red zone touchdowns are automatic targets for opposing team total overs and opposing touchdown props. When opponents get close, they score.

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Key Trends & Takeaways

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

Elite red zone defenses force field goals. The Broncos, Rams, and Vikings all force 14+ field goals while allowing under 19 touchdowns. When these defenses face high-scoring offenses, unders are automatic because field goals replace touchdowns.

Red zone defense matters more than yardage defense. The Patriots allow the fewest red zone attempts (2.2 per game) but convert 73.08% into touchdowns when opponents get close. This makes their unders risky despite strong overall defense.

Volume vs. efficiency matters. The Ravens face 4.1 red zone attempts per game (most in the NFL) but force field goals at above-average rates (17 field goals, second-most). This makes Ravens unders situationally profitable despite high volume.

The worst red zone defenses kill unders. The Patriots (73.08%), Cowboys (72.00%), and Buccaneers (68.75%) all allow touchdowns 70%+ of the time. Fade unders when these teams are playing. Hammer opposing team total overs.

Red zone stops predict blowouts. Teams with 8+ red zone stops (Rams, Ravens, Colts) force turnovers and push opponents out of field goal range. When these defenses face weak offenses, blowouts happen.

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Wrapping It Up

The Broncos, Rams, and Vikings are the NFL's elite red zone defenses in 2025. Denver's 40.00% touchdown rate allowed, LA's 8 red zone stops, and Minnesota's 46.15% rate make unders and faded opposing touchdown props consistently profitable.

The middle tier (Chargers through Cardinals) is inconsistent. Bet them situationally based on opponent red zone offense, not blindly.

The bottom 10 is tragic. The Patriots, Cowboys, and Buccaneers allow 70%+ touchdowns when opponents get close. Hammer opposing team total overs and opposing touchdown props when teams face these defenses.

Sharp bettors track red zone touchdown percentage allowed (efficiency), field goals forced (preventing touchdowns), and red zone stops (preventing points entirely). These metrics predict totals and opposing touchdown props better than total yardage allowed.

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