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NFL Teams Ranked by Rushing Defense: 2025 Season

Elite run defenses kill clock control. Weak run defenses make rushing props automatic. The 2025 NFL season through Week 14 has shown which defenses can actually stop the run. Some teams are holding opponents under 90 yards per game and forcing them to pass. Others are getting gashed for 150+ yards every single week. This ranking breaks down all 32 teams by their rushing defense. We're tracking yards allowed per game, yards per carry allowed, rushing touchdowns allowed, and rushing attempts faced. These metrics predict game flow, rushing props, and whether teams can establish clock control. No fluff. Just the rankings that matter for betting smarter.

January 22, 2026

NFL Teams Ranked by Rushing Defense: 2025 Season

Elite run defenses kill clock control. Weak run defenses make rushing props automatic.

The 2025 NFL season through Week 14 has shown which defenses can actually stop the run. Some teams are holding opponents under 90 yards per game and forcing them to pass. Others are getting gashed for 150+ yards every single week.

This ranking breaks down all 32 teams by their rushing defense. We're tracking yards allowed per game, yards per carry allowed, rushing touchdowns allowed, and rushing attempts faced. These metrics predict game flow, rushing props, and whether teams can establish clock control.

Sharp bettors know rushing defense predicts game script and tempo. Elite run defenses (under 95 yards allowed per game, under 4.0 yards per carry allowed, under 10 touchdowns allowed) force opponents to pass and make opposing rushing props unplayable. Weak run defenses (over 130 yards allowed per game, over 5.0 yards per carry allowed, 15+ touchdowns allowed) get dominated on the ground and make opposing rushing props automatic cash.

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

The Top 10 Elite Run Defenses

These defenses are stuffing the run every single week. If you're fading opposing running back props or betting overs (because teams have to pass), this is your starting lineup.

#1: Jacksonville Jaguars (82.9 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Jaguars lead the NFL with the league's best rush defense, allowing just 82.9 yards per game and 1,078 total rushing yards. Jacksonville has allowed only 9 rushing touchdowns (tied for third-fewest) while holding opponents to 3.6 yards per carry (lowest in the league). The Jaguars face just 22.8 rushing attempts per game (second-fewest), which means opponents abandon the run early because it's not working. Jacksonville's ability to stuff the run and force opponents into obvious passing situations has been a cornerstone of their defensive identity.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back rushing yardage props against Jacksonville always. When elite backs face the Jaguars, they get bottled up. Jaguars games become passing contests, which makes overs more attractive because teams have to throw. When Jacksonville faces run-heavy offenses (Bills, Ravens, Bears), hammer unders on opposing RB props.

#2: Denver Broncos (89.0 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Broncos rank second, allowing 89.0 rushing yards per game and 1,157 total yards. Denver has allowed only 9 rushing touchdowns (tied for third-fewest) while holding opponents to an elite 3.7 yards per carry (second-best in the NFL). The Broncos face 24.1 rushing attempts per game and have allowed 313 total attempts. Denver's front seven has been exceptional at penetrating gaps and disrupting running lanes before they develop.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back props against Denver in altitude games at home. The thin air makes passing easier but doesn't help running backs. Broncos games against run-heavy teams become defensive slogs. Bet unders on opposing RB yardage props consistently.

#3: New England Patriots (89.5 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Patriots rank third, allowing 89.5 rushing yards per game and 1,163 total yards. New England leads the league in fewest rushing touchdowns allowed with just 5 (remarkable achievement). They allow 4.0 yards per carry and face the fewest rushing attempts per game at 22.2, which means opponents abandon the run immediately. The Patriots have faced only 288 total rush attempts (fewest in the league).

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back touchdown props against New England always. They don't give up scores on the ground in the red zone. Patriots games become passing contests because teams can't run effectively. Hammer overs on game totals when the Patriots face elite passing offenses.

#4: Seattle Seahawks (91.2 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Seahawks rank fourth, allowing 91.2 rushing yards per game and 1,185 total yards. Seattle has allowed only 7 rushing touchdowns (second-fewest in the NFL) while holding opponents to 3.9 yards per carry (tied for fifth-best). The Seahawks face 23.7 rushing attempts per game and have allowed 308 total attempts. Their aggressive front has been key to limiting explosive runs.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back props against Seattle, especially at home where crowd noise disrupts timing. Seattle games become aerial battles because teams can't establish the run. Seahawks overs are sharp plays when they face elite passing offenses.

#5: Los Angeles Chargers (98.6 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Chargers rank fifth, allowing 98.6 yards per game and 1,183 total rushing yards. However, Los Angeles has struggled with allowing 15 rushing touchdowns (tied for eighth-most in the league), which indicates red zone vulnerabilities. They hold opponents to 3.9 yards per carry (tied for fifth-best) and face 25.6 rushing attempts per game. The Chargers stuff the run between the 20s but struggle in short-yardage situations.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back yardage props but hammer touchdown props against the Chargers. They give up scores on the ground in the red zone consistently. Chargers games against run-heavy teams become low-yardage, high-touchdown games for opposing backs.

#6: Houston Texans (94.3 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Texans rank sixth, allowing 94.3 rushing yards per game and 1,226 total yards. Houston has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns while holding opponents to 4.1 yards per carry. They face just 23.2 rushing attempts per game (third-fewest in the league), which means opponents abandon the run early. The Texans' ability to force opponents away from the run has been crucial to their overall defensive success.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back props against Houston. Teams can't establish the run and are forced to pass. Texans overs are sharp plays when they face elite passing offenses because game scripts favor passing.

#7: Cleveland Browns (107.7 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Browns allow 107.7 rushing yards per game and 1,400 total yards. Cleveland has allowed 9 rushing touchdowns (tied for third-fewest) while holding opponents to 3.8 yards per carry (tied for second-best). However, the Browns face 28.0 rushing attempts per game (seventh-most in the league), which means opponents keep trying to run despite poor efficiency. Cleveland's defense holds up against volume but forces opponents to be inefficient.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back efficiency props (yards per carry) against Cleveland. Teams will run the ball often but gain minimal yardage. Browns games become grinding battles where running backs get volume but no explosiveness.

#8: Green Bay Packers (101.4 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Packers allow 101.4 rushing yards per game and 1,318 total yards. Green Bay has allowed 9 rushing touchdowns (tied for third-fewest) while holding opponents to 3.9 yards per carry (tied for fifth-best). They face 25.8 rushing attempts per game and have allowed 335 total attempts. The Packers' disciplined run defense has been a strength all season.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back props in cold weather games at Lambeau. Green Bay's run defense gets even stronger in December. Packers unders are sharp plays when they face run-heavy offenses because neither team can establish the ground game.

#9: Indianapolis Colts (98.6 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Colts allow 98.6 yards per game and 1,282 total rushing yards. Indianapolis has allowed 13 rushing touchdowns (a concern in the red zone) but holds opponents to an elite 3.8 yards per carry (tied for second-best with Cleveland). The Colts face 25.7 rushing attempts per game and have allowed 334 total attempts. Their ability to limit yards per carry has been exceptional.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back yardage props but be cautious with touchdown props. The Colts give up scores in the red zone. Colts games against elite running backs become low-yardage, touchdown-dependent games.

#10: Detroit Lions (102.7 Yards Allowed/Game)

The Lions allow 102.7 rushing yards per game and 1,335 total yards. Detroit has allowed 9 rushing touchdowns (tied for third-fewest) while holding opponents to 3.9 yards per carry (tied for fifth-best). They face 26.5 rushing attempts per game and have allowed 344 total attempts. The Lions' front seven has been consistently disruptive throughout the season.

Betting angle: Fade opposing running back props against Detroit. Teams can't establish the run effectively, which forces them to pass. Lions overs are sharp plays because game scripts favor passing for both teams.

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

These defenses can stop weak rushing attacks but struggle against elite running backs. Bet them situationally based on matchups, not blindly.

Teams 11-15: Good But Not Great

#11: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (100.6 yards allowed/game) - Tampa Bay has struggled with allowing 15 rushing touchdowns (tied for eighth-most). They allow 4.2 yards per carry but face just 23.9 rushing attempts per game. Fade Buccaneers run defense in the red zone.

#12: Los Angeles Rams (103.5 yards allowed/game) - The Rams have been exceptional at preventing rushing touchdowns, allowing only 4 (fewest in the entire NFL). They allow 3.9 yards per carry (tied for fifth-best). Fade opposing running back touchdown props against LA always.

#13: Kansas City Chiefs (99.5 yards allowed/game) - Kansas City has allowed 12 rushing touchdowns while holding opponents to 4.1 yards per carry. Chiefs games become passing contests because teams can't run effectively.

#14: San Francisco 49ers (103.8 yards allowed/game) - San Francisco has allowed only 8 rushing touchdowns (fourth-fewest). They allow 4.2 yards per carry. Fade opposing running back touchdown props against the 49ers.

#15: Arizona Cardinals (123.1 yards allowed/game) - Arizona has struggled, allowing 15 rushing touchdowns (tied for eighth-most) and 4.5 yards per carry. Hammer opposing running back props against Arizona consistently.

Teams 16-20: Below Average But Functional

#16: Baltimore Ravens (111.9 yards allowed/game) - Baltimore has allowed 13 rushing touchdowns while holding opponents to 4.3 yards per carry. Ravens run defense is situationally exploitable.

#17: Las Vegas Raiders (113.9 yards allowed/game) - Las Vegas has allowed 18 rushing touchdowns (tied for second-most), a major weakness. Despite holding opponents to 3.9 yards per carry, they give up scores. Hammer opposing running back touchdown props against the Raiders.

#18: Tennessee Titans (122.5 yards allowed/game) - Tennessee has allowed 18 rushing touchdowns (tied for second-most) and 4.5 yards per carry. Hammer opposing running back props against Tennessee consistently.

#19: Dallas Cowboys (123.5 yards allowed/game) - Dallas has allowed 17 rushing touchdowns (tied for fifth-most) and 4.7 yards per carry. Fade Cowboys run defense entirely.

#20: Pittsburgh Steelers (125.3 yards allowed/game) - Pittsburgh has allowed 10 rushing touchdowns while allowing 4.4 yards per carry. Steelers run defense is exploitable against elite backs.

Shurzy Tip: Teams allowing over 120 yards per game are targets for opposing running back props. They can't stop the run consistently.

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

These run defenses are getting gashed weekly. If you're betting opposing running back props, target these teams relentlessly.

#21: Minnesota Vikings (126.8 yards allowed/game) - The Vikings allow 126.8 yards per game but hold opponents to 4.1 yards per carry. They face the most rushing attempts per game at 31.2. Vikings games become grinding affairs. Hammer opposing RB volume props.

#22: Miami Dolphins (132.0 yards allowed/game) - Miami struggles with 4.8 yards per carry allowed. Hammer opposing running back props against the Dolphins consistently.

#23: Atlanta Falcons (131.0 yards allowed/game) - Atlanta allows 4.5 yards per carry and faces 28.8 rushing attempts per game. Fade Falcons run defense against elite backs.

#24: New Orleans Saints (130.9 yards allowed/game) - The Saints hold opponents to 4.1 yards per carry but face 31.8 rushing attempts per game (tied for most in the league). Saints games become volume-heavy for opposing backs.

#25: Philadelphia Eagles (132.0 yards allowed/game) - Philadelphia allows 4.2 yards per carry and faces 31.8 rushing attempts per game (tied for most). Eagles run defense is exploitable.

#26: Carolina Panthers (118.7 yards allowed/game) - Carolina has allowed 16 rushing touchdowns while allowing 4.5 yards per carry. Hammer opposing running back touchdown props against the Panthers.

#27: Washington Commanders (135.5 yards allowed/game) - Washington struggles with 4.7 yards per carry allowed. Hammer opposing running back props against the Commanders consistently.

#28: New York Jets (139.5 yards allowed/game) - The Jets allow 139.5 yards per game and have allowed 17 rushing touchdowns (tied for fifth-most). Fade Jets run defense entirely. Opposing running back props are automatic money.

#29: Chicago Bears (132.5 yards allowed/game) - Chicago struggles significantly with 5.1 yards per carry allowed (tied for third-worst). Hammer opposing running back efficiency props against the Bears.

#30: Buffalo Bills (135.2 yards allowed/game) - Buffalo has allowed the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL with 19 (glaring weakness). They also allow 5.1 yards per carry (tied for third-worst). Fade Bills run defense always. Opposing running back props are automatic money, especially touchdown props.

#31: Cincinnati Bengals (155.5 yards allowed/game) - The Bengals rank second-worst, allowing 155.5 yards per game and struggling with 5.2 yards per carry allowed (second-worst). Hammer opposing running back props against Cincinnati always. Elite backs will cook them.

#32: New York Giants (154.2 yards allowed/game) - The Giants have the NFL's worst rush defense, allowing 154.2 yards per game while allowing the worst 5.8 yards per carry in the league. They've allowed 17 rushing touchdowns (tied for fifth-most). Fade Giants run defense always. Opposing running back props are free money. When elite backs face the Giants, smash every prop.

Shurzy Tip: When betting running back props, target games featuring teams from the bottom 5 run defenses. Opposing backs will cook them consistently.

Key Trends & Takeaways

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

Elite front sevens dominate. The Jaguars, Broncos, Patriots, and Seahawks all hold opponents under 4.0 yards per carry, which collapses opposing rushing attacks. When elite run defenses face elite running backs (Cook, Taylor, Henry), fade RB props because the matchup neutralizes talent.
Red zone vulnerability matters. Teams like the Chargers, Buccaneers, Raiders, Titans, and Bills give up rushing touchdowns at elite rates despite decent yardage suppression. Hammer opposing running back touchdown props against these defenses.
Yards per carry tells the truth. Teams allowing under 4.0 yards per carry (Jaguars 3.6, Broncos 3.7, Browns 3.8, Colts 3.8) are elite. Fade opposing running back props against these defenses. Teams allowing 5.0+ yards per carry (Bears 5.1, Bills 5.1, Bengals 5.2, Giants 5.8) get dominated. Hammer opposing running back props against these defenses.
Volume vs. efficiency. Teams like the Vikings and Saints face 31+ rushing attempts per game but hold opponents to 4.1 yards per carry. These games become grinding affairs where volume matters more than explosiveness. Bet RB attempt props over.
The bottom tier is historically bad. The Giants, Bengals, Bills (run defense only), and Bears are all allowing 5.0+ yards per carry. Opposing running backs cook them weekly. Hammer rushing props when elite backs face these defenses.

Wrapping It Up

The Jaguars, Broncos, and Patriots are the NFL's elite run defenses in 2025. Jacksonville's dominance, Denver's gap penetration, and New England's red zone excellence make opposing running back props unplayable.

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

The bottom 10 is tragic. The Giants, Bengals, Bills (run defense), and Bears can't stop the run consistently. Hammer opposing running back props when these teams face elite backs.

Sharp bettors track yards per carry allowed (efficiency), rushing touchdowns allowed (red zone vulnerability), and rushing attempts faced (volume). These metrics predict running back 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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