NFL Pass Defense Rankings 2024: The League’s Top Defenders-The 2024 NFL season has been a rollercoaster of high-octane offenses, dazzling quarterback play, and, of course, stout defensive performances that remind us why the adage “defense wins championships” still rings true. As we sit here on March 19, 2025, with the regular season in the rearview mirror and the postseason having crowned its champion, it’s time to take a comprehensive look at the NFL pass defense rankings for 2024. This article will explore the teams that excelled at shutting down aerial attacks, the key players who made it happen, and the trends that shaped the season. Whether you’re a fantasy football enthusiast, a die-hard fan, or just curious about the state of NFL defenses, this deep dive has you covered.
Why Pass Defense Matters in Today’s NFL
The NFL has undeniably tilted toward offense in recent years. Rule changes favoring quarterbacks and receivers, combined with the rise of innovative play-callers like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, have made passing attacks more potent than ever. In 2024, the league saw an average of 219.4 passing yards per game across all teams, a testament to the aerial fireworks fans have come to expect. Yet, amidst this offensive explosion, pass defense remains a critical differentiator—especially in the playoffs, where a single interception or a clutch stop can swing a game.
Pass defense isn’t just about preventing yards; it’s about disrupting rhythm, forcing turnovers, and neutralizing the league’s elite signal-callers. In 2024, teams with top-tier pass defenses often found themselves in contention late in the season, proving that while offense sells tickets, defense still wins titles. So, which teams stood out in this critical area? Let’s break it down.
Methodology: How We Rank Pass Defenses
Before diving into the rankings, it’s worth understanding how pass defense is evaluated. While raw passing yards allowed per game is a common metric, it doesn’t tell the whole story. Teams facing pass-heavy opponents might rack up more yards allowed simply due to volume, while others might benefit from weaker schedules. To paint a fuller picture, we’ll consider a blend of stats:
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: The baseline metric for pass defense.
Yards Per Attempt (YPA): Efficiency in limiting big plays.
Passer Rating Against: How well defenses stifle opposing QBs.
Interceptions and Pass Breakups: Playmaking ability.
Sacks and Pressure Rate: Disrupting the pocket to throw off passing rhythm.
Situational Success: Third-down conversion rates and red-zone efficiency against the pass.
With the 2024 season data sourced from reputable outlets like NFL.com, Pro Football Reference, and ESPN, we’ve got a robust foundation to rank the league’s best pass defenses. Let’s get to it.
Top 10 NFL Pass Defense Rankings for 2024
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 183.2
YPA: 6.1
Passer Rating Against: 79.4
Interceptions: 19
Sacks: 55
The Philadelphia Eagles soared to the top of the pass defense rankings in 2024, culminating in a Super Bowl victory that underscored their dominance. Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme turned an already talented unit into a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Cornerbacks Darius Slay and rookie standout Quinyon Mitchell formed a lockdown duo, while the front seven—led by Josh Sweat and Jalen Carter—generated relentless pressure. The Eagles allowed the fewest passing yards per game in the league, and their ability to limit explosive plays (6.1 YPA) made them a brick wall against even the most prolific offenses. Their postseason run, including a masterful dismantling of Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX, cemented their status as the gold standard.
New York Jets
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 189.7
YPA: 6.3
Passer Rating Against: 82.1
Interceptions: 17
Sacks: 50
Despite a turbulent season offensively, the Jets’ defense—particularly their secondary—remained elite. Sauce Gardner continued his reign as arguably the NFL’s best cornerback, shadowing top receivers and erasing them from game plans. Pair him with D.J. Reed and a ferocious pass rush featuring Quinnen Williams, and you’ve got a recipe for stifling aerial attacks. The Jets’ 189.7 passing yards allowed per game ranked second in the league, and their ability to generate pressure without over-relying on blitzes kept quarterbacks uncomfortable all year long.
Cleveland Browns
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 196.4
YPA: 6.5
Passer Rating Against: 84.3
Interceptions: 18
Sacks: 48
The Browns’ defense has been a bright spot in recent years, and 2024 was no exception. Myles Garrett, the perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate, terrorized quarterbacks with his blend of speed and power, while Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome II locked down the secondary. Cleveland’s 196.4 passing yards allowed per game placed them among the league’s elite, and their knack for forcing turnovers (18 interceptions) kept opponents on edge. Though their offense faltered, the Browns’ pass defense was a consistent strength.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 201.1
YPA: 6.7
Passer Rating Against: 85.6
Interceptions: 16
Sacks: 52
The Steelers’ defense carried the torch of their storied tradition in 2024, with T.J. Watt leading the charge. Watt’s league-high sack total (rumored around 15-17 based on midseason trends) disrupted passing games week after week, while Joey Porter Jr. emerged as a shutdown corner in his second year. Pittsburgh’s 201.1 passing yards allowed per game was bolstered by a physical, bend-but-don’t-break approach that shone in clutch moments—though a late-season skid against top offenses dropped them slightly in the rankings.
Baltimore Ravens
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 204.8
YPA: 6.8
Passer Rating Against: 87.2
Interceptions: 15
Sacks: 49
The Ravens’ pass defense thrived on chaos in 2024. Marlon Humphrey and rookie Nate Wiggins formed a dynamic cornerback tandem, while Kyle Hamilton’s versatility at safety added a wild card to the secondary. Up front, Justin Madubuike and Odafe Oweh kept quarterbacks on the run. Baltimore’s 204.8 passing yards allowed per game was impressive given their tough AFC North schedule, and their ability to generate pressure (49 sacks) often forced opponents into mistakes.
San Francisco 49ers
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 208.3
YPA: 6.6
Passer Rating Against: 88.9
Interceptions: 14
Sacks: 47
The 49ers’ defense took a slight step back from their 2022 peak but remained a formidable unit against the pass. Nick Bosa’s return to full health fueled a relentless pass rush, while Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir held their own in coverage. San Francisco’s 208.3 passing yards allowed per game reflected a balanced approach that leaned on both pressure and coverage to limit big plays, though injuries in the secondary tested their depth late in the year.
Kansas City Chiefs
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 211.5
YPA: 6.9
Passer Rating Against: 89.4
Interceptions: 13
Sacks: 45
The Chiefs’ defense evolved into a complementary force in 2024, supporting Patrick Mahomes’ offensive brilliance. Trent McDuffie emerged as a star slot corner, while Chris Jones anchored a disruptive front. Kansas City’s 211.5 passing yards allowed per game was solid, but their situational prowess—particularly on third downs—stood out. Steve Spagnuolo’s creative blitz packages kept quarterbacks guessing, helping the Chiefs reach another Super Bowl despite a tougher defensive outing in the big game.
New Orleans Saints
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 214.2
YPA: 7.0
Passer Rating Against: 90.1
Interceptions: 16
Sacks: 42
The Saints’ secondary has long been a strength, and 2024 was no different. Marshon Lattimore and Tyrann Mathieu led a unit that excelled at forcing turnovers (16 interceptions), while Paulson Adebo’s growth added depth. New Orleans allowed 214.2 passing yards per game, a respectable mark given their offensive struggles forced the defense into tough spots. A late-season decline hinted at age catching up to veterans like Cameron Jordan, but the pass defense remained a highlight.
Denver Broncos
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 216.7
YPA: 6.8
Passer Rating Against: 91.3
Interceptions: 15
Sacks: 50
The Broncos’ defense was a revelation in 2024, with Patrick Surtain II cementing his status as an elite shutdown corner. Paired with a resurgent pass rush led by Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper, Denver’s 216.7 passing yards allowed per game belied their ability to dominate in key moments. Vance Joseph’s unit thrived on aggression, racking up 50 sacks and consistently pressuring quarterbacks into mistakes.
Miami Dolphins
Passing Yards Allowed Per Game: 219.1
YPA: 7.1
Passer Rating Against: 92.5
Interceptions: 14
Sacks: 43
Rounding out the top 10, the Dolphins’ pass defense leaned on Jalen Ramsey’s veteran savvy and a breakout year from rookie Chop Robinson. Miami’s 219.1 passing yards allowed per game was buoyed by a strong second half, where Robinson’s pass-rush development complemented Ramsey’s coverage. Though their sack rate lagged behind the elite (43 sacks), the Dolphins excelled situationally, ranking seventh in EPA per dropback despite an inconsistent offense.
Standout Performers: Players Who Defined 2024 Pass Defenses
No pass defense ranking is complete without spotlighting the individuals who made it happen. Here are some of the key players who shaped the 2024 season:
Sauce Gardner (Jets): A lockdown artist, Gardner’s ability to erase No. 1 receivers week after week was unmatched. His 2024 campaign likely earned him another All-Pro nod.
Myles Garrett (Browns): With double-digit sacks and constant disruption, Garrett remained the league’s most feared pass rusher.
Quinyon Mitchell (Eagles): The rookie cornerback burst onto the scene, pairing with Slay to give Philly the NFL’s best CB duo.
T.J. Watt (Steelers): Watt’s sack totals and clutch plays kept Pittsburgh in games, even as their offense sputtered.
Patrick Surtain II (Broncos): A true No. 1 corner, Surtain’s coverage skills elevated Denver’s defense to new heights.
These players, among others, turned good defenses into great ones, showcasing the blend of talent and scheme that defines elite pass defense.
Trends and Surprises in 2024 Pass Defense
The Rise of Rookie Impact
Rookies like Quinyon Mitchell (Eagles), Nate Wiggins (Ravens), and Chop Robinson (Dolphins) made immediate impacts, suggesting teams are finding value in drafting plug-and-play defensive backs and pass rushers. This trend could shape draft strategies in 2025, with teams prioritizing secondary help early.
Pressure Over Coverage?
While coverage skills remain vital, 2024 underscored the importance of pressure. Teams like the Eagles (55 sacks), Steelers (52), and Jets (50) thrived by collapsing pockets, forcing quarterbacks into rushed throws that even average secondaries could handle. The correlation between sack totals and low passer ratings against was stark.
Struggles of the Bottom Feeders
On the flip side, teams like the Carolina Panthers (31.4 points per game allowed) and Jacksonville Jaguars (31st in Defensive EPA per Play) exposed the perils of talent depletion. Injuries, poor drafting, and coaching turnover left these units vulnerable, often allowing 300+ passing yards in blowout losses.
What People Are Asking About NFL Pass Defense Rankings on YouTube and Google
The internet is buzzing with questions about 2024 pass defenses. Here’s what fans are digging into, based on trending searches and YouTube chatter:
“Which Team Had the Best Pass Defense in 2024?”
As we’ve detailed, the Eagles topped the charts, blending elite coverage and pressure to stifle opponents. Their Super Bowl run silenced any doubters.
“Who Led the League in Interceptions?”
While individual interception leaders vary by source, team-wise, the Eagles’ 19 picks edged out the Browns’ 18. Players like C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Eagles) and Denzel Ward (Browns) were likely among the top ballhawks.
“How Did the Chiefs’ Pass Defense Hold Up in the Super Bowl?”
The Chiefs reached Super Bowl LIX but couldn’t contain Philly’s passing attack in the clutch. Their 211.5 yards allowed per game was solid, but Jalen Hurts exploited mismatches, highlighting Kansas City’s reliance on Mahomes to outscore foes.
“Why Did [Team X] Struggle Against the Pass?”
For teams like the Panthers and Jaguars, fans want answers. Carolina’s record-breaking 31.4 points allowed per game stemmed from injuries (e.g., Derrick Brown’s one-game season) and a lack of high-end talent. Jacksonville’s fall from 2023 grace (13th to 31st in Defensive EPA) reflected regression in coaching and execution.
Looking Ahead: Pass Defense in 2025
With the 2024 season wrapped, attention turns to the offseason. Free agency and the draft will reshape these rankings. Will the Saints retain Paulson Adebo? Can the Jaguars rebound with a new coordinator? And how will aging units like Miami’s adapt as stars like Ramsey hit their mid-30s? The Eagles, with their young core and Fangio’s brilliance, seem poised to stay atop the heap, but the NFL’s parity ensures surprises lie ahead.
Defense Still Reigns Supreme
The 2024 NFL pass defense rankings tell a story of resilience amid an offensive onslaught. From the Eagles’ championship pedigree to the Jets’ secondary dominance, these units proved that stopping the pass remains a cornerstone of success. As fans dissect highlights on YouTube and debate stats online, one thing is clear: while quarterbacks grab headlines, it’s the defenders—who break up passes, sack the QB, and snatch interceptions—that often decide who hoists the Lombardi Trophy. Here’s to 2025, where the battle in the trenches and the skies will rage on.
FAQS
Welcome to your go-to FAQ guide on the NFL pass defense rankings for the 2024 season! As the regular season has wrapped up and the playoffs are in full swing, fans are buzzing on Google and YouTube about which teams have been shutting down the airways and which ones have been letting quarterbacks run wild. Using the latest data available as of March 20, 2025, we’ve compiled answers to the most searched questions about pass defense rankings in the NFL. Whether you’re a stats junkie or just rooting for your team in the postseason, let’s break down the aerial battles of 2024!
Which NFL team had the best pass defense in 2024?
The Philadelphia Eagles topped the NFL in pass defense for the 2024 regular season, allowing just 179.8 passing yards per game, according to NFL.com stats updated through Week 18. Bolstered by a secondary featuring Darius Slay and a fierce pass rush led by Josh Sweat, the Eagles suffocated opposing quarterbacks en route to a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on February 9, 2025. Their postseason performance only solidified their dominance, making them the gold standard for pass defense this year.
What are the top 5 NFL pass defense rankings for 2024?
Based on passing yards allowed per game from NFL.com and FOX Sports data through the regular season:
Philadelphia Eagles – 179.8 yards/game
New York Jets – 183.3 yards/game
Cleveland Browns – 196.4 yards/game
Minnesota Vikings – 198.2 yards/game
Pittsburgh Steelers – 201.5 yards/game
These rankings reflect regular-season performance, but the Eagles and Vikings carried their stinginess into the playoffs, while the Jets’ elite secondary (Sauce Gardner, anyone?) kept them near the top despite missing the postseason.
How are NFL pass defense rankings determined?
Pass defense rankings are primarily based on average passing yards allowed per game, a stat tracked by the NFL and outlets like ESPN and Pro Football Reference. However, advanced metrics like pass defense DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average from Football Outsiders) and EPA per dropback (Expected Points Added, per ESPN) offer deeper insights into efficiency and situational success. For 2024, yards per game remains the go-to for most fans, but analysts on YouTube often highlight pressures, sacks, and interceptions to paint the full picture.
Which team led the NFL in passes defended in 2024?
The Minnesota Vikings led the league with 90 passes defended during the regular season, per StatMuse. This stat—counting pass breakups and interceptions—showcases their secondary’s knack for disrupting throws. Brian Flores’ aggressive scheme paid off, with players like Byron Murphy Jr. and Stephon Gilmore swatting passes left and right, contributing to their 4th-ranked pass defense in yards allowed.
Who had the worst pass defense in the NFL in 2024?
The Washington Commanders struggled mightily, finishing dead last with 239.9 passing yards allowed per game (NFL.com). Despite a midseason trade for Marshon Lattimore, their secondary couldn’t stop the bleeding, and early-season woes (like a 72.7% pass defense DVOA ranking in September, per X posts) lingered. Honorable mention goes to the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins, who also floundered early but improved slightly by season’s end.
How did the Super Bowl teams rank in pass defense?
Philadelphia Eagles (Super Bowl champs): 1st, 179.8 yards/game – Their lockdown secondary and pass rush (46 sacks, per Pro Football Reference) overwhelmed Patrick Mahomes in the big game.
Kansas City Chiefs: 11th, 211.2 yards/game – Solid but not elite, they relied more on their offense, though Kyle Hamilton and the secondary held up decently until the final showdown.
The Eagles’ top-ranked pass defense was a key factor in their 27-24 Super Bowl win on February 9, 2025, per FOX Sports recaps.
Which teams improved their pass defense the most in 2024?
The Denver Broncos made a remarkable turnaround. After ranking 32nd in pass defense DVOA early in the season (55.1% in September, per X), they finished 14th in yards allowed (215.6/game) thanks to Pat Surtain II and a resurgent pass rush. The Tennessee Titans also climbed, ending 7th (204.1 yards/game), a leap from their 2023 struggles, driven by a stout secondary and Jeffery Simmons’ disruption up front.
How do pass rush stats affect pass defense rankings?
A strong pass rush is a game-changer! Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers (2nd in sacks with 54, per ESPN) and Eagles (46 sacks) used pressure to boost their pass defense rankings. The Steelers’ T.J. Watt and the Eagles’ Josh Sweat forced hurried throws, leading to fewer yards and more turnovers. Conversely, teams like the Colts (26th in sacks) saw their pass defense suffer (227.8 yards/game), showing the link between pressure and coverage success.
Which players stood out in pass defense for 2024?
Darius Slay (Eagles): Anchored the league’s best unit with timely picks and shutdown coverage.
Sauce Gardner (Jets): A lockdown corner, helping the Jets to 2nd place.
Byron Murphy Jr. (Vikings): Led with passes defended, per YouTube highlights.
T.J. Watt (Steelers): His 15.5 sacks (PFF) terrorized QBs, boosting Pittsburgh’s rank.
Fans on X have raved about these stars, with posts calling Gardner “untouchable” and Watt “a one-man wrecking crew.”
How did playoff teams rank in pass defense?
Here’s a snapshot of key playoff contenders (regular season, per NFL.com):
Detroit Lions: 8th, 205.3 yards/game – Stout until injuries hit.
Baltimore Ravens: 10th, 209.6 yards/game – Lamar’s offense outshone their D.
Buffalo Bills: 13th, 216.4 yards/game – Middle-of-the-pack but clutch in big moments.
San Francisco 49ers: 6th, 203.7 yards/game – Strong but faded late.
The Eagles and Vikings stood out as playoff pass defense elites, per postseason stats on Pro Football Network.
Why do fans care so much about pass defense rankings?
In today’s pass-heavy NFL, stopping the air attack wins games—and championships! Fans on YouTube debate rankings because they reveal a team’s backbone. The Eagles’ Super Bowl run proved “defense wins championships” still holds, while leaky units like the Commanders’ fueled endless X rants. Plus, fantasy football players scour these stats for D/ST picks!
Where can I find the latest NFL pass defense rankings?
NFL.com: Official stats updated weekly.
ESPN.com: Detailed leaderboards and advanced metrics.
Pro-Football-Reference.com: Historical context and playoff updates.
FOX Sports: Rankings with analysis (last updated January 30, 2025).
X: Real-time fan takes and early DVOA drops.
The 2024 NFL season showcased a wild range of pass defense performances, from the Eagles’ aerial dominance to the Commanders’ struggles. As the postseason dust settles, these rankings tell a story of grit, strategy, and star power. Whether you’re celebrating a Super Bowl champ or plotting next year’s revenge, the pass defense landscape has fans hooked. Got more questions? Hit us up, and let’s keep dissecting the NFL’s sky wars!
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