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Power Ranking Top 10 NFL Defenses Heading Into Week 8

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By @NickSonofDave

Power Ranking Top 10 NFL Defenses Heading Into Week 8

Detroit Lions vs New Orleans Saints
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

As we approach the halfway point of the 2014 season, NFL teams are starting to round into, well, midseason form. Heading into Week 8, here are the power rankings for the top 10 defensive units in the league.

10. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks vs St Louis Rams
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

10. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks vs St Louis Rams
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Even with back-to-back losses, the defending champs’ defense still deserves a spot in the top 10. But for how long? The Seahawks’ D is playing nowhere near the level they were at last year. While they are among the best run defenses in the game, they haven’t been able to consistently make big plays, ranking 29th in the league in takeaways.

9. San Francisco 49ers

Ahmad Brooks San Francisco 49ers
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

9. San Francisco 49ers

Ahmad Brooks San Francisco 49ers
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Even after their blowout loss to the Denver Broncos, the 49ers still rank second in the NFL in total defense. And to be honest, what defense isn’t going to struggle against Peyton Manning? San Francisco’s defensive performance this year is even more impressive when one considers the number of high-impact players they are missing.

8. Baltimore Ravens

Terrell Suggs Baltimore Ravens
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

8. Baltimore Ravens

Terrell Suggs Baltimore Ravens
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore’s defense had arguably their best game of the season this past Sunday, holding the high-flying Falcons offense to just seven points. The Ravens are giving up the fewest points per game in the league (14.9) despite being in the middle of the pack in total defense (16th). Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil and C.J. Mosley have been among the standout performers.

7. New England Patriots

Darrelle Revis New England Patriots
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

7. New England Patriots

Darrelle Revis New England Patriots
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Despite not ranking in the top 10 in either total defense or scoring defense, the Patriots still have among the best units in the NFL. A big reason for their success this season is how opportunistic they have been, forcing 14 turnovers so far, good for second in the league. Having the best pass defense in the game also helps quite a bit.

6. Buffalo Bills

Mario Williams Buffalo Bills
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

6. Buffalo Bills

Mario Williams Buffalo Bills
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

It all starts up front for the Bills, as it would be hard to find a better defensive line in the NFL. Jerry Hughes and Marcell Dareus in particular have been dominant in helping the Bills to a league-high 24 sacks through just seven games. Buffalo’s D has also avoided costly big plays, ranking fourth in yards allowed per play (5.1).

5. Indianapolis Colts

Jerrell Freeman Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Indianapolis Colts

Jerrell Freeman Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts
Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

While Andrew Luck and Indy’s offense get all of the headlines, it has been the Colts’ defense that has helped them emerge as one of the best teams in the league in 2014. Indianapolis ranks third in total defense and fourth in scoring defense, and they are equally stout against the pass (5th) and run (9th). Despite being without Robert Mathis, the Colts have gotten a total collaborative effort from all 11 players.

4. Miami Dolphins

Chicago Bears vs Miami Dolphins
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

4. Miami Dolphins

Chicago Bears vs Miami Dolphins
Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

Miami’s defense was the key to their surprising 27-14 win over the Chicago Bears. The Dolphins are tied for the league lead in yards allowed per play (4.7) and also rank in the top 10 in both run defense (10th) and pass defense (4th). When Ryan Tannehill plays like he did on Sunday, the Dolphins are a very dangerous team.

3. San Diego Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs vs San Diego Chargers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

3. San Diego Chargers

Kansas City Chiefs vs San Diego Chargers
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Despite their disappointing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Chargers still have one of the most complete defenses in the league. The Chargers’ defense doesn’t make many flashy plays, ranking just 16th in sacks and 19th in takeaways, but they are sound from play to play, especially in the passing game. It should be noted, however, that the Chargers still have to play Peyton Manning and the Broncos twice.

2. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos vs San Francisco 49ers
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos vs San Francisco 49ers
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Much like the Colts, the Broncos’ defense is overshadowed by their amazing quarterback. But Denver’s defense is nearly as talented as their offense, which is saying something. Von Miller has looked like his old self, while new additions DeMarcus Ware and Aqib Talib have been outstanding. Paired with their record-setting offense, there might not be a scarier team in football than Denver.

1. Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions vs New Orleans Saints
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

1. Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions vs New Orleans Saints
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Sometimes numbers don’t tell the full story, but that isn’t the case with the Lions’ defense. Detroit is No. 1 in total defense, second in scoring defense, third in yards per play and tied for third in sacks. There is just a ton of talent here, especially in the front seven, and unless something drastic happens, the Lions should continue to have the best defense in the NFL.

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