NFL5d ago
2026 NFL Defenses Face Persistent Issues in Updated Rankings
League-wide scoring sits at 23.3 points per team while several clubs work through specific defensive shortcomings heading into Week 6.
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League Trends and Top Climbers
Offenses continue to reach scoring territory often, pushing the average to 23.3 points per team. The Patriots moved into the top 10 after posting 45 points and 536 yards in one outing. The Packers climbed after dominating as 1.5-point underdogs and recording 367 passing yards. Three teams remain at 0-5, a situation that has occurred for the fifth time since the 1970 merger.
Third-Down and Red-Zone Concerns
The Niners sit fifth in yards per play allowed at 4.7 yet rank 20th in third-down defense after allowing conversions on 40.8 percent of chances. The Seahawks rank 27th in opponent red-zone efficiency at 75 percent and last in goal-to-go situations at 100 percent. The Ravens allow 41.5 percent third-down conversions and 8.7 yards per attempt on those plays.
Pressure and Run Defense Shortfalls
The Chiefs generated 21 pressures without recording a sack in the first month. The Jaguars lead the league in run defense but have only 11 sacks and 3.5 from their top two edge players. The Bengals have surrendered 21 runs of 10-plus yards and 217 rushing yards in one game. The Broncos rank 22nd in yards allowed at 347.4 after missing multiple tackles.
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