The Seahawks’ defense has been elite in multiple metrics entering the big game. They finished the regular season second in scoring rate (28.7%), and yards per play allowed (4.6), while leading the league in third-down defense (32.1% allowed) and posting a strong EPA per play (-0.113). Seattle also generated substantial pressure (26.2% rate) with a blitz rate under 20%, aided by a front that ranked seventh in ESPN’s pass-rush win rate (41%).
New England’s defense has carried the Patriots through the playoffs, turning around a late-season slide and delivering 3 postseason games with efficient results against the pass. The unit has produced 15 sacks in the postseason, and the overall pass defense has been a strength. In the Super Bowl, the matchup against the Seahawks will test Vrabel’s aggression and the Patriots’ cornerback depth, including Christian Gonzalez, as Seattle’s offense grapples with New England’s rush plans and run defense, which has allowed 392 rushing yards in three playoff games.
Beyond the top two, the Texans sit No. 3 with a defense described as Super Bowl-caliber, led by a core under contract for 2026 (Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Stingley Jr., and others). The Broncos and Eagles follow in the top tier, with Denver’s unit anchored by its secondary and front seven, and Philadelphia’s defense coached by Vic Fangio, even as questions linger about edge rusher retention. Minnesota’s defense, Rams’ front-seven strength with questions on the secondary, and Cleveland’s continued reliance on Myles Garrett round out the high end of the list.
In the middle of the pack, teams like Green Bay, Chicago, and Los Angeles Chargers show potential but carry questions about depth, edge rushing, and secondary play. The Bills, Saints, Colts, and Lions sit in the 14–17 range, reflecting healthy foundations but notable offseason decisions ahead. Kansas City’s defense, while capable, faces concerns about pass rush and long-term plans for edge and interior pressure, while San Francisco could be navigating a coordinator change that would impact its stability.
The bottom of the rankings highlights the Jets’ defensive collapse as the worst in 2025, with the Cowboys also struggling after trading away a generational pass rusher and facing ongoing secondary and linebacker questions. Washington and Cincinnati sit toward the bottom as well, with several personnel and schematic retoolings anticipated in the coming months. The full list captures a wide spectrum of need areas, from pass rush and run defense to secondary cohesion and coordinator continuity, shaping how each team approaches the offseason and 2026 projection.
