NHL Best Bets for Tuesday (11/19)
Kenneth Le
The NFL season is flying by, so it is time to take a step back and evaluate some of the teams from now on to maximize our ability to win in fantasy. Every offseason at FTNFantasy, we look at each unit for every NFL team. Now seems like an appropriate time to re-evaluate these rankings.
The updated offensive line rankings have already been completed, so naturally, it makes sense to evaluate defensive lines. As a reminder, this article will differentiate between 3-4 and 4-3 defenses, so you may not see some of your favorite pass-rushers below. They’ll be mentioned in the update for linebacking groups.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive update of every team’s depth chart and performance up to this point. If you want to view the original rankings, check them out here.
NFL Defensive Line Midseason Rankings
1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)
DE: George Karlaftis, 1T: Tershawn Wharton, 3T: Chris Jones, DE: Mike Danna
Preseason Rank: 14
Kansas City is getting excellent production from their four defensive linemen. All four of the Chiefs starters have a PFF grade above 63.0 and a run defense grade above 56.0 to start the year. Three of their starters also boast a pass rush grade above 71.0.
The result is a defensive line that is tormenting quarterbacks. Three different defensive linemen have at least 15 pressures (led by Chris Jones’ 28). Six different defensive linemen have at least one sack.
Few teams can attack quarterbacks on the edges and up the middle like Kansas City has in 2024.
FTN Stat to Know: Kansas City ranks fifth in pressure rate in 2024 (33.5%).
2. Cleveland Browns (4-3)
DE: Za’Darius Smith 1T: Dalvin Tomlinson, 3T: Shelby Harris DE: Myles Garrett
Preseason Rank: 4
Not much has gone right for Cleveland this year, but its defensive line has been very good (and healthy) to start the season.
Myles Garrett (91.1 PFF grade) continues to torment opposing quarterbacks, generating 26 pressures on 151 pass-rush snaps. Unfortunately, only four have turned into sacks to start the season. Za’Darius Smith (67.8 PFF grade) is also having a fine year, racking up 10 pressures and three sacks across from him. Cleveland’s four starting defensive linemen rank fourth among defensive lines in PFF run defense grade (64.8), making this a solid all-around unit.
FTN Stat to Know: Cleveland ranks sixth among defenses in stuffed run rate (22.0%).
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-4)
DE: Larry Ogunjobi, NT: Keeanu Benton, DE: Cameron Heyward
Preseason Rank: 15
Most of the damage done by Pittsburgh’s defense is handled by their fantastic edge defenders. However, the defensive line is also doing a tremendous job to start 2023.
Cameron Heyward (91.1 PFF grade) is back to his disruptive self after an injury-riddled 2023. He leads the team in pressures (22) and is tied with T.J. Watt in sacks (5). The team is also getting a steady pass-rush presence from Keeanu Benton in his second season (79.8 PFF grade).
FTN Stat to Know: Pittsburgh ranks fifth in DVOA against the rush in 2024 (-24.4%).
4. Baltimore Ravens (3-4)
DE: Broderick Washington NT: Travis Jones DE: Nnamdi Madubuike
Preseason Rank: 11
The combination of Nnamdi Madubuike (73.5 PFF grade) and Travis Jones (81.6 PFF grade) has been stellar to start the season. That duo has combined to generate 32 pressures and four sacks to start the 2024 season. They also have a 72.4 and 80.6 run defense grade respectively to start the year. Broderick Washington is also a steady contributor (54.4 PFF grade) who can plug up gaps to keep the off-ball linebackers making plays in the run game.
FTN Stat to Know: Opposing running backs have a 29.1% success rate against Baltimore this season.
5. San Francisco 49ers (4-3)
DE: Nick Bosa, 1T: Kevin Givens, 3T: Maliek Collins, DE: Leonard Floyd
Preseason Rank: 7
Nick Bosa remains one of the best edge defenders in the NFL when healthy. Bosa has generated 35 pressures and three sacks on 202 pass-rushing snaps to start the season. He has a 91.3 PFF grade and is also making an impact against the run. The team is also getting good production from Leonard Floyd (20 pressures and three sacks) across from him.
The loss of Javon Hargrave (partially torn triceps) is significant, but the team has been able to get by with a combination of Maliek Collins (15 pressures and three sacks), Kevin Givens (10 pressures and four sacks) and Jordan Elliott (67.0 PFF grade) on the interior.
FTN Stat to Know: San Francisco ranks eighth in pressure rate (31.8%) and adjusted sack rate (9.2%).
6. Miami Dolphins (3-4)
LE: Calais Campbell, NT: Benito Jones, RE: Zach Sieler
Preseason Rank: 28
Oftentimes, the mark of a good 3-4 defense is understated because the responsibilities don’t call for the group to make an impact in the box score. That is the case with Miami’s defensive line.
The Dolphins feature just three players with double-digit pressures and multiple sacks this year. Two of them (Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell) are a part of this group. The duo account for 37% of the team’s pressures and 44% of the team’s sacks.
Miami has three defensive linemen with at least 142 snaps played and a PFF grade above 67.0, a run defense grade above 60.0 and a pass rushing grade above 66.0. The team also gets a solid interior presence from Benito Jones in the middle of the defense.
FTN Stat to Know: Quarterbacks have the third-worst clean pocket rate against Miami (58.9%).
7. Seattle Seahawks (3-4)
DE: Leonard Williams, NT: Byron Murphy II (INJ), DE: Jarran Reed
Preseason Rank: 16
The combination of Leonard Williams (75.1 PFF grade) and Jarran Reed (75.7) has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines to start the season. Both players have a run defense grade above 64.0 and a pass-rush grade above 67.0 according to PFF. The duo has combined for 36 pressures and four sacks to start the season.
2024 first-round pick Byron Murphy II has been limited to just 90 snaps to start his career thanks to a hamstring injury, but he is poised to return. He should bring stability (and a pass-rushing presence of his own) to the interior of this defensive line for the remainder of the season.
FTN Stat to Know: Seattle is top 7 in adjusted sack rate (9.3%), pressure rate (33.5%) and clean pocket rate (61.0%) in 2024.
8. Chicago Bears (4-3)
DE: Montez Sweat, 1T: Andrew Billings, 3T: Gervon Dexter Sr., DE: DeMarcus Walker
Preseason Rank: 20
Chicago entered 2024 with questions about who would serve as a complement to Montez Sweat on the Edge. Numerous players have stepped up to contribute, making Chicago’s defense one of the best in the league to start the season.
Sweat (18 pressures and three sacks) is the star of the group. But four other defensive linemen have at least 160 snaps played and a PFF grade above 63.0 through six weeks. Chicago has five different defensive linemen with at least 11 pressures and a sack. 2023 second-round pick Gervon Dexter Sr. has converted his potential into production in his second season, leading the team in pressures (18) and sacks (5).
The Bears have gone from a group of relative unknowns to a deep stable of pass-rushers across the defensive line that has been giving opposing quarterbacks fits in 2024.
FTN Stat to Know: Chicago is sixth in adjusted sack rate (9.6%) this season.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3)
DE: Travon Walker, DT: Roy Robertson-Harris, DT: Arik Armstead, DE: Josh Hines-Allen
Preseason Rank: 27
Travon Walker has taken a significant step in his third NFL season. Walker is currently second on the team in pressures (23) and leads the team in sacks (4). He forms an excellent complement to Josh Hines-Allen (85.2 PFF grade, 24 pressures and three sacks) on the opposite edge.
Unfortunately, Jacksonville isn’t getting much from the interior of its defensive line. The combination of Roy Robertson-Harris, Arik Armstead and DaVon Hamilton all have PFF grades below 55.0. Robertson-Harris has at least brought some semblance of pass-rushing acumen (11 pressures and two sacks) while Armstead has been good against the run (63.2 run defense grade).
The stellar play from Walker and Hines-Allen pushed this group up the rankings. If they can get some consistency from their other linemen then this has the makings of a top 5 group for the remainder of the season.
FTN Stat to Know: Jacksonville is 12th in pressures this season (66).
10. Houston Texans (4-3)
DE: Will Anderson Jr., 1T: Foley Fatukasi, 3T: Mario Edwards Jr., DE: Danielle Hunter
Preseason Rank: 13
The Will Anderson Jr. (26 pressures and six sacks) and Danielle Hunter (24 pressures and three sacks) pairing has gone exactly as expected for Houston to begin the season. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been any consistency from the interior defensive line.
Four different players have logged at least 180 snaps for Houston at defensive tackle. Just one (Mario Edwards Jr.) has a PFF grade above 60.0. Houston is certainly hoping that Denico Autry’s return from suspension can provide some punch on the interior defensive line. He had three straight seasons with at least 53 pressures and eight sacks with the Titans before signing with the Texans.
FTN Stat to Know: Houston is fourth in adjusted sack rate (11.1%).
11. Las Vegas Raiders (4-3)
DE: Maxx Crosby, 1T: John Jenkins, 3T: Adam Butler, DE: Tyree Wilson
Preseason Rank: 6
Foot surgery for Christian Wilkins (74.8 PFF grade) puts a lot of pressure on Maxx Crosby to produce with a bunch of questionable talent surrounding him. Crosby has been good this season (21 pressures and six sacks) with little help around him.
The Raiders have struggled to generate consistent pressure outside Crosby, with just two other players (Adam Butler and Tyree Wilson) producing double-digit pressures. This ranking is thanks to Las Vegas’ stellar work against the run this season.
Six different Raiders defensive linemen have a PFF grade above 62.0 as run defenders this year. If the team can find a secondary pass-rusher, they could be formidable once again in the back half of the schedule.
FTN Stat to Know: Running backs are averaging the fourth-lowest rush yards before contact against Las Vegas this year (1.7).
12. Philadelphia Eagles (3-4)
DE: Jalen Carter, NT: Jordan Davis, DE: Milton Williams
Preseason Rank: 8
Jalen Carter (74.3 PFF grade, 18 pressures and one sack) has been the disruptive force he was billed as coming out of Georgia. Unfortunately, the rest of this unit has been disappointing to start the 2024 season.
The Eagles need more in the run game from Jordan Davis (59.6 run defense grade) in an expanded role on defense. Additionally, Milton Williams (59.6 PFF grade) has struggled to maintain his excellent play from the last two seasons despite being tied for the team lead in sacks (2).
This ranking is an acknowledgment of the excellent talent on Philadelphia’s defensive line (and the one-man wrecking ability of Jalen Carter). This team needs to start playing up to their ability to climb the ranks.
FTN Stat to Know: Philadelphia’s defense has the ninth-best running back success rate this season (38.3%).
13. Tennessee Titans (3-4)
DE: Jeffery Simmons, NT: T’Vondre Sweat, DE: Sebastian Joseph-Day
Preseason Rank: 19
Tennessee’s defensive line doesn’t offer much in the way of pass rush, but they are arguably the best run-stopping group in the NFL this season. Rookie T’Vondre Sweat (70.2 PFF grade) has been as good as advertised in his first NFL season and has even done his best to dismiss concerns about his ability to play due to his size and conditioning (226 of 303 snaps played). He’s formed a solid pairing with veteran Jeffery Simmons (67.6 PFF grade).
Collectively, this group has generated just 17 pressures and three sacks to start the season. If Jeffery Simmons can rediscover his role as a disruptive pass-rushing presence, this group can climb.
FTN Stat to Know: Tennessee is second in stuffed run rate this season (30.5%).
14. Denver Broncos (3-4)
DE: Zach Allen, NT: D.J. Jones, DE: John Franklin-Myers
Preseason Rank: 21
Denver’s defensive line utilizes a four-man, with four defensive linemen logging over 100 snaps to start the year. Collectively, the group has done an excellent job against both the run and pass.
The Broncos are getting an excellent pass-rush presence from defensive ends Zach Allen (39 pressures and six sacks) and John-Franklin Myers (14 pressures and three sacks). Veterans Malcolm Roach (80.0 PFF grade) and D.J. Jones (65.3 PFF grade) have been strong against the run.
The result is a group of relative unknowns playing a key role in one of the most surprising defenses in the 2024 season.
FTN Stat to Know: Denver ranks first in adjusted sack rate (12.6%), pressure rate (44.0%) and clean pocket rate (48.2%) this season.
15. Indianapolis Colts (4-3)
DE: Kwity Paye, 1T: Grover Stewart, 3T: Taven Bryan, DE: Dayo Odeyingbo
Preseason Rank: 2
The Colts have leaned heavily on their excellent depth to start the season. Four different edge-rushers have logged at least 197 snaps. Four interior defenders have also played over 100 snaps.
The constant rotation of fresh bodies hasn’t yielded much defensive production to start the season. Indianapolis has just 80 pressures and 16 sacks, led by Dayo Odeyingbo (14 pressures and three sacks). Rookie Laiatu Latu (78.1 PFF grade) has been billed as a pass-rusher and should see more snaps soon.
The Colts have been missing their best defensive player (DeForest Buckner) for the majority of the season due to an injury. His return could solidify a group of solid role players lacking a star presence.
FTN Stat to Know: The Colts have allowed the fourth-worst clean pocket rate in the NFL (80.3%).
16. Cincinnati Bengals (4-3)
DE: Sam Hubbard, 1T: Sheldon Rankins, 3T: B.J. Hill, DE: Trey Hendrickson
Preseason Rank: 17
The Bengals desperately need somebody to step up to take attention off of Trey Hendrickson The veteran defensive end is having another strong season as a pass-rusher, racking up 26 pressures and five sacks on 158 pass-rushing snaps. He’s the only player on the defense with more than 10 pressures and 1.0 sacks.
B.J. Hill has been a solid addition to the team replacing DJ Reader on the interior. Hill has a 72.3 PFF grade, 66.8 run defense grade and 70.0 pass rush grade. Nobody else on the defensive line has a PFF grade above 58.0.
FTN Stat to Know: Cincinnati ranks bottom 5 in adjusted sack rate (4.1%), pressure rate (22.2%) and clean pocket rate (74.5%).
17. Detroit Lions (4-3)
DE: Levi Onwuzurike, 1T: DJ Reader 3T: Alim McNeill DE: Josh Paschal
Preseason Rank: 3
The loss of Aidan Hutchinson’s presence on the defensive line cannot be understated. Hutchinson had a 94.9 PFF grade and a 95.0 pass-rush grade on 280 snaps this season. He generated 45 pressures and eight sacks on 198 pass-rush attempts through five games. The team was already without Marcus Davenport (elbow) for the rest of the season.
Detroit has two other defensive linemen with at least 16 pressures and three sacks (Levi Onwuzurike and Alim McNeill). DJ Reader remains a steady force on the defensive line with a 78.1 PFF grade.
The loss of both starting edge rushers could be catastrophic for a team that had Super Bowl aspirations unless some unheralded players can step up in their absence.
FTN Stat to Know: Detroit ranks fourth in defensive DVOA (-14.5%).
18. Buffalo Bills (4-3)
DE: Greg Rousseau, 1T: DaQuan Jones, 3T: Ed Oliver (INJ), DE: A.J. Epenesa
Preseason Rank: 10
Greg Rousseau has become one of the more reliable edge-rushers in the league. He has a 76.2 PFF defense grade thanks to 23 pressures and three sacks, both of which are the highest on the team.
The rest of the group has been average to start the season. None of the other starters have a PFF grade above 63.0. This group does have the potential to massively improve though. Ed Oliver has been limited to just 181 snaps with a hamstring injury and Von Miller (13 pressures and three sacks on 71 pass rush snaps) is set to return from a four-game suspension soon.
FTN Stat to Know: Buffalo ranks 13th in pressure rate (29.9%) and clean pocket rate (66.3%).
19. Green Bay Packers (4-3)
DE: Rashan Gary, 1T: T.J. Slaton, 3T: Kenny Clark, DE: Preston Smith
Preseason Rank: 9
Green Bay’s transition from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense has allowed the team to utilize exceptional depth but hasn’t yielded much in the way of results. Nine different defensive linemen have played at least 100 of 390 snaps to start the year. Only four of them have a PFF grade above 60.0.
Green Bay has just one player with double-digit pressures on their defensive line (Kenny Clark), but seven players with at least one sack. None of their linemen have a pass-rush grade above 63.0 despite having six players with eight or more pressures.
FTN Stat to Know: Quarterbacks have the ninth-best clean pocket rate against Green Bay (71.0%).
20. Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
DE: Braden Fiske, NT: Bobby Brown III, DE: Kobie Turner
Preseason Rank: 18
Replacing Aaron Donald was always going to be impossible. But the Rams are getting some good contributions from different places in an effort to try.
Kobie Turner is having a solid second season after proving to be disruptive as a rookie. He is tied for the team lead in pressures (20) and sacks (3). Rookie defensive lineman Braden Fiske (61.5 PFF grade) has also shown that his athleticism will translate to the NFL level as a pass-rusher (15 pressures on 116 pass rush snaps).
This group has several solid pieces, but understandably lacks a difference-maker in the wake of Aaron Donald’s retirement.
FTN Stat to Know: Opposing quarterbacks have the second most time to pressure against the Rams (2.9 seconds).
21. New York Giants (3-4)
DE: Rakeem Nunez-Roches, NT: Dexter Lawrence II, DE: Elijah Chatman
Preseason Rank: 25
Dexter Lawrence II deserves to be in consideration for the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL with Aaron Donald retired. The veteran has an 89.6 PFF grade, 83.6 run defense grade and 78.4 pass-rush grade to start the season. He’s generated 24 pressures and eight sacks as well.
Unfortunately, his supporting cast on the defensive line is very subpar. The combination of Rakeem Nunez-Roches (55.1 PFF grade) and Elijah Chatman (54.8 PFF grade) have combined for 13 pressures and three sacks. Neither player has a PFF grade above 56.0.
FTN Stat to Know: The Giants lead the NFL in adjusted sack rate (15.1%).
22. New England Patriots (3-4)
DE: Keion White, NT: Davon Godchaux, DE: Daniel Ekuale
Preseason Rank: 24
The loss of Christian Barmore (blood clots) cannot be understated for this group. Keion White has been used all around the defensive line in his second season, logging a 74.6 PFF grade thanks to 22 pressures and five sacks. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to celebrate in this unit. The combination of Daniel Ekuale and Davon Godchaux has a PFF grade, pass-rush grade and run defense grade under 63.0.
FTN Stat to Know: New England has the seventh-worst clean pocket rate against this season (72.7%).
23. Atlanta Falcons (3-4)
DE: Grady Jarrett, NT: Eddie Goldman, DE: David Onyemata
Preseason Rank: 12
Grady Jarrett may finally be losing a step in his 10th NFL season, but he’s still a solid contributor. The veteran is tied for the team lead in pressures (11) and sacks (2) despite logging a career-low 59.2 PFF grade on 281 snaps.
Both David Onyemata (66.3 PFF grade) and Eddie Goldman (55.6 PFF grade) are solid run-stoppers who can occasionally flash as pass-rushers (14 pressures and one sack combined).
This group will remain very average for the remainder of the season if Jarrett can’t recover his typical disruptive ability.
FTN Stat to Know: Atlanta has the third-worst pressure rate in the NFL (16.7%).
24. New York Jets (4-3)
DE: Will McDonald IV, 1T: Quinnen Williams, 3T: Javon Kinlaw, DE: Micheal Clemons
Preseason Rank: 5
Finding a silver lining for the Jets’ defensive line to start the season is nearly impossible. Just one of their starters (Quinnen Williams) has a PFF grade above 51.0 and a run defense grade above 44.0. The one thing this group has done well is pressure the quarterback with 60 pressures and 13 sacks combined.
Haason Reddick will upgrade this unit by replacing Micheal Clemons (48.6 PFF grade) once he gets in game shape. Unfortunately, he further reinforces a strength (four straight seasons with double-digit sacks) and only marginally improves their greatest weakness (three career seasons with a run defense grade above 60.0).
FTN Stat to Know: The Jets are bottom 10 in running back success rate against (43.4%) and stuffed run rate (17.7%).
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)
DE: Logan Hall, NT: Vita Vea, DE: Calijah Kancey
Preseason Rank: 26
Tampa Bay has invested three top-40 draft picks in their defensive line. Unfortunately, the Bucs aren’t getting that level of production from their current group.
Vita Vea (68.8 PFF grade) has remained one of the best pass-rushing nose tackles despite working through injuries in 2024 (13 pressures and three sacks). Logan Hall has also done fine as a pass-rusher (10 pressures and three sacks) but has been brutal in the run game (37.6 run defense grade).
The jury is still out on second-year defensive end Calijah Kancey The second-year player has logged just 44 snaps this season. Like Hall, he’s flashed as a pass-rusher (77.5 grade) but been brutal as a run stopper (29.3 run defense grade).
FTN Stat to Know: Running backs have the ninth-best yards per carry (4.7) and success rate (44.4%) in 2024.
26. New Orleans Saints (4-3)
DE: Carl Granderson, 1T: Nathan Shepherd, 3T: Bryan Bresee, DE: Chase Young
Preseason Rank: 22
New Orleans has been getting consistent pressure from its defensive line, but the group has struggled as run defenders. The combination of Carl Granderson and Chase Young have combined to generate 56 pressures and six sacks to start the season. Additionally, 2023 first-round pick Bryan Bresee has shown a penchant for getting after the quarterback on the interior (11 pressures and four sacks). However, nobody on the defensive line has a run defense grade above 64.0.
This group can climb the ranks if they start to convert some of their pressures into sacks. But for now, this is a group that is good at getting quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket and little else.
FTN Stat to Know: Running backs have the highest success rate against the Saints this season (60.0%).
27. Minnesota Vikings (3-4)
DE: Jonathan Bullard, NT: Harrison Phillips, DE: Jerry Tillery
Preseason Rank: 31
Minnesota’s defensive line doesn’t feature much talent (that is all taken up by the edge rushers), but it has been able to do their job in Brian Flores’ defense to start the season.
All three of the Vikings’ starters have a PFF grade above 58.0 and a run defense grade above 57.0. The trio have also combined for 19 pressures and two sacks.
The Vikings defensive line will rarely disrupt opposing offenses but will be a steady contributor to the greater defensive scheme.
FTN Stat to Know: Minnesota leads all teams in defensive DVOA (-39.6%).
28. Dallas Cowboys (4-3)
DE: Chauncey Golston, 1T: Mazi Smith, 3T: Osa Odighizuwa, DE: Carl Lawson
Preseason Rank: 1
This ranking isn’t necessarily fair to the Cowboys, but it does capture the current state of affairs. Dallas is currently without Micah Parsons (high-ankle sprain), DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) and Marshawn Kneeland (meniscus) for the foreseeable future. That is 36 pressures and four sacks off the field.
That leaves Dallas leaning on backups to try to replace excellent starters. Defensive end Chauncey Golston has been respectable (72.6 PFF grade), but Carl Lawson’s best days are seemingly behind him (46.3 PFF grade).
On the interior, Osa Odighizuwa is showing he has the ability as a pass-rusher (17 pressures), but 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith continues to look overwhelmed at the NFL level (31.8 PFF grade on 187 snaps).
This unit is a mess but will improve once Parsons can rejoin the lineup.
FTN Stat to Know: Dallas has the second lowest stuff rate in the NFL in 2024 (13.8%).
29. Washington Commanders (4-3)
DE: Clelin Ferrell, 1T: Daron Payne, 3T: Jer’Zhan Newton, DE: Dorance Armstrong
Preseason Rank: 23
Washington’s defensive line will certainly miss the presence of Jonathan Allen (13 pressures and two sacks on the interior). This group isn’t the most talented but has been successful in getting after the quarterback in 2024 (107 pressures and 20 sacks).
Dorance Armstrong has looked good in a full-time role after being a rotational piece in Dallas to start his career. He leads the team in pressures (20) and sacks (4) and has the highest PFF grade among the defensive line (71.1). The team has also gotten a solid contribution from Dante Fowler Jr. (18 pressures and four sacks) during Clelin Ferrell’s injury.
This isn’t a good group, but they do a good job of keeping opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable.
FTN Stat to Know: Washington is fifth in adjusted sack rate (9.8%).
30. Los Angeles Chargers (3-4)
DE: Morgan Fox, NT: Poona Ford, De: Otito Ogbonnia
Preseason Rank: 32
The Chargers defensive line has been unremarkable to start the 2024 season. Defensive ends Morgan Fox and Otito Ogbonnia both have a PFF grade below 50.0, a run defense grade below 47.0 and a pass rush grade below 59.0. They are simply space eaters.
The only player worth celebrating in this group is Poona Ford Ford (74.4 PFF grade) has been strong against the run and a serviceable pass-rusher from the nose tackle position.
FTN Stat to Know: The Chargers have the fifth-lowest stuff rate in the NFL this season (16.5%).
31. Arizona Cardinals (3-4)
DE: L.J. Collier, NT: Roy Lopez, DE: Bilal Nichols
Preseason Rank: 30
Arizona’s defensive line has been playing to its talent level to start the 2024 season. Only one of their starting linemen has a PFF grade above 47.0. None of their starters have a run defense grade above 49.0.
Things aren’t much better in the pass-rushing department either. This group has combined to generate just 26 pressures and one sack on the season.
FTN Stat to Know: Arizona is 28th in passing defense DVOA (25.5%).
32. Carolina Panthers (3-4)
DE: A’Shawn Robinson, NT: Shy Tuttle, DE: LaBryan Ray
Preseason Rank: 29
This unit was cooked the second they lost Derrick Brown just 60 snaps into the season.
Four different defensive linemen have logged at least 150 of 410 snaps on defense this year. None of them have a PFF grade above 54.0 or a run defense grade above 49.0. This group has combined for just 12 pressures and two sacks to start the season.
FTN Stat to Know: Carolina is in the bottom two teams for adjusted sack rate (3.5%), pressure rate (14.2%) and clean pocket rate (84.5%).
