• T.J. Watt powers the Steelers to a dominant performance: Watt’s incredible 95.3 overall grade was highlighted by three sacks (two negated by penalties), two forced fumbles (negated by penalties) and a 21.4% pass-rush win rate.
• Houston Texans come in at No. 32: The Texans ranked last in run-defense grade and 24th in pass-rush grade in Week 1.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full access to all our in-season fantasy tools, including weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and more. Sign up now!
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The defensive line is the heart of any successful defense, tasked with both disrupting the opposing quarterback with a pass rush and shutting down rushing attacks at the line of scrimmage.
Elite defensive lines can change the course of a game by applying pressure, forcing hurried throws and creating turnovers while also stifling run plays to control the tempo.
This season, we will monitor NFL defensive line play all season long. Unlike our offensive line rankings, which in some cases consider previous-season rankings, these rankings will be based purely on 2024 play.
While the New York Jets were our top defensive line heading into the season, their poor play on Monday Night Football means they come in at No. 31 ahead of Week 2. Expect these rankings to drastically change over the first few weeks of the season and stabilize as we enter October.
Key:
Red text = Players with grades below 60.0
Best player = highest-graded player
1. Pittsburgh Steelers: 89.5
Top five snap counts
The Steelers pass rush dominated Falcons QB Kirk Cousins throughout the game, earning a 90.7 pass-rush grade while holding Cousins to a 27.7 passing grade under pressure. Despite their usual blitz-heavy approach, the Steelers blitzed on just 14% of plays, effectively generating pressure without relying on frequent blitzes.
Top Player: T.J. Watt
Watt’s incredible 95.3 overall grade was highlighted by three sacks (two of which were negated by penalties), two forced fumbles (also negated by penalties) and a 21.4% pass-rush win rate.
2. Detroit Lions: 85.0
Top five snap counts
A highly regarded unit entering the season, the Lions defensive line delivered. Onwuzurike posted a 76.4 pass-rush grade, generating five total pressures and two stops, while the entire unit earned an impressive 91.3 pass-rush grade.
Top Player: Aidan Hutchinson
Hutchinson did his best not to be outdone by Watt, earning a 94.0 overall grade and an incredible 95.7 pass-rush grade. He racked up 11 total pressures, as he was seemingly unblockable on Sunday night.
3. Los Angeles Chargers: 76.4
Top five snap counts
The trio of Mack, Bosa, and Ford led the way for the defense against the Raiders, earning the highest grades on the unit. Mack recorded two sacks and five total pressures, while the group combined for four sacks overall. The unit’s 75.7 run-defense grade ranked second in Week 1.
Top Player: Joey Bosa
Bosa tallied a sack but was most impressive defending the run, as he earned a 93.7 run-defense grade.
4. Las Vegas Raiders: 75.9
Top five snap counts
The top-graded run-defense unit of the week (80.3), the Raiders defensive line was a big reason the Chargers generated a success rate of just 29.8% in the game. As always, Crosby and Wilkins disrupted the offensive line in the running and passing games.
Top Player: John Jenkins
While this may not hold for the entire season, Jenkins led the group with an impressive 83.6 grade. At 35 years old, he proved he’s still got it, recording two pressures, five tackles, and a 14.3% pass rush win rate.
5. Seattle Seahawks: 73.0
Top five snap counts
The Seahawks defense swarmed the Bo Nix and the Broncos offense. So many players graded well that Boye Mafe’s 74.0 grade was ninth-best on the defense. Mafe generated nine total pressures and the unit accounted for 25, the third-most of the week.
Best Player: Leonard Williams
Williams generated six pressures with an impressive 19.4% pass rush win rate. Additionally, both of his tackles in the run game resulted in stops.
6. Chicago Bears: 72.8
Top five snap counts
Before the season, the Bears defensive line was seen as a weak point, with Montez Sweat being the only returning player who graded above 70.0 last year. However, the unit stepped up in Week 1, wreaking havoc on the Titans’ offensive line and QB Will Levis, earning the fourth-best pass-rush grade of the week at 75.7.
Best Player: Darrell Taylor
Taylor earned a 78.6 grade in his Bears debut, sacking Levis twice and forcing a fumble. After three seasons of below-average performance in Seattle, Taylor may have found his home in Chicago.
7. New England Patriots: 71.6
Top five snap counts
The Patriots had a top-10 defensive unit in 2023, though it was often overshadowed by the team’s offensive struggles. In Week 1 of this season, the defense showcased its strength, earning the sixth-best pass rush grade and the third-best run defense grade, making it one of the most well-rounded units in the NFL.
Best Player: Keion White
White’s 90.3 overall grade was tops for the defense, as his three sacks and one forced fumble were difference-makers in the game.
8. San Francisco 49ers: 70.5
Top five snap counts
The 49ers defense spoiled Aaron Rodgers’ return, and the defensive line played a major role in that. Leonard Floyd earned a sack and three pressures, while Hargrave tacked on a sack of his own.
Best Player: Nick Bosa
Bosa’s performance was well-rounded, earning a 90.5 overall grade, with a 75.1 run defense grade and an 87.8 pass rush grade. He led the team with five pressures.
9. Minnesota Vikings: 69.9
Top five snap counts
The Vikings’ defense pressured Daniel Jones all game long, resulting in one of the best performances of the week. Jones was under pressure on 40% of his dropbacks, and the Vikings also used their defensive line in coverage on a handful of plays to confuse him.
Best Player: Andrew Van Ginkel
Van Ginkel earned an impressive 90.6 grade, highlighted by a sack and an interception against Jones. He also contributed two key stops during the game.
10. Baltimore Ravens: 67.4
Top five snap counts
Getting pressure on Patrick Mahomes is no easy feat, but the Ravens rose to the challenge. They sacked him twice, and his 60.9 grade under pressure highlights their defensive success. Fresh off a big contract extension, Justin Madubuike led the unit with a 72.5 pass-rush grade.
Best Player: Odafe Oweh
Oweh earned his 85.4 grade on the back of his three run stops and two pass stops.
11. Cleveland Browns: 67.0
Top five snap counts
The Browns’ defense didn’t get the results it hoped for in Week 1, but the defensive line can’t be blamed. While their run defense earned a below-average 53.2 grade, the pass rush stood out with a 78.0 grade, ranking third-best for the week.
Best Player: Myles Garrett
There’s no surprise here, as Garrett terrorized the Cowboys’ offensive tackles all game long with a ridiculous 32.1% pass-rush win rate and a 93.9 pass-rush grade. Dak Prescott’s 2.34-second average time to throw was second-quickest by any QB this week.
12. Miami Dolphins: 65.4
Top five snap counts
Jaelen Phillips returned from injury and gave the unit a much-needed boost. He and Ogbah combined for two sacks, while Da’Shawn Hand contributed with two key run stops.
Best Player: Calais Campbell
The ageless wonder Calais Campbell made an impact in his Dolphins debut, recording a sack and adding three run stops, earning a solid 74.1 grade.
13. Dallas Cowboys: 62.9
Top five snap counts
This ranking may seem low given the Cowboys’ dominant performance on Sunday, but it’s important to consider that no other defense faced as many opportunities, with the Browns dropping back to pass 60 times. While QB Deshaun Watson was pressured on nearly 43% of his dropbacks, the defensive line’s 38.7 run-defense grade negatively impacted their overall grade.
Best Player: Micah Parsons
Unsurprisingly, one of the league’s most disruptive pass rushers stood out as the best player for the Cowboys defense. He generated 11 pressures, including one sack and four hits on Deshaun Watson.
14. Buffalo Bills: 61.6
Top five snap counts
The Bills pass rush earned the eighth-best grade of the week, recording four sacks and a batted pass. The run defense needs to improve, but it allowed a 34.8% success rate, good for 11th in the NFL.
Best Player: Greg Rousseau
With three sacks and a forced fumble, Rousseau was a menace throughout the game. Adding three more stops to his performance, he earned an impressive 87.2 grade, the highest on the team.
15. Los Angeles Rams: 61.4
Top five snap counts
Considering it started two rookies and is adjusting to life without Aaron Donald, the defensive line held up well overall. However, Fiske struggled, generating just one pressure, while Brown was unable to make an impact on the quarterback.
Best Player: Jared Verse
The first-round rookie earned a solid 75.5 overall grade and recorded a sack in his debut. While he may not be the same interior force as Aaron Donald, producing at this level as a rookie will go a long way toward easing the loss.
16. Kansas City Chiefs: 59.6
Top five snap counts
The Chiefs had the tall task of defending both Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. They did well against Henry, but Jackson did what he did and ate them up on the ground.
Best Player: Chris Jones
Jones was dominant, racking up six total pressures, including a strip sack, on his way to earning an 82.8 grade.
17. Washington Commanders: 59.5
Top five snap counts
The Commanders’ defensive line ranked 10th in run-defense grade and allowed the 12th-best success rate. However, their pass rush faltered, earning the 26th-best grade with a pressure rate of just 30.6%.
Best Player: Phidarian Mathis
Mathis’ 66.1 grade reflects his reliability, as he avoided missed tackles and remained solid in the run game.
18. Cincinnati Bengals: 58.3
Top five snap counts
The Bengals defensive line struggled to get after QB Jacoby Brissett and was one of three units not to register a sack this week. The group’s 11 run stops were second-most in the NFL.
Best Player: Trey Hendrickson
Hendrickson was the one good rusher for the Bengals, as he recorded six pressures and a 74.8 pass-rush grade.
19. Tennessee Titans: 57.9
Top five snap counts
The Titans defensive line recorded a 1.57-yard average tackle depth, the fourth-best mark in the NFL. However, the pressure rate was just 22.9%, the sixth-worst in the NFL.
Best Player: T’VONDRE SWEAT
Sweat earned an 81.8 pass-rush grade with a 15.8% pass-rush win rate. While the stat sheet may not show it, Sweat was a force in the middle.
20. Indianapolis Colts: 57.4
Top five snap counts
The Colts’ defensive line generated five combined sacks and four hits on QB C.J. Stroud. Unfortunately, they allowed a run success rate of 48.7%, the fifth-worst in the NFL.
Best Player: DeForest Buckner
Buckner’s two sacks and six total stops were big reasons for his 82.8 overall grade for the game.
21. Carolina Panthers: 54.7
Top five snap counts
The Panthers defensive line’s 51.6 pass-rush grade was the worst in the NFL this week, as they notched only three total pressures in the game. Their 53.7 run-defense grade was 18th. Even worse, their best player suffered a potentially season-ending injury.
Best Player: A’Shawn Robinson
Robinson stood out in an otherwise struggling group, leading the way with six tackles and no missed tackles, earning a 73.0 grade. He also contributed two key stops.
22. Denver Broncos: 54.0
Top five snap counts
The Broncos defensive line earned a 66.1 pass-rush grade, pressuring Geno Smith 34.3% of the time, the 12th-best rate of the week. Their 46.2 run-defense grade ranked 24th among units.
Best Player: Jonathon Cooper
The top player on the defense for the week at 79.2, Cooper’s seven pressures were equal to half that the rest of the team generated. His two sacks, two hits and four stops were all the best on the team, as well.
23. Atlanta Falcons: 53.1
Top five snap counts
The Falcons struggled to rush by the rebuilt Steelers offensive line with the third-worst pass-rush grade (53.6) among units. The group combined for 16 tackles, the second-most in the NFL this week.
Best Player: Matthew Judon
Judon missed most of 2023 due to injury and returned to form with a 70.1 overall grade. His lone pressure was a sack, and he added four stops.
24. New York Giants: 52.0
Top five snap counts
Outside of Lawrence, the Giants defensive line really struggled to penetrate the Vikings offensive line and cause disruption. The unit earned a 42.3 run-defense grade and a 66.9 pass-rush grade, the latter of which ranked 10th in the NFL.
Best Player: Dexter Lawrence
Lawrence was unblockable on Sunday, as his 92.3 pass-rush grade carried the unit. He generated six pressures and a sack.
25. Arizona Cardinals: 51.6
Top five snap counts
The Cardinals’ pass-rushing unit struggled to get after Josh Allen, putting up a 53.6 pass-rush grade and just eight total pressures. The run defense wasn’t much better, ranking 22nd.
Best Player: Zaven Collins
Collins isn’t your typical edge rusher, as he’ll drop into coverage more than average, and he earned a 91.2 grade doing so. His 85.8 overall grade was second best on the team.
26. New Orleans Saints: 51.3
Top five snap counts
The Saints defensive line was one of three units not to register a sack in the opening weekend, resulting in a 55.1 PFF pass-rush grade that ranked 29th in the league. The run defense was much better, ranking 15th.
Best Player: Nathan Shepherd
Shepherd isn’t the name you’d expect from a group with three former first-round picks. Shepherd logged four stops en route to a 62.8 overall grade.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 48.6
Top five snap counts
The Buccaneers’ pass rush was solid, ranking 19th in grade for the week and generating pressure on 27% of their rushes. The run defense struggled mightily, ranking 30th.
Best Player: Yaya Diaby
Diaby led the Buccaneers’ defense with a 72.7 grade, recording five pressures in the game.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: 47.6
Top five snap counts
The Eagles defensive line registered the fewest tackles among units and the third-highest rate of negatively graded players on run plays. Not only did they struggle to make tackles, but they also didn’t sack the quarterback.
Best Player: Brandon Graham
Graham is as consistent as they come from the edge, as he earned a 76.9 overall grade. The veteran generated a 17.6% pass rush win rate in the contest.
29. Green Bay Packers: 45.7
Top five snap counts
The Packers defensive line earned a 55.6 pass-rush grade and had the sixth-worst pass-rush win rate in the NFL. On the positive side, they were one of nine units that did not miss a tackle on the opening weekend.
Best Player: Preston Smith
We know the Packers defensive linemen can play much better than they did on Friday night against the Eagles’ stout offensive line. Smith’s 61.1 grade isn’t typically indicative of the caliber of player he is.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars: 45.3
Top five snap counts
The Jaguars’ defensive line struggled in the opening weekend, recording the most missed tackles and earning a 39.8 run defense grade. Additionally, their 20.8% pass-rush win rate was the fourth lowest in the league.
Best Player: Josh Hines-Allen
Hines-Allen being the best player isn’t surprising, but his 62.0 grade is. Typically a disruptive force, he was limited to two pressures and a batted pass.
31. New York Jets: 38.5
Top five snap counts
Our top-ranked unit heading into the season, the Jets’ defensive line faced a harsh reality against the 49ers’ rushing attack, earning the second-worst run defense grade of the week. However, expect this unit to bounce back in the coming games.
Best Player: Javon Kinlaw
The one bright spot was Kinlaw against his former team, as he put up an 18.2% pass-rush win rate and 79.1 pass-rush grade.
32. Houston Texans: 38.1
Top five snap counts
Another unit we expect to be better, the Texans ranked last in run-defense grade and 24th in pass-rush grade. This group is far too talented to stay on the bottom of this list, though.
Best Player: Will Anderson Jr.
Anderson, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, generated just one pressure and a 60.4 overall grade. The duo of Anderson and Hunter should be formidable in 2024.
