The New York Jets head into the 2025 NFL season with high hopes… and some difficult defenses on their schedule.
The headlines will always be on the quarterbacks on the other sideline. But they don’t say “defense wins championships” for no reason.
From the easy tasks to NFL’s elite, here is Jets Wire’s ranking of the 14 defensive units the Jets will face in 2025:
14. Jaguars
The Jaguars provided next to nothing last season. Head coach Liam Coen’s staff on that side of the ball has a tough task ahead of them fixing this group.
13. Panthers
Quarterback Bryce Young struggled… then did show some flashes for the Panthers last year. The QB always gets the eyeballs, but don’t forget how poor their defense. They really have to prove they improved this offseason.
12. Bengals
The Bengals missed the playoffs in 2024… and their offense deserved next to none of the blame. That’s the best description for how poor the Bengals defense is.
11. Falcons
The Falcons addressed their terrible pass rusher this offseason… but they are still banking on rookies. They’ll need time.
10. Cowboys
The jury is out on the Cowboys. Their stock is not high right not after trading away a generational talent in pass rusher Micah Parsons.
9. Saints
The Saints secondary could have some decent games, but aside from that, there is not much to hang their hat on. Plus, this group has so much pressure on them when looking at their offense.
8. Dolphins
Who is playing cornerback for the Dolphins? It’s hard to think of anyone worth remembering. In a passing league, that’s not a good start.
7. Buccaneers
Similar to the Chiefs, the Buccaneers look like middle-tier defense. However, the Bucs look as if their “floor” is would be slightly better than the Chiefs.
6. Bills
The Bills have a solid front-seven group. Their secondary has not been the same in recent seasons since the departure of safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.
5. Patriots
The Patriots were not a threat as a defense last year. The addition of head coach Mike Vrabel is huge for a defense, though. Plus the Pats were beaten up with injuries in 2024.
4. Steelers
The Steelers’ defensive line has long been a threat. It’s been the secondary with a few question marks leaving them away from the top of such lists. Can offseason additions like cornerback Jalen Ramsey change that?
3. Browns
The explosive plays kill the Browns but can still rusher the passer at a high rate and are usually sound otherwise.
2. Broncos
In a positive way, quarterback Bo Nix’s successes took headlines in 2024. But most recognize how vastly improved the Broncos were on defense as well.
1. Ravens
As what feels as the usual, the Ravens defense is steadily a strong unit. Additions at cornerback via Chidobe Awuzie and Jaire Alexander will help.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: Ranking opposing defenses on New York Jets 2025 NFL schedule
Reporting by Nick Wojton, USA TODAY / Jets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
