The NFL's top-rated defenses collapsed in Week 16, exposing vulnerabilities that could determine playoff fortunes.

The Houston Texans' elite defense gave up two touchdowns of 50-plus yards to the Las Vegas Raiders—a team with the league's worst offense. The Denver Broncos allowed a season-high 34 points at home to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Even the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams torched each other for nearly 40 points apiece in Thursday night's overtime thriller.

Elite Tier

• Houston Texans
• Philadelphia Eagles
• Los Angeles Chargers
• Denver Broncos
• Seattle Seahawks

The Chargers stood out amid the chaos. While elite defenses crumbled, Los Angeles held the fifth-ranked scoring offense Dallas Cowboys to just 17 points—the Cowboys' lowest total since Week 9.

The Chargers have surrendered fewer than 100 rushing yards in three of their past four games and forced 13 takeaways since Week 10. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is making a compelling case for a head-coaching opportunity.

Bet the Under Tier

• Jacksonville Jaguars
• Los Angeles Rams
• Green Bay Packers
• Cleveland Browns
• New England Patriots
• Chicago Bears

Chicago has climbed from mediocrity to legitimate defensive force. The Bears lead the NFL with 31 takeaways and have surrendered just one touchdown over their last two games combined. In four of their past six contests, they've held opponents to 17 or fewer points.

Against the Packers last week, Chicago shut down Green Bay's red zone offense completely—forcing five straight three-and-outs, including three stops from goal-to-go territory.

Competitive Tier

• Minnesota Vikings
• New Orleans Saints
• Carolina Panthers
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• San Francisco 49ers
• Baltimore Ravens
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Buffalo Bills
• Indianapolis Colts

Pittsburgh's run defense has become a weapon. The Steelers allowed just 78 combined rushing yards over their past two games—including a stunning 15 yards to the high-octane Detroit Lions in Week 16.

New Orleans' underrated defense is quietly dangerous. The Saints have surrendered just 15.8 points per game over their past six contests, including a six-point performance and two takeaways against the New York Jets last week.

Mediocre Tier

• Atlanta Falcons
• Detroit Lions
• Miami Dolphins

Miami's defense has completely unraveled. After going 5-1 from Weeks 8-14, the Dolphins imploded in back-to-back losses, surrendering 28 points to Pittsburgh and then 45 points—including six touchdowns—to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The unit forced zero turnovers in both games, a stark contrast to their winning streak.

Hang It Up Tier

• Las Vegas Raiders
• New York Giants
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Tennessee Titans
• Dallas Cowboys

Dallas' defense has cratered. After showing signs of life following the trade deadline, the Cowboys reverted to their season-long struggles. They gave up 34 points to the Chargers on Sunday—their third straight game allowing 34-plus points and fourth consecutive contest surrendering at least 28 points.

Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus is facing a one-and-done tenure in Dallas.

No Chance Tier

• Washington Commanders
• New York Jets
• Arizona Cardinals

Arizona's defense crumbled further with major injuries. Cornerback Garrett Williams and first-round rookie defensive lineman Walter Nolen III were placed on season-ending injured reserve Monday, deepening the team's misery.

The Cardinals have allowed at least 26 points in six of their past seven games, including 40 points three times. Arizona has also surrendered 140-plus rushing yards in three straight contests.