One of the great NFL betting tips is to target teams with strong defenses. While offenses are all the rage, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams — the last two Super Bowl champs — won the title with an elite pass rush and loaded secondary.
Several teams are returning great defenses from last year, while others have made some offseason moves to build an elite unit and improve their NFL betting odds. Heading into the season, we now have a number of impressive defenses out there to make life difficult for the NFL’s top offenses. Before you look more into how to bet on football, here are the top defenses entering the 2022 NFL season.
1. Buffalo Bills
Most people equate the Buffalo Bills’ success to a high-octane offense fueled by star quarterback Josh Allen. However, the Bills also allowed a league-low 17.0 points per game in 2021 and now have a defense that should be even better.
First, Buffalo replaced Jerry Hughes with Von Miller, who, even at 33, is one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Next, the league leaders in yards allowed drafted cornerback Kaiir Elam in the first round, where he’ll likely start opposite Pro Bowl corner, Tre’Davious White.
Add in one of the best safety duos in the league in Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, plus high-caliber defensive linemen Ed Oliver and Gregory Rousseau; you’ll see the Bills are primed to have an elite defense once again.
2. Los Angeles Rams
As the old adage says, “Defense wins championships.” That bodes very well for the Los Angeles Rams, who built off a solid regular season by averaging 18.8 points allowed in the playoffs on their way to a Super Bowl victory.
The Rams were one of three teams to have 50 sacks in the regular season. The leader in that department was defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who’s arguably the best defensive player in the NFL period. LA also has star cornerback Jalen Ramsey and added former Seattle Seahawk Bobby Wagner to shore up the middle of its linebacking core.
With the top defensive lineman, top linebacker, and one of the top cornerbacks in the entire NFL, the Rams should be able to have another great defense as they aim for another Lombardi Trophy.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady retired and unretired this offseason, putting the future Hall of Famer in the driver’s seat of one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. But even Brady knows how good this defense that allowed 20.8 points last season will be.
Tampa Bay’s veteran-heavy defense suffered multiple injuries last season. But now, the Bucs should have a healthy unit led by edge rusher Shaquil Barrett, linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David, and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. They also have Vita Vea and newcomer Akiem Hicks anchoring one of the league’s best run defenses.
With former defensive coordinator Todd Bowles replacing Bruce Arians as the head coach, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Tampa Bay Buccaneers put even more value on their defense. If that’s the case, this will be one of the best defensive teams in football.
4. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers fought through countless injuries and managed to make the NFC title game. A big reason why is a defense that allowed 310.0 yards per game and registered 48.0 sacks, which ranked third and fifth, respectively.
Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead are the two leaders of San Francisco’s elite defensive line. Beyond that, the Niners have longtime vet Fred Warner plugged in at middle linebacker. And while most of the focus is on the team’s front seven, Charvarius Ward and Jason Verrett are solid corners on any playoff-caliber team.
Health, particularly in the secondary, is the key for San Francisco’s defense in 2022. But the talent is plentiful.
5. New Orleans Saints
In years past, the New Orleans Saints were defined by an explosive offense led by future Hall of Famer Drew Brees. Now, the Jameis Winston era is centered around a defense that averaged 19.7 points allowed, the fourth-fewest in the NFL picks.
Along the defensive line, Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport are dependable starters, with Jordan still one of the game’s best. Demario Davis is a very good linebacker who will lead the defense from the middle of the field. And not only is top cornerback Marshon Lattimore back for another go, but the New Orleans Saints signed former Pro Bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu.
Former defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is now the team’s head coach, meaning there will be an even greater emphasis on that side of the football. Expect one of the league’s most well-rounded defenses to compete for the top spot in 2022.
Honorable Mentions
The five teams mentioned above aren’t the only defenses that have a chance to be elite this fall.
The New England Patriots, for example, finished second in points allowed last season (17.8). While they lost several veterans, including Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy, you can never underestimate Bill Belichick’s ability to oversee an elite defensive team.
While the Rams are getting the glory, the Los Angeles Chargers should also have a strong defense. LA had a massive offseason, stealing Van Noy and cornerback J.C. Jackson from New England and pulling off a blockbuster trade for Khalil Mack. Those vets, along with stars Joey Bosa and Derwin James, could make the Bolts a serious Super Bowl threat.
Finally, keep an eye on the Denver Broncos. The Broncos may have splurged on a Russell Wilson trade, but their defense has the chance to be very good. Denver returns stars Bradley Chubb and Patrick Surtain II and added the talented Randy Gregory in free agency.
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