NFL defensive line rankings ahead of Week 10

• The Browns fall without Za'Darius Smith: After sending Smith to Detroit, Cleveland dropped three spots but remains in the top five.

• The Chargers are booming: Los Angeles moved up eight spots in Week 9 thanks to a dominant performance from Morgan Fox.

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Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

The defensive line is the heart of any successful defense. Its task is to both disrupt the opposing quarterback with a pass rush and fend off rushing attacks at the line of scrimmage.

Elite defensive lines can change the course of a game by applying pressure, forcing quick throws and creating turnovers, all while suppressing running plays to control the tempo.

This season we will be monitoring NFL defensive line play throughout the season. Unlike our offensive line Rankingswhich in some cases take the previous season into account Rankingsthis Rankings will be based solely on the 2024 game.

The trade deadline has passed with several moves along the NFL's defensive lines. Za'Darius Smith Heading into Detroit, Cleveland fell out of the top two. With Week 9 of the 2024 NFL regular season in the books, here is the weekly breakdown Rankings goes into week 10.

KEY

Best player = best player of the season

Red text = Player scores below 60 (substitute level)

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (no change)

Top 5 in number of snaps:

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a bye in week 9.

The Steelers have been the best defensive line in football since their dominance in Week 1 Kirk Cousins and the hawks to their drumming Daniel Jones and the Giants in Week 8.

Best Player: TJ Watts

Watt made PFF's Midseason All-Pro Team as a rim defender, as he was a stronger defender against the run than Myles Garrett.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (up to 1)

Top 5 in number of snaps:

Sweat proved effective as a rusher this year with 30 total pressures and an 18.0% pass rush win rate.

Best player: Jalen Carter

Carter takes the top spot on the Eagles' defensive line after posting three strong performances in the last four games. His strength lies in pass rushing, where his 84.7 grade is the third best in the NFL on the defensive interior.

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