• A rise for the Vikings: Minnesota boasts the third-best unit grade since Week 6, the same period in which Jonathan Greenard has been virtually unstoppable.

• A better performance from the Jets: New York limited the Colts to an average of 2.5 yards per rush, while the Jets’ defensive line earned a 36.4% pressure rate.

• 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!

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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.

Moving forward, this article will highlight the top units for the season and on a weekly basis.