2015 Rank: 1
2014 Rank: 11
Rise: 10 spots

After a torrid start to the season, the Broncos hung on to rank as the NFL’s top defense at year’s end. While Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall both topped 100 tackles and were key parts of the fifth-best run defense, the Broncos made their mark against the pass.

With Von Miller (11 sacks) and DeMarcus Ware (7.5 sacks) applying pressure to opposing quarterbacks, the starting cornerback trio of Chris Harris, Aqib Talib, and Bradley Roby was easily the league’s best. Allowing the fewest total yards and the fourth-fewest points, this year’s Broncos defense carried the team into the playoffs after the offense crumbled under Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler.