Sometimes the best offense is a good defense.
While most Madden players likely subscribe to the theory that a best offense is the best offense, it certainly doesn't hurt to have a defense capable of slowing the opposition.
The teams that find themselves at the top of the "Madden 23" team defense ratings aren't much of a surprise. The Bills were the league's best defense in 2021. The Rams have two of the top overall players at their positions on defense. The Packers have at least one of the top 15 players at each defensive position. The Steelers have maybe the league's best duo of pass-rushers in T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.
Which teams have the best and worse defense ratings in "Madden 23?" The Sporting News takes a look.
MORE: Madden 23 team overall ratings
Madden 23 team defense ratings
| Team | DEF Rating |
|---|---|
| Bills | 88 |
| Rams | 88 |
| Packers | 87 |
| Steelers | 87 |
| Chargers | 86 |
| 49ers | 86 |
| Buccaneers | 85 |
| Ravens | 85 |
| Dolphins | 84 |
| Saints | 84 |
| Eagles | 83 |
| Commanders | 82 |
| Vikings | 82 |
| Titans | 81 |
| Colts | 81 |
| Cowboys | 80 |
| Browns | 80 |
| Raiders | 80 |
| Bengals | 79 |
| Jets | 79 |
| Broncos | 78 |
| Patriots | 78 |
| Chiefs | 77 |
| Panthers | 77 |
| Cardinals | 76 |
| Jaguars | 76 |
| Bears | 75 |
| Seahawks | 75 |
| Giants | 74 |
| Falcons | 73 |
| Lions | 72 |
| Texans | 70 |
What is the best defense to use in Madden 23?
Bills
The Bills had the league's best defense in 2021. All they did this offseason was add one of the best edge-rushers in Von Miller to that group. Miller enters the year tied as the fourth-best EDGE in the game, while corner Tre'Davious White is the third-best corner in the game. The safety unit is especially strong. Micah Hyde (91) and Jordan Poyer (90) give the Bills the only duo of safeties ranked 90 or better. Add in 84 overall Tremaine Edmunds, the No. 8 middle linebacker, and this defense is stacked at nearly every position.
Rams
This is where having star power really makes a difference. The Rams have stars up and down the defensive side of the ball. Aaron Donald is one of only four members of the 99 Club, and Jalen Ramsey is the highest-rated corner at 98 overall. Then there's offseason free agent signing Bobby Wagner checking in at 91 as the fourth-best middle linebacker. There is a bit of a drop-off from there, as the next talent up is left outside linebacker Leonard Floyd, who comes in at 80 overall, strong safety Jordan Fuller at 78 overall and cornerback Troy Hill at 78 overall.
MORE: Details of the Rams' Super Bowl 56 rings
Packers
On the flip side of the star talent of the Rams is the well-rounded group of the Packers. Look up and down their roster on "Madden 23," and you'll consistently see highly rated players. Jaire Alexander (94) is the second-highest cornerback and the biggest star on the defensive side. But then there's defensive tackle Kenny Clark (89), left outside linebacker Rashan Gary (89), strong safety Adrian Amos (88), middle linebacker De'Vondre Campbell (87) and right outside linebacker Preston Smith (82) who all enter the game rated 80 or above. There is no weakness on this defense.
Steelers
The Steelers, tied with the Packers as the third-best defense, more follow the Rams' mold of star power on this side of the ball. Of course, there's T.J. Watt (96), who set the NFL record for most sacks in a season controversially not part of the 99 Club, and Cameron Heyward (93), who gives them one of the best defensive lines in the game. Free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (89) is the highest paid safeties in the NFL and the 11th-best safety in Madden. New linebacker Myles Jack (82) and defensive tackle Tyson Alualu (82) give Pittsburgh the final two defensive players rated 80 or higher.
What is the worst defense to use in Madden 23?
Texans
Expectations are extremely low in Houston for the 2022 season, and Madden is making it clear it expects the defense to be a major part of that. The Texans have cornerback Steven Nelson, who is rated an 80 overall, as its highest-rated defensive player. Middle linebacker Christian Kirksey (75) is the only linebacker rated 75 or higher. At least first round pick Derek Stingley Jr. (77) is one of the highest-rated rookies.
Lions
There is promise on the offensive side of the ball in Detroit. The same cannot be said on the defensive side. Strong safety Deshon Elliott (78) and cornerback Mike Hughes (78) are the highest-rated defensive players on the roster. The rest of the defensive side of the ball is fairly consistent, with five other players rated at least a 76, including second overall pick Aidan Hutchinson (77), but it's pretty clear why this is the second-worst defense in the game.
Falcons
The third-worst defense in the game, Atlanta has at least a bit more star power than either Houston or Detroit. A.J. Terrell Jr. (89) and Casey Heyward Jr. (87) give Atlanta one of only two combinations of corners that are both in the top 15 at the position, and EDGE Grady Jarrett (85) gives the Falcons a solid player in the pass-rush. But after middle linebackers Deion Jones (82) and Rashaan Evans (79), the Falcons' defense takes a dive, with the next-highest player rated 74.
