NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Owe Their Records to Defense?

Believe it or not, there is still some defense being played in the NFL. 

It's not easy to find it, but these three teams owe their records to their defense this season and will continue to lean on their defenders for their postseason push.

San Francisco 49ers

OK, so the 49ers' sixth ranked run game has probably helped them to get off to a 5-1 start. 

But Patrick Willis and the defense is doing a fantastic job against the run—allowing 74.7 yards a game on the ground (second in the NFL)—and has really elevated them to an elite level. 

They're getting to the quarterback often, too. They have 17 sacks on the year and are getting production from their first-round pick Aldon Smith along the defensive line. 

With Alex Smith simply managing the game, their defense has been the main reason while they're currently in the No. 2 spot in the NFC. 

Cincinnati Bengals 

The Bengals' offense has been far more productive than we expected them to be with rookie quarterback Andy Dalton under center, but their defense is an elite unit that has led to their 4-2 record. 

They have recorded a respectable 14.0 sacks and in terms of yardage allowed, they're second in the NFL only to the Steelers (although they've played only six games). 

The Samoans, Jonathan Fanene, Rey Maualuga and Domata Peko have anchored this ultra-aggressive group that is loaded with athleticism in its front seven and has talent in the secondary led by Leon Hall. 

Cleveland Browns

The Browns still have a ways to go in the AFC North, at 3-3, but without their defense, it's hard to imagine them with three victories. 

Joe Haden is blossoming into an elite cover corner and the defensive line has 16.0 sacks this season. 

Colt McCoy needs to bring more of a spark to the offense, because if he does, Cleveland will be able to compete against some of the better offenses in the league. 

Week 8 Power Rankings

1. Green Bay Packers (7-0)	17. Philadelphia Eagles (2-4)
2. New England Patriots (5-1)	18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-3)
3. New Orleans Saints (5-2)	19. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
4. San Francisco 49ers (5-1)	20. Oakland Raiders (4-3)
5. Pittsburgh Steelers (5-2)	21. Tennessee Titans (3-3)
6. Detroit Lions (5-2)	22. Washington Redskins (3-3)
7. San Diego Chargers (4-2)	23. Carolina Panthers (2-5)
8. Baltimore Ravens (4-2)	24. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5)
9. New York Giants (4-2)	25. Cleveland Browns (3-3)
10. Houston Texans (4-3)	26. Denver Broncos (2-4)
11. Cincinnati Bengals (4-2)	27. Seattle Seahawks (2-4)
12. Buffalo Bills (4-2)	28. Minnesota Vikings (1-6)
13. Atlanta Falcons (4-3)	29. Arizona Cardinals (1-5)
14. New York Jets (4-3)	30. Miami Dolphins (0-6)
15. Chicago Bears (4-3)	31. St. Louis Rams (0-6)
16. Dallas Cowboys (3-3)	32. Indianapolis Colts (0-7)