5. New York Giants
The defending Super Bowl champions are once again a very good defensive team. While they don’t have the amazing pass rush they had last year, they are a solid all-around defense. They give up only 177.1 yards per game in the air, which is second best in the NFL. The Giants are a serious threat to win another Super Bowl this year — in large part due to their defense.

4. Baltimore Ravens
In the Ray Lewis Era, the Baltimore Ravens have been a very good defensive unit. Coming into this season, the Ravens were thought to be over the hill on the defensive side of the ball. It turns out that the supposed NFL experts were wrong. In 2008, Baltimore has been almost impossible to run against, as they give up only 65.4 yards per game on the ground. No team in the league looks forward to facing this veteran yet effective defensive bunch.

3. Carolina Panthers
The odd part of the Carolina Panthers’ defense is they aren’t especially good in any one category. However, the bottomline is it’s difficult to score on this team. The Panthers give up only 14.8 points per game, which is second best in the NFL. While it’s possible to get yards against the Panthers, getting into the endzone has proven to be quite difficult.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been a very good defensive team — and this year is no different. They lead the league in pass defense, allowing only 171.1 yards per game. Overall, no team gives up less yardage per game. Pittsburgh mark of 240.3 yards given up per game is more than 18 yards better than second place Baltimore.

1. Tennessee Titans
The main reason why the Tennessee Titans are currently undefeated is their league-best defense. The Titans give up only 13 points per game, which is easily the best mark in the league. Tennessee can pressure the quarterback, stop the run and shut down passing games. All in all, no team in the NFL can claim to have a better defense than the one in Tennessee.

Part of the reason why it’s hard to score against the Titans is their distracting cheerleading squad:

The New England Patriots are supposed to dispose of the New York Giants handily on February 3rd to secure yet another Super Bowl championship. Nobody is expecting the Giants to put up much of a fight. Tom Brady and the Patriots are expected to be too much for the Giants to handle.

And while that may end being true, don’t count out the Giants just yet. New York’s team is a tough bunch that has excelled in an underdog role. On the road, the Giants haven’t lost since Week 1. To even make the Super Bowl, the Giants had to win three straight road playoff games.

But why do the Giants have a chance? True, they will be away from home once again – but that’s not the main reason. The main reason is Steve Spagnuolo. Spagnuolo won’t score a touchdown or even register a tackle. Spagnuolo, for those who don’t know, is the defensive coordinator for the Giants.

If Tom Brady has a weakness, it’s moving in the pocket when being blitzed. With Spagnuolo in charge of the Giants’ defense, you can count on him blitzing early and often. When in doubt, Spagnuolo sends a blitz. With Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan providing the power, New York should be able to get at Brady.

Chances are that Brady and the Patriots win their 19th straight game. However, if they don’t, it’ll be because Spagnuolo’s blitzing defense made the difference.