Next up is the Week 13 edition for defensive rankings. The Cardinals actually didn't crack the top-ten. Their poor performance against Philadelphia was a result of that. They now are ranked 27th in the league in points allowed per game. Their overall yards allowed and rushing yards allowed are still solid. Pittsburgh's defense remains catastrophic to opposing offenses, maintaining the number 1 defense overall. The NFC East has all four teams in the top-ten, thus proving that this is the best division in football. The Giants continue to shine, being the only team to make the top 5 on offense and defense. The Cardinals need to vastly improve on defense if they want to contend in the playoffs.
| (Wk 12) | Team | AVG | Yards | PPG |
| 1(1) | Pittsburgh | 1.00 | 2856 | 14.20 |
| 2(2) | Baltimore | 2.50 | 3040 | 15.80 |
| 3(4) | Tampa Bay | 5.00 | 3354 | 16.70 |
| 4(5) | NY Giants | 5.75 | 3349 | 17.20 |
| 5(6) | Tennessee | 5.75 | 3381 | 14.60 |
| 6(3) | Washington | 6.50 | 3396 | 18.50 |
| 7(7) | Philadelphia | 8.50 | 3435 | 20.80 |
| 8(9) | Dallas | 11.25 | 3562 | 21.70 |
| 9(10) | Minnesota | 11.50 | 3516 | 21.70 |
| 10(8) | Carolina | 12.00 | 3760 | 19.30 |
| ----------- | Arizona | 16.75 | 3756 | 26.10 |