This is it, folks. The fantasy football playoffs have arrived. Unless you’re sitting pretty with a bye, it’s either win or see ya next year. Hopefully, you were able to prepare for Week 15 ahead of time and stash a defense. If not, we have you covered. Here are all 32 defenses ranked.
All stats are as of prior to Sunday of Week 14 and courtesy of TruMedia.
1) Kansas City Chiefs (at CLE)
Jameis Winston is a national treasure who must be protected at all costs. We need Winston in our lives. We also need him for fantasy football.
Winston simultaneously has increased the fantasy values of his pass catchers, while also benefiting opposing defenses. The Browns will probably score some points. They’re averaging 21.8 ppg since Winston took over as the starter. But Winston doesn’t only throw the ball to his players. He’s thrown seven interceptions in his last four games, while also taking at least three sacks in three of his last four.
BALL HAWK JAMES PIERRE!
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/Ij0yKUPZCk
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 8, 2024
The Kansas City Chiefs have the No. 2 run defense in the NFL, allowing 3.7 yards per carry. They’re in the top 10 defensive rush EPA and success rate. They are likely to be ahead and force the Browns to throw. That means plenty of opportunities for sacks and turnovers, even if they give up 20+ points.
2) Baltimore Ravens (at NYG)
It’s hard to overstate how generous the Giants have been to opposing defenses. Whether it’s Daniel Jones, Tommy DeVito, or Drew Lock, there are sacks, turnovers, and not a lot of scoring. The Giants are the third-most advantageous matchup for defenses.
The Giants don’t want Lock or DeVito to have to air it out 40+ times a game. Unfortunately, they may not have a choice.
The Baltimore Ravens allow a league-best 3.5 yards per carry. They’re sixth in defensive rush EPA and fourth in success rate. They are likely to be heavy road favorites and score a ton of points, forcing the Giants into a negative game script. Lock threw a pick and took six sacks in his first start. DeVito did not turn the ball over in his lone start, but he took four sacks and his offense scored seven points. This is as good of a matchup as you can ask for.
3) Denver Broncos (vs. IND)
For most of the season, the Denver Broncos have been one of the best fantasy defenses. With them, it’s really all come down to the opponent. When they faced the Ravens and Chiefs, for example, you didn’t want to start them. Against the likes of the Raiders, Saints, and Browns, they were excellent.
In Week 15, the Broncos will be well-rested coming off their bye to host the Colts. Since being reinstated as the starter, Anthony Richardson has been protecting the football. He’s thrown two interceptions and lost one fumble over his last three games. He’s also faced the Jets, Lions, and Patriots.
The Broncos lead the league with 3.62 sacks per game. They lead the league in QB hits per game.
Richardson’s mobility could be a blessing or a curse in this one. Perhaps he’s able to escape sacks, or perhaps he overestimates his ability to escape sacks, leading to many sacks. In starting Denver’s defense, we are banking on the latter.
4) Arizona Cardinals (vs. NE)
It feels strange to talk about the Arizona Cardinals as a legitimately good defense. Things certainly didn’t start out that way with them allowing 34+ points in three of their first six games.
Ever since Week 9, though, this defense has seemingly flipped a switch. They’ve held opponents to totals of nine, six, 16, and 23 while recording an average of 4.75 sacks per game.
Drake Maye is going to be a very good quarterback. He’s mobile and has a great arm. But he’s still a rookie going cross country for a road game against a better team. Maye has taken at least three sacks in four of his last five games. He’s also thrown an interception in five straight and lost three fumbles over that span. Fire up the Cardinals as a top-five defense.
5) Dallas Cowboys (at CAR)
The 2023 Dallas Cowboys defense was a juggernaut. Things haven’t quite been the same in 2024. They’ve only had three startable weeks all season.
A big problem for the Cowboys has been the absence of Micah Parsons. The Cowboys average 4.5 QB hits per game without Micah Parsons against 6.4 per game with Parsons. When they faced the likes of Deshaun Watson and Drew Lock, they combined for 30 QB hits and 12 sacks. They struggled to create pressure even with Parsons against C.J. Stroud, Lamar Jackson, and Derek Carr.
Bryce Young has been playing much better as of late. He hasn’t taken more than two sacks in a game since Week 1. He also ranks 32nd with a 49% pressure completion percentage.
As long as Parsons in on the field, the Cowboys should be able to get to Young and either sack him or force him into mistakes. The options for this week are not great, which is how the Cowboys, even on the road in the midst of a lost season, end up as a top-five option.
6) Minnesota Vikings (vs. CHI)
It speaks to the poor matchups across the board that the Minnesota Vikings are this high. They just played the Bears in Week 12 and gave up 340 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions to Caleb Williams. The Bears scored 27 points. Here’s to hoping things are different in Minnesota.
Williams has been playing better and protecting the football. He entered Week 13 having not thrown an interception since Week 6, but he’s still taking sacks, going down at least three times in seven consecutive games.
This is still a defense allowing 18.3 points per game, the fifth-fewest in the league. If they can create a negative game script, they should be able to accumulate enough stats to overcome potentially allowing 20+ points.
Nah these two are wiiiiiiild@cambeezy_ @NoExcuses_23 pic.twitter.com/CGpyzjQWDr
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 8, 2024
7) Cincinnati Bengals (at TEN)
The 2024 Cincinnati Bengals have one of the worst defenses in recent memory. How can we justify starting them? Again, this is the challenge that is Week 15 of the 2024 season.
This is all about the opponent. Will Levis entered Week 14 with 12 touchdown passes against nine interceptions. Add in his lost fumbles, and he has more turnovers than touchdowns.
The most compelling reason to start the Bengals is Levis leads the league with a 15.4% sack-per-attempt rate. He’s actually 34th, which is impressive considering there are only 32 starting quarterbacks on any given week.
The Bengals don’t exactly generate much pressure. Their 4.9% sack rate is second-worst in the league. We’re about to find out what happens when a stoppable force meets a movable object.
8) Atlanta Falcons (at LV)
Through 13 weeks, the Atlanta Falcons have been worth starting in fantasy exactly twice. Their 24.3 points per game allowed is 22nd … not great. But in the absence of quality defenses, we need quality matchups. The Raiders are one of the best.
The Raiders allow the fourth-most fantasy points per game to defenses. That will have to carry the weight of the Falcons defense, as their 3.6% sack rate is dead last, a full 1.3% behind the second-worst Bengals.
Ultimately, if you’re starting the Falcons, you’re hoping Desmond Ridder makes a couple of mistakes and the Raiders don’t score many points.
9) Philadelphia Eagles (vs. PIT)
Ideally, we want good defenses against bad offenses. If we can’t get that, we want mediocre defenses against bad offenses. In the absence of both, that’s when we consider good defenses against good offenses.
The Philadelphia Eagles rank sixth in the league with a 8.5% sack rate. However, to get that to matter, they will have to force the Steelers, who are third in the league with a 51% neutral game script run rate, to actually throw.
At home, the Eagles are favored to win this game. They’re second in the league in defensive rush EPA. If they can force Russell Wilson to throw, they can capitalize on his 9.6% sack per attempt rate, 28th in the league.
10) Green Bay Packers (at SEA)
Hopefully, since this is the first week of the fantasy playoffs, you don’t have to look this far down the rankings for a fantasy defense. The Green Bay Packers just gave up 34 points to the Lions. They’re allowing 24.5 points per game on the road … and they’re on the road again, traveling across the country to play the Seahawks.
Surprisingly, the Seahawks have been a favorable opponent for defenses. They’re allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to defenses. A big part of that is Geno Smith’s sudden penchant for turnovers. His 2.8% interception rate is a full percentage point higher than each of his first two seasons as the Seahawks starter. You can do worse than the Packers this week.
11) Houston Texans (vs. MIA)
The Houston Texans have a pretty good defense, but they’re not the strongest of options this week, as the Dolphins have been quite the prolific offense since Tua Tagovailoa returned. Over the past six weeks following Tagovailoa’s return, the Dolphins are averaging 27 points per game.
Tagovailoa is completing 74.5% of his passes and has thrown one interception since his IR stint ended. This is not an easy matchup, but hopefully the Texans’ 8.9% sack rate can shine through and give fantasy managers a couple of stats.
12) New York Jets (at JAX)
What was supposed to be the strength of this team has actually been a weakness. Ever since the New York Jets fired Robert Saleh, their defense has been one of the worst in the league. Every once in a while, they show up though; if you need them this week, perhaps it can be one of those weeks.
The Jets have the privilege of facing Mac Jones. In his two starts filling in for Trevor Lawrence as well as the game Lawrence got hurt in early, Jones has more turnovers than touchdown passes. Jones has only taken four sacks in his three main appearances, but the Jets lead the league with a 9.8% sack rate. They can be a passable option this week.
13) Pittsburgh Steelers (at PHI)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been the third-best fantasy defense this season. But, as always, matchup is paramount. On the road against an Eagles team that looks like the second-best in the NFL, I’m not optimistic.
Perhaps there is hope here, as Jalen Hurts’ 10.2% sack rate is 31st in the league. Meanwhile, the Steelers are second in the league with 7.08 QB hits per game. If they can take down Hurts a couple of times, that should be enough to salvage what should be a game in which they surrender a fair amount of points.
14) Washington Commanders (at NO)
The fantasy playoffs starting this week is a blessing for fantasy managers in need of defenses, as only 4-8 need to be started. We’re at No. 13 and it’s already getting dire.
This isn’t the same dreadful Washington Commanders defense as last season. They’re 16th in points per game allowed, which is serviceable. Most impressively, they’re allowing the fifth-fewest passing yards per game.
The problem is the Commanders have been awful defensively on the road, allowing 27 points per game, and Derek Carr (if he is good to go in Week 15) does not take sacks or turn the ball over. From Weeks 9-13, he started four games, threw no interceptions, and took a total of two sacks. I hope you can do better than the Commanders.
15) Carolina Panthers (vs. DAL)
The Carolina Panthers have been the single worst fantasy defense this season. How did they get up to No. 14? They’re facing the Cowboys.
Things have been better over the past couple of weeks, but the Cowboys are still starting Cooper Rush with no running game to speak of and a banged-up Dak Prescott.
With that said, this team did score 61 total points against the Commanders and Giants. Against bad defenses, they can still move the ball. I would not recommend the Panthers this week.
16) Los Angeles Chargers (vs. TB)
The Los Angeles Chargers average the fourth-most fantasy points per game this season. They lead the NFL with 15.7 points per game allowed.
Unfortunately, a big part of that has been a favorable schedule. They take advantage of weaker opponents. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs are capable of scoring points.
Mayfield has been pretty elusive in the pocket this season but does have 11 interceptions. Perhaps the Chargers can muster up a turnover or two while keeping the Bucs under 20.
17) Seattle Seahawks (vs. GB)
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense has been the beneficiary of some good variance this season. They have four defensive scores. Those are great for fantasy but impossible to predict or rely on.
Hopefully, at home, with the Packers traveling cross-country, the Seahawks can control this game and keep scoring to a minimum. However, the Packers do have a good offense; if they get to 20 points, Seattle is unlikely to do much fantasy-wise, as Jordan Love does not take sacks. His 3.4% sack rate is second-best in the league.
18) San Francisco 49ers (vs. LAR)
These are not the same San Francisco 49ers that have been a juggernaut over the past half-decade. This version of the 49ers is not going to the playoffs and has a defense with a propensity to get absolutely torched by good offenses. The 49ers gave up 38 and 35 points to the Packers and Bills.
Should we classify the Rams as a good offense? Matthew Stafford is definitely a good quarterback, and I’m not sure the 49ers will have an answer for both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp.
The 49ers’ defensive rush EPA per game is 0.9, 26th in the league. Kyren Williams might be tough to stop. That means more running and fewer opportunities for sacks and turnovers. The 49ers are not a good option this week.
19) Chicago Bears (at MIN)
The Chicago Bears opened the season with a very favorable schedule. I remember exclusively rostering them in a league thinking they were worth hanging onto for whenever they had a favorable matchup.
Since their Week 7 bye, the Bears haven’t won a game. Over that span, they’re surrendering 23.2 points per game. When they last played the Vikings, they gave up 30 points.
If you’re forced to start the Bears, you’re hoping it’s one of those games where Sam Darnold can’t stop turning the ball over. He had that rough stretch of five interceptions across two games against the Colts and Jaguars, neither of which is a particularly good defense. But the most likely outcome is the Vikings score a bunch of points and you’re disappointed.
20) Los Angeles Rams (at SF)
The 49ers are only averaging 22.5 points per game. This isn’t the same juggernaut offense we’re used to seeing. Maybe, if you have to start the Los Angeles Rams, it won’t be that bad.
In their first meeting, Brock Purdy threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. He took one sack. There are clearly worse defenses to start, but the Rams are a pretty poor option.
21) Jacksonville Jaguars (vs NYJ)
The Jacksonville Jaguars have the worst defense in the NFL. They allow 28.3 points per game and are bottom five against both the pass and the run. The only hope here is Aaron Rodgers makes mistakes and the combination of Rodgers vs. Jones leads to an ugly offensive environment. Don’t start the Jaguars.
22) Miami Dolphins (at HOU)
Statistically, the Miami Dolphins have been pretty good against the pass. They’re allowing the ninth-fewest passing yards per game. Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud has regressed considerably, throwing just 15 touchdowns against nine interceptions in his 13 starts.
Stroud’s 9.5% sack rate is 27th in the league. Unfortunately, the Dolphins’ 4.25 QB hits per game also ranks 27th.
This defense has looked good against the likes of Aidan O’Connell and Drake Maye. As underwhelming as Stroud has been, he’s not exactly the type of quarterback they take advantage of. Avoid the Dolphins this week.
23) Tennessee Titans (vs. CIN)
Starting defenses against the Bengals has been a bad idea all season. The Tennessee Titans can’t get to the quarterback, averaging 4.0 QB hits per game, 30th in the league. That’s really the only way to stop Joe Burrow, who has taken 30 sacks through his first 12 games.
Burrow has thrown just five interceptions and lost three fumbles. As bad as the Bengals are as a team, their struggles are almost entirely defensive. They score a lot of points. We don’t like defenses against teams that score a lot of points.
24) Detroit Lions (vs. BUF)
Starting a defense against Josh Allen? No, thank you. The Detroit Lions just gave up 31 points to the Packers. The reason their 18 points per game allowed looks so good is they beat up on bad offenses. The Bills are a far cry from a bad offense.
Allen is the favorite to win MVP. He’s led his team to scoring 30+ points in a staggering nine games this season, including six straight (excluding Week 14). This game should be high-scoring. Defenses in high-scoring games are bad news.
25) Indianapolis Colts (at DEN)
Sometimes, Bo Nix makes bad decisions that lead to interceptions. That’s the hope if you’re digging this deep. But let’s be honest, no one is starting the 25th-ranked defense any week.
Nix’s 4.4% sack rate is fifth-best in the league. While the Indianapolis Colts have recorded at least two sacks in seven straight games, they’ve also allowed 22.7 points per game over that span. The Broncos should score plenty, which is not what we want from a fantasy defense.
26) Las Vegas Raiders (vs. ATL)
Kirk Cousins has certainly been prone to mistakes this season. He’s thrown an interception in all but four games.
Unfortunately, this Las Vegas Raiders defense has been dreadful. They allow 27.8 points per game, the fifth-most in the league. Their 5.8% sack rate is 26th. As poor as Cousins has played, he’s actually been pretty good at avoiding sacks, giving the Raiders a very low floor here.
27) New England Patriots (at ARI)
The Cardinals have been playing sound football for most of the season, relying on James Conner and the running game whenever possible. Kyler Murray is averaging just under 30 pass attempts per game.
For defenses to score points, we need a negative game script with the opponent dropping back to pass. This projects to be a game where the Cardinals can keep the ball on the ground against a New England Patriots defense that ranks 20th in defensive rush EPA.
28) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at LAC)
The matchup doesn’t get much worse than this. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers allow the eighth-most points per game. They’ve forced a total of five interceptions all season. Justin Herbert has — checks notes — one pick this season. The Chargers should be able to score in bunches this game.
29) New Orleans Saints (at WAS)
Starting defenses against Jayden Daniels is a bad idea. The Commanders are averaging 28.9 points per game. Daniels has only thrown six interceptions and hasn’t lost a fumble all season. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints are second-to-last in defensive rush EPA. The Commanders are going to score a lot of points.
30) Buffalo Bills (at DET)
The Buffalo Bills actually don’t have a terrible defense. They’re allowing the sixth-fewest points per game. We should look to start them in favorable matchups — facing the best team in the NFL is not the spot.
The Lions lead the league with 32.1 points per game, a full 2.5 ppg ahead of the second-best Ravens. Simply put, we don’t start defenses against elite offenses.
31) Cleveland Browns (vs. KC)
The Cleveland Browns actually have a top-10 sack rate. And Patrick Mahomes has been taking more sacks than usual, ranking 21st with a 7.5% sack rate. Nevertheless, we’re not starting any defense against Mahomes.
Jameis Winston is great for offense … on both teams. He’ll probably be able to score points, but he’s also going to put the Chiefs in a position to score points, and a lot of them.
32) New York Giants (vs. BAL)
The New York Giants allow a league-worst 5.1 yards per carry. The Ravens have Derrick Henry. Need I say more?