Week 11 in the NFL was nothing short of thrilling, especially for those who had elite defenses on their fantasy rosters. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos all showcased their defensive prowess, each allowing fewer than 20 points while securing victories. This performance not only delighted fans but also made a significant impact in fantasy leagues across the board.
As we look ahead to Week 12, the fantasy landscape is heating up. The Steelers, Vikings, and Broncos are now firmly entrenched in the top-5 defenses, making them must-start options for fantasy managers. If you haven’t snagged one of these defensive powerhouses, don’t fret! We’ve got a list of defensive sleepers and streaming options that can help bolster your roster.
Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 12?
When it comes to the best fantasy defenses for Week 12, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand out. Facing off against the Cleveland Browns, who have struggled offensively, the Steelers are poised for another strong performance. Jameis Winston may have his moments, but against a stout Pittsburgh defense, he could be in for a long day. The Steelers are a reliable choice week in and week out, and this matchup should be no different.
Next up, we have the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite a tough loss to the Bills in Week 11, the Chiefs have been riding high on their defense all season. They’ve allowed fewer than 20 points in four games, leading to wins in each of those contests. This week, they travel to face the Carolina Panthers. While Bryce Young has shown flashes of promise, he has yet to consistently lead his team to success. Expect the Chiefs to capitalize on this opportunity and deliver another solid fantasy performance.
The Minnesota Vikings are also worth mentioning as they prepare to face the Chicago Bears. Caleb Williams has not transformed the Bears’ offense as many had hoped. In fact, Chicago has regressed significantly, averaging fewer than 4.0 yards per play in two of their last three games. The Vikings’ defense, known for its pressure rate, could lead to plenty of sacks and turnovers, boosting their fantasy production.
Defensive rankings for Week 12
These rankings were updated on November 21 and will continue to evolve throughout the week, so be sure to check back often.
| RANK | TEAM | OPPONENT | CHANGE |
| 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | at CLE | |
| 2 | Kansas City Chiefs | at CAR | |
| 3 | Denver Broncos | at LV | |
| 4 | Houston Texans | vs TEN | Up 1 |
| 5 | Minnesota Vikings | at CHI | Down 1 |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | vs PIT | Up 3 |
| 7 | Philadelphia Eagles | at LAR | |
| 8 | Detroit Lions | at IND | Down 2 |
| 9 | Miami Dolphins | vs NE | Down 1 |
| 10 | Washington Commanders | vs DAL | |
| 11 | Chicago Bears | vs MIN | |
| 12 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | at NYG | |
| 13 | Green Bay Packers | vs SF | Up 2 |
| 14 | Los Angeles Chargers | vs BAL | |
| 15 | San Francisco 49ers | at GB | Down 2 |
| 16 | New England Patriots | at MIA | |
| 17 | Arizona Cardinals | at SEA | |
| 18 | Baltimore Ravens | at LAC | |
| 19 | Las Vegas Raiders | vs DEN | |
| 20 | Tennessee Titans | at HOU | |
| 21 | New York Giants | vs TB | |
| 22 | Los Angeles Rams | vs PHI | |
| 23 | Dallas Cowboys | at WAS | |
| 24 | Seattle Seahawks | vs ARI | |
| 25 | Carolina Panthers | vs KC | |
| 26 | Indianapolis Colts | vs DET |
Who are the D/STs on byes in Week 12?
In Week 12, several defenses will be on bye, and it’s essential to know who to drop or hold onto:
- Atlanta Falcons: Struggling this year, particularly against the pass, the Falcons should be left on waivers.
- Buffalo Bills: A reliable starter, but with a deep bench, consider if you want to hold onto them.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Regularly giving up explosive plays, they should remain on waivers.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: One of the league’s worst defenses, requiring a premium matchup to be considered.
- New Orleans Saints: A bottom-10 defense both through the air and on the ground, not worth a roster spot.
- New York Jets: Once a premier unit, they’ve faltered recently and can be dropped.
Who are the best fantasy defense sleepers in Week 12?
Looking for a sleeper? The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be your answer. While they haven’t been known for their defensive strength this season, a matchup against the Giants could change that. Whether they face Drew Lock or Daniel Jones, this isn’t an offense that strikes fear. If they focus on key players like Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy, they could deliver a surprising performance.
Another team to consider is the Dallas Cowboys. With Cooper Rush leading the charge, the Commanders are on their schedule in Week 12. This matchup makes the Cowboys a solid option for those without a consistent D/ST starter. With limited offensive depth outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys can keep this offense in check without much complexity.
So, as you prepare for Week 12, keep an eye on these defenses! Whether you’re starting a powerhouse or streaming a sleeper, there are plenty of options to help you secure that victory. Happy fantasy footballing!
