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Week 14 is here, and it could be a must-win for many fantasy managers. With only one week left until the Week 15 fantasy playoffs, this could be do or die for most fantasy teams. That makes lineup decisions even more stressful heading into this weekend.
RotoBaller will have you covered all week long and into the fantasy playoffs with all your start'em decisions. But if you don't know which defense to play in Week 14, you have come to the right place. This article will rank all 30 fantasy defenses that play this upcoming week. Each defense will also be broken down into tiers.
Tier-1 defenses are must-starts. Tier-2 defenses are strong starts (and should be started in most cases). Tier-3 defenses are solid starts but have some risk. Tier-4 defenses should only be started in extreme cases, and Tier-5 defenses should not be started in any format. So, let's get into it.
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Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14
Steelers DST vs. NE
Yahoo Rostership %: 93
Vegas Odds: PIT favored by 6
Over/Under (Total Points): 30.5
Implied points against: 12.25
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 30th
The Steelers are my number-one defense this week against the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh is currently a top-five fantasy defense this year and has recorded at least four sacks in five of 12 games this season. Now, they get a Patriots' offense that has scored just 13 points over the past three games, including getting shut out in Week 13.
The Patriots have the lowest implied total of the week at 12.25, and that might be generous against this Steelers defense. Despite Pittsburgh dealing with some injuries on the defensive side of the ball, they should be ready on a short week. They have also only allowed more than 21 points once over the past eight games (last week).
Houston Texans DST @NYJ
Yahoo Rostership %: 16%
Vegas Odds: HOU favored by 6.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 34.5
Implied points against: 14.25
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 32nd
Targeting the Jets' offense has been a fantasy gold mine this season. Defenses are averaging 12.6 fantasy points per game against New York's offense. That makes the Texans a fantastic option in Week 14. Whether Tim Boyle, Trevor Siemian, or Zach Wilson starts this weekend, Houston's D/ST should have a great fantasy day. The Dolphins and Falcons defenses both scored over 20 fantasy points the past two weeks with Boyle under center.
New Orleans DST vs. CAR
Yahoo Rostership %: 44%
Vegas Odds: NO favored by 5.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 38.5
Implied points against: 16
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 28th
Back in Week 2, the Saints' defense had themselves a day against the Carolina Panthers. They totaled four sacks and forced one turnover while giving up just 17 points. 12 weeks later, New Orleans should have another great fantasy day with Carolina struggling mightily on offense. The Panthers have scored less than 20 points in six straight games.
The Saints don't have many sacks this season, just 19. But they have a prime opportunity against an offensive line that has allowed the fourth-most sacks this season (47).
Green Bay Packers DST @NYG
Yahoo Rostership %: 21%
Vegas Odds: GB favored by 6.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 37.5
Implied points against: N/A
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 31st
Like the Jets, targeting the New York Giants offense this season has been a great option. Fantasy defenses are averaging 12.5 fantasy points per game in 2023, and the Packers are a must-start option in Week 14. Green Bay's defense has come on in recent weeks and hasn't allowed more than 24 points in eight straight games.
They now will face a Giants offense that is averaging just 13.3 points per game. New York is also giving up a league-leading 69 sacks this season, 11 more than any other team. The reason the Packers aren't higher on this list is the possibility of Tyrod Taylor's (rib) return, who was activated from the injured reserve list on Monday. Taylor would be an upgrade from Tommy Devito in this offense. Either way, though, Green Bay is a strong play.
Miami Dolphins DST vs. TEN
Yahoo Rostership %: 91%
Vegas Odds: MIA favored by 13.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 46.5
Implied points against: 16.75
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 24th
The Dolphins' defense has come alive in recent weeks and has feasted on young, inexperienced quarterbacks over the past three weeks. Against Aidan O'Connell, Boyle, and Sam Howell, the Miami D/ST has 12 sacks, six interceptions, and two touchdowns while allowing just 35 total points. Now, they get another young quarterback in Week 14, facing off against Will Levis. The Titans have given up the fifth-most sacks this season (42), while the Dolphins rank fifth in total sacks in 2023 (41). Another strong matchup for this explosive unit.
Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14
San Francisco 49ers DST vs. SEA
Yahoo Rostership %: 97%
Vegas Odds: SF favored by 10.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 46.5
Implied points against: 18.25
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 10th
The 49ers have had their way against the Seahawks' offense in the past couple of meetings. Even though Seattle scored 35 points last Thursday against the Dallas Cowboys, the 49ers are still a strong fantasy option in Week 14. Back in Week 12, the 49ers D/ST finished with 13 fantasy points behind a six-sack performance on Thanksgiving. Over the past three regular matchups between these two teams, San Francisco has scored 13, 11, and 11 fantasy points. This defense is hitting its stride at the right time and should be started this weekend.
Baltimore Ravens DST vs. LAR
Yahoo Rostership %: 84%
Vegas Odds: BAL favored by 7.0
Over/Under (Total Points): 42.5
Implied points against: 17.75
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 6th
The only reason the Baltimore Ravens are not in Tier 1 is because of what the Rams' offense did in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. Los Angeles allowed zero sacks and scored 34 points against a top-tier defense. But there is enough confidence in the Ravens' defense this week to start them, despite the matchup. Baltimore has totaled at least three sacks in nine of 11 games this season and they currently average 10.8 fantasy points per game. They have scored 10-plus fantasy points in multiple tough matchups this year, so they are still a strong start in Week 14.
Jacksonville Jaguars @CLE
Yahoo Rostership %: 72%
Vegas Odds: TBD
Over/Under (Total Points): TBD
Implied points against: TBD
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 27th
The Browns starting Joe Flacco gives opposing fantasy defenses a slightly lower ceiling than if the team started P.J. Walker or Dorian Thompson-Robinson. So, we'll see what Cleveland decides in Week 14, but if it is Flacco that goes under center, Jacksonville should still be a solid play in Week 14. Not counting Week 13 (since I am writing this before the Monday night game ends), they have secured at least two sacks in four straight games and five of their past six games. If Thompson-Robinson starts, I'd move up this Jaguars defense.
New England DST @PIT
Yahoo Rostership %: 23%
Vegas Odds: PIT favored by 6
Over/Under (Total Points): 30.5
Implied points against: 18
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 13th
As bad as the Patriots offense has been, the defense has played surprisingly well. They have allowed 10 points or less in three straight games. While the sacks remain a problem for this New England defense with Matthew Judon (biceps) on the injured reserve list, they have done a great job at preventing points. With the Pittsburgh Steelers starting Mitchell Trubisky in Week 14, the Patriots' fantasy defense could have a solid game. Pittsburgh has failed to score more than 21 points in five of the past six contests. This defense won't have a high fantasy ceiling on Thursday but should be a solid play.
Indianapolis Colts DST @CIN
Yahoo Rostership %: 32%
Vegas Odds: N/A
Over/Under (Total Points): N/A
Implied points against: N/A
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 11th
The Colts' defense is clicking on all cylinders right now and is a great option in Week 14 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Over the past four games, Indianapolis has 21 sacks, nine turnovers, and three touchdowns and is averaging 19 fantasy points per contest during that stretch. Now, they'll get to face backup quarterback Jake Browning. There should be plenty of opportunity for the Colts to get fantasy points, and they are a top-10 play for me this weekend.
Detroit Lions DST @CHI
Yahoo Rostership %: 31%
Vegas Odds: DET favored by 3
Over/Under (Total Points): 41.5
Implied points against: 19.75
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 26th
The only reason the Lions D/ST is ranked 11th this week on my rankings is because of the matchup. The Bears have given up the seventh-most sacks this season (35) while giving up 21 turnovers. That should give the Lions plenty of opportunities for points on Sunday. The last time these two teams faced off was in Week 11. The Lions scored eight fantasy points behind two sacks and one turnover in the contest. They have a very safe floor against a Bears offense that has struggled for most of the year.
Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14
Minnesota Vikings DST @LV
Yahoo Rostership %: 14%
Vegas Odds: MIN favored by 3
Over/Under (Total Points): 40.5
Implied points against: 19
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 23rd
The Vikings' defense has been solid for the most part this season. They are coming off a game in Week 12 where they finished with three sacks and two turnovers against the Chicago Bears. Now, they'll face a young rookie quarterback in O'Connell. Fantasy defenses are allowing 7.6 fantasy points per game against this Raiders' offense, but that number has been higher with the rookie under center. Las Vegas has failed to score more than 17 points in three straight games, and Minnesota is allowing only 16.9 points over the past seven games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers DST @ATL
Yahoo Rostership %: 79%
Vegas Odds: ATL favored by 2.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 39.5
Implied points against: 20.75
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 24th
The Buccaneers D/ST has a solid matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 14. Earlier in the year in Week 7, Tampa Bay finished with seven fantasy points behind a one-sack, two-turnover day. However, the Buccaneers have been racking up sacks in recent weeks, making them a solid option this weekend. They have totaled at least four sacks in three of the past four games. Atlanta, on the other hand, has allowed 33 sacks in 2023. The Buccaneers' secondary has struggled this year, but their front seven remains a strong suit for this unit.
Cleveland Browns DST vs. JAX
Yahoo Rostership %: 81%
Vegas Odds: N/A
Over/Under (Total Points): N/A
Implied points against: N/A
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 19th
Before Week 12 and Week 13, the Browns were considered one of the best fantasy defenses, regardless of matchup. From Week 7 to Week 11, they averaged 14.4 fantasy points, including two performances with at least 15 fantasy points. But the past two weeks have not seen the same production. They have allowed 61 points with just one sack during that span. Now, they get a Jacksonville offense that looked great on Monday night. The potential is there for Cleveland's defense, though, if Trevor Lawrence (who left Monday with an ankle injury) can't play in Week 14.
Atlanta Falcons DST vs.TB
Yahoo Rostership %: 50%
Vegas Odds: ATL favored by 2.5
Over/Under (Total Points): 39.5
Implied points against: 18.25
Opponent rank vs. DSTs: 15th
The Falcons defense is coming together at the right time. In Week 12 against the New Orleans Saints, they allowed just 15 points with one sack, two turnovers, and one touchdown. Last week, they had four sacks and three turnovers against the New York Jets. In Week 14, they have potential against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. When these two teams met in Week 7, Atlanta's defense finished with 13 fantasy points. With the way they are playing defensively, they could be a solid play this weekend.
Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14
These Tier 4 defenses should not be started in most cases in Week 14. The Jets and Cowboys have been some of the best fantasy options this season. But playing against the Texans and Cowboys makes them only startable in deeper formats. The only defense I would consider starting on this list is Dallas. They rank number one and average 12.5 fantasy points per game. Earlier in the year, though, the Cowboys D/ST scored four fantasy points against the Eagles.
Tier 5 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14
I would not start any defense in fantasy in Tier 5. There's a good chance that most of these teams, if not all, will score negative fantasy points against some of the best offenses in the NFL. Try to find a defense in the first three tiers to start this weekend in one of the most important fantasy weeks.
Rest-of-Season Look-Ahead
My colleague, Scott Rinear, made this chart in his last defensive piece in Week 13. So, I'm going to leave this here for anyone that wants to access it. If you don't need a D/ST for Week 14 or already clinched a playoff berth, look at the fantasy D/ST strength of schedule on the right. That is highly useful for anyone looking to stream defenses in the fantasy playoffs.
If you want to know what defenses are the best to stream over the next four weeks, I will be writing up a defensive streaming piece for Weeks 14, 15, 16, and 17 in the next couple of days. So, stay tuned for that piece on the RotoBaller website. That article will be useful for which defenses to stream in the fantasy playoffs (Weeks 15-17).
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