TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 14 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts - 2025 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Brandon Graham Philadelphia Eagles Defense - Fantasy Football DST Streamers, Rankings, Pickups

Joey Pollizze analyzes all 2025 fantasy football Week 14 defenses (DEF) -- streamers, sits/starts, and D/ST waiver wire pickups to add. His Week 14 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL defenses.

Welcome, RotoBallers, to our fantasy football defense streamers, starts, and tiered rankings for Week 14 of the 2025 season! This article will be your go-to stop for all defensive rankings and streamers for the entire season.

The fantasy football playoffs are just one week away in most leagues, meaning selecting the right defense to start in Week 14 is crucial. Whether you are fighting for a playoff spot or that No. 1 seed, this is a pivotal week in fantasy.

So, let's look at the best fantasy defenses for Week 14. Use our tiered fantasy football D/ST rankings to make the right start/sit decision for this week. 

Editor's Note: The FFPC Playoff Challenge #2 is back with a massive $100,000 grand prize and $203,250 total prize pool, paying down to 100th place. Here's the deal: no salary cap, no draft, no pickups, no subs. Choose 8 players, and as NFL teams get knocked out so will your players, so choose your team wisely. The entries will sell out quickly, and registrations will close on Saturday January 17th at 4:30 pm ET . Don't wait - get your team now and end your fantasy football season with a shot at $100,000! Sign Up Now!

 

Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

Tier Rank Team Opp Yahoo!
Owned%
Implied Vegas
Point Against
1 1 Cleveland Browns vs. TEN 75% 15
1 2 Denver Broncos at LV 96% 16.5
1 3 Seattle Seahawks at ATL 94% 17.5
1 4 Philadelphia Eagles at LAC 64% 18.75
1 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. NO 28% 17.5
1 6 Washington Commanders at MIN 5% 20
1 7 Baltimore Ravens vs. PIT 64% 18.5

1. Cleveland Browns D/ST vs. TEN

Cam Ward is in for a real treat in Week 14. The Browns have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and the Titans are one of the worst offenses in the NFL this season. As a result, Cleveland's D/ST will come in as the No. 1-ranked fantasy unit this week.

The Browns have totaled 19 sacks since Week 10 and currently rank second in total sacks (43) on the year. With the defense also ranking first in pass rush win rate, Ward will be in trouble all game long. The rookie quarterback has been sacked a league-leading 48 times through 13 weeks, and the Titans currently rank dead last in both points scored per game and yards per game.

2. Denver Broncos D/ST at LV

The Denver Broncos' defense didn't have the best outing last week. However, fantasy managers should expect this D/ST to bounce back in a major way in Week 14 against the Raiders. Denver just scored 15 fantasy points against this Las Vegas offense a few weeks ago behind a six-sack, one-interception day in Week 10.

A similar performance could be in store this week, as the Raiders' offensive line continues to struggle. Geno Smith has been sacked 25 times over the last four weeks and has been sacked 46 times on the year (second-most in the NFL). Given that Denver has totaled the most sacks in the league through 13 weeks (51), this D/ST should be in all fantasy lineups.

3. Seattle Seahawks D/ST at ATL

The Seattle Seahawks' defense just had one of the best fantasy performances in recent memory. This unit allowed zero points, totaled four sacks, forced five turnovers, and scored a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13. This D/ST has now scored above 22 fantasy points in two of the past four weeks.

Therefore, fantasy managers should be starting this Seattle defense in all formats against the Atlanta Falcons this week. Kirk Cousins has been sacked five times over the past two games, and the Seahawks have totaled at least four sacks in four of the past five weeks. You can't possibly sit this D/ST following last week's performance.

4. Philadelphia Eagles D/ST at LAC

With Justin Herbert undergoing surgery on his hand on Monday, his status for Week 14 is currently up in the air. If he winds up missing this game, this Philadelphia Eagles' D/ST will be a top-5 play with Trey Lance under center. The Eagles have totaled multiple sacks in eight of their last nine contests, and this Los Angeles offensive line is beaten up.

The Chargers have struggled to protect the quarterback in recent weeks, as this group has given up 16 sacks over its last four games. So, this Philadelphia defense could be a solid play if Herbert misses. If the star quarterback does play, though, then the Eagles' D/ST will fall to Tier 2 on this week's rankings.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST vs. NO

Earlier this year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense feasted on the New Orleans Saints' offense. That defensive unit totaled five sacks, forced four turnovers, and scored a touchdown en route to a 28-point fantasy day. Although Spencer Rattler started that game for the Saints, the Buccaneers still had their way when Tyler Shough entered the contest.

As a result, this Buccaneers defense is a fantastic start in Week 14. Tampa Bay currently ranks seventh in pass rush win rate, and New Orleans' offensive line ranks dead last in pass block win rate. Considering Shough has been sacked nine times over the last two weeks, this D/ST should be started in most formats.

6. Washington Commanders D/ST at MIN

All signs point to J.J. McCarthy returning from a one-game absence in Week 14. However, Washington's D/ST will still be a top-10 play against the Minnesota Vikings. McCarthy has thrown multiple interceptions in three straight games and has thrown 10 interceptions in just six starts this season.

Additionally, the Minnesota offensive line hasn't been able to protect the quarterback at a high level. This unit has allowed the third-most sacks through 13 weeks (43) and ranks in the bottom 10 in pass block win rate. Even though Washington has had its own struggles on defense this year, this D/ST will be a nice start. The Commanders rank 11th in pass rush win rate entering the week.

7. Baltimore Ravens D/ST vs. PIT

The Ravens' defense didn't necessarily play well last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, but fantasy managers can trust this unit in most leagues this week. Baltimore has allowed fewer than 20 points in six of its last seven games, and the Steelers are currently trotting out a quarterback (Aaron Rodgers) who has multiple fractures in his wrist.

On top of that, these Ravens versus Steelers games are usually low-scoring. Baltimore has held Pittsburgh to under 20 points in each of its last eight meetings dating back to the 2022 season. So, Baltimore is a solid D/ST play this week.

 

Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

Tier Rank Team Opp Yahoo!
Owned%
Implied Vegas
Point Against
2 8 Tennessee Titans at CLE 3% 18.5
2 9 Miami Dolphins at NYJ 20% 19.5
2 10 Houston Texans at KC 81% 23

8. Tennessee Titans D/ST at CLE

There's no question that the Titans don't have a top defense in the NFL. They have allowed over 24 points in five of the past six games and currently rank 28th in points allowed per game. However, this D/ST is worth a look in some leagues against the Cleveland Browns. That's why this group comes in at the top of Tier 2.

Shedeur Sanders is completing just 51% of his passes across his three appearances this season, and the Browns' offensive line ranks 26th in pass block win rate. That poor offensive line play should help the Titans' D/ST. Tennessee has totaled at least three sacks in five of its last six games while also ranking eighth in pass run win rate on the year.

9. Miami Dolphins D/ST at NYJ

The Dolphins have played much better defensively in recent weeks. They have held their opponents to under 20 points in three straight contests and are coming off a solid defensive performance against the Saints in Week 13. Miami allowed just 17 points, totaled a season-high four sacks, and forced two turnovers in that game.

Following that performance, the Dolphins' D/ST is worth a look in some leagues this week. Tyrod Taylor has been sacked multiple times in all five of his appearances this season, and the New York offensive line currently ranks 25th in pass block win rate. Given that Miami's defense already totaled 10 fantasy points against the Jets back in Week 4, this unit is a solid start.

10. Houston Texans D/ST at KC

The Houston Texans were the hardest defense to rank this week. On one hand, this defense has been lights out in recent weeks. The Texans have allowed under 20 points in five of the past six weeks and just held the No. 2 scoring offense in the Indianapolis Colts to 16 points in Week 13. With 34 sacks through 13 weeks, this D/ST has emerged as a set-it-and-forget-it option.

However, the bottom of Tier 2 felt like the right place for this Houston defense this week. This unit only scored four fantasy points against the Colts last week, and the Chiefs are a tough matchup. Still, this Texans' D/ST could be started in some leagues, even against a Patrick Mahomes-led offense that is averaging 25.4 points per game.

 

Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

Tier Rank Team Opp Yahoo!
Owned%
Implied Vegas
Point Against
3 11 Los Angeles Rams at ARI 74% 20.5
3 12 Kansas City Chiefs vs. HOU 43% 19.5
3 13 Minnesota Vikings vs. WSH 33% 21.5

11. Los Angeles Rams D/ST at ARI

The Rams didn't play up to their standard defensively last week. They allowed over 20 points for just the second time since Week 6 and didn't force any turnovers for the first time since Week 7. However, this D/ST could still be started in some 12-plus team leagues this week against the Cardinals. Jacoby Brissett has been sacked 24 times over the last five games, and the Rams rank in the top 10 in total sacks (33) this season.

12. Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs. HOU

The Chiefs' defense will come in as a solid play in some 12-plus team leagues this week. The Texans have scored 20 points or fewer in three of C.J. Stroud's last four starts, and the offensive line currently ranks 31st in pass block win rate. The reason Kansas City's D/ST isn't ranked higher is that this group has totaled just two sacks over the last three games.

13. Minnesota Vikings D/ST vs. WSH

The Vikings actually played well defensively last week, totaling four sacks and forcing two fumbles. If Jayden Daniels (elbow) does wind up playing in this game, Minnesota's D/ST will come ranked No. 13 for the week. If Marcus Mariota draws another start, then this Vikings defense will move up to Tier 2.

 

Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

Tier Rank Team Opp Yahoo!
Owned%
Implied Vegas
Point Against
4 14 Green Bay Packers vs. CHI 62% 20
4 15 New York Jets vs. MIA 8% 22
4 16 Los Angeles Chargers vs. PHI 82% 21.75
4 17 Indianapolis Colts at JAC 34% 23
4 18 Pittsburgh Steelers at BAL 63% 25

Most of the defenses in this tier should only be started in deeper leagues. Some of these D/ST either have tougher matchups this week (Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Pittsburgh Steelers) or have huge question marks surrounding their defense (New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts). So, these defenses should be avoided in most leagues.

If you need a defense from this tier, then the Packers might be your best bet. Green Bay has totaled eight sacks over its last two games, and no quarterback holds onto the ball longer than Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. That could help the Packers' D/ST be a potential play in deeper formats this week.

As for the Jets, Chargers, Colts, and Steelers, it's best to avoid these defenses. New York hasn't forced a turnover in six straight games. Los Angeles has a tougher matchup against an Eagles offensive line that doesn't give up many sacks. The Jaguars have been able to score at a high level in recent weeks, and the Ravens always have the potential to go off for 30-plus points in any given game.

 

Tier 5 and 6 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

Tier Rank Team Opp Yahoo!
Owned
Implied Vegas
Point Against
5 19 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. IND 61% 24.5
5 20 Las Vegas Raiders vs. DEN 15% 24
5 21 Buffalo Bills vs. CIN 55% 23
6 22 Detroit Lions vs. DAL 65% 25.25
6 23 Chicago Bears at GB 22% 25.5
6 24 New Orleans Saints at TB 7% 25.5
6 25 Dallas Cowboys at DET 10% 28.25
6 26 Atlanta Falcons vs. SEA 60% 26
6 27 Arizona Cardinals vs. LAR 5% 28
6 28 Cincinnati Bengals at BUF 3% 28.5
BYE - San Francisco 49ers N/A N/A N/A
BYE - Carolina Panthers N/A N/A N/A
BYE - New York Giants N/A N/A N/A
BYE  - New England Patriots N/A N/A N/A

The defenses in both Tier 5 and Tier 6 should be avoided in most cases. There is a ton of risk in starting any of these defenses, and there are 18 better fantasy D/ST to roll with for Week 14.

More Waiver Wire Analysis



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Anthony Edwards

Out Again on Friday Night
Damon Severson

Back for Blue Jackets Thursday
Adin Hill

Available Thursday Night
Darius Garland

Won't Play on Friday Evening
Brandon Montour

Activated From Injured Reserve
Joel Eriksson Ek

Misses Third Straight Game Thursday
Jonas Brodin

Placed on Injured Reserve, Out Week-to-Week
Domantas Sabonis

Might Return on Friday Night
Miro Heiskanen

Misses Second Straight Game
STL

Robert Thomas to Miss at Least Two Weeks
Jerami Grant

Likely to Play Against the Hawks on Thursday
Tom Wilson

Remains Out Thursday
Deni Avdija

Ruled Out Thursday
Jakob Chychrun

Available Thursday
Clayton Kershaw

to Pitch for Team USA in World Baseball Classic
P.J. Washington

Questionable Against the Jazz
Max Christie

Unlikely to Return to Action on Thursday
Mitchell Robinson

Will Sit Out Thursday
Landry Shamet

Could Return Thursday
Jalen Brunson

Out on Thursday Against Golden State
Daniel Gafford

Questionable Thursday Against the Jazz
Patrick Mahomes

Says Rehab Going "Great," Goal is 2026 Week 1 Return
Cooper Flagg

Is Unlikely To Play Thursday Against Utah
Lauri Markkanen

Will Not Be Available Thursday Against Dallas
Davion Mitchell

Ruled Out Thursday
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Will Not Play Against the Celtics
Devin Booker

Will Not Play Thursday
Kyle Kuzma

Added to the Injury Report as Questionable
Jonathan Kuminga

Demanding Trade from Warriors
Nico Collins

a "Long Shot" to Play in Divisional Round
CFB

Auburn, Ohio State the Lead Suitors for Kyle Parker
CFB

Oregon QB Transfer Bryson Beaver Linked to Georgia, Kentucky
CFB

Jake Merklinger Commits to UConn
Tobias Harris

Set for First Appearance in 2026
New York Giants

John Harbaugh Finalizing Deal With Giants
Isaiah Stewart

Expected to Return Thursday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Activated From Injured Reserve
Ben Griffin

Looks To Stay Hot In 2026
Tom Wilson

Cleared for Contact, Could Return Thursday
Neal Pionk

Lands on Injured Reserve, Out Week-to-Week
Jamie Drysdale

Activated From Injured Reserve
Corey Perry

Unavailable Wednesday
Teuvo Teravainen

to Miss at Least One Game
Connor Bedard

Returns to Practice
Alexandre Texier

Canadiens Sign Alexandre Texier to Two-Year Extension
New York Giants

Giants Making "Massive Push" to Hire John Harbaugh on Wednesday
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Agrees to Five-Year Deal With Red Sox
CFB

Dante Moore Not Entering 2026 NFL Draft, Will Return to Oregon
NFL

Mike Tomlin Doesn't Plan to Coach in 2026
Travis Hunter

Expected to Play More Defense in 2026
CFB

FBS Coaches Unanimously Vote to Expand Redshirt Eligibility to Nine Games
CFB

Ohio State Transfer Mylan Graham Signs with Notre Dame
CFB

Caden Durham Withdraws from Transfer Portal, Will Stay at LSU
Leon Draisaitl

Has Three Points in Tuesday's Loss
Joel Hofer

Controls Hurricanes Tuesday
Jordan Spieth

Perhaps the Most Intriguing Player at Sony Open
Jeremy Swayman

Posts First Shutout of the Season
Zach Werenski

Totals Three Points in Tuesday's Win
Chandler Stephenson

Available Wednesday
Aaron Rai

Looking For Putting Confidence at Waialae Country Club
Collin Morikawa

Isn't The Safe Play He Used to Be Ahead of Sony Open
Kurt Kitayama

Needs His Putting to Turn Around For Success at Year's First Event
Ryan Weathers

Yankees Add Rotation Depth, Acquire Ryan Weathers in Four-Player Deal
Los Angeles Chargers

Chargers Fire Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman
Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Tomlin Stepping Down as Steelers Head Coach
CFB

Georgia Tech the Favorite to Land Justice Haynes?
Nolan Arenado

Cardinals Trade Nolan Arenado to Diamondbacks
Tom Kim

Desperately Needs a Solid Week at Sony Open
Billy Horschel

Hoping For a Fast Start to New Season at Sony Open
Corey Conners

Looks to Have a Return to Form in 2026
PGA

Chris Gotterup a Decent Play at Sony Open
Gary Woodland

Could Prosper at the Sony Open
Keith Mitchell

Unlikely to Contend at Sony Open
Robert MacIntyre

Looking for a Good Performance at the Sony Open
Michael Kim

Hopes to Start Sony Open Better This Week
Tom Hoge

Tries to Erase Poor 2025 Second Half in Hawaii
Brian Harman

Seeks Fresh Start in Hawaii
Eric Cole

Looks to Last Year for Success at Sony Open
Daniel Berger

Starts Off 2026 at Sony Open
Nico Collins

Suffers Concussion Against Steelers
Nico Collins

Carted to Locker Room for Concussion Evaluation
Kyle Tucker

Mets Meet With Kyle Tucker
Dalton Kincaid

"Should be Fine" for Divisional Round
Brooks Koepka

Officially Returning To PGA Tour
Tucker Kraft

Hopes to be Ready for Week 1 of Next Season
CFB

Georgia Lands Kentucky Transfer Dante Dowdell
Matthew Stafford

has "Little Sprain," Should be "Good to Go"
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Sign with LSU
Green Bay Packers

Packers Expected to Work Out New Deal With Matt LaFleur in the "Coming Days"
CFB

Dylan Raiola Commits to Oregon
CFB

Isaiah Horton Landing with Texas A&M
George Kittle

Suffers Torn Achilles on Sunday
Omarion Hampton

Active for Wild-Card Round Against Patriots
George Kittle

Ruled Out After Non-Contact Achilles Injury
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Request Interview With Ejiro Evero
Los Angeles Rams

Mike LaFleur to Interview With Raiders and Cardinals
Aaron Rodgers

Steelers Open to Re-Signing Aaron Rodgers?
Matthew Stafford

X-Rays Come Back Negative
MacKenzie Gore

Yankees Pursuing Trade for MacKenzie Gore
Alex Bregman

Cubs Sign Alex Bregman to Five-Year, $175 Millon Contract
Freddie Freeman

Withdraws from World Baseball Classic

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP