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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 12 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts: 2017 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

With the playoff push in full swing, streaming knowledge is essential now more than ever! Below are RotoBaller's Week 12 defense tiers and rankings, or which defenses to stream and start for Week 12 of the NFL and fantasy football season. Our tiered defense rankings are your guide to drafting defenses, making waiver wire pickups/adds to improve your lineups, and to decide which defenses to start, sit, target, avoid or stream for Week 12.

Starting the right defense every week can be a difference-maker, so we have broken out our defense rankings into tiers with analysis on each matchup. Some of these Week 12 defenses have good matchups and are not widely owned, representing fantasy scoring opportunities if they are available on your league's waiver wire for a Week 12 pickup or add.

I've been trying out a new format lately, touching briefly on each team that I have ranked instead of picking just a few to analyze in depth. And just as a heads-up, when I mention DST scores, I am referring to ESPN's standard PPR scoring.Let me know what you think on Twitter (@Roto_Dubs). Good luck in Week 12 RotoBallers!

Editor's Note: Stay on top of your draft prep with RotoBaller’s fantasy football rankings, featuring expert analysis, ADPs, and draft insights for both PPR and non-PPR leagues.

 

Week 12 Defenses To Start & Stream: Tiers & Rankings

Note: I do not expect Nathan Peterman to play against the Chiefs. Should he play, the Chiefs will jump to the top of Tier 2.

 

Tier 1 Defenses (The "Duh" DSTs)

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (@ ARI)

Blaine Gabbert did an admirable job of filling in for Drew Stanton filling in for Carson Palmer, and has earned another start in Week 12 against the Jaguars. But the Jaguars are the best fantasy DST and it's not even close. Gabbert did toss two picks in his first start, and the Jaguars are even more likely to be able to capitalize on his mistakes. The Jaguars are a must-start, plain and simple.

2. Seattle Seahawks (@ SF)

The Seahawks DST has posted at least eight fantasy points in each of their last six games, and they now get the 22nd-ranked San Francisco 49ers offense. I would downgrade the Seahawks slightly should Jimmy Garoppolo draw the start instead of C.J. Beathard, but they would still be in the first tier given that it's his first game leading the squad. Carlos Hyde is the only real threat on this team, and the Seahawks have more than enough talent to keep him contained.

3. Baltimore Ravens (vs. HOU)

Look at Tom Savage! Two touchdowns and only two turnovers in a winning effort, which is just about as good as you can ask for. Unfortunately for Tommy Boy, he gets the third-ranked Ravens passing defense in Week 12. The Ravens DST has six games of 15+ fantasy points so far this season, and this one smells like it could be another.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. GB)

The Steelers have still allowed 18 points or fewer in all but one game so far (Week 3 at Chicago; 23 points allowed), and Brett Hundley is not going to break that streak. Hundley is coming off an atrocious game against the aforementioned Ravens, in which he turned the ball over four times. Pittsburgh is the fourth-ranked passing defense, and is tied for fourth in interceptions--oh boy, Brett. This ain't gonna go well.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. CHI)

The Eagles DST is red-hot right now, albeit their schedule over the last three games has been against some laughable offenses (Sand Francisco, Denver and an Ezekiel Elliott-less Dallas team). Fortunately for them, the Bears aren't much better than any of those teams. Mitch Trubisky has actually been pretty careful with the ball lately, but in that caution he has been very conservative. There is a very high floor for the Eagles defense, which is why they rank so high here.

 
 
Tier 2 Defenses (Rock-Solid Starts)

6. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. CLE)

[Insert team playing Cleveland analysis here]

But for real, the Bengals only allowed seven points when they took on Cleveland in Week 4, and this time they get them at home. Beat your homies to the waiver wire and stream away.

7. Houston Texans (@ BAL)

The Texans have some real stinkers on their resume this season, but ultimately they are ranked this high because this is such a low-risk matchup. Joe Flacco is currently rocking a 9:11 TD-INT ratio on the year, and the Ravens are currently dead-last in the NFL in total offense. Don't expect fireworks, but this is a gimme streaming option.

8. Los Angeles Chargers (@ DAL)

The Cowboys have looked awful without Ezekiel Elliott, and they are coming off an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Eagles in which Dak Prescott threw for only 145 yards and three interceptions. The Chargers DST has at least eight points in four of their last five games, and the only one in which they fell short of that mark was at New England (and they held the Patriots to under 20 points). The Cowboys can't block for dookie right now, and Joey Bosa and the Chargers should eat in this game.

9. Carolina Panthers (@ NYJ)

The Panthers defense looked very off in their Week 10 matchup against the Dolphins, in which they notched zero sacks. Despite that effort they're still ranked fourth in the NFL in total sacks. The Jets on the other hand are fourth in the NFL in total sacks allowed. Assuming Josh McCown doesn't pull some sort of magic like he has been, the ceiling is nice and high for the Panthers in Week 12.

 
 
Tier 3 Defenses (Decent Streamers)

10. New England Patriots (vs. MIA)

Those damn Patriots. They have turned it around since an abysmal first four games and now have at least eight points in each of their last three games. The Dolphins might be better off if Jay Cutler can't make it through the concussion protocol, but they aren't a risk for any kind of offensive eruption no matter who is under center. The Patriots should win this one handily, and as the Dolphins try to play catch-up there will likely be mistakes.

11. Minnesota Vikings (@ DET)

The Vikings just shut down one of the NFL's best offenses in Week 11, holding the Los Angeles Rams to seven points. The risk here is the matchup in Detroit. Matthew Stafford has a 7:1 TD-INT ratio over his last three games and the entire offense is clicking right now. The ceiling is likely limited because the Lions should put up points one way or another, but you could certainly do worse than Minnesota in Week 12.

12. Detroit Lions (vs. MIN)

On the other side of the ball, the Lions have kept up their DST touchdown streak. I have been saying all year that you can't predict or account for DST touchdowns, but what do I know, right? I'll still advise not to count on a touchdown, but at this point you have to roll with the Lions upside if you're lower in the waiver wire order.

13. Washington Redskins (vs. NYG)

The Redskins are coming off of two BAD games, and have given up 72 points collectively. However, those games were vs. the Vikings and at New Orleans. They now have a home game against the Giants, who are currently a dumpster fire as an entire organization. This one is all about the matchup--Eli can melt down with the best of them and he still has almost nothing around him for weapons. Trust the matchup here.

 
 
Tier 4 Defenses (Deep Streamers)

14. Los Angeles Rams (vs. NO)
15. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. BUF)
16. Atlanta Falcons (vs. TB)

17. New York Jets (vs. CAR)
18. New Orleans Saints (@ LAR)
19. Dallas Cowboys (vs. LAC)
20. Tennessee Titans (@ IND)
21. Denver Broncos (@ OAK)

 
Tier 5 Defenses (Desperation Plays)

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ ATL)
23. Indianapolis Colts (vs. TEN)
24. Cleveland Browns (@ CIN)
25. Chicago Bears (@ PHI)

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis


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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Christian Wilkins

Raiders Put Christian Wilkins on PUP List
Jabari Small

Lions Add Jabari Small to Backfield
Quinshon Judkins

Remains Unsigned, Won't Report With Rest of Rookies
Mason Taylor

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Jets
Hendon Hooker

Leading Lions QB2 Battle Entering Training Camp
Ozzy Trapilo

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Bears
Tate Ratledge

Agrees to Rookie Contract with Lions
Jack Bech

Signs Rookie Contract with Raiders
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Shemar Stewart

Not Practicing With College Team
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF