Week 13 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts - 2024 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Joey Pollizze analyzes all 2024 fantasy football Week 13 defenses (DEF) -- streamers, sits/starts, and D/ST waiver wire pickups to add. His Week 13 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL defenses.

Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our Week 13 fantasy football defense streamers and D/ST rankings for the 2024 fantasy football season. Every week, I'll go through the best and worst fantasy defenses. Since there are no teams on bye this week, I will be ranking every defense from No. 1 to No. 32.

It's the first time in a while that fantasy managers can choose between all 32 defenses in fantasy, and there are plenty of strong options to go with at the position this week. Defenses playing against the Las Vegas Raiders, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants should continue to be in lineups for Week 13. 

So, here are defenses fantasy managers should be starting in Week 13. Below, you will find our tiered fantasy football D/ST rankings. Good luck RotoBallers!

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Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 13

1. Denver Broncos D/ST vs. CLE

DEN favored by 5, Total ~41.5

The Broncos defense will come in as the best option in fantasy for Week 13. Denver currently leads the league in sacks (44) and ranks third in pass-rush win rate (50%) this season. After a five-sack performance last week against the Raiders, this unit is a must-start at home against the Browns. They have also totaled at least four sacks in three straight games.

Defense changed the game. 💪 pic.twitter.com/9e507buXHW

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) November 25, 2024

Denver's defense will go up against a Browns offense that has allowed the most sacks this season (47). Although Cleveland has looked better offensively with Jameis Winston under center, Winston has been sacked at least three times in two of the past three games. So, the Broncos defense should be in all lineups this week.

2. Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs. LV

KC favored by 13.5, Total ~42.5

The Chiefs certainly struggled defensively last week against the Panthers. They gave up 27 points and only totaled two sacks in the contest. That now marks the ninth time this season that Kansas City has tallied two or fewer sacks in a game. However, this defense is a strong start in Week 13 against the Raiders.

Las Vegas will either be starting Aidan O'Connell (thumb) or Desmond Ridder in Week 13 and that offensive line has allowed the sixth-most sacks this season (38). On top of that, the Raiders have turned over the ball 22 times this season (most in the NFL). Even though Kansas City's defense scored only three fantasy points last week, this is a much better matchup for them. The Chiefs also rank in the top 10 in pressure rate this season.

3. Washington Commanders D/ST vs. TEN

WSH favored by 5.5, Total ~44.5

The Commanders defense disappointed a lot of fantasy managers last week after scoring only four fantasy points. However, this unit will be a must-start in Week 13 against the Titans. Opposing defenses are averaging 11.8 fantasy points against Tennessee's offense this year, and Will Levis has been sacked 20 times over the last three games, including eight times in last week's win.

As a result, this is a great opportunity for Washington's defense to have a big fantasy day. This unit has totaled at least two sacks in nine of 12 games this season and currently ranks sixth in pass-rush win rate (45%). Given that the Titans rank 28th in pass-block win rate (52%) and tied for second in giveaways (21), make sure to get the Commanders defense in your lineups this week.

4. Detroit Lions D/ST vs. CHI

DET favored by 11, Total ~48.5

No defense might be playing better than the Lions right now. Since Week 6, they have allowed only 13.6 points per game while totaling at least four sacks in three of the past seven weeks. While they still rank in the bottom half of the league in pressure rate, it's hard to sit this defense in Week 13 against the Bears.

Chicago has allowed the second-most sacks this season (44), and Caleb Williams has been sacked at least three times in six straight games. Although this Bears offense has looked better with a new offensive coordinator over the last two games, this is still a great opportunity for Detroit's defense in Week 13. The Lions also rank sixth in takeaways (19) this season.

5. Dallas Cowboys D/ST vs. NYG

DAL favored by 4, Total ~37.5

Is the Cowboys defense finally turning a corner? After struggling for most of the year, this defense played one of its strongest games against the Commanders last week. This unit sacked Jayden Daniels four times while forcing three turnovers in the contest. Those four sacks now mark the second time in three weeks that Dallas has totaled at least four sacks in a game.

That makes this defense an appealing option in Week 13 against the Giants. The offensive line gave up four sacks in last week's loss, and New York currently ranks eighth in sacks allowed (34) this season. While the Cowboys have had their troubles on defense this year, this unit has some upside in fantasy. Micah Parsons has totaled four sacks in his three games back from an ankle injury.

6. Houston Texans D/ST at JAX

HOU favored by 5, Total ~43.5

The Texans defense has been one of the best teams at getting to the quarterback this season. This unit ranks second in sacks (42), second in pass-rush win rate (50%), and top-10 in pressure rate. After totaling eight sacks last week against the Titans, Houston's defense should be in most lineups this week in a great matchup against the Jaguars.

It remains to be seen if Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) will be healthy enough to start in Week 13. If he isn't, Mac Jones will draw another start under center. Jones has thrown three interceptions across his two starts, and Lawrence has thrown five interceptions over his last four starts. So, this Houston defense has plenty of upside this weekend -- regardless of which quarterback starts. 

7. Indianapolis Colts D/ST at NE 

IND favored by 3, Total ~42.5

The Colts defense should be a solid start in most leagues this weekend against the Patriots. Indianapolis has totaled at least three sacks in three of the past four games, and Drake Maye has been sacked at least three times in three of the past four games. New England has also allowed the fifth-most sacks (39) this season.

Although the Colts have allowed over 20 points in five straight games, this unit will have a high fantasy floor in Week 13. The Patriots rank 32nd in pass-block win rate (50%), and Maye has thrown an interception in four straight weeks. So, Indianapolis is a solid defensive option this week, considering it has totaled 16 sacks since Week 7.

Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 13

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST at CAR

TB favored by 6, Total ~46.5

Many fantasy managers were scared to play the Buccaneers defense last week because of how that unit has played in recent weeks. However, Tampa Bay came out and scored 12 fantasy points behind a four-sack day. After an encouraging defensive performance in Week 12, this defense will be a solid play again this weekend against the Panthers.

Although Carolina doesn't give up many sacks, this is still an offensive line that ranks 29th in pass-block win rate (52%). On top of that, the Panthers rank toward the bottom of the league in several categories, including yards per game, points per game, and plays per game. As a result, this Buccaneers defense will have a high fantasy floor in Week 13.

9. Seattle Seahawks D/ST at NYJ

SEA favored by 2.5, Total ~41.5

The Seahawks defense has been on another level since the bye. This unit held the 49ers to 17 points in Week 11 and the Cardinals to only six points last week. In that game against Arizona, Seattle totaled five sacks and forced one interception that went for a touchdown. With a matchup against the Jets upcoming in Week 13, this defense has plenty of potential in fantasy this weekend. 

The last time the #Seahawks defense held NFC West opponents to 17 points or less in consecutive weeks was 2014, when they did it in three straight games in weeks 15, 16, and 17. pic.twitter.com/9uTkqRfoUd

— Brian Nemhauser (@hawkblogger) November 25, 2024

The Jets rank 27th in points per game (18.5) and 23rd in pass-block win rate (56%) this season. Given that Aaron Rodgers has also been sacked at least three times in back-to-back games, this Seattle defense can be a solid option in most formats. The Seahawks have also totaled at least three sacks in six of their last 10 games.

10. New York Giants D/ST at DAL 

DAL favored by 4, Total ~37.5

Even though the Giants have totaled no sacks in two of the past three games, they are still a top-10 defensive option in Week 13 against the Cowboys. Dallas ranks 20th in pass-block win rate (57%), and the offensive line has allowed 30 sacks (tied for the 11th-most in the NFL) this season. That is good news for a New York defense that ranks fourth in sacks (36), 12th in pass-rush win rate (43%), and top-10 in pressure rate.

This Giants defense has definitely had its troubles in recent weeks, allowing 26.2 points per game. But this Cowboys offense has also had its own problems since Cooper Rush has taken over. Dallas has scored six points, 10 points, and 20 points on offense over the last three games.

Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 13

11. Minnesota Vikings D/ST vs. ARI

MIN favored by 3.5, Total ~45.5

This Week 13 matchup against the Cardinals will be a big test for the Vikings defense. However, Minnesota will still be a top-12 option this weekend. This unit has totaled 38 sacks (third-most in the NFL) while forcing 22 takeaways (tied for the second-most in the NFL). On top of that, this defense has totaled at least three sacks in six of the past seven games.

It's hard to sit this Vikings defense this week, considering how well this unit has played this season. Minnesota's defense currently ranks first in fantasy while averaging 11.8 fantasy points per game. The Cardinals offensive line has also struggled to protect Kyler Murray in recent weeks. Murray has been sacked nine times over the last three games.

12. Arizona Cardinals D/ST at MIN

MIN favored by 3.5, Total ~45.5

The Cardinals are another defense that has played well in recent weeks. Since Week 7, Arizona has allowed only 13.4 points per game while averaging 3.6 sacks per game during that span. As a result, this defense has some potential in fantasy this week against a Vikings offense that ranks tied for fourth in giveaways (18). 

Even though the Cardinals rank bottom-5 in both pass-rush win rate (30%) and pressure rate, they can still be a solid play in 12-plus team leagues this weekend. Sam Darnold has thrown 10 interceptions this season and has been sacked at least three times in seven of the past 10 games.

13. New York Jets D/ST vs. SEA

SEA favored by 2.5, Total ~41.5

The Jets have been a shaky defensive option recently, scoring less than four fantasy points in five of the past six games. However, they have some upside in Week 13 against the Seahawks. Opposing defenses are averaging 9.1 fantasy points per game against Seattle's offense this year, and the Cardinals just finished with 12 fantasy points last week against them.

It is tough to start a defense that hasn't been a strong fantasy option for most of the year, but this Jets unit does rank top-7 in pressure rate this season. As a result, this unit is a sneaky defensive option this week. Geno Smith has been sacked 37 times this season (seventh-most in the NFL), and he has also thrown six interceptions over the last four games.

Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 13

Most of the defenses in Tier 4 should only be started in deeper formats. If all 13 defenses aren't available from the first three tiers, then the Patriots and Chargers are your next best choices.

The Patriots defense hasn't played particularly well this season, but this unit will go up against a Colts offense that scored only six points a week ago. Given that Indianapolis' offensive line also ranks 31st in pass-block win rate (50%), New England's defense could be an option in deeper leagues. As for the Chargers, they could be a solid play in some leagues, considering this unit ranks sixth in sacks this season.

The other three defenses on this list are all riskier options. The Steelers defense will face a Bengals offense that ranks sixth in points per game, the Bengals don't pressure the quarterback at a high level, and the Browns defense will go up against a Broncos offense that doesn't give up many sacks.

Tier 5 and 6 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 13

For the most part, fantasy managers should not be targeting any defenses from these two tiers. Most of these defenses are way too risky to start this weekend and should be avoided in most cases. 18 other defenses are better plays in Week 13. If Brock Purdy (shoulder) is ruled out for Sunday, though, then the Bills defense would move up to the bottom of Tier 1.

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