Week 14 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts - 2024 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

December 3, 2024

Joey Pollizze analyzes all 2024 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 back, RotoBallers, to our Week 14 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. With six teams on bye this week, I will be ranking every defense from No. 1 to No. 26. 

We are just one week away from the fantasy football playoffs beginning in most leagues, so picking the right defenses to start this week is so important. It could be the difference between a playoff spot or a first-round bye.

So, here are defenses fantasy managers should be starting in Week 14. Below, you will find our tiered fantasy football D/ST rankings. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

1. Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST vs. CLE

PIT favored by 6.5, Total ~41.5

The Steelers defense will be the best fantasy option in Week 14. This unit has forced at least three turnovers in three straight games while scoring in double figures in fantasy in four of the past five contests. Now, Pittsburgh will go up against a Browns offense that has struggled offensively for most of the year.

Our favorite dessert: turnovers 🍽️

📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/xoD7e444kX

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 1, 2024

Even though Jameis Winston has provided a spark for this Cleveland offense in recent weeks, the Steelers defense is still a must-start in fantasy. The Browns have given up the most sacks (50) this season and just coughed up the ball three times against this Steelers defense two weeks ago.

Given that Pittsburgh also ranks fifth in pass-rush win rate, top-10 in pressure rate, and first in takeaways, start this defense in Week 14.

2. Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs. CAR

PHI favored by 12.5, Total ~45.5

The Eagles defense has been on another level since the team's Week 5 bye. Philadelphia hasn't allowed over 20 points in eight straight weeks while totaling at least three sacks in four consecutive games. This defense also just held the Ravens offense to only 19 offensive points last week, and Lamar Jackson was sacked three times. So, this unit will be a strong play in Week 14 against the Panthers.

Although Bryce Young has played well as of late, this Eagles defense presents a tough challenge for the young quarterback. Philadelphia ranks tied for sixth in sacks (36), seventh in pass-rush win rate, and first in yards allowed per game. That's not great news for a Panthers offense that ranks 28th in pass-block win rate and 30th in yards per game.

3. New Orleans Saints D/ST at NYG

NO favored by 5, Total ~40.5

Drew Lock will start for the Giants in Week 14, making this Saints defense a top-3 play this weekend. Opposing defenses are averaging 10.4 fantasy points per game against this New York offense this year, and New Orleans has done a better job at getting to the quarterback in recent weeks. This unit has totaled at least three sacks in three of the past five games.

The Giants have allowed 40 sacks through 13 weeks (tied for the seventh most in the NFL), and Lock was just sacked six times in last week's loss. While New Orleans hasn't been a strong defensive option for most of the year, this unit has a ton of potential in Week 14 against a depleted New York offense. That makes this Saints defense an appealing option this weekend.

4. Tennessee Titans D/ST vs. JAC

TEN favored by 3.5, Total ~39.5

Trevor Lawrence (concussion) will likely not be able to suit up this week after taking a vicious hit in last week's loss. That means Mac Jones will make his third start of the year. In his first two starts, both the Vikings and Lions defenses scored at least 10 fantasy points. So, most fantasy managers can start the Titans defense with confidence in Week 14 against the Jaguars.

Tennessee's defense has been better than expected this season, ranking second in yards allowed per game, top-12 in pressure rate, and ninth in pass-rush win rate. This unit will now go up against a Jaguars offense that will likely be missing its top quarterback (Lawrence) and two top playmakers (Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis). With Jones starting again, this is a great opportunity for this Titans defense.

5. San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs. CHI

SF favored by 3.5, Total ~44.5

The 49ers defense was embarrassed against the Bills last week on Sunday night. But expect a bounce-back performance from this unit in Week 14 against the Bears. Chicago has given up the second-most sacks this season (49), and Caleb Williams has been sacked at least three times in seven straight games. If Nick Bosa (hip) can suit up in this game after missing the last few games, this could be a big game for this San Francisco defense.

The 49ers rank in the top half of the league in both pressure rate and pass-rush win rate while also ranking tied for eighth in interceptions (11) through 13 weeks. Given how much the Bears have struggled offensively this season, this San Francisco defense will be a solid play in Week 14. Chicago ranks bottom-10 in both yards per game and points per game.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST vs. LV

TB favored by 7, Total ~44.5

The Buccaneers defense didn't have the best fantasy performance last week. This unit only totaled one sack and forced one fumble while allowing 23 points to the Panthers. However, fantasy managers can start this Tampa Bay defense with confidence in Week 14 against the Raiders. Opposing defenses are averaging 10.3 fantasy points per game against this Las Vegas offense this year.

That surely benefits the Buccaneers defense this week. Raiders quarterbacks have been sacked 41 times this season (sixth most in the NFL), and the offense has turned over the ball 23 times through 13 weeks (tied for the most in the NFL). As a result, this Tampa Bay defense will have some potential this week. This unit also ranks in the top half of the league in pressure rate.

7. Minnesota Vikings D/ST vs. ATL

MIN favored by 5, Total ~45.5

The Vikings will continue to be a strong defensive option in fantasy heading into Week 14. Minnesota ranks fourth in sacks (39), sixth in pass-rush win rate, and in the top half of the league in pressure rate this season. Now, this unit will go up against a Falcons offense that is certainly trending in the wrong direction.

Kirk Cousins has thrown six interceptions over the past three games while being sacked at least two times in five of the past six weeks. While we could see Cousins come out strong in this game -- especially playing against his former team -- this Vikings defense is still a solid play in most formats this weekend. This unit has totaled at least three sacks in nine of 12 games this season.

Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

8. Arizona Cardinals D/ST vs. SEA

ARI favored by 3, Total ~44.5

The Cardinals defense will be a sneaky top-10 play this weekend against the Seahawks. Arizona has improved drastically on that side of the ball over the past few weeks, and opposing defenses are averaging 9.7 fantasy points per game against this Seattle offense this year. That makes this unit an appealing option in Week 14.

Excuse me, @MackWilSr coming through 😳 pic.twitter.com/PE7yB3Ex8B

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 1, 2024

The Cardinals have totaled at least three sacks in four straight games and are allowing only 15 points per game since Week 7. Arizona also scored 12 fantasy points against this Seahawks offense two weeks ago behind a five-sack performance. Given this defense's recent success and the fact that Geno Smith has been sacked 40 times this season, this Cardinals defense is a solid start this week.

9. Miami Dolphins D/ST vs. NYJ

MIA favored by 6, Total ~44.5

The Dolphins defense could be a sneaky play in Week 14 against the Jets. New York's offense is trending in the wrong direction, and both the Cardinals and Seahawks defenses totaled at least 12 fantasy points against this offense in two of the past three games. Aaron Rodgers has also been sacked at least two times in four straight games.

As a result, the Dolphins will come in as a top-10 play at home this weekend. Miami has totaled at least three sacks in three of the past four games and will face a Jets offensive line that ranks 25th in pass-block win rate this season.

10. Seattle Seahawks D/ST at ARI

ARI favored by 3, Total ~44.5

The Seahawks defense dominated the Cardinals offense the last time these two teams played back in Week 12. Seattle allowed only six points, totaled five sacks, and scored a defensive touchdown on a pick-six. As a result, fantasy managers could start this defense again in Week 14 against the same Arizona offense.

Although Kyler Murray has been sacked only 21 times this season, he has been taken down 10 times across the last four weeks. Murray has also thrown three interceptions across the past two games. So, the Seahawks defense has a ton of potential in this game. This unit has a 30% pressure rate and has forced an interception in six straight contests.

Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

11. Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST at TEN

TEN favored by 3.5, Total ~39.5

Although the Jaguars defense has not been a fantasy option for most of the year, this unit can be started in some leagues this weekend against the Titans. Opposing defenses have dominated Tennessee's offense this year, as nine different defenses have finished top-12 at the position against this offense. As a result, Jacksonville will be a top-12 play in Week 14.

The Titans have allowed 43 sacks through 13 weeks (tied for the third most in the NFL) and have turned over the ball 23 times (tied for the most in the NFL). So, even though the Jaguars rank bottom-10 in pressure rate and last in pass-rush win rate, they could get to Will Levis in this game and force some turnovers. Levis has been sacked 22 times over the last four weeks.

12. Cincinnati Bengals D/ST at DAL

CIN favored by 5.5, Total ~49.5

After last week's performance against the Steelers, fantasy managers should be hesitant to start the Bengals defense in Week 14. Cincinnati gave up 30-plus points for the third straight week, and this defense has had a hard time stopping opposing offenses this season. This unit currently ranks 31st in points allowed per game.

However, this Bengals defense has some fantasy value in 12-plus team leagues this weekend. The Cowboys have scored six points, 10 points, 22 points, and 21 points on offense since Dak Prescott (hamstring) went on injured reserve. Dallas' offensive line has also given up at least three sacks in four of the past seven games. So, the sack leader (Trey Hendrickson) could help this Cincinnati defense tally a couple of sacks on Monday. 

13. Cleveland Browns D/ST at PIT

PIT favored by 6.5, Total ~41.5

The Browns defense played well against the Steelers the last time these two teams faced off back in Week 12. Cleveland sacked Russell Wilson four times, forced one turnover, and held this Pittsburgh offense to only 19 points. Although that game was played in windy/snowy conditions, there is still potential for this Browns unit to have a solid fantasy day in Week 14.

The Browns rank top-5 in pressure rate, fourth in pass-rush win rate, and tied for 12th in sacks (32) this season. That should come into play in Week 14, as Wilson has been sacked at least three times in four of the past five games. Myles Garrett also totaled eight pressures and three sacks against this Steelers offensive line just two weeks ago. So, this Cleveland defense is a top-12 play this weekend.

Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 14

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 Giants and Bills are your next best choices.

The Giants have had their troubles on defense in recent weeks, but they could be an option in deeper leagues. The Saints rank 31st in pass-block win rate, and New Orleans will be without both Chris Olave (concussion) and Taysom Hill (knee) in this game. As for the Bills, they are one of two teams to force a turnover in every game this season, and Matthew Stafford has been sacked 11 times since Week 10.

The other three defenses on this list are all riskier options. The Chiefs will play a Chargers offense that doesn't turn over the ball often, the Lions will play a Packers offense that ranks eighth in points per game this season, and the Jets will play a Dolphins offense that has scored over 30 points in back-to-back home games.

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

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 14.

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