With so many backup quarterbacks being forced into action because of injuries, there are a lot of defensive units emerging as trustworthy plays each week. Our Week 13 fantasy defense rankings are full of matchup-based streamers and sleepers to go along with the usual top D/STs, and that will make this week one of the strongest for defense all season.
At this point, there are two major types of defenses to use. You can either start a great defense that has been basically matchup-proof all season, or you can target some of the worst offenses in the NFL. The Jets, Broncos, and Jaguars qualify as such, and they will be taking on the Raiders, Chiefs, and Vikings, respectively, this week. All three of those defenses land in the top 12 this week because of their matchups.
WEEK 13 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker
While those options represent the best streamers, there are still plenty of other units to trust. The Bills (@ 49ers) get to take on Nick Mullens and a depleted offense. Elsewhere, the Lions (@ Bears) could make for a sneaky-good pickup, as the Bears sport one of the worst offenses in the NFL and are being forced to start Mitchell Trubisky once again. Though the Lions defense has been mostly bad this year, it may be able to pressure Trubisky and force some turnovers, especially coming off an extended rest following a Thanksgiving Day game.
WEEK 13 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker
The Chargers (vs. Patriots) are another sneaky good play this week given all of New England’s offensive struggles lately. Consider them another potential fill-in if you have the Buccaneers on bye.
This week, the Colts (@ Texans) and Rams (@ Cardinals) are the biggest potential busts. As good as these defenses have been all year, they’ve shown some cracks lately, and they’re both facing some high-flying offenses on the road. Both of these defenses have big-play potential, so they’re not completely off-limits, but some of the sleepers mentioned above have higher floors and ceilings.
NOTE: Check back for updates throughout the week.
Week 13 Fantasy Defense Rankings
| Rank | Team |
| 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Washington |
| 2 | Miami Dolphins vs. Bengals |
| 3 | Green Bay Packers vs. Eagles |
| 4 | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Broncos |
| 5 | Baltimore Ravens vs. Cowboys |
| 6 | Seattle Seahawks vs. Giants |
| 7 | Buffalo Bills @ 49ers |
| 8 | Minnesota Vikings vs. Jaguars |
| 9 | Chicago Bears vs. Lions |
| 10 | Los Angeles Chargers vs. Patriots |
| 11 | Las Vegas Raiders @ Jets |
| 12 | Detroit Lions @ Bears |
| 13 | Indianapolis Colts @ Texans |
| 14 | New Orleans Saints @ Falcons |
| 15 | Los Angeles Rams @ Cardinals |
| 16 | Washington Football Team @ Steelers |
| 17 | Cincinnati Bengals @ Dolphins |
| 18 | Houston Texans vs. Colts |
| 19 | New England Patriots @ Chargers |
| 20 | Tennessee Titans vs. Browns |
| 21 | Cleveland Browns @ Titans |
| 22 | Jacksonville Jaguars @ Vikings |
| 23 | Arizona Cardinals vs. Rams |
| 24 | New York Giants @ Seahawks |
| 25 | San Francisco 49ers vs. Bills |
| 26 | Dallas Cowboys @ Ravens |
| 27 | Atlanta Falcons vs. Saints |
| 28 | New York Jets vs. Raiders |
| 29 | Denver Broncos @ Chiefs |
| 30 | Philadelphia Eagles @ Packers |
