Top Fantasy Football Defense Rankings for Week 12

As the fantasy football playoffs approach, selecting the right defense can be crucial for success in Week 12. Here are some of the top defense rankings and streaming options for this week.

According to FantasyLife, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers DST is a standout option. They face the New York Giants, a game in which the Buccaneers are favored by 5.5 points. This negative game script for the Giants could lead to more pass attempts, increasing opportunities for sacks and turnovers for the Buccaneers’ defense. The Buccaneers also have favorable matchups in the following weeks against the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders, making them a reliable choice for multiple weeks.

The Washington Commanders DST is another strong streaming option, facing the Dallas Cowboys. The Commanders have shown significant defensive prowess in games against weaker opponents, such as the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns. This divisional rivalry game could see the Commanders’ defense performing well against an inferior opponent.

SportsLine‘s model recommends the Houston Texans D/ST as a top pick for Week 12. The Texans will face the Tennessee Titans, who have struggled with protecting their quarterback, with Will Levis and Mason Rudolph being sacked 33 times through 11 weeks. The Texans’ strong pass rush and the Titans’ vulnerabilities make this a promising matchup.

The Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST is also highly ranked, particularly due to their upcoming game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football. The Browns’ one-dimensional offense and Jameis Winston‘s tendency to turn the ball over could provide ample opportunities for the Steelers’ defense to excel.

The Kansas City Chiefs D/ST is another solid choice, facing the Carolina Panthers. Despite the Panthers’ recent wins, they have been prone to giveaways, ranking sixth in the league with 16 turnovers. The Chiefs’ defense, which ranks eighth in points allowed and fifth in yards allowed, is well-positioned for a strong performance.

The Minnesota Vikings D/ST is highlighted for their matchup against the Chicago Bears. The Vikings’ defense has been consistent, with at least three sacks in eight of their 10 games this season. The Bears’ offense has allowed the second-most sacks this season, making this a favorable matchup for the Vikings.

Finally, the Seattle Seahawks D/ST, although not as highly recommended, is still a viable option due to their recent improvement under Head Coach Mike Macdonald. They face the Arizona Cardinals at home, a game where their defense could capitalize on turnovers despite Kyler Murray‘s ability to avoid sacks.