The D/ST position in fantasy football is often overlooked. However, choosing the proper defense can be the key to victory or defeat each week.
Never start an elite NFL defense in a poor matchup, as it may not always generate fantasy points for the D/ST position. The best approach is to focus solely on matchups.
This week, managers will have a full selection to choose from, as no teams are on bye.
Here are our Week 13 D/ST fantasy rankings, best starts, sleepers, and some matchups to avoid.
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Week 13 Fantasy D/ST Rankings: Start-sit team defense lineup tips
↕️ Week 13 Fantasy Rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | D/ST | PK | Flex
Updated 11/30:
| Rk | Team Defense | OPP | Rk Chg |
| 1 | Seattle Seahawks | MIN | |
| 2 | Denver Broncos | @WAS | |
| 3 | Los Angeles Chargers | LV | ⬆️ 1 |
| 4 | New England Patriots | NYG | |
| 5 | San Francisco 49ers | @CLE | |
| 6 | Indianapolis Colts | HOU | ⬆️ 1 |
| 7 | Houston Texans | @IND | |
| 8 | Buffalo Bills | @PIT | |
| 9 | Atlanta Falcons | @NYJ | |
| 10 | Jacksonville Jaguars | @TEN | |
| 11 | Los Angeles Rams | @CAR | ⬆️ 4 |
| 12 | Green Bay Packers | @DET | Thanksgiving |
| 13 | Cleveland Browns | SF | |
| 14 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | ARI | ⬆️ 2 |
| 15 | Baltimore Ravens | CIN | Thanksgiving |
| 16 | Detroit Lions | GB | Thanksgiving |
| 17 | Arizona Cardinals | @TB | |
| 18 | Philadelphia Eagles | CHI | Black Friday |
| 19 | Kansas City Chiefs | @DAL | Thanksgiving |
| 20 | New Orleans Saints | @MIA | ⬆️ 1 |
| 21 | Chicago Bears | @PHI | Black Friday |
| 22 | Pittsburgh Steelers | BUF | |
| 23 | Minnesota Vikings | @SEA | ⬇️ 2 |
| 24 | Carolina Panthers | LAR | ⬇️ 4 |
| 25 | Las Vegas Raiders | @LAC | |
| 26 | Miami Dolphins | NO | |
| 27 | Tennessee Titans | JAX | |
| 28 | New York Giants | @NE | |
| 29 | New York Jets | ATL | ⬆️ 2 |
| 30 | Cincinnati Bengals | @BAL | Thanksgiving |
| 31 | Washington Commanders | DEN | |
| 32 | Dallas Cowboys | KC | Thanksgiving |
Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 13?
This week features several targetable matchups at the D/ST position. Any of the units in the top five of these rankings would be a solid choice.
It’s tough not to keep Seattle at the top. The Seahawks’ defense has not only been one of the more elite units, but it will also face a struggling young QB in J.J. McCarthy in Week 13.
Denver, New England, and the Chargers all offer great matchups. All three of these teams should control the pace of the game against inferior opponents.
Who are the best fantasy D/ST sleepers in Week 13?
It’s hard to call them a sleeper, but it’s important to note that the Texans are entering the conversation of being a matchup-proof defense in fantasy. The Colts are certainly not a favorable matchup; however, if the Texans can shut down the Bills, they’re a good start regardless of who they play.
Jacksonville gets the Titans, and anyone who plays them is at minimum a decent play on defense.
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