The New England Patriots defense allowed 34 points, tallied two sacks, and delivered a fumble-recovery touchdown during Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins. While Miami's offense seemed to have its way against New England, the Patriots' defense was able to salvage this week's performance by scoring their first touchdown of the season. Christian Barmore and Brenden Schooler each logged a sack, Marte Mapu forced a fumble, and Christian Gonzalez tallied the scoop-and-score touchdown. New England could be a fringe top-12 fantasy defense next week against the Indianapolis Colts.
Nov 24, 2024 4:49 PM EST
Despite a 32-27 home loss to Tennessee, the Houston Texans D/ST put together a big fantasy day with eight sacks, three turnovers, and another defensive touchdown. The Texans, who also scored last week against Dallas, found the end zone Sunday when safety Jimmie Ward nabbed a pass from Titans quarterback Will Levis and returned it 65 yards for a score. The Texans harassed Levis all day and also recovered two fumbles, but it wasn't quite enough in the defeat. Houston will travel to last-place Jacksonville in Week 13.
Nov 24, 2024 4:24 PM EST
The Los Angeles Chargers defense is better left on the bench in Week 12 fantasy lineups. The Bolts will face off against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, and even though the Chargers defense has been one of the best in the league this season, the Ravens offense has proven to essentially be matchup proof. This is expected to be one of the higher scoring games of the week, so even with how well the Chargers defense has played this season, they are ranked outside of the top-15 for this week. They have some decent matchups coming up, but this is certainly not one of them.
Nov 23, 2024 10:10 PM EST
The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams put up an average performance in fantasy terms against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 11. They forced an interception, collected four sacks, and only allowed 18 points. The bad part is that was one of their best weeks of the season. The Los Angeles Chargers, their Week 12 opponent, haven't been a favorable matchup for opposing defenses as they average just 4.6 fantasy points per game against Justin Herbert and company. The Ravens' defense averages 5.5 per contest as it is, so there are better streaming options across the league.
Nov 23, 2024 9:39 PM EST
The San Francisco 49ers D/ST unit is in Green Bay for a Week 12 matchup against the Packers. Those who started the Niners in Week 11 were rewarded with decent production, holding the Seattle Seahawks to 20 points while sacking Geno Smith four times and picking him off once. Green Bay on the road offers a much taller task. Although the Packers are eighth-worst in the NFL at avoiding turnovers, they are elite at protecting their quarterbacks, tied for the No. 1 slot with only 13 sacks allowed. They are the fourth-ranked offense in the NFL by yards per game, eighth by points scored, and are at full strength. San Francisco will be without their big-ticket edge rusher Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) while CB Charvarius Ward (personal) remains out for the third straight game. The 49ers are best left out of Week 12 fantasy lineups, occupying the 17th position in RotoBaller's rankings.
Nov 23, 2024 2:22 PM EST
The Detroit Lions D/ST faces the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12, continuing to deliver strong fantasy performances. Despite ranking poorly in receptions and passing yards allowed to opponents, Detroit has remained a Top-6 fantasy defense, thanks to their ability to force turnovers and limit scoring. The Lions have recorded an interception in every game this season, tied for second in the league with 14 total picks. Detroit's defense has multiple takeaways in four games and has posted double-digit fantasy points in four of the last six weeks. They also allow just 17.7 points per game, the fifth-fewest in the league. With a favorable matchup against a Colts offense prone to turnovers, the Lions D/ST remains a strong play for Week 12.
Nov 23, 2024 11:24 AM EST
The Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit should be in starting lineups in all fantasy leagues this weekend when they head to Allegiant Stadium on Sunday to take on the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders and their floundering offense led by quarterback Gardner Minshew II, who has already been benched two separate times in 2024. In addition, Vegas' top-two running backs -- Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quadriceps) -- are doubtful to play. The Broncos defense has been a top-five unit in 2024 and allow the second-fewest points per game (16.6). Meanwhile, the Raiders offense averages 18.7 points per game (tied for eighth fewest) and 285 total yards per game (third-fewest). And lastly, the Raiders are tied with Dallas for the most giveaways (20) in the league through 11 weeks. The Broncos D/ST is in a smash spot in Week 12 and is a must-start.
Nov 23, 2024 11:14 AM EST
The Los Angeles Rams defense ranks outside the top 12 fantasy options heading into Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Rams have posted modest results this season, ranking 10th in fantasy points among D/ST units and posting double-digit fantasy points in their commanding win over the New England Patriots last weekend. However, the Rams get a much tougher task this Sunday in the form of the Eagles, who have scored the seventh-most points in the NFL, led by a star-studded offense featuring Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert. If there's anything working in Los Angeles' favor, it's that the Eagles have allowed the 17th-most fantasy points to opposing D/ST units. That's not the most appealing stat, but modest upside is better than no upside. Still, managers are advised to look elsewhere for fantasy production in Week 12.
Nov 23, 2024 9:15 AM EST
The Philadelphia Eagles defense will go on the road to take on the Los Angeles Rams in Week 12 on Sunday night. The defense has not given up more than 20 points since Week 4 and proved they can hold good offenses in check last week when they stifled rookie Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders on Thursday night football. The Rams are another tall task to face, especially with their wide receivers now healthy. However, with six teams on bye this week, you can do a lot worse than starting a defense that has been on fire since the team's Week 5 bye.
Nov 23, 2024 7:45 AM EST
The Chicago Bears defense and special teams will look to bounce back in Week 12 as they face the talented Minnesota Vikings in a divisional rivalry game. After a relatively strong performance in Week 11, where the Bears' defense kept things competitive despite a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers, they now shift their focus to journeyman quarterback Sam Darnold and superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Stopping Jefferson, one of the top receivers in the NFL, will be vital to limiting the Vikings' offense. The Bears will also have to contend with running back Aaron Jones, who brings plenty of experience and playmaking ability after years in the NFC North with Green Bay. If the Bears can force Darnold into mistakes and create turnovers, they'll have the chance to deliver a solid fantasy outing. While the matchup is challenging, especially against a talented Minnesota offense, the Bears' defense remains a decent streaming option for Week 12, especially with many fantasy managers dealing with bye-week woes. Expect some big plays and potential turnovers, but temper expectations given the caliber of the Vikings' offensive weapons.
Nov 23, 2024 5:43 AM EST
The Kansas City Chiefs defense will take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 12. The Chiefs defense gave up more than 25 points and finished a game without a sack for the first time this season in last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Kansas City will look to bounce back this week against the Panthers, who have scored the third-fewest points this season. Behind defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs defense should be more than capable of shutting down the Carolina offense. The Kansas City defense is ranked as the third-best defense in our RotoBaller rankings, making them a strong start this week. Fantasy managers should start the Chiefs defense confidently in this matchup.
Nov 23, 2024 2:59 AM EST
The New York Giants defense faces a challenging test in Week 12 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose offense ranks 8th in yards per game (361.5) and 5th in scoring (27.9 points per game). The Giants defense has been formidable against the pass, ranking 4th in the NFL by allowing just 184.2 passing yards per game and generating 36 sacks, the second-most in the league. However, their 29th-ranked run defense (147.1 rushing yards allowed per game) will be tested by Tampa Bay's balanced attack, which averages 125.3 yards on the ground. With a red-zone defense ranked 5th in the league (46.4% TD rate allowed), the Giants have the tools to disrupt Tampa's efficiency, making them a high-risk, high-reward streaming option this week.
Nov 23, 2024 1:58 AM EST
The Las Vegas Raiders D/ST hasn't been a startable fantasy option at any point this year, and they'll face a tough test in Week 12. The Denver Broncos just obliterated the Atlanta Falcons 38-6 in Week 11. Las Vegas has fielded one of the worst defenses in the league. They rank near the bottom in plenty of metrics. They've allowed 28.5 points per game and struggled to get defensive stops. They also have the worst turnover differential by a long shot, at -15. They've generated zero fumble recoveries and are the fourth-worst squad at sacking opposing quarterbacks. They're the second-worst defense to start in fantasy football. Leave them in free agency in your leagues.
Nov 22, 2024 11:03 PM EST
The Indianapolis Colts will play a home game this weekend, but for fantasy managers considering using the Indy defense this week, it might be best to see what other options are available for streaming on the waiver wire. The Colts' Week 12 opponent will be the Detroit Lions, an offense that has put up the most points per game in the entire NFL this season (33.6). Indy on the other hand has allowed the 14th-most points per game on the season (22.7), but eighth-most over the last three weeks (26.0). Sure Jared Goff threw five interceptions a couple of weeks ago, but it's not something he had been doing week-in and week-out, having thrown zero interceptions in six of the last seven games, so it is not something that should be counted on for fantasy. The Colts have been adept at recovering fumbles, having fallen on top of nine so far, good for second-most in the league, however, Detroit has lost just one fumble all season, so it is not something they do. Pass on Indy for this week, however, they do have some enticing matchups coming up during the fantasy playoffs (vs. TEN, @ NYG), so you could consider picking them up for use later on.
Nov 22, 2024 10:05 PM EST
The Seattle Seahawks D/ST showed up against a talented San Francisco 49ers offense in Week 11 but should be left on waivers in Week 12 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals are No. 10 against opposing D/STs in fantasy. Their offense has been relatively inconsistent this season, but they always are a threat to score 30 or more points. The Seahawks' defense is getting healthier as the season wears on, but they are still difficult to trust in fantasy. The run defense for the Seahawks has been especially problematic and the Cardinals have the fifth-best running game in the league. The Seahawks are likely to be torn up by running backs James Conner and Trey Benson in this game. They are not worth the risk in Week 12.
Nov 22, 2024 7:08 PM EST
The Green Bay Packers defense and special teams unit got a bit of an upgrade and should now be considered a pretty good option in fantasy lineups as the Packers host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12. The 49ers will be without quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) as he was ruled out of Sunday's matchup due to a shoulder injury. Journeyman backup Brandon Allen will get the nod for the suddenly reeling 49ers who are looking to crawl out of a 5-5 hole on the season to reach the playoffs in the NFC. For the Packers, their defense hasn't been great over the last four games, but their three-sack and a blocked kick against the Chicago Bears were good enough to place in the top-ten for fantasy defenses. With Allen in at quarterback on the road at Lambeau Field, the Packers should get a solid upgrade to become plenty startable in Week 12.
Nov 22, 2024 6:12 PM EST
The Washington Commanders defense is shaping up to be a solid streaming option facing a struggling Dallas offense this weekend. Despite disappointing in their previous two games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers, fantasy managers should still consider the Washington defense, given their favorable matchup. During their past two games with Cooper Rush under center, the Cowboys have scored just 16 total points, been sacked eight times, and thrown two interceptions. The Commanders have produced solid fantasy showing against struggling offensive units this season as they held the Panthers to just seven points in Week 7 and the Bears to 15 points in Week 8. Given the favorable matchup, the Commanders have a path to a top-10 finish.
Nov 22, 2024 5:46 PM EST
The Minnesota Vikings D/ST yet again has a favorable matchup on tap in Week 12 when they line up against the Chicago Bears. Minnesota's defense has been one of the most reliable fantasy units in 2024 and will get an outing against a Bears' offense that has scored more than 20 points three times this year in 10 contests. The Vikings have allowed the fewest rushing yards per game to opposing offenses (74.4). Additionally, they've intercepted the most passes (16) and are tied for the second-most total takeaways in the NFL (21). Chicago is affording their opponent's defensive units an average of 10.1 fantasy points per game -; tied for the eighth-most in the league. Fire them up with confidence as RotoBaller's D/ST6 in this week's ranks.
Nov 22, 2024 4:40 PM EST
Coming off back-to-back excellent games, the Houston Texans D/ST has a chance for another with a home date against the bottom-tier offense of the Tennessee Titans in Week 12. Houston hasn't allowed more than 24 points since Week 3, and in their past two games, they have forced seven turnovers and scored a touchdown. Now comes a Titans offense that ranks at or near the bottom of the NFL in passing first downs (31st), interceptions (T-32nd), net yards per attempt (27th), offensive penalties (31st), and scoring percentage (30th). Any managers holding the Texans should be starting them against Tennessee.
Nov 22, 2024 1:52 PM EST
The Dallas Cowboys' defense continues to be one of the worst units fantasy-wise, as they have averaged 33.2 points surrendered over the last five games. That trajectory should not change on Sunday as they travel to face the Washington Commanders, who are in need of a get-right game. Even with a multitude of teams on bye this week, the Dallas defense is not a viable option for lineups. Look elsewhere for your fantasy defense.
Nov 22, 2024 1:37 PM EST
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