Week 12 had some of the most mind-boggling defensive and special teams play in recent memory. In the final three minutes of the Commanders and Cowboys game, we saw a missed extra point, two kicks returned for touchdowns, and an 86-yard touchdown from Terry McLaurin on a play where Dallas dropped all 11 defenders into coverage. Suffice it to say, if you missed the end of this game, make sure you catch the highlights.
This wasn't the only matchup with nonsense in the final moments of the game. After converting a touchdown and two-point conversion with 22 seconds left in the game, the Chicago Bears recovered an onside kick to give themselves a glimmer of hope. Caleb Williams then found D.J. Moore for a 27-yard gain to set up Cairo Santos for a game-tying field goal as time expired. The Bears ultimately lost, but it required some unlikely plays on special teams to give them a chance.
It's unlikely that we have two games like this in the same slate for the rest of the season. Even though it may not be as exciting, fantasy managers still have to fill their D/ST slot this week. Let's see where each defense stacks up in our rankings.
WEEK 13 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 13: Who to start, sit at D/ST
These rankings will be updated throughout the week, so check back often.
| RANK | TEAM | OPPONENT |
| 1 | Denver Broncos | vs CLE |
| 2 | Kansas City Chiefs | vs LV |
| 3 | Washington Commanders | vs TEN |
| 4 | Los Angeles Chargers | at ATL |
| 5 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | at CAR |
| 6 | Houston Texans | at JAC |
| 7 | Cleveland Browns | at DEN |
| 8 | Buffalo Bills | vs SF |
| 9 | Seattle Seahawks | at NYJ |
| 10 | Arizona Cardinals | at MIN |
| 11 | Detroit Lions | vs CHI |
| 12 | Pittsburgh Steelers | at CIN |
| 13 | Minnesota Vikings | vs ARI |
| 14 | Miami Dolphins | at GB |
| 15 | Philadelphia Eagles | at BAL |
| 16 | Los Angeles Rams | at NO |
| 17 | New York Jets | vs SEA |
| 18 | Indianapolis Colts | at NE |
| 19 | New York Giants | at DAL |
| 20 | New England Patriots | vs IND |
| 21 | Dallas Cowboys | vs NYG |
| 22 | Green Bay Packers | vs MIA |
| 23 | New Orleans Saints | vs LAR |
| 24 | San Francisco 49ers | at BUF |
| 25 | Tennessee Titans | at WAS |
| 26 | Baltimore Ravens | vs PHI |
| 27 | Las Vegas Raiders | at KC |
| 28 | Chicago Bears | at DET |
| 29 | Atlanta Falcons | vs LAC |
| 30 | Cincinnati Bengals | vs PIT |
| 31 | Jacksonville Jaguars | vs HOU |
| 32 | Carolina Panthers | vs TB |
Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 13?
The Denver Broncos' defense has been fantastic throughout the year. All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain has played a big role in leading Denver's top-10 pass defense. Jameis Winston has created some memorable moments this season, but it's hard to see him getting the best of Surtain and company. The Broncos can be started with confidence in Week 13.
The Chiefs' defense hasn't been as dominant as they were in 2023, but they still have been among the league's better defensive units this season. They're a top-10 group in terms of both total defense and scoring defense. As long as they can contain Brock Bowers on Sunday, it should be a quiet day for the Las Vegas offense.
The Washington Commanders come in as our D/ST3 on the week. Over the last six weeks, Washington has shown an ability to completely shut down inferior opponents. We saw this in action in Week 7 when they held the Panthers to 7 points and 180 yards of offense. Will Levis and the Titans have a similar caliber of offense and don't pose a threat to many NFL defenses. The Commanders are a premier fantasy option this week as they should be hungry to avenge an ugly loss to the Cowboys.
MORE: FULL LIST OF WEEK 13 WAIVER WIRE RECOMMENDATIONS
Who are the D/STs on byes in Week 13?
There aren't any teams on bye in Week 13, with three games taking place on Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 28. The Broncos, Colts, Patriots, Commanders, Ravens, and Texans will be on bye in Week 14.
Who are the best fantasy defense sleepers in Week 13?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have not been known for their defensive prowess this season. In fact, they rank toward the bottom of the league in nearly every defensive efficiency metric. However, a matchup with the Panthers can jumpstart any defense. This is an offense that's failed to hit 200 yards of offense more often than they've cleared 400 yards. Whenever the Panthers are on the schedule, the opposing defense immediately becomes a viable fantasy option.
Taysom Hill and Marquez Valdes-Scantling have been making some miraculous plays in recent weeks, but the Saints are still an offense with a limited arsenal of weapons. Hill and MVS aren't going to be ripping off 70-yard plays every week and this profiles as an offense to target with defensive streamers. The Rams can be the defense to put an end to the Saints' nonsense on offense and they're a fringe starter this week.
