Top 9 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings for Week 13: Panthers Pounce on Haskins and Skins

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This Thanksgiving Day weekend, there are a lot of quality fantasy options for week 13. Teams like the Jaguars, Panthers, and Browns look to have great games against some of the worst offenses in the league. Moreover, teams like the Patriots and Cowboys should be able to have a productive day even though they are going against decent offenses. In order to bolster for fantasy lineup by Sunday, you can find the nine best fantasy defenses for week 13.

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints
This week, the Saints defense is a must-start unit that is currently ranked in the top ten in terms of fantasy points. The Saints D is a group that is seeking to get revenge for their week ten loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Right now, the Saints defense ranks in the top ten in terms of restricting opponent yardage and passer rating. Given the fact that the Falcons won’t have Austin Hooper and likely will not have Julio Jones, it’s a safe bet that New Orleans will make life difficult for Matt Ryan.

New York Jets

New York Jets
Despite the Jets’ abysmal record, they are currently the sixth best defense in terms of fantasy points. Over the past three games, they have generated the third-most sacks and sixth-fewest points per game. Moreover, they have been an opportunistic defense that recovers the 8th most fumbles and scores the third-most defensive TDs this season. This week they are going against a Cincinnati Bengals offense that has the 2nd fewest points per game this season and allows the fifth-most sacks per game. As a result, expect for Jamal Adams and the Jets to make Andy Dalton’s comeback miserable.

Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are taking on a Washington Redskins team that ranks at the bottom in terms of yards and points per game this season. Currently, Carolina has the second most sacks, and third most interceptions this season. Carolina is going to wreak havoc against a Redskins offense that is allowing over three sacks per game this season. Dwayne Haskins has struggled to gain any momentum this year, and life will only get harder when he faces the Panthers.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia Eagles
For the first time in a long time, the Philadelphia Eagles defense is a top ten fantasy defenses for week 13. Over their last three games, the Eagles have been disruptive, generating the seventh-most sacks in the NFL. This season, the Dolphins have been a lackluster unit that is allowing the third-most sacks and scores the third-fewest points per game. The Eagles are hungry for a win to stay in playoff contention, and they are going to obliterate Miami.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a high ceiling in week 13 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa QB Jameis Winston leads the NFL in terms of interceptions, with an average of two picks per game. As a whole, the Bucs are surrendering the most turnovers this season and are tied for the sixth most sacks given up this year. Sacksonville has the fifth most sacks this season, so they are a great option on Sunday.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns
Over the past two games, the Browns defensive unit is averaging 12 fantasy points. This Sunday, the Browns will get another opportunity to take on a Pittsburgh Steelers offense that has struggled in recent weeks. The Steelers are currently averaging the fourth-fewest points per game over the last three weeks. Conversely, the Browns are limiting opposing QBs to the lowest passer rating, and teams to the sixth-fewest points per game. As a result, it would be wise to start Cleveland in week 13.

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers
Even though the Packers defense is usually a porous unit, they are a decent week 13 option due to their matchup. This week, Green Bay competes against a Giants team that is averaging the ninth fewest points and giving up the ninth-most sacks per game this season. Moreover, rookie Daniel Jones has had difficulty with ball security and currently leads the league in terms of fumbles. This is great news for a Packers defense that ranks in the top ten in terms of forcing turnovers and will have a great game against the Giants.

New England Patriots

New England Patriots
This season, the Patriots have been the best fantasy defense in the NFL. They are currently restricting opponents to the fewest points in the league. Moreover, they have the most defensive touchdowns, most interceptions, and the fourth-most sacks in the league. This week, they are going to compete against a Houston Texans team that is allowing over three sacks per game. Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson has struggled against tough defenses like the Ravens and Panthers, and he will continue to struggle against the Patriots.

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is a great defensive option on Thanksgivings Day. This year, the Cowboys are a top ten defense in terms of points allowed. The Cowboys are a balanced defense that makes life especially difficult in the passing game. Today, they will go against a Bills offense that struggles to move the ball through the air. Josh Allen and the Bills have the ninth fewest passing yards per game. Therefore, the boys will go after the lackluster Bills offense.

I am a junior at Morehouse College, majoring in economics. I have experience as a data analyst at Pro Football Focus and as a football scouting intern at Fanteractive.com. I enjoy scouting and analyzing NCAAF and NFL games, especially quarterback and running back play.

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