2024 fantasy football defense rankings, from the top D (Cowboys) to sleepers (Saints)
Our preseason fantasy rankings continue to roll out with our look at the best quarterbacks, a list of the standout wide receivers, and the best rookies to draft.
When it comes to defenses — or, defense and special teams — you have to remember a couple of things. There are obviously elite units like those of the Jets and Chiefs. But you also have to factor in strength of schedule, because a pretty good defense can do really well in fantasy football when it faces some middling teams and can pile up the sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries.
Keep that in mind when you look at this list:
The best defenses
Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC defensive end Myles Garrett (95) of the Cleveland Browns before the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
1. Cleveland Browns
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. New York Jets
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Baltimore Ravens
Remember what I said. The Cowboys face the Giants twice, the Patriots once, and Carolina among their good matchups.
Safe And Steady
Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate a sack of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) in the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
8. Kansas City Chiefs
9. Buffalo Bills
The Saints’ division helps, as does facing the Vikings, Giants and Titans.
Sleepers and breakouts
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
10. Miami Dolphins
11. Jacksonville Jaguars
12. Chicago Bears
13. Detroit Lions
14. Philadelphia Eagles
15. Indianapolis Colts
I like what I see from the Colts schedule and think the Eagles might have some improvements that will help.
Streamers for the season
Dec 3, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
16. Cincinnati Bengals
17. Houston Texans
18. Green Bay Packers
19. Minnesota Vikings