Week 13 Rankings (2018): Top 15 Defenses

by Ray Kuhn

Now that the bye weeks are over and the playoffs are just about upon us, for some Week 13 is the “first” week as they look to advance to the second season. You can afford to play the match-up game, not only for this week but for the next three or four weeks if necessary. Of course we need to live in the present, so let’s take a look at how this week’s options rank:

1. LA Rams – at Detroit
2. Kansas City Chiefs – at Oakland
3. Chicago Bears – at NY Giants
4. Houston Texans – vs. Cleveland
5. Indianapolis Colts – at Jacksonville
6. Denver Broncos – at Cincinnati
7. Carolina Panthers – at Tampa Bay
8. Philadelphia Eagles – vs. Washington
9. Miami Dolphins – vs. Buffalo
10. Washington Redskins – at Philadelphia
11. Seattle Seahawks – vs. San Francisco
12. Tennessee Titans – vs. NY Jets
13. New England Patriots – vs. Minnesota
14. Cleveland Browns – at Houston
15. Green Bay Packers – vs. Arizona

Notes:

• One defense who doesn’t seem to get a lot of attention is the Miami Dolphins. As far as season long production goes they are a Top 10 option. Perhaps more importantly, Miami has been consistent as they have not had a negative week and in just three weeks have they scored four points or less. This week Miami gets to face a Buffalo team who has allowed the most points to opposing defenses. Yes Josh Allen is back under center, but the rookie (and his lack of skill position players) are not putting fear in anyone. The Bills have turnovers on 16% of their drives and that means the Dolphins should be poised to add to the 17 interceptions they have this season.
• We know the Seahawks are not the same defense that they once were, but in certain situations there is still some value to be had. This week is one of those as they face a 49ers’ team that has allowed the fifth most points to opposing defenses this season. After starting the season off well things have turned for Seattle, but this more a bet on San Francisco not generating much in the way offensive firepower. I would also expect to see the Seahawks add to the 23 sacks they have amassed this season.
• If there is a situation to exploit this week, perhaps we should take a look at the Denver Broncos. They get to face a Bengals team that, while they are likely getting A.J Green back, will be without Andy Dalton. There will likely be a substantial downgrade to Jeff Driskel under center, and this should be a situation for the sixth ranked fantasy defense to take advantage of. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Denver with a third straight week of two interceptions, and there is also limited risk that Cincinnati will light up the scoreboard.

** PRE-ORDER ROTOPROFESSOR’S 2019 FANTASY BASEBALL DRAFT GUIDE **
Order Rotoprofessor’s 2018 Fantasy Baseball Draft Guide for just $7.75!!  Click here for the details, but don’t miss out on the best bargain in fantasy baseball preparation.

Make sure to check out all of our Week 13 rankings: