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Defenses are becoming an increasingly vital part of fantasy football line-ups. However, with teams desperate for points, which units could make the difference in Week 13?
The New England Patriots once again reign supreme as the top-ranked defense in terms of fantasy points scored. They are followed closely by the Dallas Cowboys.
Dallas believes it is a Super Bowl team in 2022 and the Cowboys' defense has certainly reinforced such expectations.
When making your decision ahead of Week 13 of the NFL season, you may wish to prioritize one of the Pats or Cowboys. Yet, that may be more difficult than previously thought because of their incredible performances of late.
Due to this, you could look at some viable alternate options.
Who are the best available fantasy football defenses in Week 13?
#1 New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills
The New England Patriots' defensive line has been the cornerstone of their team's 2022 campaign.
In addition to being the best defense in terms of fantasy points, the Pats have recorded the second-highest number of sacks through Week 12. Bill Belichick loves having a stable defense and that is exactly what he has at his disposal in 2022.
Thursday Night Football will see them test their mettle against one of the best teams in football, the Buffalo Bills. This is a matchup that makes mouths water from a broadcasting perspective, but it does little for fantasy football players.
It’s hard to pick an area where the Patriots defense will be able to get at Josh Allen and his cohorts. If you were going to have to find one weakness, you could point towards how often Allen is sacked.
He is averaging being felled 2.09 times per game in 2022, with the Detroit Lions grounding him three times in Week 12. New England has to identify this as a potential area for points, especially with its proficiency at getting to the QB this year.
Buffalo has been particularly poor at protecting its quarterback in divisional matches. He was sacked five times by the New York Jets and four times by the Miami Dolphins.
If this pattern continues on Thursday, you will earn a lot of fantasy football points from the Patriots' defense.
#2 Dallas Cowboys vs. Indianapolis Colts
Dallas has had the most consistent defense throughout the 2022 season. As the weeks have progressed, the Cowboys have always been a regular feature in the top five fantasy scoring defensive lines.
They will be up against the Indianapolis Colts, who have a streaky offense at best, in Week 13. Matt Ryan hasn’t yet emerged as the true answer to the Colts' QB issues, and the Dallas Cowboys will smell blood on Sunday.
Ryan hasn’t been offered any real protection by his O-Line this year. He has been sacked on average 3.58 times per game. Considering "America’s Team" boasts the highest number of sacks in the NFL this term, that is a worrisome matchup for Colts fans.
Look out for fantasy football points for sacks and forced fumbles in this game. The Cowboys could run wild in this game.
#3 Buffalo Bills @ New England Patriots
Considering they were many people’s pick for a Super Bowl trip in 2022, the Buffalo Bills haven’t been as dominant as people hoped. A 8-3 record is still very good, but they are tied with the Miami Dolphins, who nobody gave a chance in pre-season.
The Bills will be up against the New England Patriots on Thursday. However, with the absent Von Miller having brought a unique pass rushing presence, this doesn’t stand out as a match-up where the Bills defense can score serious points.
New England, though, has thrown an average of 1.09 interceptions per game. That is potentially troubling as the Bills have registered 13 interceptions through Week 12, the second-highest in the NFL.
#4 San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins
The San Francisco 49ers are beginning to put together their Super Bowl charge this year.
Having lost Trey Lance earlier in the year, the team has been forced to rebuild their offense around Jimmy Garoppolo. They have leaned on their excellent defense in 2022 to good effect.
In Week 12, they managed to shutout the New Orleans Saints, not allowing a single point in a 13-0 victory.
The Saints have had a poor offense this season, with Andy Dalton playing instead of the injured Jameis Winston. However, the Miami Dolphins, who are the 49ers' Week 13 opponent, have scored the sixth-most points through Week 12.
San Francisco’s defense will face a totally different challenge in Week 13 and it may be tougher for them to stand out and make scoring plays. Fantasy football users will have to keep that in mind while setting up their teams.
#5 Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tennessee Titans
Fantasy football players have been delighted by the effectiveness of the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense in 2022. Week 12 saw them break the 100 fantasy points barrier and they will hope to continue that success against the Tennessee Titans.
Stopping Derrick Henry will be key, although Philly haven’t been outstanding against the run through Week 12. However, the Titans also have the third-worst statistical offense in the NFL.
It is difficult to see them making anywhere near enough plays to cause the Eagles headaches, even with their recent victory over the Packers.
What the Titans can claim, though, is that they don’t make mistakes. On average this season, they have thrown less than one interception per game. The Eagles lead the league in defensive interceptions with 15, and may have to find an alternative route to fantasy football points on Sunday.
Top 15 Fantasy Football Defenses in Week 13
This list is ranked by fantasy points scored. An * indicates a bye week for that team.
1. New England Patriots – 121 points.
2. Dallas Cowboys – 117 points.
3. Buffalo Bills – 101 points.
4. San Francisco 49ers – 101 points.
5. Philadelphia Eagles – 100 points.
6. Baltimore Ravens – 95 points.
7. New York Jets – 94 points.
8. Washington Commanders – 85 points.
9. Carolina Panthers* – 85 points.
10. Tennessee Titans – 84 points.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 81 points.
12. Seattle Seahawks – 81 points.
13. Minnesota Vikings – 80 points.
14. Arizona Cardinals* – 80 points.
15. Atlanta Falcons – 73 points.
