NFL Fantasy 2024 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Defenses for Week 12

What do the top-scoring fantasy defenses of the last two weeks have in common? They both played the Cowboys. The Texans had five sacks, an interception, a fumble recovery, a touchdown and finished with 19 fantasy points against Dallas in Week 11. In Week 10, the Eagles had three sacks, five takeaways and finished with 20 fantasy points versus the Cowboys. Those are the types of defensive performances that can flip a matchup. You have to take a shot on the Commanders this week. 

Caleb Williams and the Bears looked much better last week. Williams was decisive and got rid of the ball quickly, but it takes more than one game to convince me the improvement will last. On the season, the Bears have taken sacks at the highest rate in the NFL. They have struggled to consistently move the ball and score points. Even last week, Williams was sacked three times and Chicago failed to score 20 points. The Vikings have scored double-digit fantasy points in eight of their 10 games. That's elite. Start them. 

The Broncos are a reliable fantasy defense. They have scored 10 or more fantasy points in six of their 11 games. They have a great chance to do so for a seventh time this week against the Raiders, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Gardner Minshew has taken sacks at an above-average rate. The Raiders lead the league in fumbles lost and are tied for fourth in interceptions thrown. They are one of the very best matchups a defense can have. Play Denver. 

Will Levis has been playing better since returning from injury, but it's still worth streaming against the Titans. They have taken sacks at the third-highest rate. They have allowed the most FPPG to opposing defenses and have 18 giveaways. The Texans have scored double digits in three of their last four and just beat up on the Cowboys for 19 fantasy points. They could have another big fantasy day this week. 

Trust me, you want to have the Bucs defense right now. The Giants have allowed the fourth-most FPPG to defenses and take sacks at an above-average rate. I am excited for Tommy DeVito, but the Tampa Bay defense remains in play. After this week the Bucs face the Panthers, Raiders, Chargers, Cowboys and Panthers (again). You can stream them in all but the game against the Chargers. 

The Chargers have been a good defense, but the Ravens have allowed the fewest FPPG to opposing defenses. Since Week 4, they have scored 30 points in all but two games. They are just a buzz saw. Get away from the Chargers. It's not worth the risk.

The 49ers may be having a disappointing season by their standards, but defenses still haven't found much fantasy success against them. In fact, they have allowed the ninth-fewest FPPG to opposing defenses. Now with Christian McCaffrey back, they have the potential to reach that elite level again offensively. I do not like playing defenses against them, and Green Bay's D has scored five or fewer fantasy points in four straight. Sit them.  

The Eagles are on a hot streak right now. Not only have they won six in a row, but they have scored 26 or more points in five straight. They can beat you through the air and on the ground. They have one of the best red-zone offenses in the NFL. The Rams have been better on defense, but that doesn’t mean you start them in matchups like this one. Get away. 

While the Eagles offense has been hot, their defense has been hit or miss, at least for fantasy purposes. They have a couple big performances in plus matchups but have scored single digits in all but two games this season. The Rams offense is a different beast now that their top receivers are healthy again. Get away from the Eagles in what could be a high-scoring game. 

Kyler Murray and the Cardinals offense looked excellent in the game before the bye. They have been a tough matchup for opposing defenses, at least fantasy-wise, all season, allowing the seventh-fewest FPPG. Seattle's defense has scored a total of 10 fantasy points in their last three games. They have reached double digits just three times. Stream elsewhere this week.