In Week 13 of the NFL, the Cincinnati Bengals demonstrated how quickly a defense’s performance can flip, illustrating the importance of consistency across all four quarters. The Bengals started strong with a pick-six on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first drive, but the Steelers retaliated, ultimately scoring 44 points— the highest total of the Sunday slate. In contrast, the Los Angeles Chargers showcased defensive dominance, holding the Atlanta Falcons to just 13 points and forcing four turnovers. They even sealed the victory with a late pick-six in the fourth quarter. For fantasy managers, this difference in defensive performance underscores the value of reliable defenses, and the Sporting News provides updated Week 14 rankings to help managers make informed decisions for their D/ST slot.
Week 14’s fantasy defense rankings highlight the Philadelphia Eagles as the top choice, playing at home against the Carolina Panthers. Philadelphia’s defense, bolstered by emerging secondary players like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, has been one of the most formidable units, recently holding the Ravens to just 19 points. The Pittsburgh Steelers follow closely behind, ranked second. Despite a rough week against the Bengals, the Steelers are expected to bounce back in a tough AFC North matchup against the Cleveland Browns, known for gritty, low-scoring battles. The Kansas City Chiefs also rank highly, with a favorable matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, who struggled offensively against Atlanta.
For Week 14, managers should be cautious about defenses on bye, including the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans. Fantasy managers who rely on these teams should consider cutting them for the week and seeking other options.
Several defenses present strong sleeper potential for Week 14. The Tennessee Titans, facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, are appealing due to Jacksonville’s struggles under Mac Jones. The Titans’ defense has excelled at limiting yardage and should thrive against a lackluster Jacksonville offense. The New Orleans Saints, facing a New York Giants offense led by either Tommy DeVito or Drew Lock, are another sleeper pick. The Giants’ offensive line has struggled, and the Saints’ defense could capitalize on this to secure a solid fantasy performance.
