D/ST remains one of the trickier positions to manage in fantasy football. At this time of the year, some combination of injuries, matchups, and bye weeks always seems to make start-or-sit decisions difficult, but our Week 11 fantasy defense rankings can help you sort through the studs, sleepers, and stumblers.
We won't waste your time too much with the cream of the crop — just know that the Ravens (vs. Panthers in Week 11) have vaulted into the top five with the Eagles (@ Colts), Patriots (vs. Jets), Broncos (vs. Raiders), and Saints (vs. Rams). Baltimore gets a plus-matchup after a bye week after quietly holding its previous three opponents to 55 total points (18.3 ppg, third fewest in the NFL). The Ravens' trade-deadline deal for two-time All-Pro Roquan Smith has paid immediate dividends.
The back half of the top 10 is comprised of some solid matchup-based streamers and sleepers, thanks in part to four decent offenses being on bye (Jaguars, Dolphins, Bucs, Seahawks). The Bengals (@ Steelers) and Rams (@ Saints) typically rank well below the Bills (vs. Browns) and Cowboys (@ Vikings). However, Cincy and L.A. face inconsistent (and sometimes downright erratic) QBs in Kenny Pickett and Andy Dalton while Buffalo faces an elite rushing offense and Dallas takes on an 8-1 Minnesota offense with the juggernaut known as Justin Jefferson.
WEEK 11 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
It's tough to stream the Bengals or Rams over a usually elite option, but Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett has been sacked 3.3 times per game over Pittsburgh's past three games and he has thrown eight interceptions to just two TDs on the season. The Saints' Andy Dalton has suffered six sacksand three interceptions over New Orleans' past two games. The upside of Cincy and L.A. far outweighs the floors of Buffalo and Dallas.
WEEK 11 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers
Another team with ridiculous upside, the Jets (@ Patriots), look for some vengeance after losing to their rivals at home in Week 8. Since then, Gang Green has defeated the powerhouse Bills 20-17 — stifling MVP candidate Josh Allen to the tune of five sacks and two interceptions and limiting him to 205 passing yards and a 46.8 QB rating. Rookie Sauce Gardner looks like an early D-ROY candidate, making a clear difference in this New York secondary. Mac Jones should be a little nervous about this one. New England has allowed four sacks over its past three games, and the Jets have recorded 3.7 sacks and 1.3 interceptions over their past three.
WEEK 11 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel
Again, it's all about matchups. The Giants (vs. Lions) get a decent Detroit offense, but New York has been stout against the run and Amon-Ra St. Brown has been all kinds of banged up this season. The Bears (@ Falcons) allowed Detroit to score 31 points last weekend but now face an oft-erratic Atlanta offense that Carolina dismantled last Thursday. The Raiders (@ Broncos) travel to Mile High, but Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones should eat up Denver's weak offensive line like a stoner at a buffet. The Texans vs. Commanders matchup bumps both otherwise-average defenses into deep-league streaming consideration thanks to their below-average offenses. Washington is especially interesting with Chase Young back.
WEEK 11 DFS: Best stacks | Best values
As always, monitor the injury reports throughout the week to get an up-to-date read on every game. The 49ers (@ Cardinals) are barely a top-15 play if Kyler Murray (hamstring) returns to full health and San Francisco's D is still banged up, but if Colts McCoy is forced to start for the Cards and San Francisco gets some guys back, the Niners are a top-five play.
WEEK 11 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start 'em, sit 'em
Pittsburgh (vs. Bengals) is also a higher-ceiling play with T.J. Watt back, but the loss of Minkah Fitzpatrick (appendix) still has us apprehensive against Joe Burrow and company. Ditto for the Falcons (vs. Bears) against a sometimes-sloppy Bears' offense. Justin Fields is prone to turnovers, but he's also prone to running all over bad defenses like Atlanta's.
We'll be updating our fantasy defense rankings throughout the week, so check back for the latest analysis and player movement.
