NFL Fantasy 2024 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Defenses for Week 13
As the NFL regular season approaches its final stretch, fantasy football managers are looking for any edge they can get to secure a playoff berth or improve their seeding. One key factor to consider in Week 13 is which defenses to start and sit. Here’s a detailed analysis of the best and worst matchups for defenses in Week 13:
Start ‘Em
1. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. New Orleans Saints)
The Eagles’ defense has been dominant all season, ranking first in the NFL in sacks and second in interceptions. They face a Saints offense that has struggled mightily in recent weeks, ranking near the bottom of the league in points scored. The Eagles are a must-start defense in Week 13.
2. San Francisco 49ers (vs. Miami Dolphins)
The 49ers’ defense has also been impressive this season, ranking third in the NFL in points allowed. They face a Dolphins offense that has been inconsistent all season and is missing key players due to injuries. The 49ers are a solid start against a struggling Dolphins offense.
3. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Cleveland Browns)
The Bengals’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, ranking in the top 10 in both points allowed and turnovers forced. They face a Browns offense that has struggled to score points consistently and is led by an inexperienced quarterback. The Bengals are a good start against a weak Browns offense.
Sit ‘Em
1. Los Angeles Rams (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)
The Rams’ defense has been a disappointment this season, ranking in the bottom half of the league in most major defensive categories. They face a Chiefs offense that is averaging over 30 points per game and has one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Patrick Mahomes. The Rams should be avoided in Week 13.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Baltimore Ravens)
The Steelers’ defense has been inconsistent this season, but they are facing a tough matchup in Week 13 against the Ravens. The Ravens have one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Steelers are a risky start against a high-powered Ravens offense.
3. New York Giants (vs. Washington Commanders)
The Giants’ defense has been solid this season, but they are facing a Commanders offense that has been playing well as of late. The Commanders have averaged over 25 points per game in their last three games and have a talented quarterback in Taylor Heinicke. The Giants are a risky start against a hot Commanders offense.
Sleepers
1. New England Patriots (vs. Arizona Cardinals)
The Patriots’ defense has been quietly impressive this season, ranking in the top 10 in points allowed. They face a Cardinals offense that has struggled all season and is missing its starting quarterback. The Patriots are a good sleeper pick in Week 13.
2. Indianapolis Colts (vs. Houston Texans)
The Colts’ defense has been inconsistent this season, but they are facing a Texans offense that is one of the worst in the NFL. The Texans have scored the fewest points in the league this season and are led by an inexperienced quarterback. The Colts are a good sleeper pick against a weak Texans offense.
3. Carolina Panthers (vs. Denver Broncos)
The Panthers’ defense has been a pleasant surprise this season, ranking in the top 15 in points allowed. They face a Broncos offense that has struggled all season and is led by an inexperienced quarterback. The Panthers are a good sleeper pick against a weak Broncos offense.
Conclusion
Making the right decisions on which defenses to start and sit can be crucial to success in fantasy football. By carefully considering the matchups and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each defense, fantasy managers can maximize their chances of winning in Week 13.