If you've struggled to get strong production out of your D/ST spot in fantasy football this year, we're here to help with our NFL team's Week 13 fantasy football defense (D/ST) ranking. Use these rankings to guide you in setting the best optimal lineup for the all-important Week 13 slate.
With many fantasy managers facing must-win situations, let's dig into the rankings to see where key defenses such as the Broncos D/ST, Texans D/ST, Vikings D/ST, Seahawks D/ST, and Bills D/ST stand, among others.
Our Week 13 defense (DST) fantasy football rankings are put together by Nick Mariano, Brandon Murchison, Andersen Pickard, and Scott Engel. In addition to our staff rankings, below you will find a summary of this week's important fantasy football injury news.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Week 13 Defense (D/ST) Fantasy Football News
- C.J. Mosley Questionable, But Not Expected To Play
- Nick Bosa, Trent Williams Out On Sunday
- Marshon Lattimore Doubtful For Week 13
- Kyle Dugger Questionable To Face The Colts
- Matt Milano Questionable For Sunday Night Game
- Malcolm Rodriguez Out For The Year After Suffering Torn ACL
- Dexter Lawrence Expected To Be Out "Long Term"
Week 13 Fantasy Football Defense (D/ST) Rankings
Rankings are updated until kick-off. Be sure to bookmark our weekly PPR rankings, Half-PPR rankings, Standard rankings
D/ST Tier | D/ST Rank | D/ST Name | Position |
1 | 1 | Kansas City Chiefs | DST |
1 | 2 | Denver Broncos | DST |
1 | 3 | Houston Texans | DST |
1 | 4 | Dallas Cowboys | DST |
2 | 5 | Detroit Lions | DST |
2 | 6 | Washington Commanders | DST |
3 | 7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | DST |
3 | 8 | Minnesota Vikings | DST |
3 | 9 | Seattle Seahawks | DST |
3 | 10 | Indianapolis Colts | DST |
4 | 11 | Buffalo Bills | DST |
4 | 12 | Los Angeles Chargers | DST |
4 | 13 | Pittsburgh Steelers | DST |
4 | 14 | Arizona Cardinals | DST |
4 | 15 | New York Giants | DST |
5 | 16 | Green Bay Packers | DST |
5 | 17 | Cleveland Browns | DST |
5 | 18 | New York Jets | DST |
5 | 19 | New England Patriots | DST |
5 | 20 | Los Angeles Rams | DST |
5 | 21 | Miami Dolphins | DST |
6 | 22 | Philadelphia Eagles | DST |
6 | 23 | Tennessee Titans | DST |
6 | 24 | San Francisco 49ers | DST |
6 | 25 | Cincinnati Bengals | DST |
6 | 26 | New Orleans Saints | DST |
6 | 27 | Baltimore Ravens | DST |
6 | 28 | Atlanta Falcons | DST |
6 | 29 | Carolina Panthers | DST |
6 | 30 | Jacksonville Jaguars | DST |
6 | 31 | Chicago Bears | DST |
6 | 32 | Las Vegas Raiders | DST |
Week 13 Defense Outlooks for Fantasy Football
Minnesota Vikings DST - Fantasy Football Outlook
The Minnesota Vikings defense/special teams will again be a strong play this weekend when they line up against the Arizona Cardinals. The Vikings' defense has been one of the best units all season, racking up 22 turnovers (second most) and limiting opponents to 3.6 yards per carry and an average of 74.73 yards on the ground per contest – the fewest in the league.
Quarterback Kyler Murray has been careful with the football this season, but Arizona is averaging just 22.2 points per game – tied for the sixteenth-most in the league. Even with the dynamic Murray on the other side of the ball, fantasy gamers should have no qualms about firing up Minnesota's D/ST. They rank as RotoBaller's D/ST8 in this week's ranks.
- Alex Ciulla, RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks DST - Fantasy Football Outlook
Based on their recent play, the Seattle Seahawks' defense and special teams are a potential starting option in Week 13. Their matchup with the New York Jets is favorable, given how poorly the Jets' offense has played of late. The Jets have only exceeded 22 points scored once since Week 4, while the Seahawks have only allowed 23 points in the last two weeks combined.
This unit has looked entirely different since coming out of the bye in Week 10. They are playing cohesively, preventing big plays, and attacking the quarterback to the tune of seven sacks over the past two weeks. The Jets have had their moments this season and have talent everywhere. However, they have not put it all together in a way that would scare opposing defenses.
The Jets are No. 21 against opposing D/STs in fantasy. They have not allowed a terrible number of sacks or produced an extraordinary number of turnovers, but their limited offensive output allows D/STs to finish with a nice day. If you do not have a good matchup for your D/ST, then the Seahawks are a solid option in Week 13.
- Quincy Milton III, RotoBaller
Houston Texans DST - Fantasy Football Outlook
The Houston Texans' defense/special teams are in the middle of the pack regarding points allowed. Still, they have been among the most disruptive — which could mean another productive fantasy day in Week 13 against Jacksonville.
In their past three games, the Texans have forced 10 turnovers, compiled 13 sacks, and scored two touchdowns, making them a force in fantasy lineups. The potential return of Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) would be a significant upgrade for their offense. However, Jacksonville still ranks 27th in scoring percentage and has turned over the ball on 13% of its possessions. Houston is a starting option in this matchup.
- Nick Pitrowicz, RotoBaller
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