Every Fantasy Football Team Defense With Overall DST1 Upside - 49ers, Ravens, Cowboys, Jets, more

John investigates top fantasy football D/ST sleepers for the 2024 NFL season. All have upside to be the #1 overall fantasy football team defense (DST) this year.

Defense is one of the toughest positions to nail in fantasy football. Turnovers are often mercurial, and teams go on streaks of getting huge chunks of takeaways to cold streaks of very few. Injuries, some of which fly under the radar, can have a big impact on D/ST scoring. In addition, matchups along the offensive and defensive lines, WR/DB matchups, and even the weather can cause D/ST scores to change.

It can be exhausting to check injury reports, depth charts, projected matchups, and weather reports to get an edge when starting or streaming D/STs. Luckily, there are a few defenses you will be able to rely on dependably, and in the absence of a rash of injuries, these teams should produce solidly for your fantasy team in 2024.

From having elite players and good coaching to a recent history of success, these D/STs are the best bets to score highly for your fantasy team this season and should be prioritized in drafts when you decide to select this position.

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Cleveland Browns D/ST

The Cleveland Browns fielded an elite defense in 2023. Several star players, such as Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, provided disruptive playmaking abilities that stymied opposing offenses. Za'Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson, Shelby Harris, Greg Newsome, and Juan Thornhill all contributed to a historic defensive performance that allowed just 270.2 total yards per game, the lowest mark in the NFL.

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is a defensive mastermind, and the Browns regularly stomped opposing offenses into the ground with embarrassing beatdowns. The Browns D/ST averaged 9.0 points per game, forcing 28 turnovers and scoring three defensive TDs. Regularly thrashing elite offenses was a Sunday stroll for this group.

defense got after it from the first play and didn't let up#CLEvsPIT Monday night on ABC pic.twitter.com/9so2CxPdp1

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) September 13, 2023

With most of their defensive roster intact and Jim Schwartz still leading the squad, the Browns D/ST projects to be a top fantasy option again in 2024. It should be more of the same.

San Francisco 49ers D/ST

The San Francisco 49ers have had two straight top-10 D/ST scoring finishes, and they should have scored even higher. Defensive coordinator Steve Wilks received heavy criticism for his defensive schemes.

Despite having multiple elite players on the defensive roster, such as Nick Bosa, Dre Greenlaw, and Fred Warner, Wilks' defenses consistently failed to generate pressure on opposing QBs. Wilks was fired after the 2023 season.

A change in San Francisco: Steve Wilks is out as the 49ers defensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/atNB1ConXy

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 14, 2024

With Wilks gone, the 49ers should return to their dominant ways. They finished third overall in D/ST scoring in 2022 under DeMeco Ryans, and with a loaded roster of defensive talent, they have a legitimate shot at being first overall.

New York Jets D/ST

Speaking of loaded rosters, the Jets possibly have the best defense on paper in the NFL. Quinnen Williams is one of the Jets' best defensive players. The two-time second-team All-Pro posted an astonishing PFF grade of 90.6, providing consistent play and never truly having a down game. Sauce Gardner, a first-team All-Pro, anchors the secondary and received a PFF grade of 88.6 in 2023.

The Jets have consistently coached up other players to play at elite levels. Jermaine Johnson II, Will McDonald IV, Quincy Williams, and D.J. Reed have all contributed solid play across the defense's positions.

They boast huge depth on the roster, with Solomon Thomas and Takkarist McKinley, good players in their own right, playing as backups. And when your players make plays like this, you know the whole defense is in sync and incredibly well coached.

This is the most aesthetically pleasing play I’ve seen all year

amazing design on the end around, the coordination from the offense is beautiful

But, Sauce Gardner has great eyes, doesn’t bite, and flies across the whole field to make the tackle short of the sticks pic.twitter.com/hG6nUiJFG7

— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) December 17, 2022

Defenders making plays that are "out of position" like here, where Sauce Gardner cosplays as a linebacker (and it works!), is an excellent sign. An even better sign is when your defense finishes fourth overall in D/ST scoring despite having to overcome one of the worst offenses in the NFL.

The Jets defense should score even more this season, as now the offense has completely overhauled its line, signed and drafted WRs, has Aaron Rodgers back from injury, and a fully healthy Breece Hall. The Jets offense will allow the defense to rest much more, staying off the field, and it will be much fresher when it takes the field to pulverize opposing offenses.

Baltimore Ravens D/ST

The Baltimore Ravens boasted the second-highest D/ST scoring in 2023, with 10.2 points per game. Somewhat predictably, the Ravens defense is loaded with talent, featuring Roquan Smith, a first-team All-Pro in 2022, and Kyle Hamilton, a first-team All-Pro in his second season in 2023.

With key contributors Marlon Humphrey (three-time Pro Bowler, one-time first-team All-Pro), Odafe Oweh (PWFA All-Rookie), Kyle Van Noy (two-time Super Bowl champion), and other key contributors like Marcus Williams, the Ravens have the firepower to stand up to any offense in their way.

Hamilton in particular was a force to be reckoned with, amassing an incredible highlight reel and acting as a one-man wrecking crew in 2023. Hamilton acted as a run-stuffer, pass-rusher, and no-fly zone all on his own, tackling players in the backfield, amassing sacks, and knocking down and intercepting passes.

kyle hamilton all-pro 23/24 highlights@kyledhamilton_ | #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/cV6nwvK1P7

— 🏜️ (@SimplyAS10) February 5, 2024

Despite the departure of former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens are so loaded with talent on defense that they are a force to be reckoned with and could claim the top spot of D/ST scoring in 2024.

Dallas Cowboys D/ST

The Dallas Cowboys led all defenses in scoring in 2023, with 26 takeaways and six touchdowns. Cornerback DaRon Bland broke the record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns, with five.

DARON BLAND WITH A RECORD-SETTING FIFTH PICK-6
pic.twitter.com/VKp8MHEDz4

— PFF (@PFF) November 24, 2023

The Cowboys also boast a talented defensive roster, led by Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs. They scored the second-most D/ST points in 2022 off the back of 11 Trevon Diggs interceptions. Unfortunately, Bland will miss time due to a stress fracture in his left foot. He could miss up to six games.

Despite this, the Cowboys defense typically performs very well against disorganized offenses, and they produce huge blowouts with lots of takeaways. The departure of Dan Quinn should have a negative impact, but Mike Zimmer has a proven pedigree of success.

The Cowboys defense projects to play very well in 2024, and once Bland returns, the trio of Bland, Diggs, and Parsons could keep the Cowboys at the top of defensive fantasy scoring once again.

Dark Horse: Las Vegas Raiders D/ST

The Las Vegas Raiders struggled mightily under Josh McDaniels and moved on from him before the 2023 season ended. New head coach Antonio Pierce took over, and the defense surged, finishing eighth in DVOA overall despite a rough start to the season.

The Raiders had multiple impressive performances, including holding the high-powered Vikings offense to just three points. They then absolutely demolished the Chargers, recording four fumble recoveries, one interception, and two defensive touchdowns.

Raiders CB Jack Jones had the coldest interception last year. It looks like he waved at the Chargers in mid-air before taking it back for the touchdown too lol🤣🔥🥶🏴‍☠️ #RaiderNation @presidentjacc pic.twitter.com/b3jRKOpW7E

— Austin (@Austinrnww) September 1, 2024

They then shocked the Chiefs, one of the NFL's most high-powered offenses, holding them to just 14 points and four sacks to go with one INT, one fumble recovery, and two more defensive TDs. The defense finished as a top-10 unit, according to PFF, with Maxx Crosby leading the way with a phenomenal 92.7 overall grade.

PFF rates him as the fourth-best edge-rusher in the NFL. Malcolm Koonce, Robert Spillane, and Jack Jones all were key contributors to this surging defense.

The Raiders already had an excellent defensive line, but the signing of Christian Wilkins takes this unit to the next level. An elite run defender, Wilkins boasts a PFF run defense grade of 80.8 in 2023 and 81.0 in 2022. With Wilkins shoring up the run and Crosby demolishing passing-game plans, the Raiders could be a massive dark-horse D/ST to own in 2024.

While they are admittedly the least likely of the bunch to become the No. 1 overall D/ST, they have a shot with their plethora of talent and Antonio Pierce leading the way. The Raiders D/ST isn't drafted in many leagues, so as a free pickup, they could be a fantastic option down the stretch, especially when they face weaker offenses.

If you don't want to spend a high draft pick on a defense, the Raiders are your best bet to smash expectations.

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