NFL · 1 year ago

NFL DFS: Ranking the Must-Play Defense Matchups for Week 13

Grant White

Host · Writer

1. Houston Texans
FanDuel Salary: $5,000

Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 21st

Undoubtedly, the Houston Texans rank as the pre-eminent defensive power on Week 13's main slate. Houston's offseason upgrades are paying dividends in 2024, a reputation that should continue to grow against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Houston is coming off back-to-back 19-point fantasy performances. Over that two-game stretch, the Texans have accumulated 13 sacks, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. However, their success isn't limited to their most recent contests. They rank second in the NFL in sacks per game while totaling the third-most takeaways.

Jacksonville doesn't do much right on offense. Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones combined for nine interceptions, so the Texans' secondary will be putting in work irrespective of the starter. Likewise, Jaguars' quarterbacks have been sacked 24 times this season, a benchmark that will inevitably ratchet higher on Sunday.

Their salary reflects it, but the Texans are the defense to target in Week 13.

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5. Atlanta Falcons
FanDuel Salary: $3,100

Opponent: Los Angeles Chargers

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 5th

The Los Angeles Chargers face a dreaded cross-country trek for an early start against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13. The Falcons' defense is coming off a season-worst performance, tanking their fantasy value, but this is the perfect time to buy low on the NFC South contenders.

Overall, Atlanta has shown promise at various points this season. Over their last six games, the Falcons have a couple of two-interception games, adding five sacks and a fumble recovery. While it's not the most robust fantasy resume, it illustrates their ability to put fantasy points on the board, a fact that isn't necessarily implied by their $3,100 salary.

Still, the Chargers are in an unfavorable travel spot. LA is traveling across the country on a short week, which has historically favored home teams. With that, the Falcons' defense should be at their best and easily exceed the implied value of their modest salary.

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4. New York Jets
FanDuel Salary: $3,700

Opponent: Seattle Seahawks

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 27th

Similar logic applies to the New York Jets in Week 13. The AFC East also-rans welcome a road-weary Seattle Seahawks side to MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon. This is an ideal spot to back a typically fierce Jets' defense.

New York has been one of the best at pressuring quarterbacks this season. The Jets rank sixth in the league in sacks per game, bringing down opposing signal-callers 3.1 times per game. Naturally, that correlates with top-end forced fumble metrics. New York is in the top half of the league in fumble recoveries, picking the pigskin off the turf in six of its past ten games.

Those strengths play into a pair of glaring Seahawks' weaknesses. Seattle has fumbled the ball in each of its past four games, with the ball hitting the ground seven times. Moreover, they've let opponents sack Geno Smith 3.4 times per game, the fifth-highest average in the NFL. Those issues will be compounded by playing in an unfavorable time slot, leaving an edge in rostering the Jets' defense.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
FanDuel Salary: $4,200

Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 10th

At this point, we know exactly what the Pittsburgh Steelers defense is capable of. Still, they continue to languish as a mid-salaried defense week after week. We expect them to be at their best as they look to get back to their winning ways against the Cincinnati Bengals.

This season, the Steelers have eclipsed double-digit fantasy points in five games. That's bolstered their season-long average up to 9.5, one of the best in the NFL. While they've earned a reputation for being one of the defensive fronts in football, it's time to pay attention to what their secondary is doing. The Steelers have recorded multiple interceptions on four occasions this season, coming up with a pick in all but three of their outings.

Joe Burrow isn't immune to turning the ball over. The Bengals' quarterback has thrown four picks over the past eight weeks while also getting sacked three times in each of his last two outings. T.J. Watt and company will add to those woes en route to a slate-leading performance.
2. Minnesota Vikings
FanDuel Salary: $4,300

Opponent: Arizona Cardinals

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 17th

Count the Minnesota Vikings as another undervalued defensive unit on Week 13's main slate. Minnesota has been one of the most consistent fantasy performers this season, maintaining their lofty standards nearly every time they step onto the gridiron. That should again be the case in Sunday's tilt versus the Arizona Cardinals.

Like the Steelers, Minnesota does a little bit of everything right. The Vikings have recorded multiple sacks in three straight games, adding three interceptions and two fumble recoveries over the three-game sample. Predictably, that correlates with double-digit fantasy point outings, a standard they've reached in eight games this season.

Arizona's offensive line has abandoned its responsibilities recently. Kyler Murray has been sacked nine times over the previous three weeks, with Seattle getting to him five times last week. Murray will face similar pressure on Sunday, amplifying the Vikings' outlook in Week 13.
1. Houston Texans
FanDuel Salary: $5,000

Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 21st

Undoubtedly, the Houston Texans rank as the pre-eminent defensive power on Week 13's main slate. Houston's offseason upgrades are paying dividends in 2024, a reputation that should continue to grow against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Houston is coming off back-to-back 19-point fantasy performances. Over that two-game stretch, the Texans have accumulated 13 sacks, two interceptions, and three fumble recoveries. However, their success isn't limited to their most recent contests. They rank second in the NFL in sacks per game while totaling the third-most takeaways.

Jacksonville doesn't do much right on offense. Trevor Lawrence and Mac Jones combined for nine interceptions, so the Texans' secondary will be putting in work irrespective of the starter. Likewise, Jaguars' quarterbacks have been sacked 24 times this season, a benchmark that will inevitably ratchet higher on Sunday.

Their salary reflects it, but the Texans are the defense to target in Week 13.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
5. Atlanta Falcons
FanDuel Salary: $3,100

Opponent: Los Angeles Chargers

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 5th

The Los Angeles Chargers face a dreaded cross-country trek for an early start against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 13. The Falcons' defense is coming off a season-worst performance, tanking their fantasy value, but this is the perfect time to buy low on the NFC South contenders.

Overall, Atlanta has shown promise at various points this season. Over their last six games, the Falcons have a couple of two-interception games, adding five sacks and a fumble recovery. While it's not the most robust fantasy resume, it illustrates their ability to put fantasy points on the board, a fact that isn't necessarily implied by their $3,100 salary.

Still, the Chargers are in an unfavorable travel spot. LA is traveling across the country on a short week, which has historically favored home teams. With that, the Falcons' defense should be at their best and easily exceed the implied value of their modest salary.

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.

NFL DFS: Ranking the Must-Play Defense Matchups for Week 13

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