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As many fantasy football leagues look ahead toward the playoffs, the managers are left to assess lineups and potential mismatches. The focus will be on the skill position players like running backs and wide receivers. Yet, defense could be the key to bringing home the championship.
Several teams in the NFL have played great defense throughout the season, making it tough to decide which ones can sustain that level of greatness moving forward. In fantasy matchups, it can come down to the smallest of margins between a win and a loss.
Here are five defenses that could make a difference for fantasy football managers in the playoffs.
Best playoff defense units in Fantasy Football
#5. Dallas Cowboys
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This might come as a major shock but it does not negate that this Dallas Cowboys defense is one of the best in the NFL but this comes down to matchups concerning fantasy football. Dan Quinn’s defense allowed 350 yards of offense for the sixth time this season against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15. The 266 yards allowed on the ground was the second-most allowed this season.
However, they face two great offenses in the Miami Dolphins in Week 16 and the Detroit Lions the following week. Despite their performance in Buffalo, the defense has at least one takeaway in five of their last six games, which is a positive for fantasy managers who have them on their team.
#4. Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens' defense has been as good as it gets in stopping opposing offenses from putting points on the board all season. They have allowed 30+ points in just two games all season with at least two takeaways in seven of their games.
While these numbers are impressive, they will face a San Francisco 49ers offense on Christmas night that has put 30+ points in four of their last six games. This game could cause fantasy managers to panic a bit. It won’t get any easier as they will face the Miami Dolphins in Week 17. They also average almost four sacks a game, which makes them a dangerous unit.
#3. Buffalo Bills
The Bills' defense held the mighty Cowboys offense to under 200 yards at home and allowed 10 points or less in three of the last four games. Their next two games will see them face a Los Angeles Chargers offense without Justin Herbert and with Easton Stick taking over. In Week 17, they will encounter a Patriots team that has scored at least 20 points in three games this entire season thus far.
They are a defense that can help win their league’s fantasy football championship as it seems they have navigated their way through various injuries.
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#2. Cleveland Browns
This Cleveland Browns defense has had a different feel under Jim Schwartz. Finding a way to get into the opponent's backfield can do wonders in fantasy football. Two-time All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett is the catalyst of this Cleveland defense and is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Their next two games have them heading on the road in Week 16 against the Houston Texans and back home Jesus the New York Jets in Week 17. Houston is in the middle of the pack in points per game and top 10 in total yards while the Jets have had its fair share of issues on offense. Cleveland has the ingredients to be a fantasy football lock.
#1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers' defense has been as good as it gets as teams have struggled to move the ball and average almost two takeaways a game. Their toughest matchup will be a Ravens offense in Week 16 that is in the top five in yards per game.
What gives them the top spot is that Week 17 has them against a Washington Commanders team that hasn't been able to score all that much. While there is reason to worry about Baltimore, fantasy managers should feel confident about the unit in their league playoffs.
