NFL Fantasy Football Week 15: Defense rankings

Fantasy football managers need every point they can get, and they can no longer get away with ignoring defensive selection. So, which units are primed for greatness in Week 15?

It is quickly becoming a two-horse race at the top of the defensive rankings. The New England Patriots and the Dallas Cowboys are pulling away from the chasing pack. The two teams have been dominant defensively through Week 14, especially with Micah Parsons and Dorance Armstrong acting as a devastating one-two punch.

Combined, the Dallas duo have 20 sacks in 2022, which has firmly placed the Cowboys second in that particular category, behind only the Philadelphia Eagles.

When choosing your defense for Week 15, you need to take into account that the season is winding down. There are no more bye weeks and teams may start to rest key starters ahead of the playoffs.

Who are the best available fantasy football defenses in Week 15?

New England Patriots @ Las Vegas Raiders

Bill Belichick’s defense has been outstanding in 2022. Their consistency has been admirable and their ability to make explosive plays has really helped their cause. If Belichick needed proof that his team was going in the right direction post Tom Brady, then these defensive statistics are that.

Matt Judon has been phenomenal all season. His 14.5 sacks place him in the upper echelon of pass rushers this term, whilst the Patriots are ranked third in terms of team sacks.

Scoring points on defense is important when your offense isn’t firing and that’s what New England have done. With four defensive touchdowns, they rank second in the entire league. The Raiders have had offensive problems all year, despite a recent resurgence. You would expect the Patriots to rack up a lot of fantasy points in Week 15.

Dallas Cowboys @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Micah Parsons and Dorance Armstrong are the pillars upon which the 2022 Dallas Cowboys defense has been built. They are the sack twins. Combining for a total of 20 sacks through Week 14, America’s Team knows they are always a threat when rushing the passer.

Trevor Lawrence is still yet to find his best form in Jacksonville, despite some brilliant moments in 2022. His offensive line has been excellent though.

Jacksonville have allowed just 23 sacks this season, ranking them as the fifth-best O-Line in that regard. If the Cowboys are to hurt the Jags and earn significant fantasy points, they will need to utilize an alternate method of attack. It may be wise to look at other defenses in Week 15.

San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

Purdy Mania is running wild in Santa Clara after the rookie’s victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But he was helped hugely by one of the best defenses in football.

After a midseason slump, the Niners are back and are looking to cause Geno Smith some serious problems. Seattle have allowed 34 sacks, which is on the high side, but the real issue for the Hawks comes with ball security. Seattle have thrown nine interceptions this term, and the 49ers are the second-ranked team in terms of aerial turnovers.

This is where the Niners defense will score you points. Bear that in mind if you can’t claim the Patriots’ defense.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Chicago Bears

No NFL defense has registered more sacks than the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2022 season. Adding Ndamukong Suh to their ranks has made the Eagles serious Super Bowl contenders.

They take on the Chicago Bears on Sunday in what is one of the more favorable matchups for a defense in Week 15. The Bears offensive line has allowed 42 sacks through Week 14, which ranks them as the fifth-worst O-Line in this category.

To suggest that the Eagles’ visit to Solider Field will be a bloodbath may be a bit much, but they will score huge fantasy football points, easily in double figures. The Eagles have averaged 9.2 fantasy points per game this season, but you can expect them to get 15 against the Bears.

Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins

Von Miller’s absence damages the Buffalo defense, and there is no way around that. Furthermore, the Miami Dolphins’ offense has been one of the most explosive in 2022. The key for Buffalo is getting to Tua Tagovailoa before he can find a pass to Tyreek Hill. The crux of the game comes down to sacks and QB pressures.

In the first meeting between the two teams, Buffalo suffered their first defeat of the season. The problem was the Bills couldn’t get to the QB quickly enough to stop scoring plays.

Buffalo paid the price for not getting enough pressure on Miami’s quarterback, and the absence of Miller for the Week 15 clash will make this job even harder. It’s difficult to see Buffalo’s defense racking up significant fantasy football points in Week 15, although the weather could be a factor.

Heavy snow in Buffalo could impact how well the Miami offense throws the ball. Lookout for this.

Top 15 Fantasy Football Defenses in Week 15

This list is ranked by fantasy points scored.

1. New England Patriots – 145 points

2. Dallas Cowboys – 141 points

3. San Francisco 49ers – 129 points

4. Philadelphia Eagles – 119 points

5. Buffalo Bills – 118 points

6. Baltimore Ravens – 112 points

7. New York Jets – 104 points

8. Washington Commanders – 92 points

9. Carolina Panthers – 92 points

10. Seattle Seahawks – 90 points

11. Kansas City Chiefs – 88 points

12. Miami Dolphins – 87 points

13. Denver Broncos – 86 points

14. Minnesota Vikings – 84 points

15. Arizona Cardinals – 83 points