NFL Fantasy Football Week 16: Defense rankings

Fantasy football is no longer just an exhibition of offensive point-scorers as defenses are now an integral part of your weekly selection. The right pick will help you in Week 16.

The New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys have been the best two defenses throughout the 2022 season, but they aren’t your only options. San Francisco have a dominant defensive line, whilst the Baltimore Ravens defense has been one of the comeback stories of the season. They've finally cracked the top five in fantasy defenses.

Justin Houston’s return of nine sacks has been a huge boost to a defense that looked frail at the start of the season. They were bleeding yards over the top and giving away too many points, but they have turned things around dramatically. Philadelphia’s defense remains the sack kings, still leading the NFL with 55.

When choosing your defense for Week 16, you must take into account that key starters may start to get rested as playoff spots are claimed.

Who are the best available fantasy football defenses in Week 16?

New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Fantasy football players have been glad of the points the New England Patriots' defense have provided through Week 15

New England have their defense to thank for their 7-7 record in the 2022 season. Through Week 16 they have only managed to score 300 points, but their defense has allowed only 269.

Bill Belichick’s defense has been brilliant through Week 15. They lead the NFL in fantasy points with 156 points and are ranked third in terms of sacks.

Matthew Judon has been brilliant for the unit, leading the Patriots’ defense with 14.5 individual sacks.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals are a team with the potential to hurt any defense. Burrow is spectacular throwing over long distances and this may put pressure on the New England Patriots' secondary.

It isn’t expected to be a prolific week for fantasy points in New England’s defensive ranks, given the quality of their opponents.

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

There is no stopping Micah Parsons and the Dallas Cowboys' defense

Fans in Dallas are starting to get nervous. Whilst they believe in the Cowboys’ roster, there is a sense that once the postseason arrives, bad things will happen to America’s Team.

Prior to the playoffs starting, Dallas face an almighty challenge in the form of the Philadelphia Eagles. Philly has the best record in the NFL, losing just one game through Week 15.

Despite what their records suggest, both teams have glaring weaknesses. Philadelphia don’t have a running game to speak of, and the Cowboys have Micah Parsons and Dorance Armstrong, experts in getting to the QB. Through Week 15 the duo have combined for 21 sacks. Against a team that relies on their passing offense, this could be a big bonus for the Dallas Cowboys.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Commanders

Physical dominance has been the key to the 49ers' defensive success in 2022

San Francisco have been largely consistent on defense throughout the 2022 season. A return of 138 points has made them a beneficial selection for fantasy football GMs.

In Week 16, Fred Warner and company take on the Washington Commanders in Santa Clara. On the face of things, this should be a favorable matchup for the Niners, given the shoddy stature of Washington’s offense.

However, with the division already won, there is a chance Kyle Shanahan will begin to rest key players, especially those who have suffered devastating injuries in the past like Nick Bosa.

If it’s the strongest starting line-up the 49ers could put out, then this match would be a festival of points in fantasy football. However, given how difficult it is to predict the personnel, it may be worth avoiding the Niners’ defense.

Philadelphia Eagles @ Dallas Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles fans will be hoping their run defense improves ahead of the postseason

The Eagles continue to be the most adept defense at getting to the quarterback. They have 55 sacks and have proven to be one of the most reliable and stable units in football. Interestingly, it may be a week to avoid selecting this defensive though, given the average run defense Philly has.

The Cowboys have excelled on the run in 2022, rotating between Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard. The Philadelphia Eagles will come face-to-face with that on Sunday. It might not be a great week for their fantasy football returns.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Atlanta Falcons

Fantasy football players could earn a lot of ponts through Baltimore's defense in Week 16

Mike Macdonald has enjoyed one of the biggest comebacks of the 2022 NFL season. In the early weeks, his Baltimore Ravens defense appeared to be nothing more than a shambles. They just couldn’t defend against aerial passes. The Dolphins carved them open in Week 2, scoring 42 points in Maryland, and nobody expected the Ravens to be anywhere close to the top-5 defenses by Week 16.

Yet, that is exactly what has happened with Baltimore recording 42 sacks, 14 interceptions and 12 forced fumbles. Their return of 14 interceptions is particularly impressive. Not only is it the second-highest in football, but it has shown a dramatic improvement in the area that was their biggest concern.

Atlanta’s offense has stuttered through Week 15, never really finding its groove. Baltimore’s defense could be an ideal sleeper pick in Week 16, as they will record a lot of fantasy football points. It may even exceed 15 points.

Top 15 Fantasy Football Defenses in Week 16

The following list is ranked by points scored in fantasy football:

1. New England Patriots – 156 points

2. Dallas Cowboys – 147 points

3. San Francisco 49ers – 138 points

4. Philadelphia Eagles – 128 points

5. Baltimore Ravens – 119 points

6. Buffalo Bills – 119 points

7. New York Jets – 105 points

8. Denver Broncos – 96 points

9. Arizona Cardinals – 94 points

10. Indianapolis Colts – 93 points

11. Jacksonville Jaguars – 93 points

12. Washington Commanders – 93 points

13. Carolina Panthers – 93 points

14. Seattle Seahawks – 91 points

15. Kansas City Chiefs – 91 points