NFL fantasy football Week 6: Defense rankings

Whilst not the most popular selection in fantasy football, NFL defenses are an integral part of the roster. They score valuable points through sacks, forced fumbles and interceptions. Ahead of Week 6 of the 2022 NFL season, fantasy football players are starting to look for ways to maximize their point-scoring.

Many close games lead players to look for whatever edge they can find in matchups. Defenses can provide this edge. Ahead of Week 6’s Sunday games there are a number of dominant units who are going to shine.

Who are the best fantasy football defenses ahead of Week 6?

San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons

San Francisco 49ers v Carolina Panthers

The San Francisco 49ers have scored more fantasy football points than any other defense through Week 5. With a tally of 64 points, they have been the defensive unit most capable of influencing the outcome of games. Nick Bosa is the defensive leader for the Niners with his relentless pressure towards quarterbacks. He has already racked up six sacks since the start of the season. Ahead of the matchup against a poor Atlanta Falcons team, you can expect the 49ers defense to shine.

Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs

Indianapolis Colts v Buffalo Bills

Coming in a close second to the 49ers, the Buffalo Bills defense has been another fantasy football juggernaut this season. Von Miller's offseason arrival has given the defensive line a more decisive edge and their total of 62 points is testament to that.

Heading into Week 6 they are the second-best defense in fantasy football terms. However, their game on Sunday is going to be a test for them. It is unusual to recommend the second highest-scoring fantasy football defense be dropped to your bench. However. they aren’t going to score many points against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles

Cincinnati Bengals v Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott’s injury hasn’t derailed the Dallas Cowboys’ 2022 season in the way many expected. The main reason for this has been the sensational play from their defense. They have made significant improvements since last year, with Micah Parsons looking even better at disrupting the pass. The Cowboys have posted the third-best fantasy football defense.

A haul of 55 points is a slight departure from the top-two of San Francisco and Buffalo, but they remain a great selection. However, they are only second to the Niners in sacks with a haul of 20 through five games.

Facing the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6 isn’t a favorable match-up for the Cowboys’ defense, although it will be a close game. It might not be their highest scoring week, but the Cowboys defense is elite and will continue to get you fantasy football points for the rest of the campaign.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers – @ Pittsburgh Steelers

Miami Dolphins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Todd Bowles has built a brilliant defense over his years as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive coordinator. Now that he has taken over as head coach, this unit has improved yet further. They have the fourth-highest number of fantasy points so far in the 2022 NFL season. A 52-point haul is exceptional for a defensive unit. They have six interceptions, six forced fumbles and 19 sacks. The Buccaneers defense is the third-best in terms of getting to the quarterback.

Pittsburgh have endured a torrid season to this point. They can’t keep points out, and Mike Tomlin is looking down the barrel of his first ever losing season. The Bucs are facing an offense that lacks a real leader at quarterback and could feast come Sunday. Expect sacks, forced fumbles, and the Tampa defense to score a lot of fantasy football points. They are one of the leading defenses to be picked this week due to this matchup.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

Jacksonville Jaguars v Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have scored 51 fantasy football points on defense in 2022. They have been one of the most well-balanced teams in the NFL and their record of 5-0 is evidence of that. Averaging 10.2 fantasy football points per game through Week 5, the Eagles D is one of the most productive in the league.

With six interceptions and 17 sacks, the Eagles will be hoping to cause Cooper Rush his first real headache since deputizing for Prescott. It won’t be a points bonanza in Week 6, but they are expected to hit their average of 10.2 once more.

Top 15 Fantasy Football Defenses in Week 6

This list is ranked by fantasy points scored.

1. San Francisco 49ers – 64 points

2. Buffalo Bills – 62 points

3. Dallas Cowboys – 55 points

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 52 points

5. Philadelphia Eagles – 51 points

6. Jacksonville Jaguars – 50 points

7. New England Patriots – 49 points

8. Denver Broncos – 44 points

9. Baltimore Ravens – 40 points

10. Pittsburgh Steelers – 38 points

11. Houston Texans – 35 points

12. Carolina Panthers – 35 points

13. Cincinnati Bengals – 34 points

14. Atlanta Falcons – 32 points

15. Green Bay Packers – 31 points