Top 32 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings for 2024

Ranking all 32 defenses in fantasy football, including highlights of the top values and worst reaches in 2024 drafts.

Nov 12, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton (14) celebrates with linebacker Roquan Smith (0) after scoring a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports / Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

It's time to get defensive! No, not like that ... I'm talking about fantasy defenses. Much like the kickers, most defenses don't see much love in fantasy drafts until the late rounds, but a good one can still be quite valuable. The Ravens and Cowboys both scored over 170 fantasy points in 2023!


Here are my initial fantasy football rankings for every position, and now it's time to dig a little bit deeper into each fantasy lineup position.

Defensive values can change at a moment's notice, and some finishes might surprise you. Just look at the Raiders, who weren't highly touted but finished seventh among defenses last season. So let's look at the defensive rankings, as well as who some of the top values and busts are for 2024.

1. 2024 Defense Rankings for Fantasy Football
2. Biggest Values by ADP
3. Biggest Risks by ADP

Positions: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends | Kickers

2024 Defense Rankings for Fantasy Football

Rank	Team	Bye Week
1	Baltimore Ravens	14
2	Dallas Cowboys	7
3	Cleveland Browns	10
4	San Francisco 49ers	9
5	New York Jets	12
6	Miami Dolphins	6
7	Kansas City Chiefs	6
8	Pittsburgh Steelers	9
9	Buffalo Bills	12
10	New Orleans Saints	12
11	Houston Texans	14
12	Indianapolis Colts	14
13	Jacksonville Jaguars	12
14	Chicago Bears	7
15	Philadelphia Eagles	5
16	Denver Broncos	14
17	Cincinnati Bengals	12
18	Detroit Lions	5
19	Minnesota Vikings	6
20	Las Vegas Raiders	10
21	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	11
22	Green Bay Packers	10
23	Seattle Seahawks	10
24	New York Giants	11
25	Atlanta Falcons	12
26	Los Angeles Rams	6
27	New England Patriots	14
28	Los Angeles Chargers	5
29	Tennessee Titans	5
30	Carolina Panthers	11
31	Arizona Cardinals	11
32	Washington Commanders	14

Biggest Values by ADP

Saints defense (Ranked DEF10, ADP DEF14)

The Saints ranked eighth among fantasy defenses last season, and the additions of DE Chase Young and rookie CB Kool-Aid McKinstry should keep this an attractive fantasy option in 2024.

Jaguars defense (Ranked DEF13, ADP DEF18)

Jacksonville's defense wasn't great last season, finishing 17th in points. But adding DT Arik Armstead to improve the interior of the line, and the team added five defenders in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Biggest Risks by ADP

Packers defense (Ranked DEF22, ADP DEF16)

The Packers defense was a disappointing 21st in fantasy points last season, and it's playing in a division that is loaded with potential offensive firepower. This unit won't be picked in most drafts.

Patriots defense (Ranked DEF27, ADP DEF21)

The Patriots defense struggled last season, finishing 25th in fantasy points. And that was with Bill Belichick calling the shots. With no huge additions in the offseason, I don't expect improvement.