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

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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

RK	Player	Bye
1	Ravens	14
2	Cowboys	7
3	Browns	10
4	49ers	9
5	Jets	12
6	Bills	12
7	Dolphins	6
8	Chiefs	6
9	Saints	12
10	Texans	14
11	Colts	14
12	Steelers	9
13	Raiders	10
14	Eagles	5
15	Jaguars	12
16	Broncos	14
17	Lions	5
18	Bengals	12
19	Bears	7
20	Vikings	6
21	Buccaneers	11
22	Packers	10
23	Seahawks	10
24	Giants	11
25	Falcons	12
26	Rams	6
27	Patriots	14
28	Chargers	5
29	Titans	5
30	Panthers	11
31	Cardinals	11
32	Commanders	14

Biggest Values by ADP

Saints defense

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

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

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

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.