Week 12 D/ST Rankings

Before we get into this week's ranks, I'll point out two teams, the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams, which have strong matchups in Week 13, which will be a tough week for streaming defenses. If you can easily acquire one of these defenses this week, you will avoid the rush for the scarce good defensive matchups next week.

Three Matchups to Play

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

It seems like an obvious matchup, but I think it's important to back the Colts after last week's game against the Patriots. Jacksonville is allowing opposing defenses an average of 13.9 fantasy points per game, and the Colts scored 17 fantasy points in their first matchup this season.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants

The Cowboys' fantasy defense has been consistently mediocre, having scored in a range from 0-9 in all weeks except when it logged 11 against, who else, the Jaguars. The Giants have only allowed one touchdown to fantasy defenses this season, but the Cowboys should prove worthy by pressuring Eli Manning and forcing turnovers.

Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I'll admit I'm not confident about this call, as I can easily see Mike Evans single-handedly torching the Bears' secondary. Still, the Bucs lack a threatening running game and teams can beat Josh McCown. This is a low-end streamer, but a decent alternative to the Chiefs or Packers if the latter two are not available.

Three Matchups to Avoid

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions vs. New England Patriots
Miami Dolphins vs. Denver Broncos