Fantasy football managers are constantly searching for that perfect waiver wire pickup that could make or break their week. Defensive units often fly under the radar, but savvy players know that streaming the proper defense can be the difference between victory and defeat.
This week presents some intriguing options that could provide significant value for your lineup. Smart fantasy football decisions aren’t always about the most prominent names, but rather about identifying favorable matchups and emerging opportunities.
These rankings were last updated at 7:00 AM ET on Monday, December 01, 2025.
Week 14 Defense Rankings
1) Cleveland Browns (vs. TEN)
2) Denver Broncos (at LV)
3) Seattle Seahawks (at ATL)
4) Los Angeles Rams (at ARI)
5) Houston Texans (at KC)
6) Baltimore Ravens (vs. PIT)
7) Kansas City Chiefs (vs. HOU)
8) Miami Dolphins (at NYJ)
9) Pittsburgh Steelers (at BAL)
10) Philadelphia Eagles (at LAC)
11) Green Bay Packers (vs. CHI)
12) Los Angeles Chargers (vs. PHI)
13) Indianapolis Colts (at JAX)
14) Minnesota Vikings (vs. WAS)
15) Atlanta Falcons (vs. SEA)
16) New York Jets (vs. MIA)
17) Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. IND)
18) Detroit Lions (vs. DAL)
19) Buffalo Bills (vs. CIN)
20) Dallas Cowboys (at DET)
21) New Orleans Saints (at TB)
22) Chicago Bears (at GB)
23) Arizona Cardinals (vs. LAR)
24) Cincinnati Bengals (at BUF)
25) Las Vegas Raiders (vs. DEN)
Cleveland Browns (vs. TEN)
Two weeks ago, Cam Ward had his best game as a pro against a Seahawks defense many view as the best in the league. Some believed this was the No. 1 overall pick turning a corner…nope.
Ward followed it up by leading his team to three points against a decent, but not overly imposing Jaguars defense. Now, Ward has to contend with a Browns defense that is among the best in the league.
Ward has taken at least three sacks in seven straight games. Myles Garrett is chasing the single-season sack record and wants it. Just two weeks ago, Cleveland sacked Geno Smith 10 times. This is not going to be fun for Ward on the road.
Denver Broncos (at LV)
Speaking of Geno Smith, he now gets to enjoy another ferocious pass rush in the Broncos. Smith held his own against the Chargers last week, but much of that was Brock Bowers being a superhero.
The Raiders have one of the worst offensive lines ever. Smith has taken 15 sacks over his last two games. His team hasn’t scored more than 16 points since Week 9. Smith has turned the ball over in all but two games this season.
Denver is fighting for the No. 1 overall seed and the defense is probably disappointed with how it performed overall against the Commanders on Sunday night. Expect a bounce-back performance and for them to take out their frustrations on the hapless Raiders.
