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 Thursday, November 13, 2025.
Week 11 Defense Rankings
1) Houston Texans (at TEN)
2) New England Patriots (vs. NYJ)
3) Baltimore Ravens (at CLE)
4) Green Bay Packers (at NYG)
5) Atlanta Falcons (vs. CAR)
6) Los Angeles Rams (vs. SEA)
7) Kansas City Chiefs (at DEN)
8) Denver Broncos (vs. KC)
9) San Francisco 49ers (at ARI)
10) Seattle Seahawks (at LAR)
11) Minnesota Vikings (vs. CHI)
12) Chicago Bears (at MIN)
13) Dallas Cowboys (at LV)
14) Carolina Panthers (at ATL)
15) Los Angeles Chargers (at JAX)
16) Buffalo Bills (vs. TB)
17) Arizona Cardinals (vs. SF)
18) Detroit Lions (at PHI)
19) Tennessee Titans (vs. HOU)
20) Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. LAC)
21) Cleveland Browns (vs. BAL)
22) Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. CIN)
23) Philadelphia Eagles (vs. DET)
24) New York Jets (at NE)
25) Miami Dolphins (vs. WAS)
Houston Texans (at TEN)
Now that the Titans are past their bye, we can continue starting defenses against them every week. The Texans are coming off a strong defensive performance even though they surrendered 29 points to the Jaguars. They sacked Trevor Lawrence five times, forced two turnovers, and scored a touchdown.
Houston comes with a strong weekly floor. They’ve recorded multiple sacks in all but two games this season and have recorded an interception in seven straight.
Cam Ward has turned the ball over at least once in all but one game this season. That came in Week 9 against the Chargers and he was fortunate to lose neither of his two fumbles.
The Titans allow the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. The Texans are the No. 1 option in Week 11.
Arizona Cardinals DEF (vs. SF)
The Cardinals’ defense hasn’t been the best fantasy asset this season, having only managed three top-15 finishes all season. All three of those were top-eight finishes, though, and they get an excellent opportunity to add a fourth this week.
The Cardinals have forced three turnovers in back-to-back games against the Seahawks and the Dallas Cowboys. But for Seattle’s two defensive touchdowns in Week 10, both games would have resulted in winning fantasy scores for Arizona’s defense.
This week, they face the San Francisco 49ers, who have the third-highest offensive turnover percentage in the NFL this season (14.9%). The 49ers have turned the ball over in nine of their 10 games this year, and are a good bet to do so again this Sunday.