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Week 12 fantasy defense rankings: Best DST starts

With the Dallas Cowboys offense struggling under QB Cooper Rush, the Houston Texans took advantage -- scoring a fumble return touchdown and finishing the week as the No. 1 fantasy defense.

There are several other shaky quarterback situations to exploit this week as a season-high six teams take the week off.

ON BYE: Atlanta, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Jacksonville, New Orleans, New York Jets

Fantasy football rankings for Week 12 are based on the point-per-reception (PPR) scoring used in most seasonal and daily fantasy football formats. Six points are awarded for defensive and kick return touchdowns. Two points are awarded for safeties and one half point is awarded for sacks.

Rankings are compiled by Daniel Dobish, TheHuddle.com

The Houston Texans defense forced two fumbles on one play Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys, with defensive end Derek Barnett (95) running the second all the way back for a touchdown.
The Houston Texans defense forced two fumbles on one play Monday night against the Dallas Cowboys, with defensive end Derek Barnett (95) running the second all the way back for a touchdown.

Fantasy football Week 12 defense/special teams rankings

Rank

Team

Opp

1

Minnesota Vikings

at Chi.

2

Denver Broncos

at L.V.

3

Detroit Lions

at Ind.

4

Los Angeles Chargers

vs. Bal.

5

Pittsburgh Steelers

at Cle.

6

Los Angeles Rams

vs. Phi.

7

Green Bay Packers

vs. S.F.

8

Arizona Cardinals

at Sea.

9

Chicago Bears

vs. Min.

10

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

at N.Y.-G

11

Philadelphia Eagles

at L.A.-R

12

San Francisco 49ers

at G.B.

13

Seattle Seahawks

vs. Ari.

14

Houston Texans

vs. Ten.

15

Indianapolis Colts

vs. Det.

16

Washington Commanders

vs. Dal.

17

Miami Dolphins

vs. N.E.

18

Cleveland Browns

vs. Pit.

19

New York Giants

vs. T.B.

20

Baltimore Ravens

at L.A.-C

21

Kansas City Chiefs

at Car.

22

New England Patriots

at Mia.

23

Dallas Cowboys

at Was.

24

Tennessee Titans

at Hou.

25

Carolina Panthers

vs. K.C.

26

Las Vegas Raiders

vs. Den.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football: Week 12 defense rankings (2024)