Week 12 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings: Lions DST Ranks In The Top Five

Michael Fabiano | Nov 18, 2025

The Lions defense faces the New York Giants in Week 12. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Welcome to Week 12!

The NFL schedule goes back to a four-team bye week, as the Chargers, Commanders, Broncos, and Dolphins are off. That obviously leaves us without each of their defenses, all of which can be considered viable weekly starters when the matchup is favorable.

There are longer any International Games left on the schedule, so the Sunday slate starts at 1pm ET with seven games. There are four games in the 4pm ET window, followed of course by the usual Sunday night and Monday night contests to end the weekend’s action.

This week’s defense risers in the rankings include the Ravens, Patriots, and Browns, all of whom have great matchups next on the schedule. On the flip side, defensive units like the Chiefs, Colts, and Eagles could struggle versus tougher foes.

With that said, here are my complete fantasy football defense rankings for Week 12 of the NFL season.

Be sure to check back all week for daily updates!

All Positions: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | FLEX | Ks

Week 12 Fantasy Defense Rankings

RK	Player	TM	Opponent
1	Seahawks	SEA	at TEN
2	Ravens	BAL	vs. NYJ
3	Lions	DET	vs. NYG
4	Packers	GB	vs. MIN
5	Patriots	NE	at CIN
6	Bills	BUF	at HOU
7	Browns	CLE	at LV
8	Raiders	LV	vs. CLE
9	Falcons	ATL	at NO
10	Rams	LAR	vs. TB
11	Cardinals	ARI	vs. JAC
12	49ers	SF	vs. CAR
13	Steelers	PIT	at CHI
14	Saints	NO	vs. ATL
15	Vikings	MIN	at GB
16	Bears	CHI	vs. PIT
17	Jaguars	JAC	at ARI
18	Chiefs	KC	vs. IND
19	Panthers	CAR	at SF
20	Titans	TEN	vs. SEA
21	Eagles	PHI	at DAL
22	Texans	HOU	vs. BUF
23	Jets	NYJ	at BAL
24	Colts	IND	at KC
25	Buccaneers	TB	at LAR
26	Bengals	CIN	vs. NE
27	Cowboys	DAL	vs. PHI
28	Giants	NYG	at DET