The Best Fantasy Football Defenses You Should Be Drafting

• Notable Players: Jadeveon Clowney, Ronald Darby, Marlon Humphrey, Justin Madubuike

If there is one certainty every NFL season, it's that the Baltimore Ravens will come out with one of the best defenses in the league. Both of the Ravens Superbowl wins come on the backs of arguably the best defenses to touch a football field. Baltimore is continuing that history of impeccable defense with a slew of high profile names and incredible talents. You cannot go wrong if you have the Ravens defense this season.

• Notable Players: Von Miller, Greg Rousseau, Tre'Davious White, Jordan Poyer

The Buffalo Bills are entering the start of this season without the anchor of their defense, Von Miller, who will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season. Some people may err on the side of caution and stay away from the Bills, but I think there is some great value here.

Last season the Bills defense finished 9th in expected points, in large part due to injuries in their secondary. The season before that, with a healthy roster, the Bills were ranked the second best defense in the entire league. With a healthy secondary and Von Miller slated to return in week 5, choosing the Buffalo Bills is a great option.

• Notable Players: Matthew Judon, Kyle Dugger, Josh Uche, JaWhaun Bentley

Bill Belichick is arguably the greatest coach of all time, and when most people hear coaches name they immediately think of Tom Brady. An argument can be made that it was the defensive genius of Belichick that propelled the Patriots to six rings alongside Tom Brady.

The Patriots have still remained one of the best defenses in the NFL over the past few years, and they look to use that as the backbone of their team this season. With a lot of question marks on the offensive side of the ball, you can feel good taking the Patriots defense this season.

• Notable Players: Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Arik Armstead, Drake Jackson,

In 2019 the San Francisco 49ers took Nick Bosa with the second overall pick, and haven't looked back since. They went on to multiple conference championship games, with one trip to the Superbowl since his arrival.

The 49ers have had a slew of injuries on the offensive side of the ball in recent years, and will surely be looking at their defense to be the anchor this season. If Bosa can continue putting on the pressure he has over the course of the last few seasons, the 49ers should be an excellent pick for your team.

• Notable Players: T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith

Similar to the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers have carved out their teams legacy on the defensive side of the ball. Famously at one point the Steelers defense was nicknamed the 'Steel Curtain' for how vicious and effective they were.

Pittsburgh features former Defensive Player of the Year T.J. Watt on the edge, who is looking to have another incredible season. Alongside Watt is a slew of high-motor, talented defensive stars who will surely push the Steelers to great things this season.

• Notable Players: Sauce Gardner, Quinnen Williams, C.J. Mosley, D.J. Reed, Jermaine Johnson, Bryce Huff

There is no team entering the 2024 NFL season with higher expectations than the New York Jets. After acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers, a Superbowl is very much in the realm of possibility for the Jets.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Jets are lethal on all three levels. They have the front and secondary to handle just about any offense in the NFL. They have a very difficult week one matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but there's enough upside with "Gang Green" that by season's end, they might the best defense in the NFL.

• Average: 12.3 points

If for some odd reason the Dallas Cowboys defense is sitting on the waiver wire in your league, immediately close this article and pick them up NOW. Led by favorite to win this years DPOY, Micah Parsons, The Cowboys have one of the most terrifying defenses in the NFL right now. In week 1 alone they put up an unthinkable 34 points after scoring two touchdowns against the Giants.

• Average: 10.4 ponts

The Baltimore Ravens have steadily produced some of the leagues most terrifying defenses, and this season is no exception. The consistency of the Baltimore Ravens defense is what makes them so elite this year. The lowest points they have produced for fantasy came in week 2 against Cincinnati, where they still put up 5 points. Most defenses worst week tend to dip in the negative points, so the fact the Ravens defense has put numbers every week is significant.

• Average: 8.0

We knew heading into this season that the Bills defense would rank highly, but it may surprise some that they are the second best fantasy option in the entire league. This defense has a slew of iconic players from the defensive line, secondary, and everything in between. Their best week came against Washington in week 3 were they put up an astounding 31 points.