Top 5 Projected Defenses/Special Teams: Week 13 Top 5 Projected Defenses/Special Teams: Week 13 By Bart Lopez Like what you see, but want more? Sign up for an ALL-ACCESS membership. All the game previews and in-depth analyses for college football, college basketball, soccer, and NFL games will be at your fingertips. 1. Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens take the top spot, with the third best defense in the league in terms of points allowed per game (16.5.). They are ranked in the top five in opposing rushing and passing yards, and they play the Browns this week. Projected fantasy points: 20.1. 2. San Francisco 49ers: The Niners have the best defense in football, allowing just 14.6 points per game. What’s even more incredible is they only give up 75.5 rushing yards per game. I’m confident they can stop the Rams this week. Projected fantasy points: 19.8. 3. New England Patriots: The Patriots have the worst passing defense in football, yet there are still number three on this list. It doesn’t make a lot of sense until you see their opponents in week 13 are the Colts. Projected fantasy points: 18.7. 4. Dallas Cowboys: Dallas’ defense has played really well as of late, giving up more than 20 points just once in the past four weeks. The Cowboys play the Cardinals on the road this week. Arizona’s offense isn’t very good, so Dallas is a solid start. Projected fantasy points: 18.6. 5. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers defense hasn’t played well this year, which is part of the reason why they have lost six straight. Luckily for them they play the offensively challenged Jaguars on the road. If the San Diego defense is going to step up, this is the game. Projected fantasy points: 18.1. Not top 5, but could be: This week’s defense that missed the cut is that of the Chicago Bears. The Bears’ defense has been good for a long time, and continues to do so. Chicago really needs a win this week, so I’m expecting its defense to shut down Kansas City at home. Projected fantasy points: 17.9. Top 5 NFL fantasy running backs Top 5 NFL fantasy wide receivers Top 5 NFL fantasy tight ends Top 5 NFL fantasy quarterbacks Top 5 NFL fantasy kickers
