There are plenty of standout fantasy football defenses to consider in 2024. There's a group of tight, loaded, productive teams at the top of the rankings, regardless of scoring format, that feature a reliable combination of personnel and scheme.
Savvy drafters and auction bidders in 2024 leagues know that simliar values can be found later in the drafts or even soon after on the waiver wire, given the fickle and unpredictable nature of the positions.
Here's a look at some D/STs to consider out of the top 12 in consensus rankings, plus the ideal short-term streamers to target if you're looking to just get by with sneaky plays early in the season.
2024 PPR Rankings
Top 250 Overall | RB | WR | TE | DEF/ST | K
Fantasy football season-long defense sleepers for 2024
Mild sleepers
Detroit Lions: The Lions had some promise last year, but they got messy at corner and couldn't support Aidan Hutchinson enough with the pass rush. They got more disruption depth up front and seem to be in much better shape on the back end with Carlton Davis and rookie Terrion Arnold now at corner. This group should also do better to complement the potent offense and get into some tee-off situations in the second half.
Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders scored well in most formats last season powered by Maxx Crosby, and now he gets big-time help inside from Christian Wilkins. Between coach Antonio Pierce and coordinator Patrick Graham, there's an emphasis on forcing the issue defensively. The 48 sacks and 23 takeaways have a good shot to increase.
Los Angeles Chargers: Exit Brandon Staley, enter Jim Harbaugh and Jesse Minter straight from the defense-dominant reigning national champion Michigan Wolverines. Maize and Blue influence will be felt in Sunshine Gold and Powder Blue for defensive stars such as Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and Derwin James.
They can get hot in a hurry as a sustaining streamer opening vs. the Raiders and Panthers. The Chargers also play the Broncos twice at opportune times (Weeks 6 and Week 16) and have an ideal penultimate matchup (at Patriots).
2024 FANTASY SLEEPERS
QB | RB | WR | TE | Each Team
Deep sleepers
Los Angeles Rams: Kobie Turner and Byron Young were great draft picks in 2023 and Braden Fiske and Jared Verse have similar vibes for their front seven in 2024 as they try to replace Aaron Donald. They also added a big-time playmaking safety in Kamren Curl to help their secondary ball-hawking. Chris Shula is also a bright young schemer taking over from Raheem Morris.
Tennessee Titans: The Titans have some intriguing pieces on every level inside and out. They made a smart choice to hire former Ravens secondary coach Dennard Wilson as defensive coordinator. The pass rush and upgraded backfield are in more capable hands.
Streaming strategy and early-season D/ST sleepers for 2024
Seattle Seahawks: Defensive-minded Mike Macdonald will try to make a Ravens-like impact out of the gate. They have that ideal chance at home vs. the Broncos in Week 1 and at the Patriots in Week 2.
New York Giants: They were sneaky scorers last season and added Brian Bruns to the pass rush this season. They also get two teams in QB transitions in the first two games of the season, vs. Vikings and at Commanders.
Cincinnati Bengals: They can't be played in Week 2 at the Chiefs, but they do open at home vs. the Patriots and then face the Commanders and Panthers in Weeks 3 and 4.
Washington Commanders: With all their personnel changes and Dan Quinn at the helm, they should be much improved and can put that to the test early Week 1 at the Buccaneers and Week 2 vs. the Giants.
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