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2024 fantasy football defense rankings, from the top D (Cowboys) to sleepers (Saints)

Aug 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880842 ORIG FILE ID: 20240814_kab_bk4_021.JPG
Aug 10, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880842 ORIG FILE ID: 20240814_kab_bk4_021.JPG

Our preseason fantasy rankings continue to roll out with our look at the best quarterbacks, a list of the standout wide receivers, and the best rookies to draft.

When it comes to defenses -- or, defense and special teams -- you have to remember a couple of things. There are obviously elite units like those of the Jets and Chiefs. But you also have to factor in strength of schedule, because a pretty good defense can do really well in fantasy football when it faces some middling teams and can pile up the sacks, interceptions and fumble recoveries.

Keep that in mind when you look at this list:

The best defenses

Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC defensive end Myles Garrett (95) of the Cleveland Browns before the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; AFC defensive end Myles Garrett (95) of the Cleveland Browns before the 2024 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

1. Cleveland Browns

2. Dallas Cowboys

3. New York Jets

4. San Francisco 49ers

5. Baltimore Ravens

Remember what I said. The Cowboys face the Giants twice, the Patriots once, and Carolina among their good matchups.

Safe And Steady

Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate a sack of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) in the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) celebrate a sack of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) in the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

6. New Orleans Saints

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

8. Kansas City Chiefs

9. Buffalo Bills

The Saints' division helps, as does facing the Vikings, Giants and Titans.

Sleepers and breakouts

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after a sack during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

10. Miami Dolphins

11. Jacksonville Jaguars

12. Chicago Bears

13. Detroit Lions

14. Philadelphia Eagles

15. Indianapolis Colts

I like what I see from the Colts schedule and think the Eagles might have some improvements that will help.

Streamers for the season

Dec 3, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

16. Cincinnati Bengals

17. Houston Texans

18. Green Bay Packers

19. Minnesota Vikings

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This article originally appeared on For The Win: 2024 fantasy football defense rankings, from the top D (Cowboys) to sleepers (Saints)