Defense may win championships in real life, but that’s rarely true in fantasy football. More likely, it’s nothing more than a thorn in your side.
However, if you happen to be someone who celebrates tradition and enjoys the defensive mayhem that can occur on a football field, we’re here for you. And there’s ample evidence that picking the right defense/special teams for your fantasy squad can certainly help win a title.
In 2024, the top-scoring defense in fantasy football – the Denver Broncos – would’ve been a top-25 wide receiver in half-PPR formats..
Defensive success can be hard to predict year-over-year. No D/ST in Fantasy Pros data dating back to 2002 has repeated as the top-scoring team. Will that remain the case in 2025?
Here’s a look at USA TODAY’s preseason fantasy D/ST rankings.
2025 POSITION RANKINGS: QB | RB | WR | TE | K | D/ST | Overall
2025 fantasy football D/ST rankings
1.Denver Broncos
2024 stats: 63 sacks, 15 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries, five touchdowns, two safeties | 179 fantasy points (1st)
Despite a difficult division and a middle-of-the-road schedule, the Broncos maintain their hold on the top spot until proven otherwise. They were fantasy’s best unit in 2024 and added talent in the offseason. With the Titans and Colts on tap to start the season, Denver can get out to a hot start. Couple that with a favorable schedule for the fantasy playoffs, including two matchups at home, and there is recipe for success.
2. Houston Texans
2024 stats: 49 sacks, 19 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries, three touchdowns, one safety | 139 fantasy points (5th)
The Texans benefit from playing in a division that will feature a rookie quarterback in Tennessee and a situation in Indianapolis that will have defensive coordinators salivating. An aggressive DeMeco Ryans defense should only make life more difficult, especially after adding C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the fold. They can challenge for the best fantasy D/ST of 2025.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
2024 stats: 41 sacks, 13 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, one touchdown | 132 fantasy points (T7th)
Philly lost Milton Williams, Josh Sweat and Darius Slay, but is littered with talent across the board. After a dominant Super Bowl performance, there is more than enough here to continue their strong play.
4. Baltimore Ravens
2024 stats: 54 sacks, 12 interceptions, five fumble recoveries, two touchdowns | 118 fantasy points (11th)
The Ravens are the fast food of the fantasy D/ST realm. It’s consistent and you know exactly what you’re getting. Sometimes they’re better than expected, but it’s never bad enough to prevent you from coming back. That counts for something.
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
2024 stats: 40 sacks, 17 interceptions, 16 fumble recoveries, two touchdowns | 140 fantasy points (4th)
Another fantasy staple, Pittsburgh has gone all-in for 2025. T.J. Watt’s contract dispute ended before it became an issue and the secondary got an upgrade in Jalen Ramsey. Coming off another top-five finish in 2024, this remains one of the more consistent units to trust in fantasy.
6. Minnesota Vikings
2024 stats: 49 sacks, 19 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries, three touchdowns, one safety | 139 fantasy points (2nd)
Brian Flores runs an aggressive defense, but J.J. McCarthy being an unknown could put this unit in some tough spots this season. Some key departures mean they’re likely to take a step back, but not by much. Still, this isn’t a D/ST for the risk averse.
7. Buffalo Bills
2024 stats: 39 sacks, 16 interceptions, 16 fumble recoveries, three touchdowns | 133 fantasy points (6th)
The Bills are favored in every game of the 2025 season, meaning they should have plenty of positive game scripts to work with. After forcing 32 turnovers last season, there is no reason to believe a repeat isn’t in store, especially since the Bills are no stranger to repeating history.
8. Seattle Seahawks
2024 stats: 45 sacks, 13 interceptions, five fumble recoveries, five touchdowns, one safety | 132 fantasy points (T7th)
This team is almost unrecognizable, resembling a group thrown together by the computer in the fifth season of a Madden franchise mode. Yet that is more on the offensive side of the ball as Mike Macdonald’s team finished as DST7 in 2024. Having added even more pieces this offseason, things are looking up on young Macdonald’s farm.
9. New York Jets
2024 stats: 43 sacks, seven interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries, one touchdown | 93 fantasy points (19th)
The Jets defense took a step back in 2024, but should benefit from the return of Jermaine Johnson and the addition of Aaron Glenn as head coach. With a team that projects to run the ball and control the clock, their defense should be on the field a lot less in 2025 – creating an all-around more effective unit, even with the question mark that is their offense.
10. Detroit Lions
2024 stats: 37 sacks, 16 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries, two touchdowns | 123 fantasy points (10th)
Despite a lengthy list of injuries in 2024, the Lions still managed a DST10 finish to the season. With new coordinators on both sides of the ball, however, there are some concerns. The reinforcements on the way, especially the return of Aidan Hutchinson, should make the transition smoother though.