Week 9 defense rankings

Team defense and special teams projections for 2026, updated every day as injury reports and depth charts change.

Defenses to stream

Buffalo Bills
7.3 projected points at Minnesota Vikings, whose offense has given up 36% more fantasy points to defenses than average.
Chicago Bears
7.3 projected points vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whose offense has given up 11% more fantasy points to defenses than average.
Detroit Lions
6.3 projected points at Miami Dolphins, whose offense has given up 27% more fantasy points to defenses than average.

Likely on waivers: outside last season's top 12 defenses, which most 12-team leagues draft. Check your own league.

Rank	Defense	Matchup	Matchup edge	Projection
1	Jacksonville JaguarsJAX, 15 sacks, 15 takeaways	at TEN	+20%	10.7
2	Houston TexansHOU, 21 sacks, 6 takeaways	at LAC	+30%	9.3
3	Seattle SeahawksSEA, 18 sacks, 13 takeaways	vs ARI	+9%	8.7
4	Denver BroncosDEN, 23 sacks, 10 takeaways	at CAR	+14%	8.4
5	New Orleans SaintsNO, 18 sacks, 9 takeaways	vs CLE	+30%	8.1
6	Tampa Bay BuccaneersTB, 16 sacks, 16 takeaways	at CHI	−14%	8.1
7	Cleveland BrownsCLE, 21 sacks, 10 takeaways	at NO	+17%	7.8
8	Buffalo BillsBUF, 15 sacks, 9 takeaways	at MIN	+22%	7.3
9	Chicago BearsCHI, 22 sacks, 11 takeaways	vs TB	+7%	7.3
10	Minnesota VikingsMIN, 25 sacks, 12 takeaways	vs BUF	−27%	6.9
11	Green Bay PackersGB, 22 sacks, 15 takeaways	at NE	−4%	6.5
12	Detroit LionsDET, 24 sacks, 7 takeaways	at MIA	+16%	6.3
13	Cincinnati BengalsCIN, 23 sacks, 11 takeaways	vs PIT	−1%	6.1
14	Kansas City ChiefsKC, 8 sacks, 10 takeaways	vs NYJ	+13%	6.0
15	New England PatriotsNE, 22 sacks, 8 takeaways	vs GB	−13%	5.7
16	Atlanta FalconsATL, 18 sacks, 9 takeaways	vs KC	−12%	5.5
17	Los Angeles RamsLAR, 12 sacks, 8 takeaways	at WAS	−7%	5.5
18	San Francisco 49ersSF, 15 sacks, 7 takeaways	vs LV	+9%	5.5
19	Baltimore RavensBAL, 17 sacks, 9 takeaways	vs LAC	+30%	5.0
20	Washington CommandersWAS, 16 sacks, 10 takeaways	vs LAR	−17%	4.8
21	Philadelphia EaglesPHI, 10 sacks, 4 takeaways	vs NYG	+9%	4.7
22	New York GiantsNYG, 9 sacks, 9 takeaways	at PHI	−8%	4.2
23	Los Angeles ChargersLAC, 12 sacks, 11 takeaways	vs HOU	−21%	4.1
24	Dallas CowboysDAL, 15 sacks, 6 takeaways	at IND	+8%	3.8
25	Las Vegas RaidersLV, 18 sacks, 13 takeaways	at SF	−19%	3.8
26	Carolina PanthersCAR, 10 sacks, 10 takeaways	vs DEN	−25%	3.7
27	Arizona CardinalsARI, 18 sacks, 8 takeaways	at SEA	+4%	3.2
28	Miami DolphinsMIA, 9 sacks, 6 takeaways	vs DET	−24%	3.0
29	New York JetsNYJ, 20 sacks, 8 takeaways	at KC	−12%	3.0
30	Indianapolis ColtsIND, 16 sacks, 4 takeaways	vs DAL	−27%	2.8

How we project: each defense's recent scoring, weighted toward the latest games and blended with last season's average, then adjusted for how many fantasy points the opponent's offense gives up to defenses. Scoring: sack 1, interception, fumble recovery, safety or blocked kick 2, defensive or return touchdown 6, and 10 to −4 for points allowed (0 points 10, 1–6 7, 7–13 4, 14–20 1, 21–27 0, 28–34 −1, 35+ −4). Defenses on a bye are left off.