Nov 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) and linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) react during the first half at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Week 13 is here, and with the Thanksgiving festivities come another crucial week of fantasy football as we get ever-closer to the end of the season. Here are a few defensive units you should start this week in your fantasy league, and a few you'd be better off leaving on the sidelines.

Start ‘Em:

Denver Broncos - The Broncos are the sixth-best fantasy defense in the NFL this year, and boast the third-best defense in the league in both points allowed per game and yards allowed per game. They also lead the NFL in team sacks. They'll get a shot at the Commanders this week, who are missing starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and are giving up the 12th-most points to fantasy defenses this season.

Seattle Seahawks - Seattle's typically solid defense will be looking to bounce back after an iffy performance last week against the Titans, and they'll get to face the Minnesota Vikings this week, who have looked absolutely atrocious offensively, and are now likely going to be without starting quarterback JJ McCarthy. Expect Seattle to get back to form.

Jacksonville Jaguars - Just because the Titans looked good last week, it might not be a safe bet on them having a second consecutive strong showing against the Jaguars this week. After all, they are arguably the worst offense in the league, and fantasy defenses rank first against Tennessee this year. Quarterback Cam Ward has been sacked at least three times in six consecutive games, and Jacksonville is coming off a season-high six sacks last week.

Sit ‘Em:

Pittsburgh Steelers - The Steelers are once again not a bad defense, and they'll benefit from having their starting quarterback returning this week, which should take some pressure off the defense. But the Bills have had a top offense in the NFL consistently in recent years, including for most of this season. They also need a 'get right' game after losing two of their last three games. Expect them to take out their frustrations and get back on track against Pittsburgh.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - The Bucs have given up 106 points to opposing offenses over their past three games and are 0-3 over that span. This week they face the Cardinals, whose offense has looked much improved with Jacoby Brissett starting at quarterback. Until Tampa Bay shows they can get this defense turned around, they aren't worth the risk against a hot quarterback.

Carolina Panthers - A bad match-up does no favors for the Panthers this week. They are a very average defense, but this week they face off with the Rams, who have scored 34 or more points in four of their last five outings and are led by a resurgent Matthew Stafford. Expect Los Angeles to have their way with Carolina.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 13: D/ST Edition

Reporting by Joe Smith, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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