Top defenses for NFL Fantasy football managers to stream in Week 14

The world of Fantasy football rightfully revolves around standout skill players, but it's important to avoid overlooking defensive units as they make a key difference every week. A poor outing could sink a team in a loss, while a prominent one could give a team just enough of an edge to secure a victory.

That difference proves to be especially crucial in Week 14 given the Fantasy playoffs loom right around the corner for most leagues. Adding a dependable streaming option could control whether or not a postseason spot is clinched. Let's take a look at the top choices for a jam-packed NFL slate.

Stream Houston Texans D/ST (at New York Jets)

This one is simple as any team facing the New York Jets is worth streaming down the final stretch of the season. After all, the Jets rank among the bottom five teams in the NFL in terms of points per game (14.3), yards per game (260.1) and third down conversion percentage (23.1%). It's been a mess.

There's more than New York's offensive ineptitude working in favor of the Houston Texans, though. The AFC South contender has turned into a group of ballhawks as of late, attaining a whopping seven interceptions over the last four games. Young cornerbacks are mastering the art of jumping routes.

The one thing that has held Houston back from being a legitimate Fantasy force is an inability to rack up sacks. That's why it's worth noting the Jets have allowed the third-most sacks in the entire league. Don't be surprised if the Texans put together their best Fantasy performance of the year in Week 14.

Stream Green Bay Packers D/ST (at New York Giants)

The Green Bay Packers have sneakily made their way back in the NFC playoff race thanks in large part to their defense. It's a unit that has allowed 18.6 points per game since returning from a Week 6 bye. That's impressive given the Packers have matched up against both the Chiefs and Lions in that span.

Up next is an ideal matchup against the New York Giants. Not only have the Giants allowed the most Fantasy points to opposing defenses, but they have also given up the most sacks through 13 weeks. A fourth straight game with at least 0.5 sacks could be in the cards for elite pass-rusher Rashan Gary.

It's never too early too look ahead, either. Green Bay faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15 and the Carolina Panthers in Week 16. Those are two offenses that rank outside the top 20 teams in points per game. Managers in need of help can ride the Packers' momentum until the wheels fall off.

Stream Minnesota Vikings D/ST (at Las Vegas Raiders)

It's surprising to see the Minnesota Vikings defense is available in more than 70% of ESPN leagues. Expect that to change ahead of kickoff on Sunday as head coach Kevin O'Connell's defense ranks 12th in Fantasy scoring and has averaged a reliable 9.1 Fantasy points over the last seven contests.

Takeaways have served as the foundation for Minnesota's rise as the defense has tallied at least two of them in five of their last seven games. There's an opportunity to keep that trend going in Week 14 as the Las Vegas Raiders have totaled 21 giveaways in 2023. That's tied for the fifth-most in the NFL.

Minnesota is one of eight teams to have posted at least two defensive touchdowns on the year, which shows how high their ceiling is when firing on all cylinders. The Vikings have a chance to log a top-five outing as a couple of the best Fantasy defenses battle high-octane offenses on Sunday.