Justin Boone won the FantasyPros Most Accurate Expert Award in 2019 and has eight top-10 finishes in the competition. He now brings his rankings acumen to the Yahoo Fantasy audience after joining the team as an analyst.
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As the fantasy football season heads into its most critical stretch, every lineup decision carries added weight — and that includes choosing the right defense. Justin Boone, one of the most trusted analysts in the fantasy community, has released his Week 12 defensive rankings for the 2025 season. His picks emphasize consistency, matchup advantage, and recent performance trends that can give fantasy managers the edge they need during the playoff push.
1. Baltimore Ravens – D/ST
The Ravens continue to set the gold standard for powerhouse defensive football. With a fierce pass rush and a turnover-heavy secondary, they enter Week 12 with a favorable matchup against an offense prone to sacks and giveaways. Expect pressure, forced errors, and plenty of fantasy upside.
2. New York Jets – D/ST
Built around a dominant defensive front and elite cornerback play, the Jets remain one of the most reliable weekly starts. Their Week 12 opponent has struggled to protect the quarterback, giving New York top-tier sack and interception potential.
3. San Francisco 49ers – D/ST
The 49ers have been slightly more volatile this season, but their ceiling remains high. Justin Boone highlights their ability to generate big plays, especially against middling offenses. Their Week 12 matchup puts them in prime position to rebound with a strong showing.
4. Dallas Cowboys – D/ST
Dallas continues to thrive on defensive speed and opportunism. In Week 12, a turnover-prone opponent gives Micah Parsons and company a chance at multiple sacks and splash plays. Boone ranks them firmly within must-start territory.
5. Kansas City Chiefs – D/ST
Kansas City’s defense has evolved into a top fantasy option thanks to improved pressure and a disciplined secondary. The Week 12 matchup favors their style of play, making them one of Boone’s safer plug-and-play options.
Defenses on the Rise
Boone also calls attention to emerging D/ST units gaining steam late in the season. Teams with improving injury reports or favorable upcoming schedules may provide valuable streaming opportunities for fantasy managers looking beyond the top five.
Final Thoughts
Week 12 presents crucial choices for fantasy players, and selecting the right defense can swing a matchup. Justin Boone’s rankings for 2025 emphasize not just talent, but matchups and momentum — the key ingredients for defensive success in the fantasy playoffs. Whether you’re securing your playoff seed or fighting for one last push, these rankings offer a strategic foundation for making the best call at D/ST.
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Be sure to follow the links below to see his latest rankings at every position. Updated rankings, including PPR, are released Thursday, with the final version coming down Sunday morning.
More Week 12 advice
Boone’s Half-PPR Rankings
PPR (Coming Thursday)
Rankings from each Yahoo Fantasy analyst
Consensus Half-PPR Rankings
Consensus PPR Rankings (Coming Thursday)
Justin Boone’s Trade Value Charts (Coming Wednesday)
