Week 12 Fantasy Rankings: Atlanta Falcons and Top 4 Defenses to Dominate

At least four defenses will provide dominating performances in the NFL's Week 12.

This week is set up to feature defensive struggles or lopsided victories, both of which bode well for good-to-great defensive fantasy performances.

Here are the top four. 

4. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons take on the Minnesota Vikings, who could be without Adrian Peterson. AP injured his ankle this past week against the Oakland Raiders and may not be able to go.

In his place, the Vikings would start Toby Gerhart. While Gerhart is a capable back, he does not present the same big-play threat Peterson does.

The Falcons have been stout against the run, allowing only 85 yards per game on the ground.

The Vikings have had problems with being a one-dimensional team all year. With AP out, much of the weight will fall on the shoulders of rookie quarterback Christian Ponder.

The Falcons defense is a good play this week, even though they are only 23rd in the NFL against the pass. 

3. San Francisco 49ers

The Thanksgiving Day Harbaugh Bowl will be a defensive struggle.

Two of the league's top defenses (Baltimore is fourth, San Francisco is eighth in total defense) square off, but one stat separates the Niners from the Baltimore Ravens here: turnovers. It is the main reason the Niners only allow a ridiculous 14.5 points per game.

The Niners have forced 26 turnovers this season, and Joe Flacco has had problems protecting the football this year.

In a game that probably won't generate more than 32 points combined, I'd take the Niners' defense, especially with Ted Ginn on special teams. 

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers' defense has been impressive all year; it's second in total defense.

The Kansas City Chiefs offense looked abysmal on Monday night against the New England Patriots. They generated only three points against a Patriots defense that ranks dead last in total defense.

With the Chiefs missing Matt Cassel—hell, even with Matt Cassel—the Steelers are a good play here. 

1. Cincinnati Bengals

In the battle of Ohio, the Bengals are heavily favored because of the Cleveland Browns' struggles to score. The Browns have scored more than 20 points only once this season. 

The Cincinnati defense is ranked sixth overall, and the Browns' offense is so anemic, just about any team's defense is a decent play.

With the Browns going against a top-six defense, it is the biggest fantasy no-brainer this week.