Get ready for an exciting week of Fantasy Football, as we dive into the Defense (DST) rankings and streaming options! The NFL season has been a wild ride so far, with no undefeated teams after the first five weeks. It's a true battle of the underdogs, and predicting the outcomes has been a challenge.
Last week, we had a tough time, landing only three of the top 10 defenses in our predictions. Some defenses, like the Packers and Patriots, didn't live up to expectations, while others, like the Raiders and Giants, surprised us with their performance.
But here's where it gets interesting... this season, it's all about the underdogs and the unexpected. Every week brings new surprises, from upsets to awful quarterback performances. It's a season of unpredictability, and that's what makes it so thrilling!
So, let's dive into my weekly rankings and thoughts on why certain teams shine and others struggle.
Tier One: The Elite Plays
Denver Broncos vs NYG - The Broncos are on fire, ranking first in pressure rate and EPA per play allowed. They're a dominant force on defense, and with Jaxson Dart facing them at home, it's a tough test for the Giants.
Pittsburgh Steelers at CIN - The Steelers delivered last week, and I believe they will again. Despite some concerns about their secondary, they rank highly in turnover rate and pressure rate.
New England Patriots at TEN - The Patriots may have disappointed against the Saints, but the Titans have been struggling. With Calvin Ridley likely out, the Patriots could exploit their weaknesses.
Tier Two: Strong Plays
Kansas City Chiefs vs LV - The Chiefs haven't had an easy schedule, but they're about to face the Raiders, who have been generous to opposing defenses. I think this is a reliable play this week.
Cleveland Browns vs MIA - The Browns have a solid defense, ranking high in conversion rate and EPA per play allowed. With the vibes in Miami not looking great, I expect the Browns' pass rush to cause some trouble for Tua Tagovailoa.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs LAR - The Jaguars have been a fantasy favorite, ranking second in turnover rate. Without Puka Nacua, their defense gets a boost. The Rams' offense might struggle without him.
Los Angeles Rams at JAX - The Rams have been consistent, ranking fourth in turnover rate. I believe they will face a tougher challenge against the Jaguars, but their defense could be the best Jacksonville has seen so far.
Tier Three: Borderline Top-10 Plays
Atlanta Falcons at SF - The Falcons' young defense impressed against the Bills. They rank highly in EPA per play allowed and turnover rate. The 49ers are a tough matchup, but with some key injuries, the Falcons could surprise.
Indianapolis Colts at LAC - The Colts have a strong defense, especially against the run. They rank fifth in turnover rate and could be a sneaky top-10 play against the banged-up Chargers.
Seattle Seahawks vs HOU - The Seahawks have a great matchup against the Texans, who have one of the worst offensive lines. The Seahawks rank fifth in opponents' scoring rate and could be a solid play.
Detroit Lions vs TB - The Lions are without their starting secondary, but the Bucs have been generous to opposing defenses. With Mike Evans and others potentially out, the Lions could surprise.
Houston Texans at SEA - The Texans are my top-ranked defense by BOD, but the Seahawks have been stingy to opposing defenses. It's a tough call, but the Texans have impressive rankings in key categories.
Green Bay Packers at ARI - The Packers haven't impressed, but they rank highly in conversion rate allowed and pressure rate. It's a tough matchup against the Cardinals, but they could still deliver.
Minnesota Vikings vs PHI - The Vikings face a tough Eagles defense, but they could sneak in a solid performance.
Chicago Bears vs NO - The Bears' defense has been solid, averaging 7.2 fantasy points per game. They have a good matchup against the Saints, and could finish with a respectable score.
Tier Four: Deep-League Targets
Carolina Panthers at NYJ - If Garrett Wilson is out, the Panthers could be a deep-league option. They can focus on stopping scrambles and Breece Hall.
San Francisco 49ers vs ATL - The 49ers have a tough matchup against the Falcons, but they could still put up a fight.
Philadelphia Eagles at MIN - The Eagles have a strong defense, but the Vikings could cause some problems.
Tennessee Titans vs NE - The Titans are facing a tough Patriots defense, and with Calvin Ridley out, it's a challenging matchup.
New Orleans Saints at CHI - The Saints rank highly in turnover rate, but the Bears have been stingy to opposing defenses.
New York Giants at DEN - The Giants face a tough Broncos defense, and without Darius Slayton, it's a tough ask.
Tier Five: Avoid These Defenses
Miami Dolphins at CLE - The Dolphins have a great matchup, but I wouldn't recommend using them in fantasy leagues.
Los Angeles Chargers vs IND - The Chargers are banged up, and the Colts have a strong defense.
New York Jets vs CAR - The Jets have struggled, and the Panthers could exploit their weaknesses.
Washington Commanders at DAL - The Commanders face a tough Cowboys offense.
Las Vegas Raiders at KC - The Raiders have been generous to opposing defenses, and the Chiefs could take advantage.
Tampa Bay Bucs at DET - The Bucs have a tough matchup against the Lions, who could surprise.
Arizona Cardinals vs GB - The Cardinals face a solid Packers defense.
Cincinnati Bengals vs PIT - The Bengals have a tough task against the Steelers.
Dallas Cowboys vs WAS - The Cowboys have a strong offense, and the Commanders could struggle.
Buffalo Bills BYE - The Bills are on a bye week.
Baltimore Ravens BYE - The Ravens are also on a bye week.
Remember, these rankings are based on my formula, which considers pressure rate, turnover rate, and EPA per play allowed. I also take into account the quality of the defense and the matchups.
And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about the rankings, but understanding the reasoning behind them. So, dive deep, analyze the stats, and make your own informed decisions!
What do you think? Are you surprised by any of these rankings? Let's discuss in the comments and share our fantasy football insights!
