DFS Army’s Gthom goes over the defenses to stream this week. The defenses to stream listed below are normally found in at least 50-percent of ESPN leagues (prior to waivers).
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Sep 22, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) intercepts a pass thrown by Tennessee Titans Will Levis (8) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Packers D/ST vs New Orleans Saints – 41%
The Packers have been a strong defense throughout this season, supported by their average fantasy score of 8.8, which ranks fifth highest in the NFL, largely thanks to how opportunistic this defense can be. They rank fourth best in takeaways per game with 1.9 and opponent interception rate (3.03 percent), and they rank eighth best in opponent points per game (20.5), sack percentage (7.97 percent) and opponent third-down conversion rate (35.67 percent).
On the other side of the ball is a bleeding Saints team that has major injury issues throughout their offense. They have deployed two backup quarterbacks since losing their starter to season-ending injuries. Those quarterbacks surrendered one turnover and were sacked three times. The Saints were limited to 176 passing yards as a team, and that was playing indoors. This week’s game will be played outside in the frigid cold of Lambeau Field.
Earlier in the season, when Derek Carr missed time for New Orleans, the Saints’ offense averaged 15.0 points per game. That average would barely surpass the league’s worst-scoring team for the season, which sits at 14.9 points per game. In those three games earlier this season, the rotation of backup quarterbacks committed four turnovers, all from Spencer Rattler. On top of the turnovers, the Saints gave up a staggering 16 sacks, or 5.3 sacks per game, which is worse than the NFL’s season-worst mark of 4.1 sacks per game.
Bills D/ST vs New England Patriots – 48%
The Bills’ defense has been destroyed in consecutive weeks. In Week 16, they have a perfect opportunity to get back on track as they square off against the Patriots, whose offense has struggled this season.
The Patriots’ offense averages 17.0 points per game, the second-worst mark in the NFL, and struggles to convert red-zone opportunities into touchdowns. Additionally, they have the 28th-worst sack rate and the 19th-highest interception rate. New England’s 1.3 giveaways per game ranks 17th in the NFL. Lastly, their quarterback has played in 10 games this season but has accrued 13 turnovers in that time.
For the Bills, there is not much to brag about on the defensive side. They rank fifth in the NFL in takeaways per game with 1.8, and that seems to be their best metric for fantasy. While they have not been the most reliable for fantasy purposes, their matchup will boost their floor. Over the last five weeks, the Patriots have allowed 8.0 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses, the ninth-highest in the NFL during that span, and have allowed 2.1 fantasy points above expectation to the D/ST position, the seventh most.
Falcons D/ST vs New York Giants – 15%
The Falcons shined on Monday Night Football against a bad Raiders team, and they can do so again in Week 16 when they face the Giants.
The Giants have gone from bad to worse after being forced to utilize backup quarterbacks. This season, their offense ranks dead last in points per game, points per play, red-zone scoring percentage (touchdowns), and touchdowns per game, with many other metrics near the bottom of the NFL. Their quarterbacks get sacked at the 11th-highest rate at 8.26 percent and rank 10th in giveaways per game with 1.4. Lastly, over the last five weeks, the Giants have allowed opposing defenses to score an average of 10.8 fantasy points and 4.5 fantasy points above expectation. Those metrics rank 29th and 31st, respectively, in the NFL.
While the Falcons have been struggling on offense, their defense has played well in two of their last three games. In those three games their defense has logged an average of 4.3 sacks, 1.3 turnovers, 0.66 blocked kicks and 0.33 safeties per game. Their 31.0 fantasy points within this sample is tied for the fifth-highest total in the NFL, which breaks down to 10.3 fantasy points per game.
The Falcons will never be a great defense this season, but their Week 16 matchup may position them to pop for fantasy managers.
Sleeper D/STs:
- Bengals D/ST vs Cleveland Browns
- Colts D/ST vs Tennessee Titans