Updated Fantasy Football Defense Rankings and Streaming Picks for Playoffs
The fantasy football playoffs are upon us, prompting a crucial update of the defense rankings for the upcoming weeks. These rankings are essential as they reflect changes in team performance and injuries that could impact their success in the fantasy playoffs.
Updated Fantasy Football Defense Rankings and Streaming Picks for Playoffs
This week, the playoff defense rankings were recalibrated based on team matchups and player conditions. Key injuries, notably to quarterbacks, have shifted some defensive prospects significantly. The Playoff Score has been introduced to evaluate the defenses for Weeks 15 through 17, taking into consideration opponent quality and recent performance metrics.
Factors Influencing the Rankings
- Performance Metrics: These include pressure rate, turnover rate, and expected points allowed per play.
- Injury Updates: Notable injuries, such as that of Daniel Jones, have prompted adjustments.
- Offensive Matchups: Defense rankings reflect the fantasy points allowed by offense over the last four weeks.
Top Defense Rankings
| Rank | Defense | Week 15 Opponent | Week 16 Opponent | Week 17 Opponent | Playoff Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston Texans | Arizona Cardinals (21st) | Las Vegas Raiders (31st) | Los Angeles Chargers (26th) | 71.3 |
| 2 | Seattle Seahawks | Indianapolis Colts (23rd) | Los Angeles Rams (3rd) | Carolina Panthers (17th) | 70.2 |
| 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | Las Vegas Raiders (31st) | Washington Commanders (28th) | Buffalo Bills (11th) | 63.2 |
The Texans stand out with favorable matchups against the Cardinals and Raiders. Meanwhile, the Seahawks, although facing a tough matchup against the Rams, still maintain a strong ranking. The Eagles show promise despite a challenging Week 17 matchup against the Bills.
Potential Defensive Pairings
Utilizing two defenses on your roster this playoff season is advisable. Here are some suggested pairings:
- Cleveland Browns: Paired with Cowboys, Chiefs, or Saints.
- New England Patriots: Paired with Dolphins, Cowboys, or Bears.
- Miami Dolphins: Paired with Chiefs, Lions, or Steelers.
Bottom Rankings to Avoid
Several defenses are not advisable to start in the playoffs due to poor matchups:
- Washington Commanders: Rank 32 with severe scheduling issues.
- New York Jets: Rank 29, struggling against competent offenses.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Rank 30 and facing a tough lineup.
Fantasy owners should focus on the potential of higher-ranked defenses to maximize their playoff success. Make informed choices based on recent performance and upcoming matchups to enhance your fantasy team’s chances.
