Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 17: Who to start, sit at D/ST in fantasy football

We said it last week, and we’ll say it again — if there’s one even mildly positive thing this reserve/COVID carousel does, it’s create more D/ST sleepers. Our Week 17 fantasy defense rankings reflect that — or at least, will reflect that — but season-long stats, both in terms of defenses themselves and matchup numbers, shouldn’t be completely thrown out. 

As we saw last week, sometimes backup players can play reasonably well. Still, when a second- or third-string QB is under center, we want to pick on those offenses. It’s not a shock to see those players perform well for a series or two when everything is scripted, but they often wear down as the game goes on. All we need from our D/STs to pay off is one big play, so we’ll take our chances. 

WEEK 17 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker

Heading into Week 17, some of the more traditional favorable matchups go to some of the top-drafted D/STs. New England (vs. Jaguars), Tampa Bay (@ Jets), and Buffalo (vs. Falcons) are all looking great. The highly owned Rams (@ Ravens) should pay off again this week, too, and even the Steelers (vs. Browns) have some upside against the reeling Baker Mayfield.

WEEK 17 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker

The Saints (vs. Panthers), 49ers (vs. Texans), and Eagles (@ Washington) have seen big upticks in ownership thanks to a string of favorable matchups lately, and they should come through again this week. Going a little deeper, the Bears (vs. Giants), Chargers (vs. Broncos), Seahawks (vs. Lions), and maybe even the Giants (@ Bears) are your top sleepers this week, at least as of Monday. More figure to emerge throughout the week. 

On the other side of the coin, the Colts (vs. Raiders), Chiefs (@ Bengals), Packers (vs. Vikings), and Cowboys (vs. Cardinals) all have neutral-to-bad matchups, but given how well all of those D/STs have been playing lately, we’re not overly worried about any, especially since three of the four are at home. Moreover, most of these defenses thrive on takeaways and big plays, and they could all certainly get one or two and stay pay off even if they allow yards and points. 

The D/STs we’re not touching this week are Arizona (vs. Cowboys), Cincinnati (vs. Chiefs), Denver (@ Chargers), and Baltimore (vs. Rams). Arizona is similar to some of the D/STs we listed above, but it’s been struggling lately and doesn’t look like the same unit that scored all those points earlier in the season. You can still take a chance on them making a big play at home, but against the Cowboys, we’re not excited willing to risk it.

Like we said, more D/STs will emerge throughout the week depending on who winds up on the reserve/COVID list. However, be aware that defenses that lose key players (like the Chargers losing Joey Bosa last week) can take a dip in the rankings. It’s fantasy championship week, so you better believe you’re going to need to be extra vigilant. 

Note: We’ll be updating these D/ST rankings throughout the week, so check back for the latest analysis and player movement.

Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 17: Who to start, sit at D/ST in fantasy football