Injuries could make the difference, especially in the Steelers-Broncos game. If Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder) is out, Denver’s $5,300 price tag doesn’t look nearly as high. Likewise, if Marshawn Lynch (abdomen) is out, Carolina’s outlook is a lot rosier.
Let’s check out the full fantasy D/ST rankings to spot some sleepers and DFS values for your daily fantasy football contests.
MORE: Playoff fantasy football rankings:Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Kickers
Fantasy football playoff rankings, Defenses
- Arizona Cardinals vs. Packers. The Cardinals are the obvious play this week considering they put up 41 fantasy points against the Packers in Week 16 (nine sacks, four turnovers, two defensive TDs, eight points allowed). The Packers also struggled in Week 17 (21 D/ST fantasy points allowed) before seemingly getting back on track last week, allowing just one sack and takeaway. Still, the Cardinals are ready and rested, and Green Bay will be traveling across the country for a third straight “huge” game. At $4,800 on FanDuel, Arizona is the third highest-priced defense, which is actually a pretty good value considering they’re closer to the seventh highest-priced team (Kansas City, $4,600) than the highest-priced team (Denver, $5,300).
2. Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos. Does anyone remember how bad Peyton Manning was before getting injured? In 10 games, he threw 17 interceptions, including six in his final two starts. The Steelers are coming off a big performance on the road, racking up three sacks and four takeaways against the Bengals. For the season, Denver is allowing 9.6 fantasy points per game (FPPG) to D/STs, but 12 FPPG in Manning starts. At $4,700 on FanDuel, the Steelers are a major value.
Denver Broncos vs. Steelers. The Broncos are the most expensive D/ST on the board this week ($5,300), which might be justified if Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder), DeAngelo Williams (foot) and Antonio Brown (concussion) are out. The Broncos were the best fantasy D/ST all season, and playing at home against the banged-up Steelers could lead to a monster day. Of course, if any of Pittsburgh’s “Big 3” (especially Roethlisberger) are back, it’s tough to justify paying such a high price. Keep in mind, when these met in Week 15 in Pittsburgh, Denver only scored seven fantasy points, so make sure you know who’s in and who’s out before settling on the Broncos.
Carolina Panthers vs. Seahawks. It seems likely that Marshawn Lynch (abdomen) will play this week, but after last week’s late scratch, we’re not taking anything for granted. Either way, the Panthers are a decent play in this home matchup. Seattle tied for the sixth-most sacks allowed (46) while the Panthers recorded the sixth-most QB takedowns (44). In two of their past three games, Seattle’s offense has been mostly shut down by aggressive defenses with good pass rushes (St. Louis, Minnesota), so the Panthers fit the bill as a defense that could give them trouble. At $4,700, Carolina is a nice contrarian play.
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5. New England Patriots vs. Chiefs. Here’s the key stat in this game: The Pats finished the season with the second-most sacks (49), and the Chiefs were tied for the sixth-most sacks allowed (46). With Jeremy Maclin (knee) hobbled and no dominant running game, the Patriots will be able to pin their ears back and get after Alex Smith. New England is $4,700 on FanDuel, so it’s not a bad option given how tightly bunched the D/STs are this week.
6. Seattle Seahawks at Panthers. The Seahawks defense has really turned it on over the second half of the season, but with the Panthers allowing the third-fewest FPPG to D/STs (5.7), this will be a tough matchup. If Jonathan Stewart (foot) doesn’t play, Seattle has a little more value, but it looks like Stewart will suit up, so it comes down to whether the Seahawks can contain Cam Newton. No one has been able to do that all year – including the Seahawks, who allowed 299 total yards and two TDs to Newton in Week 6. They also picked him off twice, but $4,700 seems a tough too high for the ‘Hawks in this matchup.
7. Kansas City Chiefs at Patriots. The Chiefs have been one of the best defenses in the league this season, totaling 47 sacks (fourth) and 22 INTs (second). However, the Patriots allowed just 5.6 FPPG to D/STs (second fewest), and they’ll be back at close to full strength with Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola expected to play. The Chiefs will force the Pats to be one-dimensional, but that might not matter. The Chiefs are the second-cheapest D/ST ($4,600), but with several other options just $100 more, it’s tough to justify opting for Kansas City.
- Green Bay Packers at Cardinals. The Packers are by far the cheapest D/ST on the board this week ($4,200) – and for good reason. The Cardinals allowed the fewest FPPG to D/STs (5.1), including just six points when these teams met in Week 15. The Packers are coming off a six-sack game, but QB pressure is really the only area in which they excel (fantasy-wise). For Green Bay to really pay off, they’ll likely need a return touchdown, so if you’re feeling lucky, you can try them in large tournaments, but those in cash games should look elsewhere.
