2025 Team Defense & Defense by Committee Thread (3 Viewers)

[sushinsky4tsar]

Cowboys DST **LONG PLAY**

Is there any reason to believe they will ever get back to where they were at for fantasy?

Even if the answer is, "possibly in 2025", then they're probably worth holding in my league. The scoring settings for DSTs are typical, but way overpowered in my league. Playing this DST weekly was a ridiculous advantage over the competition last year. Perhaps their reign of terror is truly over with all of the money that has been spent on offense? If that's the case, I do need to reclaim the roster spot. Doesn't look like they'll be doing much anytime soon.

In Leagues where I have room, I have been picking up the Cowboys D/ST for next to nothing, as they've been dropped over the past few weeks.

When Kendricks, Parsons and Bland get on the field together with Overshown, Diggs and Lewis, they're going to cause some problems for what's left on their schedule.

While the Cowboys currently struggle running and stopping the run, both of those things are addressable. There are quality bench RB's that will get cheaper by the day, and adding those components back to the defense is a rising tide that lifts all boats.

If operating at their peak, the Cowboys pass offense is capable of forcing opposing offenses to play keep-up, engage in low-efficiency plays and take risks that lead to mistakes, sacks and picks.

Plus you add in KaVontae Turpin as, IMHO, the most likely P/K Returner in the NFL to score a TD.

Very few Leagues have Roster room to do this, but in ones that do, it's a dime-store add that could pay off big-time during the fantasy playoffs.

I didn't even realize that Parsons was out. I know they were showing plenty of cracks before, but that, in addition to a 19-point opener means I should probably hold. Also, week 15 matchup in Carolina for those that are going into the playoffs without a bye week. For me, it's really playing for a 2025 rebound at this point. I don't know if they're in a position where they're going to be losing key guys with all the money spent on offense, but their cap situation won't help to address any issues like run defense. Then again, they'll probably be skewing defense with draft capital. As a Vikings fan, I also wondered if Zimmer might take a toll on their big play ability.

Commissioners, don't make 30+ point DST performance a thing. Not excited to be sitting here stashing a poorly performing defense because of their upside. To be fair, they probably earned it for what they contributed in '22 & '23.

 

[Faust]

Next Gen Stats
The Broncos defense generated 14 quick pressures (under 2.5 seconds) in their Week 7 win over the Saints, tied for the most quick pressures by a defense in a game this season.

In Weeks 1-6, the Broncos generated a league-high 51 quick pressures.

#DENvsNO | #BroncosCountry

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[packer_junkie]

Getting 21 from Denver to start the week is sure nice. And they host Carolina next week

 

[Terpman22]

I'm going Saints D heavy this week. You got a matchup of 2 rookie QB's. Denver probably is a good play too. All you need is that one pick 6 to lock in a good week. I'm expecting at least 1 tonight. Hope I'm on the right side.

Weird. Is it just because the Saints are at home? I’d think Denver is the better play tonight, easily.

Just my gut feeling and being at home is definitely part of it, Plus, I already added NO this week and Denver wasn't avail

Well, that did not work out at all. Oh well, onto the next week haha. I didn't have them in *as* many leagues as I thought, but too many after last night for sure haha.

 

[JohnnyU]

I'm going Saints D heavy this week. You got a matchup of 2 rookie QB's. Denver probably is a good play too. All you need is that one pick 6 to lock in a good week. I'm expecting at least 1 tonight. Hope I'm on the right side.

Weird. Is it just because the Saints are at home? I’d think Denver is the better play tonight, easily.

Just my gut feeling and being at home is definitely part of it, Plus, I already added NO this week and Denver wasn't avail

Well, that did not work out at all. Oh well, onto the next week haha. I didn't have them in *as* many leagues as I thought, but too many after last night for sure haha.

Like I said, streaming defenses isn't fun and is usually a dud.

 

[Terpman22]

I'm going Saints D heavy this week. You got a matchup of 2 rookie QB's. Denver probably is a good play too. All you need is that one pick 6 to lock in a good week. I'm expecting at least 1 tonight. Hope I'm on the right side.

Weird. Is it just because the Saints are at home? I’d think Denver is the better play tonight, easily.

Just my gut feeling and being at home is definitely part of it, Plus, I already added NO this week and Denver wasn't avail

Well, that did not work out at all. Oh well, onto the next week haha. I didn't have them in *as* many leagues as I thought, but too many after last night for sure haha.

Like I said, streaming defenses isn't fun and is usually a dud.

I've been decent at it this season. My opinion there are basically 3-4 tops really "reliable" defenses in the league, and what has been more reliable is just bad QB play. Followed Carolina around at the beginning of the year, been following the Dolphins since Tua got hurt, and have had decent results. Definitely picked the wrong rookie QB to go against here (Broncos D started against me in 3 of 6 dynos yay!), but I stand by my strategy haha.

 

[loonzilla]

Denver kinda doesn’t belong with streamers anymore, right? Set it and forget it…

 

[RaidersAreOne]

Imagine if that one fumble/TD wasn't called back due to the offsides either.

 

[WaltonGoggins]

Denver kinda doesn’t belong with streamers anymore, right? Set it and forget it…

That's what I've been doing although @ KC in a few weeks I might be looking to stream but all depends what's available / worth dropping.

 

[dmac37]

I'm hoping FBG rest of season DST rankings turn out to be fairly accurate. Just paid up to pair the Bills with the Vikings as those 2 are at the top for rest of season DST rankings.

 

[Faust]

Lions vs. Vikings preview: How Minnesota has built the best defense with ‘B+’ talent

 

[Largent]

I plucked Minny off the wire early this season, and said to hell with it. Even with Detroit. No more headaches.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Getting 21 from Denver to start the week is sure nice. And they host Carolina next week

After that, they have 3 tough weeks ( Baltimore, KC, Atlanta) but then have Vegas and Cleveland before their bye, so probably a defense to keep an eye on presuming their owners drop them.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I'm going Saints D heavy this week. You got a matchup of 2 rookie QB's. Denver probably is a good play too. All you need is that one pick 6 to lock in a good week. I'm expecting at least 1 tonight. Hope I'm on the right side.

Weird. Is it just because the Saints are at home? I’d think Denver is the better play tonight, easily.

Just my gut feeling and being at home is definitely part of it, Plus, I already added NO this week and Denver wasn't avail

Well, that did not work out at all. Oh well, onto the next week haha. I didn't have them in *as* many leagues as I thought, but too many after last night for sure haha.

Like I said, streaming defenses isn't fun and is usually a dud.

Streaming Denver was fun for me

 

[Insein]

Bears are on a bye so I grabbed Jets vs Pitt. On Paper the Jets have an amazing 2nd half schedule. Weeks 13-17 are Sea, Mia, Jax, LAR, Buffalo.

 

[beef]

I'm hoping FBG rest of season DST rankings turn out to be fairly accurate. Just paid up to pair the Bills with the Vikings as those 2 are at the top for rest of season DST rankings.

They've been junk so far.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Bears are on a bye so I grabbed Jets vs Pitt. On Paper the Jets have an amazing 2nd half schedule. Weeks 13-17 are Sea, Mia, Jax, LAR, Buffalo.

If Tua and Kupp are healthy that looks pretty difficult

 

[Insein]

Bears are on a bye so I grabbed Jets vs Pitt. On Paper the Jets have an amazing 2nd half schedule. Weeks 13-17 are Sea, Mia, Jax, LAR, Buffalo.

If Tua and Kupp are healthy that looks pretty difficult

That's why I said on paper.

 

[Krilons Resa]

Any opinions on PHI (v. NYG) or LAC (v. ARI)?

I currently have PHI plugged in but LAC just cleared waivers. I think it is a coin flip this week but LAC has been the more solid defense and has a great schedule the next few weeks.

Just looking for any counterpoints before I make the decision.

 

[Skolpnw]

Any opinions on PHI (v. NYG) or LAC (v. ARI)?

I currently have PHI plugged in but LAC just cleared waivers. I think it is a coin flip this week but LAC has been the more solid defense and has a great schedule the next few weeks.

Just looking for any counterpoints before I make the decision.

I'd rather have LAC. This week I can see arguments in favor of either one, but LAC's schedule makes them the easy choice.

 

[Down Under]

I'm in need of a bye-week D and my choices are two duds with good matchups (Jax v NE or LAR v LV) or a decent D with a bad matchup (GB v Hou). All 3 are at home. My experience with using bad D's with good matchups is that generally you get what you think you are getting - bad, low scoring D's. That has me leaning GB, but bleh.

 

[Ray Barboni]

I'm in need of a bye-week D and my choices are two duds with good matchups (Jax v NE or LAR v LV) or a decent D with a bad matchup (GB v Hou). All 3 are at home. My experience with using bad D's with good matchups is that generally you get what you think you are getting - bad, low scoring D's. That has me leaning GB, but bleh.

I’d go with GB, should at least put up a decent point total - and you can use them in week 8 vs JAX.

 

[Skolpnw]

Any opinions on PHI (v. NYG) or LAC (v. ARI)?

I currently have PHI plugged in but LAC just cleared waivers. I think it is a coin flip this week but LAC has been the more solid defense and has a great schedule the next few weeks.

Just looking for any counterpoints before I make the decision.

Ugh, Bosa is doubtful this week.

 

[Down Under]

I'm in need of a bye-week D and my choices are two duds with good matchups (Jax v NE or LAR v LV) or a decent D with a bad matchup (GB v Hou). All 3 are at home. My experience with using bad D's with good matchups is that generally you get what you think you are getting - bad, low scoring D's. That has me leaning GB, but bleh.

I’d go with GB, should at least put up a decent point total - and you can use them in week 8 vs JAX.

Yeah, Jax & LAR are 30th & 31st in D scoring in my league. It helps that it is in GB versus @houston. I'm rolling with the better D this week.

 

[Peak]

Any opinions on PHI (v. NYG) or LAC (v. ARI)?

I currently have PHI plugged in but LAC just cleared waivers. I think it is a coin flip this week but LAC has been the more solid defense and has a great schedule the next few weeks.

Just looking for any counterpoints before I make the decision.

I'm rolling with PHI today. LAC is nice, but they have some D players out this week, including Bosa. That's enough to give me pause for now.

 

[Faust]

Next Gen Stats
The Chiefs defense recorded 3 interceptions playing man coverage against the 49ers, their most in a game under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Trent McDuffie allowed just 1 reception for 15 yards on 4 targets in man coverage.

#KCvsSF | #ChiefsKingdom

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Chiefs outside cornerbacks aligned in press coverage on a season-high 59.8% of their snaps. They did not allow a reception on 5 targets when playing press coverage, including 2 interceptions.

#KCvsSF | #ChiefsKingdom

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[Insein]

Jets are hot garbage on D. Never again. I wish I could drop them now. There is no difference for my score.

Strike that. There is a difference now. -4 points.

 

[Faust]

Bill Belichick 'hurt' by Jerod Mayo's comments on Patriots defense: 'They're not soft'

 

[skillz]

Jets are hot garbage on D. Never again. I wish I could drop them now. There is no difference for my score.

Strike that. There is a difference now. -4 points.

Anyone have enough nerve to start the Jets this week vs NE and their rookie QB with Reddick back?

 

[need2know]

Jets are hot garbage on D. Never again. I wish I could drop them now. There is no difference for my score.

Strike that. There is a difference now. -4 points.

Anyone have enough nerve to start the Jets this week vs NE and their rookie QB with Reddick back?

Wouldnt start them if you paid me

 

[Insein]

Jets are hot garbage on D. Never again. I wish I could drop them now. There is no difference for my score.

Strike that. There is a difference now. -4 points.

Anyone have enough nerve to start the Jets this week vs NE and their rookie QB with Reddick back?

They might get a decent score but I ain't going anywhere near that dumpster fire.

 

[Doubles]

This week is a classic incoming jets L. The defense making Maye look like Brady is already written I feel like. I’ve been following this garbage team for too long not to see this coming a mile away. I may actually start Maye.

 

[BespokeJort]

Picked up LAC preemptively last week. Haener with most of the wrs out (Olave may be back but still)? Yes please

 

[MrJimiT]

Those who have Denver Broncos as their D/ST (I am one of them), would you consider them as a set & forget with Baltimore looming in Week 9? I had considered just letting them ride thru week 9, but last nights offensive explosion from Baltimore has me more in thought about it.

 

[VikingFrog]

Most of the rankings don’t really like the Vikings this week and I’m not sure why.

Thursday night games are typically low scoring.

Rams have scored more than 20 once.

Stafford has 4 picks and 2 fumbles on the year.

Vikings defense has a nose for the end zone.

 

[Runkle]

Bears are sitting out there, potentially facing Marcus Mariota... not much else available

 

[urbanhack]

I can keep the Rams but I don't like them against Minn.

Washington at home against Bears or Arizona at Miami seem like the only other options. Maybe Atlanta at TB without the WRs???

 

[BobbyLayne]

Rolling Chargers this week if I drop the Stillers. Bye and then they play the two most potent offenses in the league (BAL & WAS.) Couple dates with CLE but RoS looks tough.

LAC have a dreamy playoff schedule.

 

[Pietaster2]

Rolling Chargers this week if I drop the Stillers. Bye and then they play the two most potent offenses in the league (BAL & WAS.) Couple dates with CLE but RoS looks tough.

LAC have a dreamy playoff schedule.

The Chargers sure look good for the next few weeks and playoffs. Only problem is their tough schedule weeks 11-15, but every other matchup is easy. I did something I loathe doing this early in the season and picked up a second defense to pair with them this morning: the Chiefs. Don't like losing a bench slot, but check out this amazing combined schedule:

Week	Chargers	Chiefs	Choice
8​	NO	@LV	Either
9​	@CLE	TB	Chargers
10​	TEN	DEN	Either
11​	CIN	@BUF	Only bad matchup
12​	BAL	@CAR	Chiefs
13​	@ATL	LV	Chiefs
14​	@KC	LAC	Chiefs
15​	TB	@CLE	Chiefs
16​	DEN	HOU	Chargers
17​	@NE	@PIT	Chargers

EDIT: Reading my post after submitting it has me considering dropping the Chargers and just riding the Chiefs until the playoffs, for the bench slot.

 

[Judge Smails]

Riding the Vikings until the semi’s if I get there. Great schedule. Dodged a bullet vs the Lions with the TD. Easier opponents ahead

 

[Timmay]

Those who have Denver Broncos as their D/ST (I am one of them), would you consider them as a set & forget with Baltimore looming in Week 9? I had considered just letting them ride thru week 9, but last nights offensive explosion from Baltimore has me more in thought about it.

The only weeks I am concerned about starting them would be Week 9 at Baltimore and week 17 at Cincinnati. Rest is for sure set and forget for me. Any more though defenses are so hit or miss that I am leaning towards starting them as of now in week 9. They generate sacks and don't give up a ton of points. They have been averaging giving up 15.14 pts, 4 sacks, 1.42 turnovers this season.

 

[IHEARTFF]

too early to hold teams for fantasy playoffs if you can really only roster 1 D?

 

[Insein]

Bears are sitting out there, potentially facing Marcus Mariota... not much else available

I'm just riding with the Bears in general.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Dumped Buffalo for the Chargers this week vs NO

 

[Insein]

Dumped Buffalo for the Chargers this week vs LVR

Chargers play the Saints. Which is still a good play.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Rolling Chargers this week if I drop the Stillers. Bye and then they play the two most potent offenses in the league (BAL & WAS.) Couple dates with CLE but RoS looks tough.

LAC have a dreamy playoff schedule.

The Chargers sure look good for the next few weeks and playoffs. Only problem is their tough schedule weeks 11-15, but every other matchup is easy. I did something I loathe doing this early in the season and picked up a second defense to pair with them this morning: the Chiefs. Don't like losing a bench slot, but check out this amazing combined schedule:

Week	Chargers	Chiefs	Choice
8​	NO	@LV	Either
9​	@CLE	TB	Chargers
10​	TEN	DEN	Either
11​	CIN	@BUF	Only bad matchup
12​	BAL	@CAR	Chiefs
13​	@ATL	LV	Chiefs
14​	@KC	LAC	Chiefs
15​	TB	@CLE	Chiefs
16​	DEN	HOU	Chargers
17​	@NE	@PIT	Chargers

EDIT: Reading my post after submitting it has me considering dropping the Chargers and just riding the Chiefs until the playoffs, for the bench slot.

Only problem with that is neither has win your week potential. Can’t tell you how many times I stole one bc my DT had a 25+ week. Teams that are playing split field 2 high, making their opponents run 10-12-14 play drives to score (hoping they self-destruct along the way), they don’t really end up with too many pick 6s or scoop n score.

Detroit’s defense is pretty aggressive. Different coordinator now but Ravens have always had that, Steelers on occasion, Vikings rn.

Chiefs & Chargers give you that safe 10-12 point DT, solid, won’t hurt you, probably won’t be in the Top 6 in most formats. Feels like less stress.

I’ve always done paired defense (at least since when Bortles lost his job) but this year feels more predictable. Shaping up to be a year streamers are a better option.

Some pretty generous offenses out there right now:

• Giants
• Raiders
• Panthers
• Saints (injuries)
• Titans
• Browns w/ Watson
• Dolphins (if Tua is out)
• Pats (pre-Maye)

Pick any halfway decent D against those JV offenses & you should do well.

 

[BobbyLayne]

@LionsPR
.
Lions DB Brian Branch is the first NFL safety to record at least 10 PDs and four interceptions through a player's first five games played in a season since the data began being collected in 1999.

PFF has Branch graded out as the best Safety in the game, and he has the highest coverage grade of any player. Free Safety Kerby Joseph has the 6th best PFF grade for S. Each player has 4 INTs.

Branch is going to be in the conversation for DPotY. He's had a handful of "first time ever" and "first time since Ed Reed" stat accomplishments this year.

If they make a move for a quality Edge to replace Hutch before the trade deadline, look out. Even if they stand pat, their D has talent everywhere. PFF has them as the #1 overall defense through Week 7.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Dumped Buffalo for the Chargers this week vs LVR

Chargers play the Saints. Which is still a good play.

Gracias and I changed it, saw LAC being projected as a possible tp 5 defense this week.
Winston has an arm but he also is erratic

 

[Pietaster2]

Rolling Chargers this week if I drop the Stillers. Bye and then they play the two most potent offenses in the league (BAL & WAS.) Couple dates with CLE but RoS looks tough.

LAC have a dreamy playoff schedule.

The Chargers sure look good for the next few weeks and playoffs. Only problem is their tough schedule weeks 11-15, but every other matchup is easy. I did something I loathe doing this early in the season and picked up a second defense to pair with them this morning: the Chiefs. Don't like losing a bench slot, but check out this amazing combined schedule:

Week	Chargers	Chiefs	Choice
8​	NO	@LV	Either
9​	@CLE	TB	Chargers
10​	TEN	DEN	Either
11​	CIN	@BUF	Only bad matchup
12​	BAL	@CAR	Chiefs
13​	@ATL	LV	Chiefs
14​	@KC	LAC	Chiefs
15​	TB	@CLE	Chiefs
16​	DEN	HOU	Chargers
17​	@NE	@PIT	Chargers

EDIT: Reading my post after submitting it has me considering dropping the Chargers and just riding the Chiefs until the playoffs, for the bench slot.

Only problem with that is neither has win your week potential. Can’t tell you how many times I stole one bc my DT had a 25+ week. Teams that are playing split field 2 high, making their opponents run 10-12-14 play drives to score (hoping they self-destruct along the way), they don’t really end up with too many pick 6s or scoop n score.

Detroit’s defense is pretty aggressive. Different coordinator now but Ravens have always had that, Steelers on occasion, Vikings rn.

Chiefs & Chargers give you that safe 10-12 point DT, solid, won’t hurt you, probably won’t be in the Top 6 in most formats. Feels like less stress.

I’ve always done paired defense (at least since when Bortles lost his job) but this year feels more predictable. Shaping up to be a year streamers are a better option.

Some pretty generous offenses out there right now:

• Giants
• Raiders
• Panthers
• Saints (injuries)
• Titans
• Browns w/ Watson
• Dolphins (if Tua is out)
• Pats (pre-Maye)

Pick any halfway decent D against those JV offenses & you should do well.

Thanks for the thoughtful and informative post. I'm going to reclaim that bench slot after-all and just live the stream.

 

[Faust]

Eagles Film Review: Is Vic Fangio’s Defense Coming Together?