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2025 Team Defense & Defense by Committee Thread (4 Viewers)
- Thread starter Faust
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JFS171
Footballguy
Debating the Saints myself ... they’ve been great for a long stretch. They’re absolutely crushing against the run, and Eli Apple seems to have really solidified their secondary. They get a ton of pressure on the QB, especially when other teams are forced to pass.
Cleveland put up points easily against Carolina’s defense, as did Tampa the week before that and Seattle and Detroit before that. I think the Saints will score and force Carolina to throw. That leads to sack and TO opportunities which matter most in my scoring format.
Buffalo and Dallas are the other options available, but as well as Dallas has played in real life, they’ve not racked up the fantasy points in my format, and the Colts on the road feel like a tough spot. The Colts OL at one point was one of the best pass blocking units in the league, and only allowed two sacks and one TO at Houston last week. Now they return home.
Buffalo I’m considering, but I thought they had a great matchup against the Jets and watched them lay an egg. Why would the Detroit matchup be any better this time?
I’m not sure the Saints get the love they’re due. Their schedule has been pretty tough matchups wise, but they’ve allowed more than 20 points only four times all year, including allowing 23 at Baltimore and 35 to the Rams. They’ve accumulated 25 sacks and 12 TOs over the last five weeks, and aren’t giving up massive scores. To me, they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt when we’ve seen Carolina completely lay eggs before (4 sacks and 4 TOs to a much worse Tampa defense).
Cleveland put up points easily against Carolina’s defense, as did Tampa the week before that and Seattle and Detroit before that. I think the Saints will score and force Carolina to throw. That leads to sack and TO opportunities which matter most in my scoring format.
Buffalo and Dallas are the other options available, but as well as Dallas has played in real life, they’ve not racked up the fantasy points in my format, and the Colts on the road feel like a tough spot. The Colts OL at one point was one of the best pass blocking units in the league, and only allowed two sacks and one TO at Houston last week. Now they return home.
Buffalo I’m considering, but I thought they had a great matchup against the Jets and watched them lay an egg. Why would the Detroit matchup be any better this time?
I’m not sure the Saints get the love they’re due. Their schedule has been pretty tough matchups wise, but they’ve allowed more than 20 points only four times all year, including allowing 23 at Baltimore and 35 to the Rams. They’ve accumulated 25 sacks and 12 TOs over the last five weeks, and aren’t giving up massive scores. To me, they’ve earned the benefit of the doubt when we’ve seen Carolina completely lay eggs before (4 sacks and 4 TOs to a much worse Tampa defense).
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I've been pushing the Saints as well. Started them last week as a Bears fill-in and was thoroughly satisfied. I think they started off the year bad and everyone just assumed "same old Saints", but they've really solidified. Key is they've been getting a lot of sacks, which is the most repeatable trend for DSTs.
Also, Carolina is imploding and Cam's shoulder is injured. The season-long numbers make them look like a bad match-up, but they've been nothing scary the past few weeks.
I'm in the somewhat envious but also annoying position of stockpiling too many good Ds and now doubting myself over which one to start. I mean, I can't sit the Bears, right? Even with a middling match-up? But Baltimore and Seattle have both been playing really well lately, and both have good match-ups (TB and @SF).
I don't think I can bring myself to bench Chicago. And like I said, good decision to have. Still, I'll have that doubt in the back of my mind all the way through to Sunday.
I don't think I can bring myself to bench Chicago. And like I said, good decision to have. Still, I'll have that doubt in the back of my mind all the way through to Sunday.
I’m debating between Chicago at home against GB and Houston at NYJets. Decisions, decisions. I need upside against the #1 seed. We have yardage and points penalties. My decision point might well be this: which QB will give up a TD through a strip sack or pick 6? Rodgers or Darnold?
jtp1982
Footballguy
If you’re DST scoring accounts for points and yards allowed that would push the needle towards Houston since they play a worse offense.
Never looked at the stats but I keep reading that Romeo Crennel has an excellent track record scheming against rookie QBs.
If it’s strictly points for DTDs, INTs and sacks I’d go Chicago, Rogers will get his but their D just keeps making amazing plays.
Normally, when looking at DSTs, I throw out defensive TDs because they're largely random. But Chicago may be the exception (much like Denver in 2015). Between Mack and Jackson, among others, they have the kind of players who can generate big plays on D. They have six on the year; no one else has more than four. (It also doesn't hurt that they've scored double digits four times in games where they didn't have a TD.)
All that said, if it were between Houston and Chicago I think I'd go Texans for the safer floor. Rodgers is capable of putting up big numbers and avoiding mistakes in a way that Darnold is not.
Lehigh98
Footballguy
Tough call, thoughts?...
CHI vs GB (Rodgers 368 passes in a row without a INT)
JAX vs WAS (Josh Johnson 7 years between INTs)
Scoring:
Sack 1, INT 2, Fumble Recovery 2, Safety 2, Blocked Kick 2, TD 6
0 points allowed (PA0)5
1-6 points allowed (PA1)4
7-13 points allowed (PA7)3
14-17 points allowed (PA14)1
28-34 points allowed (PA28)-1
35-45 points allowed (PA35)-3
46+ points allowed (PA46)-5
CHI vs GB (Rodgers 368 passes in a row without a INT)
JAX vs WAS (Josh Johnson 7 years between INTs)
Scoring:
Sack 1, INT 2, Fumble Recovery 2, Safety 2, Blocked Kick 2, TD 6
0 points allowed (PA0)5
1-6 points allowed (PA1)4
7-13 points allowed (PA7)3
14-17 points allowed (PA14)1
28-34 points allowed (PA28)-1
35-45 points allowed (PA35)-3
46+ points allowed (PA46)-5
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Judge Smails
Footballguy
Blew my FAAB last night to get Vikings at home vs Dolphins. Expecting a completely different Dolphin team on the road. Back to earth after their big NE game. They always play out of their minds vs NE at home. Expect the real Dolphins to show up this weekend and for a pissed Viking squad to lay the wood
In related news, my streak of not throwing an interception in an NFL game is at 45 years and counting
I’m in the same situation. Plus I have the Rams vs Foles. Thinking of holding Jags long enough that they can’t be scooped up by another team before Sunday. Can’t trust them.
Lehigh98
Footballguy
Guess I'm just trying to say I'm not sure how many points the Bears can put up if Rodgers plays his normal mistake-free game.
In related news, my streak of not throwing an interception in an NFL game is at 45 years and counting
I know, and I'm having some reservations about them as well (although I don't think I can bring myself to sit them, even for Baltimore or Seattle). It just sounded funny to say it that way.
I have them both but will probably start Chicago. Between the two, I think I like Baltimore. They're at home, where they're very good. Also, you know how sometimes Trump will go a day or two without tweeting anything, and you just know that when he finally gets his phone back, he's going to rip off some doozies? I kinda feel like that's Jameis with turnovers. He's due for another 4 INT game, possibly followed by a final Fitz switcheroo. Not guaranteeing it will be this week, but it's definitely coming.
Baltimore. At home. Just held KC to under 30 points in overtime. Winston will throw a pick guaranteed.
DirtyCashDylan
Footballguy
week 16
GB vs Jets
Miami vs Jax
Dropping Wash for one of these but which do you guys think? leaning Phins
GB vs Jets
Miami vs Jax
Dropping Wash for one of these but which do you guys think? leaning Phins
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jtp1982
Footballguy
I think Chicago could be overrated this week off last week’s game. A top five play for sure, but not a must start.
I give them credit for outscheming the Rams run game last week, but I give the Chicago cold credit for shutting down the Rams passing game against a QB who probably puts a jacket on when it’s 50 degrees at night in LA this time of year.
They just haven’t been that effective against QBs and WRs this season up until last week, and Rodgers isn’t going to have a problem with cold weather.
It feels like a game where they either put up mediocre stats or bail you out with a DTD. They usually get that TD and bail you out in these games this season, but it won’t be as easy against a QB who has thrown one pick all season, way back in week 4.
I give them credit for outscheming the Rams run game last week, but I give the Chicago cold credit for shutting down the Rams passing game against a QB who probably puts a jacket on when it’s 50 degrees at night in LA this time of year.
They just haven’t been that effective against QBs and WRs this season up until last week, and Rodgers isn’t going to have a problem with cold weather.
It feels like a game where they either put up mediocre stats or bail you out with a DTD. They usually get that TD and bail you out in these games this season, but it won’t be as easy against a QB who has thrown one pick all season, way back in week 4.
Sweatpants
Footballguy
Sweatpants
Footballguy
Team Smokin'
Footballguy
In one league semi-final I gotta start BUF. Not great, not awful
In the other league I'm currently holding 3 D/ST. LAR, SEA, JAX. I will play LAR next week @ ARI in week 16. With Foles at the helm most likely in PHI, the Rams have an even better match up this week.
JAX - WAS at JAX - Jags haven't dominated on D, but it's WAS and the QB carousel...
or
SEA - SEA at SF - I played SEA last week and jackpot. Feel like I should reward them again lol. They also hit the jackpot against SF at home in week 13 for 15 points.
SEA riding high seems like a SHARK choice? LOL Even though JAX is like the #1 rated D/ST this week and SEA a top 8 or so. If I start JAX or SEA I will drop the one I don't start and no one can pick them up this week. Next week both to the waiver wire.
In the other league I'm currently holding 3 D/ST. LAR, SEA, JAX. I will play LAR next week @ ARI in week 16. With Foles at the helm most likely in PHI, the Rams have an even better match up this week.
JAX - WAS at JAX - Jags haven't dominated on D, but it's WAS and the QB carousel...
or
SEA - SEA at SF - I played SEA last week and jackpot. Feel like I should reward them again lol. They also hit the jackpot against SF at home in week 13 for 15 points.
SEA riding high seems like a SHARK choice? LOL Even though JAX is like the #1 rated D/ST this week and SEA a top 8 or so. If I start JAX or SEA I will drop the one I don't start and no one can pick them up this week. Next week both to the waiver wire.
I'm with you. Maybe Rodgers will torch them, maybe they'll have an off day, but they're the DST1 and it's the semis and I'm gonna ride or die with them.
heckmanm
Footballguy
I grabbed MIN a few weeks back, but now I'm also eyeing ATL at home vs ARI's (as noted above) historically bad offense.
Sweatpants
Footballguy
Wise manzftcg said:
jtp1982
Footballguy
Guess not since I pretty much nailed that call. I was wrong about Chicago at least finishing in the top five this week though.
Arizona’s a historically bad offense and theyve been a huge DST upside play all year. I valued that over a dominant D this week based on my overall matchups and that’s why I’ve still got a shot for the W.
sportsphysio
Footballguy
ATL D
probably saved my #### this week, literally scored more than Barkley, Tyreek and Lindsay combined! Thanks to this board for the heads up!
sportsphysio
Footballguy
Looking ahead to Champioship Week 16, how would you rank these streamers:
IND vs NYG
DEN vs OAk
CLE vs CIN
IND vs NYG
DEN vs OAk
CLE vs CIN
Interseptopus
Footballguy
I'm not sure I'd go for IND myself unless there were rumors on Lauletta playing
Denver I like a lot, but their corners were out week 15, so it would depend on their health.
Cleveland would be a strong play, however Mixon is playing out of his mind and this is an awesome matchup for Mixon.
If I had to rank them for this week I'd go: Denver, Cleveland, Indianapolis
FBG has the Browns TD1 in my league for week 16. Oddly they have the Jets TD2 against GB and CIN TD3 against CLE. I'm not sure I'd feel good about either one of those plays (both are FA in my leagues)
How would you look at these defenses:
DAL vs TB - Tampa has been scoring points but making mistakes. Winston is good for at least 1 INT right? He's been better since he was starting again, but not great
LAC vs BAL
JAX @ MIA - Miami has been pretty solid
DEN @ OAK Possible weather, which is great for defenses, but MNF, and who wants that stress monday night!
Right now I have Jacksonville, which MIA has been pretty solid offensively. So I may be making a move. Possibly Denver. Not sure I want my fantasy championship relying on Monday Night Football though.
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sportsphysio
Footballguy
I’ve been a real crappy judge for streaming D’s this season, until the ATL D (probably) saved me this week (scored more points than Saquan, Tyreek and Lindsay COMBINED! So I’m not sure I’m the best to provide advice!
. Stats all point to Denver, but Carr always seems to pull a good game out of his ### at the most inopportune time (meaning, when I choose to stream against him).
robb
Footballguy
Amazing! You have the 3 defenses I have or am considering.
I have Denver (away game) (vs Oak) & Jac (away game) (vs Miami) and will consider picking up Cleveland (home game) (vs Cin). So FBG says pick up Cleveland and drop Jac. Does it being an "away" game impact how you rate a defense? Does anyone have thoughts other than what FBG is saying in terms of how you would rank Denver/Cleveland/Jac?
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Interseptopus
Footballguy
Ha! Thanks. I am leaning Denver and hoping the rain lasts long enough to make for a mess of a game.I’ve been a real crappy judge for streaming D’s this season, until the ATL D (probably) saved me this week (scored more points than Saquan, Tyreek and Lindsay COMBINED! So I’m not sure I’m the best to provide advice!
I have a hard time ranking Cleveland so high. They faced CIN week 12 and didn't do so well
I'm definitely leaning more JAX or DEN. Probably DEN
Eh, Chicago did fine. The other two Ds I was considering (Baltimore and Seattle) both did worse, but no one lit the world on fire except Atlanta, which was the option I was pooh-poohing upthread.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
Not sure how much the game will matter (will either be playing for 1st or 3rd depending on tonight's game) but either way will be picking between:
DEN @ OAK -- looked like a tasty match up and the reason most of us were holding on to/eyeing DEN leading into the last quarter of games. Now, with DEN's offense not looking so hot and their D being a sieve against the run, and the added issue of OAK playing better these last few games and being at home, not sure how much I can trust DEN.
TEN v WAS -- TEN has been on fire the last two games and just finished their third game of scoring >10 pts in my system, and face a WAS offense who is struggling and haven't put up more than 16 points the last 3 games straight.
BAL @ LAC -- not as much of a consideration as the other two, but you never know with BAL, who are generally good regardless of match up and put up over 20 pts against ATL who can move chains.
DEN @ OAK -- looked like a tasty match up and the reason most of us were holding on to/eyeing DEN leading into the last quarter of games. Now, with DEN's offense not looking so hot and their D being a sieve against the run, and the added issue of OAK playing better these last few games and being at home, not sure how much I can trust DEN.
TEN v WAS -- TEN has been on fire the last two games and just finished their third game of scoring >10 pts in my system, and face a WAS offense who is struggling and haven't put up more than 16 points the last 3 games straight.
BAL @ LAC -- not as much of a consideration as the other two, but you never know with BAL, who are generally good regardless of match up and put up over 20 pts against ATL who can move chains.
Interseptopus
Footballguy
Reading some stuff out there... what are thoughts for Detroit?
Here are some interesting stats for the Vikings offense:
17 points combined their last 2 road games
1 turn over every game but 1, and 2+ turnovers in 6 games this season
DST TD 6 times this season, one each the last 2 weeks
Also considering Miami... heavily
Jacksonville is averaging 13 points per game their last 5 games (16.1 on the season). Only scored over 20 points 3 times all season. Kody Kessler is just awful (150 yards, 0.5 TD, 0.5 INT average in 4 games). Their offense is tied for 3rd last in the NFL for giveaway/takeaway ratio (-12 on the season), and tied 7th worst in sacks allowed. Everyone points out how bad Washington has been, but Jacksonville has been worse across the board the entire season.
Here are some interesting stats for the Vikings offense:
17 points combined their last 2 road games
1 turn over every game but 1, and 2+ turnovers in 6 games this season
DST TD 6 times this season, one each the last 2 weeks
Also considering Miami... heavily
Jacksonville is averaging 13 points per game their last 5 games (16.1 on the season). Only scored over 20 points 3 times all season. Kody Kessler is just awful (150 yards, 0.5 TD, 0.5 INT average in 4 games). Their offense is tied for 3rd last in the NFL for giveaway/takeaway ratio (-12 on the season), and tied 7th worst in sacks allowed. Everyone points out how bad Washington has been, but Jacksonville has been worse across the board the entire season.
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The only league where I'm still (potentially) alive, I'm locked in on Chicago, so I don't have to make a choice this week, but of those I'd go Tenn because they've been playing the best lately, plus, you know, Josh Johnson. He's looked halfway decent the past couple games, but he's still Josh Johnson and there's a reason he's been out of the league for seven years.
Miami is also a good choice, particularly if playing a home team is important to you, but I just don't think their D is all that good.
Interseptopus
Footballguy
I'm talking myself more and more into Miami because I think Jacksonville is a worse offense. When streaming defenses I think it's less how "good" a defense is, and more what the match-up is. Good defenses like Chicago will create turn overs and other opportunities. Streaming-quality defenses pretty much take what they are given.
Miami isn't a good defense, but I wouldn't say Tennessee is particularly a good defense either. In comparison with Miami- Miami allows a lot of yards, but creates a lot of turnovers.
Jacksonville Offense:
Yards per game: 26th (this is where Miami is terrible, so in a match-up like this who is going to bend/break? JAX benched Fournette practically 2nd half week 15, maybe he gets limited touches again)
Points per game: 30th
Turnovers: 6th most - this is where I think Miami can hurt the most. They are 2nd in the league in turnovers.
1st Downs: 28th
If TEN was a FA in my league I would probably have a hard decision, and would probably go with TEN just because they have a better all around defense, but I think Miami is a sneaky play this week considering the match-up
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I'm a little cheesed that my fantasy opponent for this week dumped Tennessee to the wire so they could scoop up Buffalo and lose to me. My likely fantasy Super Bowl opponent can grab them for next week now although I'm hoping the Logan Ryan injury hampers them somewhat.
I'm sticking with the Rams in the money matchup against Arizona. No reason to be discouraged by their woeful performance last night. Should make them angry.
I'm sticking with the Rams in the money matchup against Arizona. No reason to be discouraged by their woeful performance last night. Should make them angry.
JoeyJoJoJuniorShabadoo
Footballguy
Any DST playing vs Arizona is a good bet (and i say this as somebody who likely will lose his semi final because the Rams dropped a turd against the Eagles)
Jags D. 18 pts
Bears D. 11 pts
Almost cost me the win but won in spite of Bears D. Should have gone with my gut. Bears flying cross country for game next Sunday. Locked up division/playoff. I’ll be going with my gut next Sunday and using Dolphins at home vs Jags.
whiskey7
Footballguy
There are several decent options to choose from this week, IMO. In addition to those already mentioned above, I think a guy could do worse than the Pats home (and presumably salty) vs the Bills.
I was definitely expecting better than the deuce I got out of Balt home vs TB this week. And I wont be using them next week @LAC. Currently also have Seattle rostered. They are typically much better at home but the Chefs are coming to town. Considering Indy home vs Giants, Fins home vs Jags, Browns home vs Cinci, and NE home vs Buf. Dallas home vs TB might be viable but TB just made me regret going with Balt in Balt.
I was definitely expecting better than the deuce I got out of Balt home vs TB this week. And I wont be using them next week @LAC. Currently also have Seattle rostered. They are typically much better at home but the Chefs are coming to town. Considering Indy home vs Giants, Fins home vs Jags, Browns home vs Cinci, and NE home vs Buf. Dallas home vs TB might be viable but TB just made me regret going with Balt in Balt.
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Interseptopus
Footballguy
NE vs Buffalo is interesting. I'm actually considering adding and playing Josh Allen over Goff due to the matchup
Was your gut telling you Jacksonville was going to return a punt for a TD? Because in my league, which uses standard scoring but doesn't award points for special teams, Jax had 4pts and was D20 for the week. Bears had 8 and were D7.
Point being, go with whatever you feel comfortable with, but whatever you choose, know there's a whole lot of luck involved.
Stompin' Tom Connors
Footballguy
2 points from BAL? My league awards DST points for yards and points allowed, and though they only got 1 INT, the overall performance was good enough for 12+ points in my league scoring, so surprised they didn't fare better than 2 points for you.
As for next week, agree it's a risk going back to BAL -- I am certainly looking for other options but also looking to do so without dropping them. May be overkill, and I don't expect them to be a hot wire pickup given that it's a tough match up for them in W16, but you never know. Would rather not arm my opponents with options to be used against me.
I like MIA and NE best out of the options you presented, with IND as a solid 3rd choice. MIA against a JAX team that seems to have zero direction and fight, playing at home and still mathematically able to win the division, if not a wildcard spot. NE for the same reasons.
whiskey7
Footballguy
Actually, literal in this case though the metaphorical applies, too. We get points for sacks, turnovers, safeties, and any kind of return TD. Shutout is worth 10 and holding opponent to 10 points or less is worth 3. So I got a measly 2 from the Ravens as they only got 1 sack and 1 int.
Leroy Hoard
Footballguy
irish eyes
Footballguy
Cant believe no one has mentioned Minnesota against Detroit
