2025 Team Defense & Defense by Committee Thread (6 Viewers)

[Insein]

2nd week in a row I'm batting zero. Baltimore screwing me. 

-6 now. Jesus

 

[Sinn Fein]

I could drop Saints (v. TB next week) - I don't need the points this week, and pick up Steelers (@ Clev next week) for free.  Or I could pick up 49ers (v. Chi).  

I can't see starting Saints v. TB next week, who is the better streaming option?

 

[MrJimiT]

At this point, I think we can throw Carolina back into the pile of week by week defense's.

 

[Pietaster2]

At this point, I think we can throw Carolina back into the pile of week by week defense's.

I agree. The last two weeks were really bad showings against offenses they should have handled. They're playing well below their talent level on defense because they're always on the field due to their offensive issues. I don't expect one man (Gilmore) to overcome this and will be throwing them back to stream.

I passed on Dallas and other decent ones for Carolina, and that was a bad bet. I'm starting to look at the Chargers as a mid season replacement with a pretty good playoff schedule, or Pittsburgh.

 

[Insein]

Last 2 weeks have been brutal. Last week (Car 0) cost me a game. This week could cost me (Bal -6) but I might survive it. 

Need to get back on track next week. 

 

[Team Smokin']

I could drop Saints (v. TB next week) - I don't need the points this week, and pick up Steelers (@ Clev next week) for free.  Or I could pick up 49ers (v. Chi).  

I can't see starting Saints v. TB next week, who is the better streaming option?

I looked at PIT D and see it's out there. Started the year out with them and gave up after week 2 with all the injuries. Going DAL and BUF in two leagues - set em and forget it with perhaps an occasional second D with a good match up later in the season. Not many holding 2 D's yet. 

PIT has 3 nice games in a row.

@ CLE

CHI

DET

I like that run.

 

[Team Smokin']

At this point, I think we can throw Carolina back into the pile of week by week defense's.

Yep, I snagged them and had to drop DAL D to play a kicker this week. Even though FBG had CAR like a top D/ST for the ROS, I'm not seeing it right now. Going back into the pile unless I hear some kind of positive news, but CAR without CMC has completely fallen off the face of football contention. I'm sure they will turn it around some.

My hope is to be able to get DAL D back on the waiver wire. I did grab DAL D and BUF D for free this week moving forward in two other leagues. I like the idea of getting through the bye weeks early with D's and K's if possible to allow for greater flexibility with the normal byes. 

And then there's NE whom I played twice this week and did fine. Carry two D/ST's if I can. Otherwise ranking them accordingly for the ROS and which ones could maximize points and turnovers. DAL and BUF seem to be trending nicely up. I would take the present production. 

 

[VikingFrog]

Lots of good streams out there this week. Likely having to dump New Orleans out of TB fear.

CIN @ NYJ

SEA Vs JAX

LAC Vs NE

Pitt @ CLE

TEN @ IND

All of these seem like good enough options. 

 

[tigerz]

Lots of good streams out there this week. Likely having to dump New Orleans out of TB fear.

CIN @ NYJ

SEA Vs JAX

LAC Vs NE

Pitt @ CLE

TEN @ IND

All of these seem like good enough options. 

honestly, all of these options could just as easily be traps. All those teams have put up stinkers and the bad offenses have had upsets. also not sure Cleveland and Indianapolis are as bad as you think. Colts made a turn and scored 30. Cleveland gets Chubb back and they embarrassed broncos with a third string rb.

can start any of them but I don’t know which ones I’d feel most confident with. Floors are non existent.

probably bengals first and chargers second.

 

[Insein]

Put on bids for Cincy and Seattle. They seem to be the only obvious choices this week. Which means they'll both let up 35 points and 500+ yards of offense.

 

[VikingFrog]

honestly, all of these options could just as easily be traps. All those teams have put up stinkers and the bad offenses have had upsets. also not sure Cleveland and Indianapolis are as bad as you think. Colts made a turn and scored 30. Cleveland gets Chubb back and they embarrassed broncos with a third string rb.

can start any of them but I don’t know which ones I’d feel most confident with. Floors are non existent.

probably bengals first and chargers second.

I’d agree with you. But seems like there are more options than there were last week 

Good not great options. I’d plug Cinci easily coming off their big Baltimore showing and facing the Jets who are in disarray even more so than before.

But, other than that, you are likely right. 

 

[jobarules]

Also trying to grab Cincy to replace NO. That being said, is NO a drop? They didn't look like anything special until the 4th qtr but their defense is loaded.

 

[need2know]

Sticking with Dallas.  Dropping arizona

 

[sho nuff]

Sticking with Dallas.  Dropping arizona

Same here and dropping SF even with them going against Chicago.

Another...likely going Cin.  SF can bite me.

 

[Timmay]

I guess i'm going to start Dallas over Arizona this week. Nothing good out there on WW, best option is Seahawks vs Jacksonville, but I think Jags can put up some points against them. 

 

[Team Smokin']

Sticking with Dallas.  Dropping arizona

Strong move. I picked DAL D back up last week in one league over CAR moving forward dropping CAR this week. Picked up BUF in another league and could have had DAL. Could add DAL as a second D, but really no reason to carry these two D's.  Finally, looking like going after DAL over NE in another league. NE D seems to get more love. I don't get that. FBG like NE > DAL and I like DAL > NE for ROS. 

I'm not seeing DAL D getting a whole lot of love this week or ROS and I don't understand the reason. I'm in. Solid team all the way around. I see them playing with leads and continue to cause turnovers. Hard for Diggs to keep up this pace, but I bet he gets a few more picks this year. 

If streaming it looks like CIN is the flavor of the week @ NYJ.   

 

[Johnny Utah #9]

Most likely taking my chances and going Pitt this week, as their next two games after this week look like smash spots (CHI, DET). 

That being said, Pitt’s schedule stiffens up after that so I’m also looking for a later season option. I see a lot of people here mentioning LAC as a long term pickup. I get the fact that they have a nice playoff schedule, but is that the only reason? The way their defense is playing now is concerning. Their rush D is so bad that it’s having an effect on the offense at this point. Staley is a great defensive mind, so is the thinking that he sorts this out and they come on down the stretch? Just wondering about people’s logic on this one at the moment. 

 

[tigerz]

Strong move. I picked DAL D back up last week in one league over CAR moving forward dropping CAR this week. Picked up BUF in another league and could have had DAL. Could add DAL as a second D, but really no reason to carry these two D's.  Finally, looking like going after DAL over NE in another league. NE D seems to get more love. I don't get that. FBG like NE > DAL and I like DAL > NE for ROS. 

I'm not seeing DAL D getting a whole lot of love this week or ROS and I don't understand the reason. I'm in. Solid team all the way around. I see them playing with leads and continue to cause turnovers. Hard for Diggs to keep up this pace, but I bet he gets a few more picks this year. 

If streaming it looks like CIN is the flavor of the week @ NYJ.   

take advantage. Cowboys seem like the safest team. Even when they allow High scoring and yards they get td interceptions that make up for it. I’m sure they’ll have the occasional down games but if people are willing to ride Carolina and broncos as single defense teams all year then cowboys are vastly superior since they actually did well against top tier offenses multiple times. Not a mirage.

 

[themeistersinger]

What are the thoughts regarding Arizona this week?  Chandler Jones off the Covid list and Davante Adams on the Covid list.

 

[Timmay]

What are the thoughts regarding Arizona this week?  Chandler Jones off the Covid list and Davante Adams on the Covid list.

Im interested in this situation. If Adams is out, might lean Arizona this week over Dallas. 

 

[MrJimiT]

I'm not seeing DAL D getting a whole lot of love this week or ROS and I don't understand the reason. I'm in. Solid team all the way around. I see them playing with leads and continue to cause turnovers. Hard for Diggs to keep up this pace, but I bet he gets a few more picks this year.

When it comes to ROS, Dallas does not get the same love that we have been giving them in this thread. Without giving away too much proprietary info, Carolina has been ranked really high all year....and I am dropping them like a bad habit.

 

[kyoun1e]

Most likely taking my chances and going Pitt this week, as their next two games after this week look like smash spots (CHI, DET). 

That being said, Pitt’s schedule stiffens up after that so I’m also looking for a later season option. I see a lot of people here mentioning LAC as a long term pickup. I get the fact that they have a nice playoff schedule, but is that the only reason? The way their defense is playing now is concerning. Their rush D is so bad that it’s having an effect on the offense at this point. Staley is a great defensive mind, so is the thinking that he sorts this out and they come on down the stretch? Just wondering about people’s logic on this one at the moment. 

If you grab SF and PIT you're covered the next 4 weeks combined:

@CHI, CHI, DET, @JAX

Have them both now. 

Still wouldn't mind Cinci @NYJ although believe it or not, I wouldn't be surprised if Flacco stablizes things a bit if he gets the start for NYJ.

 

[Faust]

Quick Hits: Bengals Defense Flexing Top Ten Muscle; Saturday Night Live For Inspiration

 

[hamsterdam]

Going to be dropping CAR for PIT

 

[VikingFrog]

Going to be dropping CAR for PIT

I’m curious about Pitt. Plenty of better options this week like Seattle and Atlanta, but those don’t seem like good defenses. I like a good defense. Pitt and LAC and Indy projected less but seem like better options.

Currently grabbed Seattle… but thinking about pivoting before the world wakes up.

Indy has a real nice schedule after Ten if they can hold their ground against the Titans.

 

[hamsterdam]

I’m curious about Pitt. Plenty of better options this week like Seattle and Atlanta, but those don’t seem like good defenses. I like a good defense. Pitt and LAC and Indy projected less but seem like better options.

Currently grabbed Seattle… but thinking about pivoting before the world wakes up.

Indy has a real nice schedule after Ten if they can hold their ground against the Titans.

I think the PITT play is similar to IND, where you hope they do okay against CLE and then they have plus matchups vs. CHI and DET after that. I'd probably rather have IND if I had a choice, but they just got scooped with a decent bid in my league.

LAC looks like a fine play also, but I don't want to carry two DEF at the moment and would rather lock up the great matchups the following two weeks with PITT.

CAR has been okay, more on and off. ATL seems like a good matchup but Matt Ryan has been on a tear so I think they'll put up points. I think CAR has a talented unit but Darnold's horrible play has been putting them in bad positions.

 

[Insein]

Missed on Cincy by $5! Got Seattle though. Hope it works. My last 2 selections have been underwhelming to say the least. 

 

[VikingFrog]

Missed on Cincy by $5! Got Seattle though. Hope it works. My last 2 selections have been underwhelming to say the least. 

I have Seattle right now as well, but it feels very underwhelming.

 

[SoBeDad]

Strong move. I picked DAL D back up last week in one league over CAR moving forward dropping CAR this week. Picked up BUF in another league and could have had DAL. Could add DAL as a second D, but really no reason to carry these two D's.  Finally, looking like going after DAL over NE in another league. NE D seems to get more love. I don't get that. FBG like NE > DAL and I like DAL > NE for ROS. 

I'm not seeing DAL D getting a whole lot of love this week or ROS and I don't understand the reason. I'm in. Solid team all the way around. I see them playing with leads and continue to cause turnovers. Hard for Diggs to keep up this pace, but I bet he gets a few more picks this year. 

If streaming it looks like CIN is the flavor of the week @ NYJ.   

The Dallas D has been TD and INT dependent. 3 TDs in 6 games. I'm not sure they can keep it up, although they should get better as a unit. 

 

[JIslander]

I think the PITT play is similar to IND, where you hope they do okay against CLE and then they have plus matchups vs. CHI and DET after that. I'd probably rather have IND if I had a choice, but they just got scooped with a decent bid in my league.

LAC looks like a fine play also, but I don't want to carry two DEF at the moment and would rather lock up the great matchups the following two weeks with PITT.

CAR has been okay, more on and off. ATL seems like a good matchup but Matt Ryan has been on a tear so I think they'll put up points. I think CAR has a talented unit but Darnold's horrible play has been putting them in bad positions.

What about Atlanta def stream this week?  I've got Ravens on bye (and may just drop them anyway) --but not much else good on waivers --

 

[Pietaster2]

Going to be dropping CAR for PIT

I ended up doing the same because someone beat me to Cincy. It was between PIT and LAC for me, and I still might try for LAC after this week.

Can someone who has been paying attention tell me if the Chargers really have a "terrible run defense," or is it by design to have a "run funnel" D where they drop a bunch of DBs into coverage and dare teams to run every week? All other defensive stat categories except for rushing yards allowed look good, but people keep saying they're bad. So what is it? If they are legit, their schedule down the stretch makes them look like a weekly hold and people are going to figure that out soon, but for now you can still get them for free.

 

[Johnny Utah #9]

I ended up doing the same because someone beat me to Cincy. It was between PIT and LAC for me, and I still might try for LAC after this week.

Can someone who has been paying attention tell me if the Chargers really have a "terrible run defense," or is it by design to have a "run funnel" D where they drop a bunch of DBs into coverage and dare teams to run every week? All other defensive stat categories except for rushing yards allowed look good, but people keep saying they're bad. So what is it? If they are legit, their schedule down the stretch makes them look like a weekly hold and people are going to figure that out soon, but for now you can still get them for free.

I’m wondering the same thing myself, as I’m interested in LAC later in the season. It very well could be they have a run funnel D, but the problem is it appears that this approach is having a negative influence on their offense at this point, and you would think it would have to be adjusted/change. Not many teams propose the running threat of the Ravens but they really exposed that defense in that game. 
The Rams weren’t a run funnel when Staley was running that D, but yeah, Aaron Donald will solve that problem.

I would be very interested to hear some insight from Chargers fans myself, since as you say, the rest of the metrics look good and they seem to be flying under the radar so far.

 

[Faust]

3 burning questions for the Chargers coming out of the bye week

Excerpt:

Can the run defense be fixed?

The Chargers not being able to slow the run has been repetitive since the start of the season. Los Angeles was able to mask it with its offense and ability to limit the pass. But the team found out against the Ravens that it was only a matter of time until it came back to hurt them.

L.A. is allowing 162.5 yards per game and 5.6 yards per rush, which both rank dead-last in the NFL.

Starting along the defensive line, the Chargers do not have the talent to consistently hold their own at the point of attack, which is why ball carriers have had so many holes to run through. Furthermore, the second and third levels are to blame, considering there have been missed tackles far too often.

Justin Jones is expected to return from the injured reserve, which should help since he was the team’s best interior defender in this department. Of course, a trade or signing could be beneficial. Nonetheless, the main contributors Linval Joseph, Jerry Tillery, and Christian Covington, need to be better.

 
HC Brandon Staley assesses Chargers' run defense struggles

Excerpt:

One of the primary reasons the Chargers have been susceptible on the ground lies along the defensive line. Interior defenders have not been able to take on blocks efficiently, and with them getting pushed off the line of the scrimmage, massive holes have been created.

Plenty of that has to do with the lack of talent in the trenches. However, the group could be getting a boost this weekend with the likely return of Justin Jones, who was designated to return from the injured reserve.

Jones should aid this area, but he will still need assistance from his fellow teammates to get on the right track. Therefore, the second and third levels need to take proper angles to the football, stay off blockers and be low-man-wins tacklers with stopping power.

The Patriots do not have a prominent rushing offense, only averaging 95.4 yards per game. However, it would not be a surprise if offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels resorts to it in hopes of exploiting the Chargers’ shortcoming.

 

[Faust]

Khalil Mack (foot) is out for Week 8 against the 49ers, and could be sent to injured reserve.

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo notes that Mack snapped a five-game sack streak in Week 7 while dealing with a foot injury. Mack is Pro Football Focus' 41st ranked edge player in pass rush grade. His absence will hurt the Chicago's ability to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and could make the Bears' run first approach on offense even less likely to generate wins.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Oct 27, 2021, 10:30 AM ET

 

[Faust]

Bengals Defense is looking ideal as a top start for this week:

Joe Flacco will not join the Jets until Friday and is likely to be inactive for Week 8.

Mike White will start at quarterback for the Jets in Week 8 against the Bengals.

 

[Pietaster2]

3 burning questions for the Chargers coming out of the bye week

Excerpt:

 
HC Brandon Staley assesses Chargers' run defense struggles

Excerpt:

Very helpful stuff here, thanks.

So the Chargers are one Justin Jones return and a defensive line trade away from becoming a very good or elite defense? Something to monitor, for sure.

 

[VikingFrog]

I think the PITT play is similar to IND, where you hope they do okay against CLE and then they have plus matchups vs. CHI and DET after that. I'd probably rather have IND if I had a choice, but they just got scooped with a decent bid in my league.

LAC looks like a fine play also, but I don't want to carry two DEF at the moment and would rather lock up the great matchups the following two weeks with PITT.

CAR has been okay, more on and off. ATL seems like a good matchup but Matt Ryan has been on a tear so I think they'll put up points. I think CAR has a talented unit but Darnold's horrible play has been putting them in bad positions.

If Chubb looks doubtful (haven’t seen any updates), but if he does… then Pitt might jump up my rankings. Although we know DErnest had a game last week and Pitt got run on by Collins.

 

[JIslander]

Was going to play Bears, but with Mack out,  re-thinking.

Thoughts on KC @ home Monday nigth vs Gmen?   Have to think they want to bounce back big after being embarrassed last week. --- 

 

[VikingFrog]

The Cinci owner who grabbed them off waivers dropped them for Indi.  They are big favorites this week so likely focused on the weeks ahead. 
 

Defintiely grabbing Cinci over Seattle if I can get them as a free agent Saturday.

Sometimes the second round of waivers gets ignored in my league and it may work in my favor. 
 

Thanks for listening to my team Ted Talk.

 

[hamsterdam]

I think the PITT play is similar to IND, where you hope they do okay against CLE and then they have plus matchups vs. CHI and DET after that. I'd probably rather have IND if I had a choice, but they just got scooped with a decent bid in my league.

LAC looks like a fine play also, but I don't want to carry two DEF at the moment and would rather lock up the great matchups the following two weeks with PITT.

CAR has been okay, more on and off. ATL seems like a good matchup but Matt Ryan has been on a tear so I think they'll put up points. I think CAR has a talented unit but Darnold's horrible play has been putting them in bad positions.

After writing all that I missed out on PITT lol. Guess I’m sticking with CAR for now 

 

[Gold Fox]

After writing all that I missed out on PITT lol. Guess I’m sticking with CAR for now 

Kicked CAR to the curb and I’m riding with IND.  I liked what I saw for three quarters against BAL, and they held up in the tsunami against SF. I know TEN is a questionable matchup, but there are better days ahead.

 

[TampaMike19]

SF vs Chicago? No Khalil mack means less pass rush to mess up jimmy g, hoping they can put up points to force fields to pass 

 

[TampaMike19]

Kicked CAR to the curb and I’m riding with IND.  I liked what I saw for three quarters against BAL, and they held up in the tsunami against SF. I know TEN is a questionable matchup, but there are better days ahead.

they did put up 7 on the road vs TEN…not bad at all. Good defense overall with Indy. What about SF?

 

[hamsterdam]

Kicked CAR to the curb and I’m riding with IND.  I liked what I saw for three quarters against BAL, and they held up in the tsunami against SF. I know TEN is a questionable matchup, but there are better days ahead.

I'd def rather have IND but got outbid. League mate put in a decent chunk

 

[VikingFrog]

After writing all that I missed out on PITT lol. Guess I’m sticking with CAR for now 

Hah. After reading that, I told myself I should grab Pitt or Indy, and dump Seattle. Got busy with meetings and in the back of my mind at 3-4 record, am still focused on winning week to week so watched Indy and Pitt get snatched up at around 2:00 PM when some of my league  mates stated dinking around. 

 

[Timmay]

Thoughts on starting Cards at home vs GB tonight or Dallas at Min on Sunday. If it matters, I have Dalvin Cook going. 

 

[jobarules]

Thoughts on starting Cards at home vs GB tonight or Dallas at Min on Sunday. If it matters, I have Dalvin Cook going. 

No JJ Watt. Hes out for the season. I liked them before that news. Now not so sure. I dont know. This is a tough one. I think Id lean Dallas.

 

[kyoun1e]

How is everyone feeling about SF this week?

@CHI. Fields has been a get sacked machine. Would think the floor is pretty high since it's unlikely a Fields led team scores a ton of points.

That said, SF was lit up pretty good in the rain by the Indy offense.

Considering SF or PIT (especially if Mayfield is out).

 

[Faust]

49ers news: This stat suggests San Francisco is primed for a rebound (FanSided article with autoplay video)

The 49ers have had a slow start to the 2021 season, but this defensive stat suggests that they will be able to turn it around.

The San Francisco 49ers defense ranks as the No. 1 defensive in the NFL in pass yards allowed and No. 2 in total yards surrendered this year over six weeks, five games played plus the Niners’ bye.

With San Francisco having a bye week last week and other teams not having that benefit, the numbers are slightly inflated. Just looking at the first five weeks of the season, the 49ers were No. 5 in passing yards allowed anyway.

Over the past three seasons, teams that finish top three in both of those categories make the playoffs 100 percent of the time. Although the Niners’ 2-3 record doesn’t reflect how adaptable this defense has been given its injuries, this unit is still playing at an elite level.

In Week 5, San Francisco faced an offense that was one of the hottest in the league in the now 6-0 Arizona Cardinals. Before facing the 49ers, the Cardinals averaged 304 passing yards per game and 2.5 touchdowns through the air.

The Cardinals would finish that game with just 210 yards passing and one throwing touchdown despite pulling off the 17-10 win.

The Niners were able to stall the Arizona offense by applying pressure and sticking with receivers when Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray extended plays. The defense gave San Francisco an opportunity to win against the NFL’s only remaining unbeaten team, so fans should remain optimistic this team can succeed moving forward.

49ers secondary has come up huge despite injuries 

The 49ers have been rotating players throughout their secondary ever since starting cornerback Jason Verrett tore his ACL in the opener. Cornerbacks Josh Norman, Emmanuel Moseley, and K’Waun Williams have all been banged up or injured during this season as well.

Despite the struggle to keep the core of the secondary healthy, though, the Niners have still found success defending the pass.

Moseley has played exceptionally well, giving up zero touchdowns on the season and allowing just 1.4 yards of separation between him and his receiver on each target, per playerprofiler.com. Moseley also has a burn rate (percentage of targets allowed in which the defensive back’s assigned receiver gained more than 5 yards of separation down the field) of zero percent, which leads the NFL.

Turnovers are the only question mark for 49ers defense 

Although San Francisco’s defense has ranked in the top five for several statistical categories, turnovers are not one of them. The defense has played well, but it has yet to produce a decent number of turnovers on the season.

On the season, the 49ers only have one interception and one forced fumble that resulted in a turnover, which ranks dead last in the NFL.

Defensive backs have accounted for zero of the Niners’ interceptions with their only one coming from linebacker Dre Greenlaw way back in Week 1. To win games moving forward, the defense needs to focus on forcing turnovers and giving the offense short fields to work with. Their strength certainly sits on the defensive side of the ball and the easier the defense can make it for the offense to score more points the better.

Positive regression should be in store as well, as San Francisco’s turnover rate is one of the lowest of the past several seasons through five games.

That alone might be the stat suggesting the 49ers can potentially rebound from the struggles they’ve experienced as of late. If turnovers become more frequent and the defense continues its prowess elsewhere, the Niners will be in a much, much better position.

Creating turnovers should be atop of the discussion when setting goals for the defense, and one would expect defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans to make it a point of emphasis in the coming weeks.

 

[Faust]

Los Angeles Rams defense has been opportunistic but is still work in progress