2025 Team Defense & Defense by Committee Thread (4 Viewers)

[Faust]

Bengals face harsh truth as defensive struggles highlight need for major overhaul

 

[Nick Vermeil]

Bengals face harsh truth as defensive struggles highlight need for major overhaul

They are the best chance for me this weekend. Bah.

 

[BobbyLayne]

I probably don't have a good enough team to repeat (8-5, #5) but here's my plan:

14. Steelers vs CLE​

15. Ravens at NYG​

16. Chargers vs DEN TNF​

17. Chargers at NE​

​

Seahawks are another possibility, they've been playing great the last month. at ARI, GB, MIN, at CHI

 

[BobbyLayne]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

 

[spurs44]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

Was just considering dropping Philly def for Arizona. I'm not playing till weeks 15/16. Arizona def plays at home wk15 vs N.E. and at Carolina wk16? What say you? Appreciate your opinion.

 

[Doubles]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

There a link to this?

 

[BobbyLayne]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

There a link to this?

Maybe?

It’s on the SubStack app - Match Quarters is the content provider

I’ll circle back if I find a way to share it

 

[FarFromHome]

Tampa this week? I'll never learn. Ha ha

 

[BobbyLayne]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

Was just considering dropping Philly def for Arizona. I'm not playing till weeks 15/16. Arizona def plays at home wk15 vs N.E. and at Carolina wk16? What say you? Appreciate your opinion.

I wouldn’t do it. The trend is your friend. Nobody is playing defense better than the Eagles rn.

 

[BobbyLayne]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

There a link to this?

Maybe?

It’s on the SubStack app - Match Quarters is the content provider

I’ll circle back if I find a way to share it

Here you go @Doubles

Match Quarters

 

[FarFromHome]

Crazy how different leagues are. I'm in one league where there is only 7 defenses available on wire. 7. Smh. I picked up Tennessee. Prolly go back and forth 100 times between them and Tampa this week. Stupid football.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Going with Arizona in one league (had to drop Denver, so I may just ride them ROS). In another league, deciding between AZ and NO for this week

 

[BobbyLayne]

FTN had an interesting take this week looking at DVOA weeks 1-6 v weeks 7-13

Biggest Offensive Improvements:

• Miami from -33.6% (31) to 5.4% (13)
• Cleveland from -43.2% (32) to -10.3% (23)
• Los Angeles Chargers from -8.4% (22) to 9.6% (10)
• Denver from -13.7% (26) to 3.3% (14)
• Arizona from 2.7% (13) to 17.1% (4)

Biggest Offensive Declines:

• Seattle from 9.1% (10) to -18.3% (32)
• Atlanta from 14.8% (7) to -2.4% (19)
• Indianapolis from 2.1% (14) to -14.8% (26)
• San Francisco from 17.3% (5) to 1.3% (17)

Biggest Defensive Improvements:

• Philadelphia from 6.7% (25) to -31.6% (1)
• Jacksonville from 26.1% (32) to 11.1% (25)
• Seattle from 2.7% (19) to -10.3% (6)
• Miami from 10.6% (28) to -1.9% (12)
• Arizona from 1.8% (17) to -9.2% (7)

Biggest Defensive Declines:

• Minnesota from -36.9% (1) to -3.4% (10)
• Tampa Bay from -8.4% (11) to 16.6% (29)
• Chicago from -10.0% (8) to 13.4% (28)
• Kansas City from -15.0% (4) to 8.3% (24)
• New Orleans from -2.7% (15) to 19.0% (32

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

Was just considering dropping Philly def for Arizona. I'm not playing till weeks 15/16. Arizona def plays at home wk15 vs N.E. and at Carolina wk16? What say you? Appreciate your opinion.

I wouldn’t do it. The trend is your friend. Nobody is playing defense better than the Eagles rn.

Yeah, it does sometimes happen that a good NFL defense is not great for fantasy, and the Eagles haven't exactly been piling up points recently, but when a D is playing that well I think you have to bet on that eventually paying off for fantasy

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

FTN had an interesting take this week looking at DVOA weeks 1-6 v weeks 7-13

Biggest Offensive Improvements:

• Miami from -33.6% (31) to 5.4% (13)
• Cleveland from -43.2% (32) to -10.3% (23)
• Los Angeles Chargers from -8.4% (22) to 9.6% (10)
• Denver from -13.7% (26) to 3.3% (14)
• Arizona from 2.7% (13) to 17.1% (4)

Biggest Offensive Declines:

• Seattle from 9.1% (10) to -18.3% (32)
• Atlanta from 14.8% (7) to -2.4% (19)
• Indianapolis from 2.1% (14) to -14.8% (26)
• San Francisco from 17.3% (5) to 1.3% (17)

Biggest Defensive Improvements:

• Philadelphia from 6.7% (25) to -31.6% (1)
• Jacksonville from 26.1% (32) to 11.1% (25)
• Seattle from 2.7% (19) to -10.3% (6)
• Miami from 10.6% (28) to -1.9% (12)
• Arizona from 1.8% (17) to -9.2% (7)

Biggest Defensive Declines:

• Minnesota from -36.9% (1) to -3.4% (10)
• Tampa Bay from -8.4% (11) to 16.6% (29)
• Chicago from -10.0% (8) to 13.4% (28)
• Kansas City from -15.0% (4) to 8.3% (24)
• New Orleans from -2.7% (15) to 19.0% (32

This largely tracks with what we've been seeing on the field. To cite a few examples, Jax is no pushover for opposing offenses these days, and Seattle and Arizona have improved a lot. Atlanta's offense seems to be crumbling. Minny and KCs DSTs seem to be coasting a bit on their early-season reps

 

[RaidersAreOne]

Rolling with the Titans this weekend with Denver on a bye and just missing out on the Eagles.

 

[GoBirds]

How do you like the Lions for playoffs?

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Looking at

TB vs LV
TEN vs JAX
JAX vs TEN
ATL vs MIN
NYJ vs MIA
CHI vs SF
CIN vs DAL

One that might work for weeks 14-15-16 is CINCINNATI vs Dallas, Tennessee, Browns. MFL has them rated 23-32-31 so far this year against fantasy defenses.

Hoo boy, good luck with that! Cinci has the ability to make even crappy offenses look like the '07 Pats

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

How do you like the Lions for playoffs?

There are probably better options. The Bills matchup is obviously terrible, SF/CHI are middle of the pack. And so far they've been able to overcome injuries and patch a defense together with duct tape and snot. But with more and more guys on IR their luck may finally run out

 

[kyoun1e]

Gameplan:

* Week 14: BALT @NYG
* Week 15: BUF vs NE
* Week 16: BUF vs NYJ

Plan B for any of the above weeks: PHI D in the case they are too dominant to bench against anyone.

 

[robb]

Better defense start in week 14?:

Jac vs. Tennessee

Tennessee vs Jacksonville

they are playing each other, which defense will excel?

 

[Pigskin Fanatic]

Better defense start in week 14?:

Jac vs. Tennessee

Tennessee vs Jacksonville

they are playing each other, which defense will excel?

grabbed Jax last night but would have grabbed TEN if they had been available. and a few minutes ago announced Trevor Lawrence to IR, so even more so wish TEN had been available.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Week 15 (1st round playoffs), who do we like here?

• Jets @ JAX
• Ravens @ NYG
• Chiefs @ CLE

Leaning Ravens

 

[Mitchie]

Week 15 (1st round playoffs), who do we like here?

• Jets @ JAX
• Ravens @ NYG
• Chiefs @ CLE

Leaning Ravens

Chiefs D really hasn't done much all season, potential is there w/ Jameis but hard to trust, other 2 aren't on my waiver, would prob go with Balty vs. NYG

 

[kyoun1e]

Week 15 (1st round playoffs), who do we like here?

• Jets @ JAX
• Ravens @ NYG
• Chiefs @ CLE

Leaning Ravens

I just picked up the Ravens for that juicy matchup.

Winston will throw for 350 against that mediocre KC D and I don't trust the Jets at all.

 

[spurs44]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

Was just considering dropping Philly def for Arizona. I'm not playing till weeks 15/16. Arizona def plays at home wk15 vs N.E. and at Carolina wk16? What say you? Appreciate your opinion.

I wouldn’t do it. The trend is your friend. Nobody is playing defense better than the Eagles rn.

Thanks for your reply.

 

[spurs44]

from MatchQuarters:

rank	defense	epa/play	sr	dropback epa/play	dropback sr	rush epa/play	rush sr
1	ARZ	−0.048	60.2%	−0.101	56.7%	0.040	65.9%
2	ATL	−0.051	61.6%	−0.133	60.6%	0.077	63.0%
3	BLT	0.008	65.2%	−0.051	61.2%	0.137	73.8%
4	BUF	0.066	63.9%	0.017	60.0%	0.142	69.8%
5	CAR	−0.103	60.1%	−0.114	56.3%	−0.091	64.4%
6	CHI	0.041	64.7%	0.069	63.3%	0.004	66.7%
7	CIN	−0.066	61.3%	−0.090	60.9%	−0.030	62.0%
8	CLV	−0.025	65.8%	−0.090	63.4%	0.065	69.0%
9	DAL	−0.078	62.6%	−0.023	61.7%	−0.153	63.9%
10	DEN	0.148	68.8%	0.144	65.6%	0.158	74.9%
11	DET	0.109	66.6%	0.106	63.3%	0.117	74.1%
12	GB	0.040	60.9%	0.015	56.9%	0.080	67.4%
13	HST	0.095	68.7%	0.077	66.3%	0.125	72.7%
14	IND	0.006	62.9%	−0.052	58.8%	0.078	68.0%
15	JAX	−0.167	60.8%	−0.283	55.6%	0.013	68.9%
16	KC	0.009	63.3%	−0.054	59.7%	0.127	69.9%
17	LA	−0.034	63.0%	−0.067	59.4%	0.007	67.4%
18	LAC	0.091	68.7%	0.094	67.1%	0.087	71.2%
19	LV	−0.052	64.0%	−0.115	59.4%	0.050	71.4%
20	MIA	0.035	62.5%	−0.028	60.7%	0.135	65.4%
21	MIN	0.120	68.2%	0.082	65.0%	0.203	75.3%
22	NE	−0.034	62.5%	−0.104	57.8%	0.058	68.8%
23	NO	−0.062	62.6%	−0.039	62.7%	−0.099	62.3%
24	NYG	−0.038	63.9%	−0.099	60.6%	0.047	68.7%
25	NYJ	0.033	68.8%	0.014	67.4%	0.057	70.5%
26	PHI	0.109	67.5%	0.090	65.7%	0.144	70.5%
27	PIT	0.085	63.6%	0.058	61.0%	0.130	68.1%
28	SEA	0.026	64.3%	0.038	63.4%	0.007	65.7%
29	SF	0.037	65.1%	0.038	62.1%	0.035	69.1%
30	TB	−0.037	63.4%	−0.079	60.2%	0.046	69.6%
31	TEN	0.031	66.6%	−0.006	62.3%	0.084	72.7%
32	WAS	−0.023	61.8%	−0.025	60.1%	−0.021	63.9%
33	NFL	0.009	64.2%	−0.022	61.4%	0.058	68.6%

Was just considering dropping Philly def for Arizona. I'm not playing till weeks 15/16. Arizona def plays at home wk15 vs N.E. and at Carolina wk16? What say you? Appreciate your opinion.

I wouldn’t do it. The trend is your friend. Nobody is playing defense better than the Eagles rn.

Thanks for your reply.

Guess I'm sticking with Philly. I have a 1st rd bye. They play Washington and Dallas weeks 16 and 17. Works for me.

 

[Ardbeg4ever]

For what it's worth, here are my week 14 DST ranks.

PIT

MIN

ARI

PHI

TB

NO

BUF

SEA

LAC

DAL

DET

SF

KC

 

[GoBirds]

Searching for a week 16/17 find on WW and not finding much exciting, maybe SD. Who are y’all grabbing if you have the bye?

 

[the spanker]

Week 15 (1st round playoffs), who do we like here?

• Jets @ JAX
• Ravens @ NYG
• Chiefs @ CLE

Leaning Ravens

I just picked up the Ravens for that juicy matchup.

Winston will throw for 350 against that mediocre KC D and I don't trust the Jets at all.

Whew, was worried I may not get them. Real shrewd sharks in my league. I got Ravens for that matchup. Let's hope it pays off for us!

 

[Largent]

As of this moment for me, 15-17 playoff weeks....using the Vikings vs ATL this week. If I win, good chance I secure a 1st round bye (top 2)...but they will be dropped immediately next week.

Vikes: CHI, @SEA, GB
Arizona: NE, @CAR, @LAR
Indy: @Den, TENN, @NYG

 

[VikingFrog]

As of this moment for me, 15-17 playoff weeks....using the Vikings vs ATL this week. If I win, good chance I secure a 1st round bye (top 2)...but they will be dropped immediately next week.

Vikes: CHI, @SEA, GB
Arizona: NE, @CAR, @LAR
Indy: @Den, TENN, @NYG

I’m dropping Vikings for Buffalo and pairing them with Philly for the playoff run.

 

[Largent]

As of this moment for me, 15-17 playoff weeks....using the Vikings vs ATL this week. If I win, good chance I secure a 1st round bye (top 2)...but they will be dropped immediately next week.

Vikes: CHI, @SEA, GB
Arizona: NE, @CAR, @LAR
Indy: @Den, TENN, @NYG

I’m dropping Vikings for Buffalo and pairing them with Philly for the playoff run.

How BUFF is on the wire?

 

[Faust]

Eagles defensive success a welcome surprise

 

[VikingFrog]

As of this moment for me, 15-17 playoff weeks....using the Vikings vs ATL this week. If I win, good chance I secure a 1st round bye (top 2)...but they will be dropped immediately next week.

Vikes: CHI, @SEA, GB
Arizona: NE, @CAR, @LAR
Indy: @Den, TENN, @NYG

I’m dropping Vikings for Buffalo and pairing them with Philly for the playoff run.

How BUFF is on the wire?

Dropped Wednesday for TN by a team that needs a win and a little help to get into the playoffs. So my guess is they see this as their ability to score the most points this week.

 

[urbanhack]

I've rode Dallas the past two weeks....can they keep it up at home against Cinncy?

Only other options are Browns at Pitt. Or Giants at home against NO.

 

[Ray Barboni]

I've rode Dallas the past two weeks....can they keep it up at home against Cinncy?

Only other options are Browns at Pitt. Or Giants at home against NO.

I’d roll with Dallas here. Call me a slappy for a primetime game if you want - but since Parsons is healthy, Dallas D has been good.

Let’s not forget that defense was a multiple week winner last year (one week 1 this year). I like Dallas D at home against a Cincy team that is on thin ice (playoff wise)

 

[MrJimiT]

I’d roll with Dallas here. Call me a slappy for a primetime game if you want - but since Parsons is healthy, Dallas D has been good.

Let’s not forget that defense was a multiple week winner last year (one week 1 this year). I like Dallas D at home against a Cincy team that is on thin ice (playoff wise)

You bring up an interesting thought here. I, also, have this thing about Sunday night or Monday night prime time games. I usually like to have someone scoring for me at the end of the weekend. For my league, Dallas is available on the wire. We are in Round 1 of the playoffs and my opponent has QB Burrow going on Monday Night. My thoughts hinge on whether or not I believe the Cowboy D can shut him down enough to matter to keep him from scoring 20+.

 

[Pietaster2]

As of this moment for me, 15-17 playoff weeks....using the Vikings vs ATL this week. If I win, good chance I secure a 1st round bye (top 2)...but they will be dropped immediately next week.

Vikes: CHI, @SEA, GB
Arizona: NE, @CAR, @LAR
Indy: @Den, TENN, @NYG

I’m dropping Vikings for Buffalo and pairing them with Philly for the playoff run.

Are you concerned about having to start Philly against Pittsburgh in week 15? Or do you have a first round bye?

I have your Bill/Eagles combo and I’m exploring my WW options for week 15. None look good, so I have a decision to make.

EDIT: I’m leaning toward picking up and starting the Rams against a banged up SF week 15 if Trent Williams isn’t returning.

 

[VikingFrog]

As of this moment for me, 15-17 playoff weeks....using the Vikings vs ATL this week. If I win, good chance I secure a 1st round bye (top 2)...but they will be dropped immediately next week.

Vikes: CHI, @SEA, GB
Arizona: NE, @CAR, @LAR
Indy: @Den, TENN, @NYG

I’m dropping Vikings for Buffalo and pairing them with Philly for the playoff run.

Are you concerned about having to start Philly against Pittsburgh in week 15? Or do you have a first round bye?

I have your combo and I’m exploring my WW options for week 15. None look good, so I have a decision to make.

EDIT: I’m leaning toward picking up and starting the Rams against a banged up SF week 15 if Trent Williams isn’t returning.

I’m not too concerned.

And also may or may not have first round bye in both leagues… depending on this week’s results. If there is something hanging out there that looks juicy… I’d think about grabbing them.

But, as good as buffalo vs jets in week 17 is… I think Philly vs Dallas will be the optimal championship matchup… so likely holding for that.

 

[Faust]

Improving Panthers D a boost for Evero's head-coach chances?

NFL scout urges Carolina Panthers to play former first-round draft pick more

 

[kyoun1e]

As of this moment for me, 15-17 playoff weeks....using the Vikings vs ATL this week. If I win, good chance I secure a 1st round bye (top 2)...but they will be dropped immediately next week.

Vikes: CHI, @SEA, GB
Arizona: NE, @CAR, @LAR
Indy: @Den, TENN, @NYG

I’m dropping Vikings for Buffalo and pairing them with Philly for the playoff run.

Are you concerned about having to start Philly against Pittsburgh in week 15? Or do you have a first round bye?

I have your combo and I’m exploring my WW options for week 15. None look good, so I have a decision to make.

EDIT: I’m leaning toward picking up and starting the Rams against a banged up SF week 15 if Trent Williams isn’t returning.

I’m not too concerned.

And also may or may not have first round bye in both leagues… depending on this week’s results. If there is something hanging out there that looks juicy… I’d think about grabbing them.

But, as good as buffalo vs jets in week 17 is… I think Philly vs Dallas will be the optimal championship matchup… so likely holding for that.

I'm holding PHI as well despite what looks like just ok matchups. I have both BALT (@NYG) for week 14 and BUF (NE, NYJ) for 16 and 17 but PHI just may be so dominant I may start them anyway.

 

[Faust]

How T-shirts are fueling Steelers' defensive takeaways

 

[Faust]

REPORT: Rams' Defense Will Have Its Hands Full vs. Bills

 

[Runkle]

Bucs did just enough to make me consider holding on in case Dallas continues to look bad.

 

[Schmeabs]

Pick up Washington in case Carr is out next week?

 

[Sarlakticacid]

Thought I was set with Buf wk 16 and 17…

At least they are at home

 

[VikingFrog]

Baltimore gets the Giants. If they were dropped on their bye.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Thought I was set with Buf wk 16 and 17…

At least they are at home

I'm the same boat with Arizona. I actually dropped Denver and thought I could just roll with them for the next couple weeks. Now, not so sure

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Colts are middle of the pack in my league in scoring, but have weeks 16 & 17 vs Tennessee & Giants. Anything to see here?