2025 Team Defense & Defense by Committee Thread (13 Viewers)

[Pietaster2]

Seahawks’ defense keeps proving pressure is its most dangerous weapon

Nick Emmanwori: "The Game Is Slowing Down For Me"

DeMarcus Lawrence revels in Seahawks' dominance after scoring two defensive TDs in win over Cardinals

Seahawks LB Tyrice Knight delivers standout performance in Week 10 victory over Cardinals

Having and starting the Seahawks this weekend was my favorite streaming moment of the season so far. When it hits like that, it’s special. No matter what they do going forward, I’ll always appreciate and remember a rare two TD performance. Congrats to any of you here who own them!

Almost made up for JT burying my week. Almost.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

God help me, I'm thinking of picking up Dallas for next week's matchup vs LV. I currently have Cleveland (facing Baltimore) and Indy (on bye, followed by KC). I generally shy away from crappy defenses with good matchups, but the alternatives are Chicago (@Minn) or Wash (Mia)

Picked Dallas also, LV is really bad.

One added bonus to playing Dallas: If you know by Monday morning that your match-up is already decided, you can drop them and pick up another D that will help you in the future. For example, Indy plays KC n Week 12, but follows that with Texans and Jags the following two weeks, so could be a good prospective pickup. And since they will be coming off their bye next Monday, you should be able to pick them up without going through waivers

 

[bcat01]

Ravens, Patriots and Falcons all available. Now I just need to pick the right one.

 

[Faust]

Debuting Jaelan Phillips 'super grateful' to lead Eagles' revamped defense in Monday night win over Packers

Matt LaFleur: Packers’ defense was outstanding, offense made too many mistakes

 

[Faust]

Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr. spearhead Texans' turnaround in comeback: 'Scary force on the edge'

 

[urbanhack]

Ravens, Patriots and Falcons all available. Now I just need to pick the right one.

I'm going after Ravens.

 

[tkrull2.0]

I'm staring at the Cowboys, Dolphins, Niners, and Cardinals...

 

[steelwind]

Atl v Car or GB @ NYG for me.
Currently have Atl rostered.

 

[kyoun1e]

After my opponent last week picked up the NYJs D at the last second and proceeded to get 2 TDs, I've come to the conclusion that Ds are as random as kickers.

 

[doeseatplace]

Interesting trends from an advanced stats outfit…​

Defensive improvement since Week 6​

• Tampa Bay from (21) to (1)
• Miami from (32) to (7)
• Baltimore from (27) to (8)
• Los Angeles Chargers from (19) to (9)

Defensive decline since Week 6

• Atlanta from (3) to (14)
• Green Bay from (4) to (13)
• Philadelphia from (7) to (20)
• Washington from (13) to (31)

 

[Payne]

God help me, I'm thinking of picking up Dallas for next week's matchup vs LV. I currently have Cleveland (facing Baltimore) and Indy (on bye, followed by KC). I generally shy away from crappy defenses with good matchups, but the alternatives are Chicago (@Minn) or Wash (Mia)

Picked Dallas also, LV is really bad.

One added bonus to playing Dallas: If you know by Monday morning that your match-up is already decided, you can drop them and pick up another D that will help you in the future. For example, Indy plays KC n Week 12, but follows that with Texans and Jags the following two weeks, so could be a good prospective pickup. And since they will be coming off their bye next Monday, you should be able to pick them up without going through waivers

I like this.

 

[Faust]

Three reasons why the Ravens turned around their defense

 

[Doubles]

Deciding to roster two of NE, TB or Balt. Wondering which is the best pairing?

ROS:

Week 11:
NE vs NYJ
Balt vs Cle
TB vs Buf

Week 12:
NE vs Cinci
Balt vs NYJ
TB vs LAR

Week 13:
NE vs NYG
Balt vs Cinci
TB vs ARI

Week 14:
NE Bye
Balt vs Pit
TB vs NO

Week 15:
NE vs Buf
Balt vs Cinci
TB vs ATL

Week 16:
NE vs Bal
Bal vs NE
TB vs CAR

Week 17:
NE vs NYJ
Balt vs GB
TB vs MIA

I think TB and Balt since that gives me vs CLE, CIN, then ROS TB for 13-chip. So I guess it’s deciding between NE and Baltimore which is just if I want to face Gabriel then Fields (Baltimore) or Fields then Flacco (NE).

 

[urbanhack]

Three reasons why the Ravens turned around their defense

I'll be running them out this week.

 

[Pietaster2]

Three reasons why the Ravens turned around their defense

I'll be running them out this week.

Same. First time all season I’m holding two defenses, but I just can’t trust the Seahawks, as good as they’ve been, against the juggernaut of the Rams offense.

Would love to have that bench slot for a lottery pick RB, but it is what it is. I can’t take a zero when the rams put up 30 points on the Seahawks.

 

[tkrull2.0]

Rolling with the Dolphins this week.

 

[icehouse]

Anyone trust GB this week with Winston starting?

 

[tkrull2.0]

Anyone trust GB this week with Winston starting?

I would.

 

[jobarules]

Anyone playing Rams d home vs Seattle? I also have Chargers facing Jax which I think is the better matchup but I hate holding two defenses. Is Rams d safe to drop or are they set and forget? So confused.

 

[Faust]

2025 NFL defensive line rankings ahead of Week 11: The Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles are on the rise

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Looks like I'm stuck with Cleveland vs Baltimore this week. I had a roster spot I could have used on Dallas or Chicago, but I assumed Gadsden would be out and I'd need another TE, so I waited and in the meantime they got scooped up. Only alternatives available at this point are Tennessee, Miami or SF. I figure just stick with the good D in a bad matchup and hope they get enough points to not actively hurt my chances of winning.

Worst part is that I can't even pick up a look-ahead defense, since I will definitely need a replacement for Gadsden next week when he's on bye

 

[jobarules]

Looks like I'm stuck with Cleveland vs Baltimore this week. I had a roster spot I could have used on Dallas or Chicago, but I assumed Gadsden would be out and I'd need another TE, so I waited and in the meantime they got scooped up. Only alternatives available at this point are Tennessee, Miami or SF. I figure just stick with the good D in a bad matchup and hope they get enough points to not actively hurt my chances of winning.

Worst part is that I can't even pick up a look-ahead defense, since I will definitely need a replacement for Gadsden next week when he's on bye

Cle faces LV next week so you got your look ahead defense already.

 

[JohnnyU]

Anyone playing Rams d home vs Seattle? I also have Chargers facing Jax which I think is the better matchup but I hate holding two defenses. Is Rams d safe to drop or are they set and forget? So confused.

I wouldn’t drop the Rams def.

 

[Schmeabs]

Maybe Winston will give the Packers D some takeaways this week

 

[Judge Smails]

Really torn. Have Denver vs KC at home. KC has zero running game, will be predictable, Denver will pin their ears back. Should sack Mahomes several times. Can see KC struggling in this one at Mile High.

Other choice is ATL. Home vs Carolina. Should be automatic, right? Not so fast. Carolina wants to run and blitzed ATL 30-0 last time. They don’t want Bryce to pass and he will only if forced to from behind. On the flip side, could be a classic revenge game from the last blowout. Both teams played poorly last week so should be fired up with intensity (hearing Carolina was over confident last week after the win at Lambeau was mind blowing). I could see it going either way. If they can slow down Dowdle ATL will eat. If they don’t, could put up a goose egg. I picked up ATL for these matchups but I dunno. Thoughts?

 

[Judge Smails]

Falcons get CAR, NO, Jets next 3 weeks and have been sacking QBs like crazy

I'M IN

Very vulnerable against the run

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Looks like I'm stuck with Cleveland vs Baltimore this week. I had a roster spot I could have used on Dallas or Chicago, but I assumed Gadsden would be out and I'd need another TE, so I waited and in the meantime they got scooped up. Only alternatives available at this point are Tennessee, Miami or SF. I figure just stick with the good D in a bad matchup and hope they get enough points to not actively hurt my chances of winning.

Worst part is that I can't even pick up a look-ahead defense, since I will definitely need a replacement for Gadsden next week when he's on bye

Cle faces LV next week so you got your look ahead defense already.

Yes, Cleveland has a weird second-half schedule, with good matchups in alternating weeks. Ideally I can stream in odd-numbered weeks, but apparently not for Week 11

 

[kyoun1e]

Looks like I'm stuck with Cleveland vs Baltimore this week. I had a roster spot I could have used on Dallas or Chicago, but I assumed Gadsden would be out and I'd need another TE, so I waited and in the meantime they got scooped up. Only alternatives available at this point are Tennessee, Miami or SF. I figure just stick with the good D in a bad matchup and hope they get enough points to not actively hurt my chances of winning.

Worst part is that I can't even pick up a look-ahead defense, since I will definitely need a replacement for Gadsden next week when he's on bye

Watch the weather in this game. Looks like it could be windy and raw. Both Ds could end up being good plays.

 

[kyoun1e]

Really torn. Have Denver vs KC at home. KC has zero running game, will be predictable, Denver will pin their ears back. Should sack Mahomes several times. Can see KC struggling in this one at Mile High.

Other choice is ATL. Home vs Carolina. Should be automatic, right? Not so fast. Carolina wants to run and blitzed ATL 30-0 last time. They don’t want Bryce to pass and he will only if forced to from behind. On the flip side, could be a classic revenge game from the last blowout. Both teams played poorly last week so should be fired up with intensity (hearing Carolina was over confident last week after the win at Lambeau was mind blowing). I could see it going either way. If they can slow down Dowdle ATL will eat. If they don’t, could put up a goose egg. I picked up ATL for these matchups but I dunno. Thoughts?

After watching J. Taylor rip holes through the ATL run D I must say I'm a bit terrified of starting them. Other option is KC D @ DEN.

CAR wants to run...and run run some more. If Rico gets rolling this D will do nothing significant.

Still, part of me is thinking that ATL came in before the previous game a little over confident. I could swear they had a rather nice game just prior and they may have just come out flat.

Still torn.

 

[ignatiusjreilly]

Really torn. Have Denver vs KC at home. KC has zero running game, will be predictable, Denver will pin their ears back. Should sack Mahomes several times. Can see KC struggling in this one at Mile High.

Other choice is ATL. Home vs Carolina. Should be automatic, right? Not so fast. Carolina wants to run and blitzed ATL 30-0 last time. They don’t want Bryce to pass and he will only if forced to from behind. On the flip side, could be a classic revenge game from the last blowout. Both teams played poorly last week so should be fired up with intensity (hearing Carolina was over confident last week after the win at Lambeau was mind blowing). I could see it going either way. If they can slow down Dowdle ATL will eat. If they don’t, could put up a goose egg. I picked up ATL for these matchups but I dunno. Thoughts?

After watching J. Taylor rip holes through the ATL run D I must say I'm a bit terrified of starting them. Other option is KC D @ DEN.

CAR wants to run...and run run some more. If Rico gets rolling this D will do nothing significant.

Still, part of me is thinking that ATL came in before the previous game a little over confident. I could swear they had a rather nice game just prior and they may have just come out flat.

Still torn.

My rule of thumb is, when in doubt, go with the better defense rather than the better matchup. So that would mean KC. But I agree it's close. Just remind yourself that the statistical likelihood is both defenses will get about 6pts and that decision won't be the thing that decides your matchup

 

[BearsFan4Life]

MN or PHI D in Wks 15 and 16 for playoffs?

MN - @Dal, @ NYG
Phi - vs LV, @ Wash

Have NE for week 17 at NYJ. I own MN, but a MN fan offered me Phi.

 

[jobarules]

Philly for sure

 

[kyoun1e]

ATL or KC D?

 

[the spanker]

Nobody interested in Cowboys D @ Raiders? Torn between them and KC D.

 

[kyoun1e]

Nobody interested in Cowboys D @ Raiders? Torn between them and KC D.

In that situation I'd only go DAL D if I was a serious underdog. I think both offenses will be able to move the ball, but DAL seems to have a knack for TDs. So they could either get you -2 or 22.

KC probably a solid 7-10 points +- 2

 

[jobarules]

Nobody interested in Cowboys D @ Raiders? Torn between them and KC D.

I personally think theyre gonna be a great start.

KC has always been a better real life defenses than fantasy defense under spags.

 

[dmac37]

To me Tampa is the DST play to finish the season and the playoffs.

Weeks 13-17
AZ, NO, ATL, CAR, MIA

 

[amnesiac]

To me Tampa is the DST play to finish the season and the playoffs.

Weeks 13-17
AZ, NO, ATL, CAR, MIA

Tampa still on the waiver wire. may add a second DT once my playoff spot is locked in.

 

[RaidersAreOne]

Pats D roasts me once again.

 

[Faust]

Bears defense gets huge reinforcements as superstar returns

Injury-depleted Bears' defense looking to avenge Week 1 loss to Vikings in Sunday's rematch

 

[Faust]

Cowboys set to get key reinforcements on defense for Raiders clash

 

[Faust]

Bengals edge rushers Hendrickson, Stewart out vs. Steelers

 

[VikingFrog]

I think I’m getting fancy and running Cleveland out against Baltimore in some high winds.

 

[Largent]

Have Denver, worried yes - but they are sacking QB's at a rate not seen since the late 70's.

All said, I'm looking at week 16/17. Week 16 Jags at home - check. Week 17 in Arrowhead for what could be a desperate Chiefs - no bueno for Championship time.

Options:
Tampa @ Miami : not sure if Miami will be on the rails or off the rails
Saints : 15-17 have CAR, Jets and @ Tenn.....that "should" be the best schedule if they're still playing for anything.
Steelers: @ CLE - snow/minus 10....should be low score

Which would you choose?

 

[jobarules]

Have Denver, worried yes - but they are sacking QB's at a rate not seen since the late 70's.

All said, I'm looking at week 16/17. Week 16 Jags at home - check. Week 17 in Arrowhead for what could be a desperate Chiefs - no bueno for Championship time.

Options:
Tampa @ Miami : not sure if Miami will be on the rails or off the rails
Saints : 15-17 have CAR, Jets and @ Tenn.....that "should" be the best schedule if they're still playing for anything.
Steelers: @ CLE - snow/minus 10....should be low score

Which would you choose?

Miami plays Washington at home, not Tampa. I would favor either Miami def or Steelers def this week.

Hes talking about week 16. And Miami plays Washington in spain

 

[JohnnyU]

Have Denver, worried yes - but they are sacking QB's at a rate not seen since the late 70's.

All said, I'm looking at week 16/17. Week 16 Jags at home - check. Week 17 in Arrowhead for what could be a desperate Chiefs - no bueno for Championship time.

Options:
Tampa @ Miami : not sure if Miami will be on the rails or off the rails
Saints : 15-17 have CAR, Jets and @ Tenn.....that "should" be the best schedule if they're still playing for anything.
Steelers: @ CLE - snow/minus 10....should be low score

Which would you choose?

Miami plays Washington at home, not Tampa. I would favor either Miami def or Steelers def this week.

Hes talking about week 16. And Miami plays Washington in spain

Yes, my bad.

 

[VikingFrog]

I’ve got Atlanta going in a lot of places. But it just stinks to high heaven for me.

Weak against the run and Rico is running well.

Thought they were an auto start earlier this year against CAR and they burned me in a lot of leagues that week.

 

[Faust]

Behind Vance Joseph’s Denver Broncos comeback story

Zac Stevens
Vance Joseph stated the entire Broncos’ defense is so unselfish.

“That’s makes the unit go”

Pointed to everyone on the defense being self made, outside of Pat Surtain.

Added that when a player gets a sack, the entire group celebrates as if they got the sack.

“That’s the best trait of this unit”

“That makes me smile”

https://x.com/zacstevensdnvr/status/1989087877247168687?s=61

 

[Faust]

2025 NFL Defensive Tiers Week 11: Best to Worst From Broncos to Bengals

 

[kyoun1e]

I’ve got Atlanta going in a lot of places. But it just stinks to high heaven for me.

Weak against the run and Rico is running well.

Thought they were an auto start earlier this year against CAR and they burned me in a lot of leagues that week.

Ditto.

Also, didn't they have to travel back from overseas? If yes, they'd lose a day of practice and be a bit beat.

Grabbed ATL last week, but also picked up the KC D. Been going back and forth all day.

ATL strength is their pass rush. 6+ sacks two weeks in a row. If Rico can run though, that will limit B. Young's dropbacks. Game is at home though.

KC D mediocre fantasy wise, but damn did Bo Nix and that Denver offense look miserable against LV. KC has to win this game too.