👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Top Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings (Weeks 13, 14, 15, 16) - Defense Streamers and Starts (2025)

Falcons Defense - Fantasy Football D/ST Streamers, Jessie Bates IDP Rankings, Team Defense Pickups

Joey's best fantasy football defense streamers and D/ST rankings for Weeks 13, 14, 15, 16 in 2025. NFL team defense streamers and starts based on strength of schedule.

Welcome, RotoBallers, to our fantasy football D/ST streamers and starts for Weeks 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the 2025 season. Each week, we will go through the best defensive streaming options that fantasy managers should pick up for the next four weeks. 

This article will highlight defenses that fantasy managers need to pick up for the final two weeks of the regular season, as well as the first two rounds of the fantasy football playoffs. Stashing the right defenses at this point in the season could be the difference between a championship and a first-round exit.

So, let's look at several defensive targets for the next four weeks (Weeks 13, 14, 15, 16). If you want our D/ST fantasy football draft rankings, be sure to check that out. So, let's dive in and look at the best defensive streamers and starts for Week 13 and beyond.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

D/ST Strength of Schedule: Weeks 13-16

This weekly series will focus on defenses fantasy managers should consider picking up for the coming weeks. We will look at defenses fantasy managers should pick up for one week, and some defenses to pick up for the fantasy football playoffs. Sometimes, rostering two defenses isn't the worst strategy with the fantasy football playoffs right around the corner.

So, we will break down the best defensive streamers into a few categories (Temporary, Part-Time, Recruit, and Fool's Gold) in this article below. You can see the description of each of those streamer types down below:

  • “TemporaryStreamer: D/ST with a good matchup in Week 13
  • “Part-TimeStreamer: D/ST with multiple nice matchups in a row
  • “RecruitStreamer: D/ST with an easy upcoming schedule that you pick up earlier to stash on your bench
  • Fool’s GoldStreamer: D/ST that on paper looks like a good option, but should be avoided 

 

Week 13 D/ST Streamers

Since this is a streamer D/ST article, we will only look at defenses that are rostered in under 60% of ESPN leagues. There are other fantastic D/ST matchups as well for this week, so check out our Week 13 defense streamers and tiered rankings article to see the full list:

Atlanta Falcons D/ST (Temporary Streamer)

  • Week 13 Opponent: New York Jets
  • ESPN Rostership: 36.4%
  • Over-Under: 38.5 points
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 18.5

Some fantasy managers were hesitant to start this Falcons defense last week due to the team's recent play. However, Atlanta showed out by having one of its better defensive performances of the season. The defense totaled five sacks and allowed just one field goal against the New Orleans Saints in Week 12.

As a result, fantasy managers can feel confident rolling out the Falcons' D/ST in Week 13 against the New York Jets. Atlanta has totaled 23 sacks over its last four games and currently ranks sixth in pass rush win rate and top-10 in pressure rate on the season. That's enough reason to start this defense in most formats against a Jets offense that has allowed the fourth-most sacks in 2025.

Unfortunately, after this matchup against the Jets, the Falcons should be dropped in most formats. They will have tougher matchups against the Seahawks (Week 14), Buccaneers (Week 15), and Cardinals (Week 16) in the coming weeks. So, this D/ST is only a temporary streamer for Week 13.

Los Angeles Chargers D/ST (Temporary Streamer)

  • Week 13 Opponent: Las Vegas Raiders
  • ESPN Rostership: 29.2%
  • Over-Under: 42.5 points
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 17.5

The Los Angeles Chargers will be a top-5 play in Week 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Geno Smith was just sacked 10 times in last week's loss, and the Chargers should be able to get some pressure on him in this game. They have totaled at least three sacks in three of their last four games, dating back to Week 8. Therefore, be sure to pick up this D/ST for this week.

The Raiders are averaging just 15 points per game (tied for the fewest in the NFL), and the offensive line continues to have a hard time protecting Smith. Given that Las Vegas has given up 20 sacks over the past three weeks, the Chargers' D/ST should be in for a nice fantasy day in Week 13. Los Angeles also ranks 13th in pass rush win rate this season.

Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST (Part-Time Streamer)

  • Week 13 Opponent: Tennessee Titans
  • Week 15 Opponent: New York Jets
  • ESPN Rostership: 51.7%
  • Over-Under: 42.5 points
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 17

Things appear to be trending up for the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense. This unit held the Chargers to just six offensive points in Week 11 and then totaled a season-high six sacks against the Arizona Cardinals last week. With two favorable matchups across the next three games, this Jaguars D/ST is a sneaky pick up.

First up for Jacksonville is a matchup against the Titans in Week 13. Tennessee's offensive line has given up the most sacks in the NFL (45) through 12 weeks, and Cam Ward has been sacked at least three times in six straight games. After the Jaguars' sack outburst in Week 12, this defense is a strong play in all formats this week.

Then, this defense will face a subpar Jets offense in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs. While we don't know if Tyrod Taylor or Justin Fields will be the starter by then, Jacksonville's defense should feast in this game. New York ranks 28th in pass block win rate, and the offensive line has given up 39 sacks this season (tied for the fourth-most in the NFL).

San Francisco 49ers D/ST (Part-Time Streamer)

  • Week 13 Opponent: Cleveland Browns
  • Week 15 Opponent: Tennessee Titans
  • ESPN Rostership: 20.7%
  • Over-Under: 43.5 points
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 18

The 49ers' defense has one of the best fantasy schedules over the next few weeks. San Francisco will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 13 and the Tennessee Titans in Week 15. Although this defense hasn't looked the best at times without Fred Warner or Nick Bosa, these are two favorable matchups against bottom-5 offenses.

The Browns will be starting Shedeur Sanders again in Week 13 after he led them to a victory over the Las Vegas Raiders last week. However, Sanders' making another start shouldn't scare fantasy managers away from starting this San Francisco defense. The rookie has gone 15-for-36 with one touchdown and two interceptions in his two appearances this season.

The 49ers will then face another rookie quarterback in Ward in the first round of the fantasy football playoffs. Defenses have scored the most fantasy points against the Titans' offense this year. That's not surprising, considering Tennessee ranks dead last in sacks allowed, and the offense has scored 20 points or fewer in nine of 11 games.

 

Fool’s Gold D/ST Streamers

Buffalo Bills D/ST at Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Week 13 Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers
  • ESPN Rostership: 48%

Some fantasy managers might look to add the Bills' defense this week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it's best to avoid this D/ST in most formats. Aaron Rodgers is expected to be back following a one-game absence due to a wrist injury, and the Pittsburgh offensive line ranks ninth in pass block win rate.

Given that the Bills have just one sack over their last three games, there are plenty of better defensive plays in Week 13. Additionally, Rodgers has the third-fastest time to throw (2.64 seconds) this season, which means sacks could be hard to come by for Buffalo's defense in this game. That makes this D/ST fool's gold for this week.

 

D/ST Streamers for Week 14 (Recruit Streamers)

If you have Week 13 already figured out, let's look ahead at some defensive options that you could start in Week 14:

  • Kansas City Chiefs (22.6% rostership) - Week 14 opponent: Houston Texans
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers (19.6% rostership) - Week 14 Opponent: New Orleans Saints
  • Miami Dolphins (2.3% rostership) - Week 14 opponent: New York Jets

 

D/ST Streaming Action Plan: Next Four Weeks

Planning out your fantasy D/ST might require some work, but it might be necessary to target the best matchups every single week. Here is how I would line up my defensive streams across the first four weeks.

  • Week 13: Stream the Jaguars versus the Titans
  • Week 14: Stream the Browns versus the Titans
  • Week 15: Stream the Eagles versus the Raiders
  • Week 16: Stream the Chiefs versus the Titans

 

Playoffs D/ST Targets

Philadelphia Eagles D/ST

  • Week 15 Opponent: Las Vegas Raiders
  • Week 16 Opponent: Washington Commanders
  • ESPN Rostership: 51.6%

The Eagles are one of the few defenses that are rostered in under 60% of ESPN leagues and have two great matchups to open the first two rounds of the fantasy football playoffs. They will play the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15 and then the Washington Commanders in Week 16.

Philadelphia will be a must-start defensive play in that Week 15 matchup against the Raiders. Las Vegas is averaging just 15 points per game (tied for the fewest in the NFL), and Smith has been sacked 20 times over the past three weeks. For Week 16, starting this Eagles defense will depend on Jayden Daniels' injury status. If he misses, this D/ST will be a top-5 play.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST

  • Week 15 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons
  • Week 16 Opponent: Carolina Panthers
  • ESPN Rostership: 22.8%

The Buccaneers have struggled defensively in recent weeks. They have totaled just two sacks over their past three games and have allowed 100 points since Week 10. With two fantastic matchups in the first two rounds of the fantasy playoffs, though, managers should be thinking about stashing this Tampa Bay D/ST.

The Falcons will be starting Kirk Cousins in Week 15, with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) officially out for the season. Given Cousins' struggles in his limited snaps under center this year, the Buccaneers will be a top defensive play in the first round of the playoffs. This D/ST will also be a must-start in Week 16 against a Panthers offense that has scored 17 points or fewer in four of the past five games.

Chicago Bears D/ST

  • Week 15 Opponent: Cleveland Browns
  • ESPN Rostership: 21.6%

It remains to be seen if Sanders will still be the Browns' starting quarterback in Week 15. Either way, though, this Bears D/ST is a nice stash for the first round of the fantasy football playoffs. No defense has forced more turnovers than Chicago through the first 12 weeks (24), and this unit has totaled multiple sacks in six of its last seven games.

Kansas City Chiefs D/ST

  • Week 16 Opponent: Tennessee Titans
  • ESPN Rostership: 28.3%

If you are looking to add a defense for the second round of the fantasy football playoffs, the Chiefs are one of the best pickups for Week 16. Ward has been sacked a league-leading 45 times this season, and the Titans' offense has struggled to move the ball for a large portion of the season. Considering Kansas City has allowed the fourth-fewest points per game, add this D/ST for the fantasy playoffs.

Buffalo Bills D/ST

  • Week 16 Opponent: Cleveland Browns
  • ESPN Rostership: 48%

Although the Bills are this week's fool's gold for fantasy, adding this group for the second round of the fantasy playoffs might not be a bad idea. The Browns' offensive line ranks 27th in pass block win rate, and the Buffalo defense should have a strong defensive performance with Sanders/Gabriel under center at quarterback for Cleveland.

More Fantasy Football Analysis



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaxson Hayes

Good to Go Thursday Night
Josh Jung

Pulled as a Precaution With Hamstring Injury
Robert Williams III

Donovan Clingan Out, Robert Williams III and Yang Hansen Cleared
Sean Manaea

Trying to Return to Previous Arm Slot
Patrick Williams

Jalen Smith, Patrick Williams Out At Least One Week
Keldon Johnson

is Active on Thursday
Khris Middleton

Available Thursday Against Sacramento
Cody Ponce

Throws an Inning in Spring Debut
Daniel Gafford

Ruled Out Thursday vs. Kings
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Remains Out on Thursday
Stephon Castle

Cleared to Play Thursday vs. Nets
Davion Mitchell

is Available on Thursday
Joel Embiid

is Cleared for Thursday's Game
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Off the Injury Report for Friday
Norman Powell

Active On Thursday
Zaccharie Risacher

Available Against Washington
Andrew Nembhard

Set to Suit Up Thursday
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Won't Play on Thursday
Zack Wheeler

Targeting Early Return?
Obi Toppin

Cleared to Play Thursday
Pascal Siakam

Unavailable Again on Thursday
Nolan McLean

Dominant in First Spring Outing
Dylan Holloway

Rejoins Blues Lineup Thursday
Jalen Suggs

Returning on Thursday Night
Simon Edvinsson

Back in Red Wings Lineup Thursday
Adam Fox

Ready to Face Flyers
Rui Hachimura

Ruled Out Thursday
Igor Shesterkin

Available Thursday
Kris Letang

Returns to Action Thursday
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle a Game-Time Call Thursday
Patrick Williams

Will Not Be Available on Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon

Expected to Play Thursday
Malik Monk

Uncertain for Thursday Against Dallas
Merrill Kelly

Diamondbacks Holding Out Hope Merrill Kelly Can Avoid the Injured List
Samuel Basallo

Dealing With Abdominal Discomfort
Konnor Griffin

"Trending Toward Being" Opening Day Shortstop
Royce Lewis

Scratched With Tightness in his Side
Ashton Jeanty

Not in Line for Workhorse Role in 2026?
Samuel Basallo

Injured in Spring Game on Thursday
Ryan Weathers

Looks Sharp in Spring Debut
Mike Trout

Moving Around the Outfield This Spring
Nick Kurtz

A's Offer Long-Term Extension to Nick Kurtz
Shane McClanahan

to Make Spring Debut on Tuesday
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Give Anthony Richardson Sr. Permission to Seek a Trade
Brenton Doyle

Undergoes Imaging on his Wrist
Yuki Matsui

Ruled Out for World Baseball Classic
Pablo López

Pablo Lopez Undergoes Internal-Brace Procedure
Roki Sasaki

Hit Hard in Spring Debut
Yordan Alvarez

to Make Spring Debut Next Week
Josh Hader

Remains Without a Timetable to Return
Giancarlo Stanton

Still Dealing With Elbow Pain, Hopes to Play Full Season
Brock Nelson

Produces 30th Goal of the Campaign
Nikita Kucherov

Extends Point Streak to 11 Games
Tage Thompson

Leads Sabres Past Devils
Wyatt Johnston

Pots Two Goals in Wednesday's Win
Ryan Lindgren

Exits Early Wednesday
Alex Newhook

Expected to Return Thursday
Robert Thomas

Takes Leave of Absence
Kyler Murray

Prefers to be Released
Derek Carr

"Strong Belief" That Derek Carr is "Very Serious" About Unretiring
Mikael Granlund

Leo Carlsson In, Mikael Granlund Out for Ducks Wednesday
Connor McDavid

Ready to Play Wednesday
John Carlson

Out Wednesday
Roope Hintz

Misses Wednesday's Action Due to Illness
Shea Theodore

Unavailable Wednesday
Mark Stone

Mitch Marner Won't Play Wednesday
Logan Cooley

on Track to Return Wednesday
Andy Dalton

Is Andy Dalton Available for a Trade?
Keith Mitchell

Making The Comfortable Return to PGA National
CFB

Chandler Morris Suing NCAA for Seventh Year of Eligibility
Chris Kirk

Searching for a Spark at Cognizant Classic
Brooks Koepka

Making Third PGA Tour Start at Cognizant Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Steady Option at Cognizant Classic
Seamus Power

Seeking More Green in Florida
PGA

Haotong Li Back From a Break as Florida Stretch Starts
Stephan Jaeger

Trying to Put Four Rounds Together in Florida
PGA

Nico Echavarria Again Attempting to Make the Weekend
Patrick Fishburn

Looking for a Spark at Cognizant Classic
Blades Brown

Set for Cognizant Classic Debut
Michael Thorbjornsen

Looking to Bounce Back at Cognizant Classic
Maxx Crosby

Raiders Expect Maxx Crosby to Return
Billy Horschel

Looks to Improve Season at Cognizant Classic
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Place Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Joe Highsmith

Returns to Defend at Cognizant Classic
Quinshon Judkins

Out of Walking Boot, Will be Ready for Training Camp
Breece Hall

Jets Will Use Franchise Tag on Breece Hall if Extension isn't Reached
Joel Dahmen

Needs Better Consistency Heading Into The Florida Swing
Daniel Berger

Looks to Improve Putting as PGA Tour Begins Its Florida Swing
Kirk Cousins

Falcons Plan to Release Kirk Cousins
Zach Ertz

Plans to Return for 14th Season
Davis Thompson

Struggling to Find Birdies as Florida Looms
Tom Kim

Not Quite Cutting It in 2026
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Build Momentum from Scottsdale
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Returns After Extended Break for Florida Event
CFB

Gunner Rivers Follows His Father, Commits To North Carolina State
Will Zalatoris

Set to Make Tournament Debut at Cognizant Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

Trending Up at the Cognizant Classic
Anthony Hernandez

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Sean Strickland

Gets Back In The Win Column
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Planning to Use Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Geoff Neal

Suffers Back-To-Back Knockout Losses
Uros Medic

Shines At UFC Houston
Dan Ige

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Melquizael Costa

Extends His Win Streak To Six
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Falls Short of Victory at EchoPark Speedway
Carson Hocevar

Rallies to Fourth At EchoPark Speedway After Early Struggles
Ross Chastain

Finishes Third At EchoPark Speedway
Chase Briscoe

Scores First Career Top-Five Finish at EchoPark Speedway
Tyler Reddick

Nabs His Second Win of the Season At EchoPark Speedway
Joey Logano

Will Be Popular DFS Pick at EchoPark Speedway
Tyler Reddick

on Pole After Qualifying Rained Out at EchoPark Speedway
Chase Elliott

Could Chase Elliott Be Worth Rostering At EchoPark Speedway?
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
William Byron

Is William Byron Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
Rondale Moore

Passes Away
Denny Hamlin

Is Worth Consideration for EchoPark Speedway DFS Lineups
Brad Keselowski

Is A Tournament Option for DFS At EchoPark Speedway
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Rosterable In DFS At EchoPark Speedway?
Austin Cindric

Should DFS Managers Roster Austin Cindric at EchoPark Speedway?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Sneaky DFS Option for EchoPark Speedway?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
Alex Bowman

Will Start Towards the Rear At EchoPark Speedway
Javonte Williams

Cowboys Sign Javonte Williams to Three-Year, $24 Million Extension
Travis Etienne Jr.

has "Legitimate Interest" in Joining Chiefs
Zach Charbonnet

Undergoes Knee Surgery on Friday
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF