One of the most important parts of your draft is setting yourself up for success from the start, and making sure you have the best lineup Week 1. One of the most forgotten parts about securing a good lineup is to draft or pick up a defense that will score you points week in and week out.

Here are some of the best fantasy defenses, broken down by ADP.

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• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) rankings
• Quarterback (QB) rankings
• Tight end (TE) rankings
• Defense (D/ST) rankings
• Kicker (K) rankings
• FLEX rankings
• Dynasty rankings

Top Defense Draft Targets for 2016

Denver Broncos

First Four Matchups: CAR, IND, @CIN, @TB

The first defense being drafted is Denver D/ST. Last year, Denver was the top scoring defense, and it wasn’t hard to see why. Their pass rush was unstoppable, even vs. top tier teams like the New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers, but unfortunately, their team lost a lot of key players over the offseason. While there’s no doubt Denver is going to be a top defense, drafting them in the 8th round is probably not a smart idea and isn’t worth the opportunity cost.

Arizona Cardinals

First Four Matchups: NE, TB, @BUF, LA

Also being drafted in the 8th round is Arizona D/ST. Though they only finished as the 3rd highest scoring defense last year, they are being drafted above Kansas City. This is likely based on speculation that their defense will take the next step forward after resigning most major players and adding Chandler Jones and Robert Nkemdiche to fill their biggest hole. If you want a top tier defense this year, Arizona is not a bad choice.

Seattle Seahawks

First Four Matchups: MIA, @LA, SF, @NYJ

It’s no surprise to find the Seattle Seahawks D/ST as the 3rd overall defense. Though their performance is top tier year in and year out, there’s probably better value found in other top tier defenses, like Carolina and Kansas City, despite the fact that they’re going at least a round later.

Carolina Panthers

First Four Matchups: @DEN, SF, MIN, @ATL

The 4th overall D/ST is the Carolina Panthers. Though Carolina did finish with the 5th scoring defense last year, drafting their defense this high is probably a mistake. However, the Panthers play the Broncos Week 1, and will likely be the top scoring defense two weeks in a row  - they play the San Francisco 49ers Week 2. If you want a good defense to start the year and swap for another defense later, Panthers D/ST is your best bet.

Houston Texans

First Four Matchups: CHI, KC, @NE, TEN

Houston D/ST is going 5th overall, right next to Kansas City, the #2 scoring defense from last year. Though Houston might be better this year, Kansas City is probably the better bet.

Kansas City Chiefs 

First Four Matchups: SD, @HOU, NYJ, @PIT

Kansas City has extreme value in the 10th round, compared to the 8th round price tags of Denver, Arizona, and Seattle. If you want a top tier defense, Kansas City is the best defense in terms of value vs. draft position and they have a great play Week 1 vs. the San Diego Chargers.

Defense Draft Sleepers and Week 1 Streamers

Beyond Kansas City, drafting defenses can be a bit of a waste, because you’ll likely end up with a defense that can’t start every week. Instead, here are some defenses that will be good most weeks, or represent good value Week 1, in case you prefer streaming defenses:

Los Angeles Rams

First Four Matchups: @SF, SEA, @TB, @ARI

Los Angeles has an extremely good matchup Week 1 - they play the 49ers. For streamers, Los Angeles is a good pickup for Week 1, and they should have some good matchups throughout the year if you prefer to hang onto them.

Philadelphia Eagles

First Four Matchups: @CLE, BAL, @MIA, @WAS

For people who are purely streaming, and would prefer a team that won’t be drafted high at all, the Eagles D/ST has huge value Week 1, and can be dropped right after. The Eagles’ special teams has always been stellar, especially for fantasy owners, and a matchup against the Cleveland Browns is practically a no-brainer.

Green Bay Packers 

First Four Matchups: @CLE, BAL, @MIA, @WAS

If those defenses are taken and you still need a streaming option, Green Bay is another good Week 1 play vs. the Jaguars offense. Though they were relatively efficient last year, they are still turnover-prone and should produce a healthy number of sacks.