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Andrew analyzes which defenses (DEF) to sit or start in Week 15 (2024), and provides his best fantasy football playoffs D/ST streaming options and schedules.
The fantasy playoffs are nearing. The margin of error for fantasy managers is razor-thin. A poor performance by a D/ST can break title dreams.
Playing the wrong defense can result in managers being left with a zero (or worse) in their lineup. Utilizing the waiver wire and finding the matchup that benefits defenses is crucial.
Below, we'll dive into the best D/ST streamers and starts for Week 15, while also taking a peak at the entire fantasy football playoff schedule.
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Best DST Streaming Options For Week 15
Arizona Cardinals vs. New England Patriots
The Arizona Cardinals' rematch against Seattle in Week 14 didn't go as planned. They surrendered 30 points and failed to record a sack or turnover. However, the unit is outside being a top-12 DST, and has a favorable matchup at home in Week 15. They'll host the Patriots in Week 15. New England is football's second-lowest team (17 points per game).
Washington Commanders at New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr is expected to miss several weeks with a left-hand fracture. Jake Haener or Spencer Rattler will start against the Washington Commanders.
Saints QB Derek Carr expected to miss several weeks with significant fracture in left hand. (via @rapsheet & @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/mrBWyiEF8x
— NFL (@NFL) December 9, 2024
Rattler was sacked several times in each of his three starts. Haener played five snaps against the Giants and also took a sack. Inexperienced quarterbacks will make mistakes.
Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants
The Baltimore Ravens get the New York Giants in Week 15. They are the top defense to add if available (70% rostered). Baltimore has allowed the second-most passing yards per game, but Drew Lock will not take advantage of that. The Giants average the fewest points (14.9) in the league. Expect several sacks and a turnover or two in this matchup.
Best DST Schedules For Fantasy Playoffs (Weeks 15-17)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Week 15 at Los Angeles Chargers
- Week 16 at Dallas
- Week 17 vs. Carolina
The Buccaneers shouldn't be started in Week 15. However, the games following Los Angeles are intriguing. The Dallas offense has been tough to watch with Cooper Rush under center. It averages 1.8 giveaways per game. The Bucs D/ST should be rostered everywhere.
Buffalo Bills
- Week 15 at Detroit
- Week 16 vs. New England
- Week 17 vs. New York Jets
The Rams' offense beat up on the Buffalo secondary. Therefore, we skip past another high-powered offense in Detroit and look at the Bills' other two opponents to round out the fantasy football season. Buffalo hosts two low-scoring divisional opponents in Weeks 16 and 17. The Patriots offensive line surrenders a healthy amount of sacks. The Jets may be checked out by Week 17. Both offenses average fewer than 19.5 points per game. Plus, in late December, the Buffalo weather may benefit the defense.
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