D/ST Fantasy Football Playoffs Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Defenses With Easy/Tough Matchups (Weeks 16-17)

Andy's D/ST fantasy football playoffs start 'em, sit 'em picks for Weeks 16, 17 (2025). His top defense streamers, starts, cuts with easy/tough matchups.

The first week of the fantasy playoffs is in the books. Hopefully, you have lived to fight another day thanks to monster showings by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Trevor Lawrence.

However, the job is not done, and we will have to navigate through the next two weeks of NFL action to secure the championship.

In this piece, we will spotlight some of the most rostered defensive units on Yahoo! and determine if managers should continue to ride the hot hand in the postseason or pivot to a streamer with more favorable matchups.

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Defenses to Consider Cutting for the Fantasy Playoffs

Jacksonville Jaguars DEF - 75% Rostered

Remaining Schedule:

The Jacksonville Jaguars were a top streaming option in Week 15, as they hosted the struggling New York Jets, who turned to undrafted rookie QB Brady Cook. While the Jaguars were able to finish the game with three interceptions and three sacks, they allowed a rather high 20 points, which significantly limited their upside.

In this game, Cook completed 22 of his 33 passes for 176 yards. On the ground, the Jets had some modest success, totaling 130 team rushing yards. As a result, many managers may consider cutting them, given their rather disappointing showing, and entering Week 16 as the overall DST3 on a FPTS/G basis.

In Week 16, the Jags have a tough task awaiting them: the Denver Broncos. Last weekend, the Denver offense looked elite against a potent Green Bay defense as Bo Nix continued to build his MVP resume, totaling 302 yards and four passing scores. In this game, Nix led the Broncos to a 34-point showing and 391 total yards of offense.

In Week 17, the Jags will face Philip Rivers and the Indianapolis Colts. In his first game in the NFL in five years, Rivers held his own against one of the sport's top defenses, the Seahawks. Rivers went 18-of-27 with 120 yards and a 1:1 TD:INT ratio. In two weeks, he could be even more comfortable in this offense, which could spell some trouble for a Jaguars defense that struggled to contain Cook.

Verdict:

Given their rough matchup in Week 16 against the Broncos and potential for a bust showing against the Colts in the championship, managers in standard leagues should consider pivoting to an alternative option and cutting ties with the overall No. 3 defense in scoring.

Cleveland Browns DEF - 90% Rostered

Remaining Schedule:

The Browns have seen their fantasy stock plummet over the last two weeks. In Week 14, they carried elite streaming appeal against a middling Tennessee offense, but then surrendered 31 total points and 161 yards to running back Tony Pollard. Then in Week 15, their struggles continued as they allowed 31 points to the Chicago Bears.

In this game, Caleb Williams had one of his most efficient games as a passer, going 17-of-28 with 242 yards and two scores. On the ground, D'Andre Swift totaled 98 yards and punched in two scores of his own.

It won't get much easier for the Browns, facing MVP candidate Josh Allen in the fantasy semifinals and Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers in the championship. Allen has tallied seven total TDs over his last two games with 285.0 total yards per game. Rodgers has also been fairly effective as of late, averaging 254.0 passing yards per game with a 3:0 TD:INT ratio over his last two.

Verdict:

Leading up to Week 15, the Browns were trending into "cut" territory. Seeing that they were unable to contain Williams and the Bears and their rough two-game stretch on the horizon, the Browns should not be started or rostered in any formats during the fantasy playoffs despite Myles Garrett inching closer to NFL history.

Myles Garrett is one sack away from the single-season record 👀

CLEvsCHI on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/Wm4uKGxffu

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

Chicago Bears DEF - 65% Rostered

Remaining Schedule:

The final defense managers should consider cutting is one that likely played a key role in securing the Week 15 victory. On Sunday, the Bears completely shut down the Shedeur Sanders-led Browns, holding them to just three total points. In this victory, the Bears forced three interceptions and added five sacks.

CJ Gardner-Johnson with another INT in a Bears uniform

CLEvsCHI on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/13LrucJMvn

— NFL (@NFL) December 14, 2025

They continued to bolster their turnover total as they are now the only team in the NFL with more than 20 interceptions through 15 weeks of action. They also continue to climb the sack leaderboard, now tied for the 20th most in the league.

Overall, they enter the fantasy semifinals averaging the 10th-most FPTS/G, which has been heavily skewed by their ability to force turnovers. Unfortunately, they will not have the opportunity to keep this hot streak going, facing Jordan Love and Brock Purdy.

When the Bears faced Love and the Packers back in Week 14, Love posted a 3:1 TD:INT ratio and led the Packers to a 28-21 victory. Love totaled 234 passing yards, and the Packers finished that game with 337 total yards of offense. Purdy and the 49ers looked impressive coming out of their Week 14 bye as they dismantled the Titans. In this contest, Purdy went 23-of-30 with 295 yards and three scores.

Verdict:

While they have shown high upside at times this season, their matchups are among the toughest in the final weeks. Facing two elite QBs rounding into form will not provide this secondary many opportunities to force turnovers. The Bears are a safe cut in all formats ahead of Week 16.

Tough Calls - Top Defenses with Harder Playoff Matchups

Los Angeles Rams DEF - 81% Rostered

Remaining Schedule:

The Rams enter Week 16 averaging 7.9 FPTS/G, placing them tied for sixth in the sport.

Jared Verse goes speed to power & walks his blocker back. Once @JaredVerse1 reaches QB depth/sees Mayfield stepping up in the pocket, Verse counter spins & gets the sack!

Always be rushing! #PassRush #RamsHouse pic.twitter.com/hrFyxu40y2

— DLineVids (@dlinevids1) November 24, 2025

However, they are coming off a modest showing against an elite Detroit offense. During their thrilling 41-34 victory, the Rams forced just one sack and did not tally an interception.

On Thursday evening, they will get a rematch against Sam Darnold and the Seahawks. The first time they faced them, they intercepted Darnold four times, did not tally a sack, and allowed 19 total points. However, they allowed 414 total yards of offense, suggesting regression may hit them in the box score on Thursday night.

In Week 17, they will face Kirk Cousins and the Falcons, who may not be playing for a playoff spot but are coming off a rather impressive win over the Buccaneers. In this game, Cousins enjoyed his best game of the season, tallying 373 yards with three passing scores, all of which went to tight end Kyle Pitts Sr.

Verdict:

While they have been among the best defensive units in fantasy football this season, the Rams are best left as a low-end option in deeper leagues. Their matchup on Thursday is not too favorable, and they could run into some trouble against the Falcons, who have the talent on the offensive side of the ball to exploit anyone. While they are not a firm cut like the Browns or Bears, managers who can pivot to a stronger streaming option should do so, especially on Thursday.

Seattle Seahawks DEF - 95% Rostered

Remaining Schedule:

The other team in this Thursday night tilt is also on the verge of the cut list. The Seahawks, like the Rams, have been a set-it-and-forget-it option all season. They enter Week 16 boasting 11.1 FPTS/G, the highest mark in the sport. They are the only unit averaging double-digit FPTS per game.

While their production has been nothing short of impressive, their Week 16 matchup against the Rams is one of the toughest on the slate and could put you in an early hole. The last time they faced Matthew Stafford and the Rams, the Seahawks surrendered 21 points but did not force one sack or an interception. Stafford threw two scores, and Kyren Williams led the way on the ground, tallying 91 yards with another score.

While they will likely be without Davante Adams (hamstring), the Rams offense is still elite and will spell trouble for this top unit. In Week 17, the Seahawks should be primed for a bounce-back against the Panthers, who have been one of the most inconsistent units this season. After scoring 31 points in Week 13, Bryce Young and the Panthers quickly took a step back in Week 15 (following a Week 14 bye), scoring just 17 points against the Saints.

Verdict:

While they are a must-start in Week 17 and should remain rostered in all standard 12-team leagues, managers should look to find an alternative option to tread in Week 16, like the Chiefs (facing the Titans) or the Saints (facing the Jets).

Denver Broncos DEF - 98% Rostered

Remaining Schedule:

The final defense to consider cutting is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have averaged the fourth-most FPTS/G this season, but have one tough matchup awaiting them in Weeks 16 and 17. Last weekend, they picked up the victory over the Packers but had a modest fantasy output, allowing 26 points with three sacks and two interceptions.

This weekend, they will face Trevor Lawrence, who is coming off a career-best six-TD outing. In that game, he totaled an elite 47.6 PPR points. In fact, since Week 13, Lawrence has held a 10:0 TD:INT ratio, averaged 298.0 total yards from scrimmage in each game, and has been one of the top players at his position.

In Week 17, they initially had little streaming appeal, but with Patrick Mahomes (knee) done for the season, they will face backup QB Gardner Minshew II in what could be a top play in the fantasy championship.

Verdict:

Like the Seahawks and Rams, managers should pivot to an alternative play in Week 16 but hold them on their bench for their potential smash matchup against Minshew and the Chiefs.

Top D/ST Streamers to Start for Fantasy Playoffs

New York Giants DEF - 11% Rostered

Remaining Schedule:

The first streaming option is primarily considered for Week 17. While the Giants' Week 16 matchup has some upside against an inconsistent J.J. McCarthy, he appears to be finding his footing, which could spell trouble for the league's worst defense (in terms of FPTs/G). However, managers and deeper leagues should still have Big Blue on the radar in Week 17.

In the fantasy finals, they could face the Kenny Pickett-led Raiders, as Geno Smith (shoulder) is currently banged up. In Pickett's first start last week, the Raiders were unable to put any points on the board and finished with just 75 yards of total offense. If the Giants find their footing against the Vikings, they will have high-end value in Week 17.

New Orleans Saints DEF - 8% Rostered

Remaining Schedule:

The final streamer has upside in both of the final weeks of the season. I suggested streaming New Orleans last week, and it got the job done against the Panthers. In the Saints' 20-17 victory, they held Bryce Young to just 163 passing yards. While they forced just one sack, they flashed an upside by allowing under 20 points.

In Weeks 16 and 17, they will face two low-end QBs, Brady Cook and Cam Ward, respectively. As noted above, Cook threw three interceptions in his NFL debut, and Ward enters Week 16 carrying a 12:7 TD:INT ratio. Managers needing a Week 16 fill-in should prioritize the Saints on the waiver wire and potentially trust them in their championship game.

More Waiver Wire Analysis