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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

D/ST Strength of Schedule: Best Fantasy Football Defense Streamers and Matchups (Weeks 16-17)

Chiefs Defense - Fantasy Football D/ST Streamers, Team Defense Rankings, IDP Waiver Wire

Scott's 2024 DST fantasy football strength of schedules for Weeks 16-17, and the best fantasy football DST matchups for the rest of season. Target these D/STs.

It's officially fantasy football crunch time as we wrap up the fantasy regular season over the next two weeks. Those fortunate enough to make the playoffs must continue to grind out decisions, especially when it comes to team defenses. In the article below, I will present the strength of schedule (SOS) for the fantasy Defense/Special Teams (DST) position for Weeks 13-17.

A couple weeks ago I wrote an initial version of this article -- fantasy Defense/Special Teams (DST) article for Weeks 11-17, looking at fantasy schedule strength with an eye toward the rest of the season and fantasy playoffs. This article will follow the same format with updated opponent strength data, for Weeks 13-17.

Based on my adjusted fantasy points allowed process, I will look at the rest of the season and fantasy playoff schedules for the DST position, pointing out the most favorable schedules in those time frames, and providing a DST streaming strategy through the end of the season. As the saying goes, "The best defense is a good fantasy DST" (or maybe that's just me?), so let's get into it.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

DST Pressure Rate

While this metric is not factored into my adjusted fantasy points allowed process, pressure rate is a useful statistic to factor into the strategy of choosing a DST. A defense’s rate is calculated using the following equation:

(QB Hurries + QB Knockdowns + QB Sacks) divided by QB Dropbacks

Other than sacks, the frequency with which a defense pressures the opposing QB does not directly equate to fantasy points. But pressure on the QB that does not end in a sack can increase the chances of the QB making a poor throw, fumbling, or simply not moving the ball toward a scoring opportunity for the offense.

The following chart shows each DST and their season-long pressure rate. I also calculated the average pressure rate allowed by each team’s remaining opponents. Looking at the data from this angle is a useful piece of the strategy beyond just adjusted fantasy points allowed.

A higher pressure rate combined with a higher average pressure rate allowed by a DST’s opponents lends to good opportunities for sacks and turnovers.

The following is another useful data set showing multiple team defense-level statistics that are relevant to how fantasy DSTs score points. The table shows the following for each defense:

  • DST fantasy points per game
  • Interception rate (interceptions per QB dropback)
  • Pressure rate
  • Sack rate (sacks per QB dropback)
  • Turnover rate (percentage of drives ending in a turnover)

All data in this team defense portion of the article is from Pro Football Reference.

 

DST Rest-of-Season Fantasy Strength of Schedule

I generated tables showing each team’s rest of season (ROS) schedule (Week 13-17) with each weekly opponent color-coded based on that opponent’s rank (1-32) versus the fantasy DST position. Lower number ranks with a red color indicate more difficult fantasy matchups.

A higher number ranks with a green color represent more favorable matchups. I update these each week. Also known as schedule “heat maps,” the ROS schedule for DSTs is included at the end of the article.

This schedule heat map is provided in two formats. One shows each team’s opponents’ team abbreviation. The other shows the actual numbered rank (1-32) of each opponent.

Also included are each team’s ROS and fantasy playoffs (Week 15-17) SOS score (average of opponent ranks in those time frames).

As a teaser, the following teams have the top 10 most favorable DST schedules for Weeks 13-17. Included in parentheses is the current rostership percentage for each team (calculated as the average rostership across the ESPN, Sleeper, and Yahoo Fantasy platforms).

Also included are the number of “Plus Matchups” for each team (opponents ranked 20th or worse versus DSTs):

  1. Buccaneers (55.1%)
    • Plus Matchups: Four
  2. Jaguars (5.5%)
    • Plus Matchups: Four
  3. Colts (20.6%)
    • Plus Matchups: Three (and a bye)
  4. Bengals (16.5%)
    • Plus Matchups: Three
  5. Commanders (63.4%)
    • Plus Matchups: Two (and a bye)
  6. Chiefs (88.3%)
    • Plus Matchups: Two
  7. Falcons (6.7%)
    • Plus Matchups: Three
  8. Cardinals (17%)
    • Plus Matchups: Four
  9. Broncos (85.7%)
    • Plus Matchups: One (and a bye)
  10. Ravens (62%)
    • Plus Matchups: One (and a bye)

 

DST Fantasy Strength of Schedule Time Frames

This late in the season, there are only two relevant time frames. I define each as follows:

  • Rest of Season (ROS): Weeks 13-17
  • Fantasy Playoffs: Weeks 15-17

In this article, I will be looking at each time frame and the teams with the Top 10 most favorable fantasy matchups for DSTs during those spans according to my adjusted fantasy points allowed ranks.

 

DST Strength of Schedule: Rest of Season

The following chart shows DST’s schedule for the rest of the season (Weeks 13-17). The chart is sorted by the SOS score in the right-hand column from highest (easier) to lowest (harder).

The current average rostership percentage (across ESPN, Sleeper, and Yahoo Fantasy platforms) is also included for each team. Many managers are streaming the position by this time, and the reality of what teams are and might be available is important context.

The Buccaneers have the highest rest-of-season SOS Score, which translates to the most favorable schedule for DSTs in Weeks 13-17. Their bye is behind them, and they get two matchups with the 24th-ranked Panthers, including Week 13 and during championship week.

The issue with Tampa Bay is that their favorable schedule is well known, and their rostership has crept above the 50% threshold (55.1% averaged across the three platforms). If they are available, Tampa Bay is a solid streaming option for the next two weeks against the Panthers and Raiders (the most favorable DST matchup)

Next up are the Jaguars, with a “just okay” matchup in Week 13 versus the 18th-ranked Texans. But after that, they face the Titans (28th), Jets (23rd), Raiders (32nd), and the Titans again during championship week. Jacksonville is widely available with a rostership of only 5.5%, but there is a reason for that.

Even with the favorable schedule, the Jaguars DST, with their second-lowest pressure rate of 17.3% and sixth-lowest 3.8 fantasy points per game, is a highly risky streaming option at this crucial stage of the season.

The third-most favorable DST schedule belongs to the Colts, a DST that is also readily available with a rostership of only 20.6%. The Colts have a good matchup in Week 13 versus the Patriots (26th), but that is followed by a bye in Week 14 and a trip to Denver in the first round of the fantasy playoffs.

The Broncos are a slightly negative matchup (14th) and have the sixth-lowest pressure rate allowed (18.2%).

The Bengals have the fourth most favorable ROS schedule, but you will want to leave them alone in Week 13 versus the ninth-ranked Steelers. After that, the Bengals have three consecutive plus matchups against the Cowboys (31st), Titans (28th), and Browns (29th and the second-highest pressure rate allowed).

However, the Bengals are only advisable because of the favorable schedule. They rank 21st in pressure rate and 26th in fantasy points per game.

The Commanders check in with the fifth most favorable ROS schedule, starting immediately in Week 13 versus the 28th-ranked Titans. They do have a Week 14 bye and face the Eagles and Falcons in Weeks 16 and 17.

I would only consider them for Week 13 and Week 15 versus the Saints (25th), but their juicy matchup with Tennessee in Week 13 is no secret, as their rostership climbed to 63.4% after this week’s waivers.

The sixth through 10th-most favorable DST schedules in Weeks 13-17 are listed below:

  • Sixth: Chiefs; 88.3% rostership; 27% pressure rate (third highest)
    • Week 13: Raiders (32nd)
    • Week 14: Chargers (20th)
    • Week 15: Browns (29th)
    • Week 16: Texans (18th)
    • Week 17: Steelers (ninth)
  • Seventh: Falcons; 6.7%% rostership; 17.6% pressure rate (30th)
    • Week 13: Chargers (20th)
    • Week 14: Vikings (22nd)
    • Week 15: Raiders (32nd)
    • Week 16: Giants (30th)
    • Week 17: Commanders (third)
  • Eighth: Cardinals; 17% rostership; 19.1% pressure rate (25th)
    • Week 13: Vikings (22nd)
    • Week 14: Seahawks (21st)
    • Week 15: Patriots (26th)
    • Week 16: Panthers (24th)
    • Week 17: Rams (eighth)
  • Ninth: Broncos; 85.7% rostership; 25.8% pressure rate (ninth)
    • Week 13: Browns (29th)
    • Week 14: BYE
    • Week 15: Colts (16th)
    • Week 16: Chargers (20th)
    • Week 17: Bengals (12th)
  • 10th: Ravens; 62% rostership; 21.5% pressure rate (19th)
    • Week 13: Eagles (19th)
    • Week 14: BYE
    • Week 15: Giants (30th)
    • Week 16: Steelers (ninth)
    • Week 17: Texans (18th)

 

DST Strength of Schedule: Fantasy Playoffs

The following chart shows each DST’s schedule for the Fantasy Playoffs (Week 15-17).

 

DST Streaming Road Map (Weeks 13-17)

Rather than go through the same process of looking at the top 10 most favorable playoff schedules, it is more useful to look ahead, based on the data presented in this article, and develop what I am calling a “DST Streaming Road Map” for the rest of the season.

Five of the DSTs in the top 10 fantasy playoff schedule pool have a rostership above 50% (Buccaneers, Commanders, Chiefs, Broncos, and Ravens). The rest qualify as streamers so we can put together a road map of DSTs to aim for each week, from now through the fantasy playoffs.

For each week, I will provide my top streaming option (Option 1), and a secondary option (Option 2):

Week 13:

  • Option 1: Cowboys (50.8% rostership; third-most favorable matchup versus the Giants). Yes, I am slightly breaking the rules here with a rostership above 50%, but with a healthy Micah Parsons, the Cowboys are my top streaming choice in Week 13.
  • Option 2: Seahawks (18.3% rostership; 10th-most favorable matchup versus the Jets). I am surprised Seattle’s defense has such a lower rostership after what they did to the Cardinals in Week 12.

Week 14:

  • Option 1: Dolphins (47.8% rostership; 10th-most favorable matchup versus the Jets)
  • Option 2: Saints (22.5% rostership; third-most favorable matchup versus the Giants)

Week 15:

  • Option 1: Cardinals (17% rostership; seventh-most favorable matchup versus the Patriots)
  • Option 2: Bengals (16.5% rostership; fifth-most favorable matchup versus the Titans)

Week 16:

  • Option 1: Bills (53.5% rostership; seventh-most favorable matchup versus the Patriots). Yes, the Bills are above a 50% rostership right now, but in Week 16 they will be coming off of a game at Detroit, the toughest DST matchup. The Bills are a good stash if you have space as their schedule Weeks 13-15 is brutal (SF, LAR, and DET).
  • Option 2: Packers (40.1% rostership; eighth-most favorable matchup versus the Saints, at a likely frigid Lambeau Field)

Week 17:

  • Option 1: Dolphins (47.8% rostership; fourth-most favorable matchup versus the Browns). Miami’s rostership will likely be lower by Week 17 as they will be coming off games versus the Texans and 49ers in Weeks 15 and 16.
  • Option 2: Eagles (66.7%% rostership; second-most favorable matchup versus the Cowboys). This is another scenario where the Eagles will likely be below 50% by Week 17, with games against the Steelers and Commanders in Weeks 15 and 16.

 

Thank you so much for reading! I love diving deep into the fantasy strength of schedule with the hope that I can help you make the best decisions possible in the maze of fantasy football decisions. I will be compiling data every week all season long and updating the fantasy strength of the schedule each week.

I am always available to help out. If you have any questions about this article or general questions about fantasy football, reach out to me on X or Bluesky Social (@MunderDifflinFF on both).



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!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF