Oct 16, 2026, 10:02 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers defense managed just one sack and no turnovers in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts, but it carries plenty of upside in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. While Tampa Bay quarterback Jalon Daniels impressed last week against the Dallas Cowboys, there is still a path for the Steelers to find success against an undrafted rookie making just his third career NFL start. Through five weeks, Tampa Bay is allowing the second-most sacks and giving up the sixth-most turnovers per contest. Additionally, Steelers cornerback Jamel Dean (ankle), who was inactive in Week 5, appears to be trending toward returning against his former team on Sunday, bolstering Pittsburgh's secondary. Fantasy managers should confidently deploy the Steelers DST as a top-five option this week.--Jorden Hill
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 16, 2026, 5:20 PM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles held the talented Jacksonville Jaguars offense to 19 points in a Week 5 loss in London, but allowed 408 total yards, including 306 passing yards and 102 rushing yards. The Philadelphia defense intercepted Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence to force just its third takeaway of the season. Unfortunately for the Eagles, after taking the lead with just eight seconds to play, Jacksonville kicker Cam Little hit a game-winning field goal as time expired to give the Jags a 17-16 win, while Philadelphia suffered its third-straight loss. The Eagles will have another difficult challenge on their hands with a Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers rank third in the NFL in total yards per game (405.8), second in passing yards per game (301.3), 18th in rushing yards per game (104.5) and fourth in points scored per game (30.3). Meanwhile, Philadelphia's defense ranks 24th in the league in total yards allowed per game (356.8), 26th in passing yards allowed per game (238.8), 20th in rushing allowed yards per game (104.5) and tied for 13th in points allowed per game (22.4). According to RotoBaller's NFL stats page, the Eagles rank just 29th in total fantasy points scored through five weeks with 14.0 (2.8 points per game). Philadelphia recorded two sacks against Jacksonville, bringing its total to six sacks on the 2026 campaign, which is tied for 28th in the NFL. Philadelphia ranks as RotoBaller's No. 19 defense and special teams for Week 6. In a tough matchup against the Panthers, it is best to sit Philly this week.--Ryan O'Bleness
Source: RotoBaller NFL Stats Page

Oct 16, 2026, 4:27 PM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs defense is set up to succeed against the winless Los Angeles Chargers in Week 6. The Chiefs defense is fresh off their bye week and ready to face a Chargers team that has turned the ball over 13 times this season. The Kansas City defense will also have the benefit of playing in front of their home crowd in a game where they are heavy favorites. This stellar defensive unit is dealing with an injury to L'Jarius Sneed who is questionable with a knee injury, but the rest of the defenders should be good to go for Sunday. The Chiefs defense is ranked first in our RotoBaller Week 6 rankings, making them a strong start at the position this weekend. Fantasy managers should look to add them this week if they were dropped last week during their bye.--Joshua Costello
Source: Chiefs.com

Oct 14, 2026, 6:33 PM ET

The Seattle Seahawks D/ST is a borderline top-five option in Week 6 against the Denver Broncos. Denver's offense has struggled mightily this season. While they have a couple of solid second halves to their name, the Broncos' offense has been largely inefficient at moving the ball. Denver has scored more than 23 points just once this season, with three games at 14 or fewer points. That is a delight for opposing D/STs in fantasy. The Seahawks D/ST has expectedly been one of the best in the league this season. They have forced several interceptions and have been good for at least three sacks in every game but one. Additionally, this unit has now forced a fumble in two straight games. The Broncos' offense has been solid at protecting the football this season, but expect Seattle to make life hard on Broncos quarterback Bo Nix all day. This may not be a ceiling game for the Seahawks D/ST, but they should do well to push for double-digit fantasy points in Week 6.--Quincy Milton III - RotoBaller
Source: Seattle Seahawks

Oct 14, 2026, 4:23 PM ET

The Denver Broncos defense has yet to allow an opponent to score over 26 points this season, as it is coming off another solid performance in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 5. Denver allowed the Chargers to score just 17 points in a six-point Broncos triumph, limiting Los Angeles quarterback Justin Herbert to 121 yards, a touchdown, and an interception on 14 of 24 passes. Denver also sacked Herbert five times during the victory. Entering Week 6, Denver is RotoBaller's seventh-ranked defense and is projected to score eight fantasy points against the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has averaged 26.8 points per game this season, the eighth-most in the NFL. In a loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week, the Seahawks were limited to just 251 yards of total offense on an average of 4.2 yards per play, while the 49ers sacked quarterback Sam Darnold five times and intercepted him once, while also coming away with two fumble recoveries. One note: Denver will be without top cornerback Pat Surtain II and safety Talanoa Hufanga, who are each out with ankle injuries.--Alex Brasky
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 10, 2026, 4:50 PM ET

The New England Patriots D/ST is dealing with numerous key injuries ahead of Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Vegas has played significantly better than expected this season, starting the year 3-1 with the seventh-most points per game in the NFL. Even last week's loss against the Chiefs showed that Vegas could put up a fight, as the Raiders scored 27 points. Their offense has been playing at a high level, led by Kirk Cousins, who has a whopping 11 passing touchdowns through just four games. Star tight end Brock Bowers has consistently proven challenging to slow down, and that task could be even more difficult for the Patriots, who will enter Week 5 without cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) and Carlton Davis III (neck). The unit is at risk of losing even more players with linebacker Christian Elliss (chest), linebacker Dre'Mont Jones (shoulder), and defensive tackle Christian Barmore (shoulder) all listed as questionable. This is not the week to start the Patriots D/ST. Managers should look to stream a different unit in Week 5.--Andersen Pickard
Source: New England Patriots

Oct 10, 2026, 4:39 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (knee) is unlikely to have his practice window opened next week, head coach Sean McVay told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. A player like Garrett is eligible to return from injured reserve after a minimum of four games, but teams can first choose to open a 21-day window that allows the player to practice like normal without counting toward the 53-man roster. Garrett's fourth game missed will be on Sunday, so the Rams could choose to have Garrett practice ahead of Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals. However, McVay's latest comments seem to suggest that the 30-year-old defensive superstar isn't quite ready to resume practicing, which means he'll remain on IR without a practice window for at least another week. Los Angeles certainly won't rush Garrett back before he's ready, but they'd also love to have their prized offseason acquisition healthy and on the field. After all, he had an elite 2025 season with 23 sacks and three forced fumbles. That level of production could pay dividends for the Rams in a competitive division that features the Sam Darnold-led Seahawks and the undefeated Brock Purdy-led 49ers.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Gary Klein

Oct 10, 2026, 4:00 PM ET

Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (back) told Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times that he feels "great" and plans to play in Monday night's Week 5 contest against the Buffalo Bills. "I don't feel like my wind's off," he said. "I don't feel like I'll be out there exhausted. I think the way we're able to rotate helps me a lot." Donald, who came out of retirement to sign a one-year deal with the Rams this past summer, has played in two of the Rams' four games so far. He has four tackles but is still searching for his first sack of the 2026 campaign. Even at 35 years old, Donald is one of the most powerful defensive linemen in football, and his presence could be key as the Rams look to slow down the two-pronged rushing attack of Josh Allen and James Cook III.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Gary Klein

Oct 10, 2026, 1:32 PM ET

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams could be in for a big day in Week 5, as they take on the Philadelphia Eagles in London. The Eagles will be without top skill players DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and Saquon Barkley (hamstring), and Jalen Hurts is coming off a horrid 93-yard passing game in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams. The Jaguars defense ranks among the top defenses in fantasy after big games against the Cleveland Browns and New England Patriots. Jacksonville has allowed 13.25 points per game in its first four games this season. In a London environment the Jaguars are very accustomed to, they have a good shot at another big fantasy day. While the Jaguars are a great streaming option this week given these factors, they're also showing signs of becoming a top defense going forward, given last season's performance and their tendency to force turnovers. The Jaguars D/ST is a contender for top fantasy defense this week against the Eagles and is ranked fourth overall among team defenses in the latest RotoBaller rankings in Week 5.--Seth Quinn - RotoBaller
Source: D/ST RotoBaller

Oct 10, 2026, 12:38 PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons defense/special teams unit is allowing a stingy 48.3 rushing yards per game, which is best in the NFL, although it could be somewhat attributed to the fact that it is exploitable through the air, giving up almost 265 passing yards per game, which is third-worst. Even so, this week's matchup with the Ravens is not nearly as ominous as it could have been if Lamar Jackson (ankle) were under center; instead, Tyler Huntley will be starting at QB for Baltimore, putting the Atlanta defense in the streaming conversation for Week 5. However, without James Pearce Jr. (suspended) and Jalon Walker (knee), the Falcons have been unable to replicate their success in getting to the quarterback like they did last year, tallying just seven sacks through four games, with only one interception and two forced fumbles. The matchup against a backup QB is enticing, but the unit ranks as No. 20 overall at RotoBaller, so there are likely higher-upside options available on the wire.--Jarod Rupp
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 10, 2026, 12:29 PM ET

The New York Giants' defense was strong in Week 4, thanks in part to cornerback Deonte Banks' last-second pick-six. The Giants allowed 24 points and 270 yards to the Arizona Cardinals but forced three turnovers on Jacoby Brissett, including one that led to a 98-yard touchdown return, which sealed the 36-24 win. Through four games, the Giants D/ST ranks first in interceptions (six) and 10th in fantasy points per game (7.3). Now they face the Washington Commanders in Week 5, who will have their starting quarterback, Jayden Daniels (elbow), back in the lineup. This Washington offense ranks 16th in points (25.2) and 25th in total offense (299.0) but has given up only two turnovers in four games this season. While the Giants have been productive on defense, they remain a risky D/ST option in Week 5.--Nathan Harvey
Source: New York Giants

Oct 10, 2026, 11:41 AM ET

The New York Jets D/ST carries some risk as a Week 5 streaming option against a Cleveland offense that has played better than expected. The Browns have won three straight games behind Deshaun Watson, although their quarterback has been sacked 11 times through four weeks. That gives New York a potential opening after the defense forced two turnovers against Chicago, including its first interception of the season. The problem is that the Jets also surrendered 492 total yards to the Bears, and their pass rush has struggled to generate consistent pressure. Edge rusher Will McDonald IV (calf) is questionable, creating another concern for a defense that needs more disruptive plays. RotoBaller has the Jets D/ST at 14th in its Saturday rankings. The matchup offers some streaming appeal, particularly at home, but the unit is better suited to deeper leagues than managers looking for a dependable weekly starter.--Bruno Mulé
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 10, 2026, 11:40 AM ET

The Cleveland Browns' defense is RotoBaller's fifth-ranked defense in Week 5 as it faces a New York Jets offense that has struggled to move the football this season. The Jets have averaged just 286 yards per game, the eighth-worst mark in the NFL, while averaging just 19 points per contest, also the eighth-worst mark in the league. Last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland allowed the Steelers to gain 269 yards through the air but intercepted Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers twice and sacked him five times. Cleveland is projected to score eight fantasy points against the Jets in Week 5.--Alex Brasky
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 10, 2026, 10:59 AM ET

The New Orleans Saints D/ST recorded just one sack and allowed 45 points in Week 4's loss to the Falcons. Atlanta's committee of running backs, Brian Robinson Jr. and Bijan Robinson, had their way with the Saints, combining for five rushing touchdowns and 207 rushing yards on 33 attempts. The New Orleans D/ST has recorded eight sacks, two fumble recoveries, and just one interception through the first four weeks. Their Week 5 matchup against the Vikings could present an opportunity to apply more pressure, as Minnesota has allowed 13 sacks, tied for the second-most in the league. New Orleans is missing linebacker Kaden Elliss (calf), while Julian Blackmon (shoulder) is listed as questionable for the matchup. The Saints D/ST comes in at 18th in RotoBaller's defensive rankings this week.--Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: New Orleans Saints