October 3, 2025
The Minnesota Vikings defense/special teams has major fantasy potential on Sunday when taking on the NFL's least-efficient offense and a first-time starter at quarterback against the Cleveland Browns. Through four games, Cleveland ranks among the league's worst in scoring percentage (32nd), yards per play (29th), turnover percentage (30th), and net yards per passing attempt (30th), and now they'll break in rookie third-round pick
Dillon Gabriel at quarterback. The Vikings will be without two key defenders in edge rusher Andrew Van Ginkel (neck) and linebacker Blake Cash (hamstring), but young quarterbacks have not historically fared well against defensive coordinator Brian Flores' chaotic, blitz-heavy scheme. The Browns surely will try to run at the Vikings, who rank 21st in yards per rush attempt, but they're officially throwing Gabriel into the fire on Sunday. Especially with a beat-up offense, Minnesota will be gunning for game-changing turnovers.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: RotoBaller
October 2, 2025
Dallas Cowboys' defense has been the league's worst through the first four weeks--a result that doesn't come as much of a surprise. The Cowboys DST will try to turn things around against the New York Jets on Sunday. While they've flashed stretches of tough play, the unit has been wildly inconsistent and is completely off the fantasy radar, better left on waivers. This week could be another rough outing for the defense, as they look to contain Jets quarterback
Justin Fields. Veteran Kenny Clark pointed to discipline and communication issues as key reasons behind the struggles, and the defense still seems to be searching for an identity. Despite the Cowboys' DST struggling this season, they are ranked 15th among team defenses and can be used as a streamer in deep leagues.
--Tipp MajorSource: NFL
October 2, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams defense/special teams remains a solid streaming option for Thursday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. The Rams have been a top-10 fantasy defense this season and are coming off a commanding showing against the Colts in which they became the first team this season to slow down Indianapolis' potent offense. Also working in Los Angeles' favor is the matchup against San Francisco, which has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing D/ST units in 2025. Finally, the Rams also get a boost with the 49ers turning to backup
Mac Jones in place of the injured
Brock Purdy (toe). Los Angeles' defense ranks 10th overall in the latest RotoBaller D/ST rankings for Week 5.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
September 29, 2025
After a stellar Week 3 performance where the Carolina Panthers DST pitched a 30-0 shutout against the Atlanta Falcons while forcing three takeaways, the unit came crashing back to earth, getting routed 42-13 by the New England Patriots. The Patriots had a field day against the Carolina's DST, scoring two touchdowns through the air, three on the ground, and one on a 87-yard punt return from Marcus Jones. The Panthers DST can officially be abandoned in all fantasy formats until they demonstrate some form of consistency. However, they are a potential streamer in deep leagues with a plus matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5.
--Jp SticcoSource: NFL.com
September 28, 2025
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf) have been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith exited during the first half and was initially listed as questionable to return before being downgraded to out. At the time of his departure, he had registered two tackles. Humphrey also picked up his injury in the first half, amassing five tackles before he exited. Both veterans are key members of the Baltimore defense, so their absence will be felt as the clock approaches triple zeroes in Ravens vs. Chiefs.
--Andersen PickardSource: Matt Derrick
September 28, 2025
Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring) exited during the first half of Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. He is officially questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had registered two tackles. The veteran is a key member of the Ravens' defense, so his absence will be felt as Baltimore attempts to fend off a very strong Chiefs offense. Trenton Simpson and Jay Higgins should earn more snaps in Smith's absence.
--Andersen PickardSource: Baltimore Ravens
September 28, 2025
Several teams are monitoring the possibility of a trade for Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen ahead of next month's trade deadline, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Woolen's playing time has decreased this season, and he could continue to see his workload decline now that Devon Witherspoon is healthy. The 26-year-old has 14 tackles through four games but is still looking for his first turnover of the year. In addition to his reduced opportunities, Woolen is an intriguing candidate because he is in a contract season. These factors could make Woolen a relatively affordable option for several teams looking to upgrade their secondary in the coming weeks.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ian Rapoport
September 28, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (personal) is currently in Mississippi for his aunt's funeral and will fly back to Missouri prior to Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jones will get on a flight immediately after the funeral, and he's expected to arrive in Kansas City in time for kickoff between the Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. Having Jones available is key for the Chiefs as they look to slow down a potent Baltimore offense. The 31-year-old All-Pro has five tackles and one sack through three games this season.
--Andersen PickardSource: Adam Schefter
September 27, 2025
The New York Jets' defense/special teams shouldn't be considered for fantasy in the team's meeting with the Miami Dolphins in Week 4. New York's defensive unit has been one of the worst through three games, affording opponents an average of 31 points per contest (fourth-worst). Furthermore, they have yet to force an interception or recover a fumble. Miami's offense is scoring a paltry 18.7 points per outing, so the Jets are on the streaming radar in deep leagues. However, they're more of a floor play, even in a matchup that's favorable on paper. After a rough showing through the first three weeks, fantasy managers can likely do better than the Jets' D/ST in Week 4.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
September 27, 2025
The Denver Broncos defense/special teams has a prime chance for fantasy production on Monday against the struggling Cincinnati Bengals and backup quarterback
Jake Browning. The Bengals, while unlikely to commit five turnovers every game like they did last week at Minnesota, once again have major issues on the offensive line, and now a replacement quarterback who is less likely to overcome them. The Bengals are dead last in the NFL in yards per rush, dead last in turnover percentage, 29th in scoring percentage, and 28th in first downs. Despite Cincinnati's obvious talent at receiver, the rest of the offense has been awful, which makes for a great matchup for Denver.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: RotoBaller
September 27, 2025
The Chicago Bears' defense has struggled to start the 2025 season, and it may not get better in Week 4. Their defense has given up the fourth-most yards (387) and over 30 points per game. Injuries continue to plague the unit, with CB Jaylon Johnson, LB T.J. Edwards, and DL Gradey Jarrett all ruled out for Week 4 against the Raiders. The Raiders present a favorable matchup, ranking in the bottom ten in yards and points, and with QB
Geno Smith throwing the second-most interceptions. However, Chicago's depleted roster makes them a high-risk fantasy play. Health is critical, and with key starters sidelined, the Bears D/ST remains unreliable in Week 4, despite the matchup.
--Nathan HarveySource: Chicago Bears
September 27, 2025
The Indianapolis Colts defense has been solid through the first three weeks of the season, allowing just 18.7 points per game to opposing offenses. They will look to keep it going in a Week 4 road matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams have yet to hit their stride on offense this season as they are allowing the 13th-most fantasy points per game to opposing D/STs. That being said, this still sets up as a tough road matchup for Indy, making them a low-end fantasy option heading into Sunday's slate of games.
--Matt TerelleSource: NFL.com
September 27, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens defense/special teams has looked the worst they ever have in recent memory. That even includes the shaky start to last season. They're ranked 31st in points allowed per game and passing yards allowed per game, while sitting at 30th in rushing yards allowed. Their best defensive lineman, Nnamdi Madubuike (neck), remains sidelined, and Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) is considered questionable. Even though the Kansas City Chiefs haven't looked too great, this defense has looked even worse. They're currently projected as the DST18, so there are plenty of better matchups and options for those looking for defensive streamers.
--Alex Fischbein - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
September 27, 2025
The Dallas Cowboys' defense is getting healthier ahead of Week 4's Sunday Night Football matchup against the Packers. Jadeveon Clowney is set to make his Cowboys debut, with co-owner Stephen Jones noting he'll play 15-20 snaps. In the secondary, Trevon Diggs (knee) is expected to suit up despite being banged up in Week 3, while DaRon Bland (foot) practiced in full Thursday and Friday and will return after missing time. Despite these reinforcements, Dallas faces a tough challenge against Green Bay's high-powered offense. The Cowboys' defense has struggled out of the gate and remains unstartable in Week 4, but the return of key playmakers is an encouraging sign for their long-term outlook as a fantasy D/ST.
--Nathan HarveySource: Dallas News
September 27, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers' D/ST has been wracked with injuries this week, with seven players appearing on the team's injury report. Most notably, Nick Bosa (knee) will be out after tearing his ACL in last week's game against the Cardinals. As for the remaining defensive linemen, CJ West (thumb) has been ruled out, Mykel Williams' (wrist) final status is unspecified, and Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) sandwiched a limited practice between two DNPs (though carries no designation for Sunday). In the secondary, starting cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (illness) was limited in practice before finally getting a full session on Friday. His partner on the other side, Renardo Green (neck), was downgraded to DNP after two limited practices and is now listed as questionable. Hosting a dysfunctional Jaguars offense makes for an attractive matchup, but it is hard to envision how the 49ers will apply the necessary pressure to get the sacks and force the turnovers that make for a lucrative D/ST unit in fantasy football.
--Dan StephensSource: 49ers.com
RADIO
