Oct 17, 2026, 8:11 AM ET

The Chicago Bears D/ST has been up and down through the season's first five weeks, but has done well to limit opposing offenses' yardage and scoring. In Week 6, they'll face an Atlanta Falcons squad that has been a favorable matchup for opposing defenses on the year as a whole. Chicago's unit has been solid, ranking ninth in total yards allowed per game (311.4), though they have really shone against the run. The Bears allow 96 rushing yards per game, tied for the ninth-best mark in the league, so an Atlanta offense that averages the second-most yards on the ground (166.8) will test them this weekend. If Chicago can keep the Falcons' superstar rusher in check, its pass rush should keep causing issues in the backfield. The unit's 12 sacks are the eleventh-highest total in 2026 so far. Fantasy managers can rely on Chicago's defense as a sound fantasy stream in Week 6, officially ranking as RotoBaller's D/ST11--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Oct 17, 2026, 7:40 AM ET

The Houston Texans D/ST takes on the Jaguars in a big division game early on Sunday morning in London. Houston's defense had been struggling during the team's 0-4 start but bounced back with a good game against the Titans, allowing only three points, forcing two turnovers, and piling up four sacks in last week's road win. Will Anderson Jr. had three of those four sacks, while Jake Hansen picked off Cam Ward and Jalen Pitre recovered a fumble from Tyjae Spears. The Texans will face a much tougher opponent this week, though, since the Jags have only had three turnovers in five games while allowing an average of 2.0 sacks per game. They have been one of the top 10 worst matchups for defenses this season, but the Texans still have enough talent and big-play potential to be a fringe option in Week 6. RotoBaller ranks them as the No. 10 D/ST for the week, making them a decent start if a D/ST in a better matchup isn't available.--Zach Thompson
Source: RotoBaller

Oct 17, 2026, 4:27 AM ET

The Baltimore Ravens' DST will face their former offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, and his Cleveland Browns in Ohio in Week 6. The Ravens' defense survived a high-octane Falcons offense, logging three sacks and a walk-off interception to win in overtime. The unit got a much-needed boost last week with the long-awaited return of defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike, and outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson (finger) is expected back after his two-game absence, which should give the DST another jolt. The three sacks against the Falcons are the team's most since Week 2, and their pass rush is key to the Ravens' game plan and fantasy managers. The Ravens' DST has a 36.5% quarterback-pressure rate and a 5.2% sack rate. Cleveland leads the league in sacks taken (19) and sack rate (11.3%) after five weeks, and Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has faced a 40.22% pressure rate, which bodes well for the Ravens' front seven. This AFC North slugfest has one of the lowest over/unders on the Week 6 slate and is historically low-scoring, with the Browns scoring 20 points or fewer since October 2024. However, rookie wide receivers Denzel Boston, the frontrunner for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, and KC Concepcion (concussion), who cleared protocol late Friday afternoon, represent the type of downfield threats that the Ravens' secondary has struggled to contain this season. Nonetheless, the Ravens DST is RotoBaller's fourth-ranked defense in Week 6 and is a solid streaming option before tougher matchups in Weeks 7 through 9.--Matt McCauley
Source: ESPN

Oct 17, 2026, 2:08 AM ET

The New Orleans Saints D/ST recorded two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown in Week 5's loss to the Vikings. The score came on a fumble recovery by safety Jonas Sanker, who returned it 87 yards for a touchdown. It was the first defensive touchdown of the season for the Saints, who will now face a Giants team that has allowed at least two sacks in every game and has committed at least one turnover in four of five games. The Saints have been poor defensively, ranking 31st in points allowed, and have recorded just five total takeaways on the season. They remain a safe option with limited upside in Week 6 and rank 12th in RotoBaller's rankings.--Dakota Legg - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN.com

Oct 17, 2026, 1:54 AM ET

The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit is a solid starting fantasy defense in Week 6 against the Houston Texans. The Texans offense has been solid passing-wise but has struggled to run the ball. That means they could be in for a rough time, given the Jaguars defense has been one of the best in the NFL against the run. That should make the Texans one-dimensional and predictable. C.J. Stroud has been solid so far this season, but he has shown in the past he can be turnover-prone in spurts. David Montgomery is also out with injury, meaning Woody Marks will do his best to improve the Houston rushing attack. If the Jaguars can take Marks out of the game, they will have the Texans where they want them. The Jaguars D/ST is a low-end starting option in Week 6 due to their ability to force turnovers and stop the run against a solid but mistake-prone Texans offense.--Seth Quinn - RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller D/ST Rankings

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