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

Week 10 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts - 2018 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Bill Dubiel breaks down all 2018 fantasy football Week 10 defenses (DEF) -- draft targets, streamers, sits/starts, and D/ST waiver wire pickups to add. His Week 10 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL defenses.

Below are RotoBaller's Week 10 defense tiers and rankings, or which defenses to stream, start and target off the waiver wire for Week 10 of the NFL and fantasy football season.

Our weekly tiered defense rankings are a guide to making waiver wire pickups to improve your lineups, and to decide which defenses to start, sit, target, avoid or stream for Week 10. Starting the right defense every week can be a difference-maker. Below we have broken out our defense rankings into tiers with analysis on each matchup. Some of these Week 10 defenses have good matchups and are not widely owned, representing fantasy scoring opportunities if they are available on your league's waiver wire for a Week 10 pickup or add. Good luck in Week 10 RotoBallers!

New for this year: Confidence Rating - since every league's DST scoring is different, projections don't make a ton of sense. The confidence rating is a guideline for how much more I like one team over another instead of a straight point projection. A zero means "do not start", then the confidence rises from there. Initial rankings do not factor in Monday Night Football stats. Ranks may be re-evaluated after that game.

Editor's Note: Access RotoBaller’s trusted fantasy football rankings for PPR, Standard, Dynasty, Super Flex, and Best Ball formats. Get tiered cheat sheets, expert analysis, and player outlooks to dominate your draft from every angle.

 

Week 10 Defenses To Start & Stream: Tiers & Rankings

I typically don't recommend rostering two DSTs, but due to popular demand, at the end of the article, I list a few DSTs that will be my top streaming options (i.e. widely available) for NEXT week, so they may be worth adding now before they become hot pickups.

Teams on bye: Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings

 

Tier 1 Defenses

Rank Tier DST Opponent Confidence Rating
1 1 New York Jets vs. BUF 12.95
2 1 Los Angeles Chargers @ OAK 11.15
3 1 Chicago Bears vs. DET 10.5

Fun fact from numberFire's editor-in-chief J.J. Zachariason:

Picking my top option each week really is just as simple as finding the Bills' opponent at this point. As I mentioned above, I typically don't recommend rostering two DSTs, but if you think you can afford the space start keeping an eye out for waiver DSTs that have the Bills during the fantasy stretch run/playoffs. Now is the time to start thinking about stashing, because the Bills' misfortunes can literally win you a week. And no, it doesn't matter if it's Josh Allen, Derek Anderson (the likely starter as of now), Terrelle Pryor or PICK-SIX POOTERMAN under center.

The Chargers are resurgent at long last. They're red-hot right now, with double-digit fantasy points in three of their last four games, and a matchup against the hapless Fightin' Grudens coming up this week. Joey Bosa is making some progress in his return from injury, but it doesn't sound like he'll be ready this week. The Chargers have been doing just fine in his absence, tallying at least one interception in every game going back to Week 2, and racking up 14 sacks over their last four games. Deploy this unit with confidence, and hold onto them for the nice little run they're about to go on (@ OAK, vs. DEN, vs. ARI).

The Bears got back on track against the Jets and those damned Bills in the last two weeks, and while the Detroit Lions pose a tougher challenge, I'm not running in fear. Khalil Mack looks poised to return this week and the Lions sit at 21st in yards per game and 20th in points per game. Matthew Stafford is still very careful with the ball, capping the Bears' ceiling, but they should eat anyway given that the Lions have already allowed 23 sacks this season.

 

Tier 2 Defenses

Rank Tier DST Opponent Confidence Rating
4 2 New England Patriots @ TEN 9.4
5 2 Los Angeles Rams vs. SEA 8.75
6 2 Washington Redskins @ TB 8.15
7 2 Kansas City Chiefs vs. ARI 7.65
8 2 Indianapolis Colts vs. JAC 7.3

The Patriots DST doesn't bring a ton to the table pass rush-wise--they're 30th in the NFL in sacks. However, they've had success in winning the turnover battle--their 17 takeaways is good for fourth in the NFL. The Tennessee offense is so anemic (30th in the NFL with just over 280 total yards per game prior to Monday night) that Marcus Mariota barely has any opportunities to give the ball away--therefore, the Patriots' fantasy upside is limited. However, this game should be out of hand quickly, and the Titans are just a couple weeks removed from yielding 11 sacks in one game, albeit to the Ravens. Stream the Pats with confidence--they should be available in most places given that they're coming off a game against Aaron Rodgers.

I'm not saying I'm scared of the Cardinals all of a sudden, but I do recognize that with Mike McCoy no longer steering the offense off a cliff, the Cardinals can do some damage in a hurry. Josh Rosen won't carry this offense to 30 points, but a newly-unleashed David Johnson might. The Cardinals will have to run and gun to keep pace with the Chiefs, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs DST to end up with a disappointing total at the end of the game.

Just when I get all hyped up and on board the Colts DST train, they drop a complete stinker against the terrible, awful, no-good very bad Raiders (that's two Raiders gags thus far, for those keeping tabs at home). This week they'll be fresh off the bye and at home against the much-maligned Blake Bortles. Their upside is curbed by the potential return of a "healthy" Leonard Fournette, but the potential for a full-on BORTLING always looms. Wouldn't expect fireworks, but you could do much worse if you're streaming from a low waiver position.

 

Tier 3 Defenses

Rank Tier DST Opponent Confidence Rating
9 3 Buffalo Bills @ NYJ 6.4
10 3 Philadelphia Eagles vs. DAL 5.85
11 3 Green Bay Packers vs. MIA 5.2
12 3 Atlanta Falcons @ CLE 4.8
13 3 New Orleans Saints @ CIN 4.45
14 3 Jacksonville Jaguars @ IND 4.15

Almost out of Bills jokes, I swear. Here they are in Tier 3! A matchup against Sam Darnold simply can't be ignored, especially not when he threw his league-leading 14th interception last week (along with interceptions 11-13). This game SCREAMS 6-3 final to me, and you're going to want a part of both of the DSTs--they'll likely lead their respective teams in fantasy scoring.

While I haven't yet seen the Cowboys offense with their new WR1 Amari Cooper (Monday Night Football starts in just a couple hours), I refuse to believe that he can suddenly transform Dak Prescott and the 27th-ranked offense in football. The Eagles have already piled up 26 sacks on the year, and that should lead to a nice floor in their intra-divisional matchup against the Cowboys this week. I don't see any path to fireworks short of a freak defensive touchdown, though.

With the exception of their shutout of the Bills and their Week 1 victory over the Bears, the Packers have yielded at least 27 points to every opponent they've faced in 2018. In fact, since that Week 4 shutout, the Packers have allowed 29.75 points per game while tallying just one interception. While it's easier to forgive their matchups against the Rams and Patriots, they also got the front door kicked in by the Lions and 49ers in that time frame. Therefore, their ceiling is low even against the Brock Osweiler-led Miami Dolphins, but that matchup does put them squarely in streaming territory.

 

Tier 4 Defenses

Rank Tier DST Opponent Confidence Rating
15 4 New York Giants @ SF 3.7
16 4 San Francisco 49ers vs. NYG 3.45
17 4 Dallas Cowboys @ PHI 3.1
18 4 Carolina Panthers @ PIT 2.9
19 4 Pittsburgh Steelers vs. CAR 2.75

I run in fear of Nick Mullens, and you should too. In all seriousness, this Giants defense is simply too weak to stream, especially if Mullens' production proves more sustainable than just a Thursday night flash of brilliance. On the flip-side of that matchup, the Giants still have enough weapons to where you can't trust the lowly 49ers defense, despite their thrashing of the Raiders offensive line on Thursday.

The Panthers and Steelers clash in this week's Thursday night matchup, and I'm running from both DSTs given that both offenses are relatively healthy and churning at full speed. Christian McCaffrey and Cam Newton are both rolling, so it's impossible to feel good about the Steelers despite them being at home. At the same time, I'm not ready to bet against James Conner, Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster at home. There's an outside chance that this devolves into a Thursday night slopfest, but with that much talent on both offenses, I'm not willing to bet against it.

 

Tier 5 Defenses

Rank Tier DST Opponent Confidence Rating
20 5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. WAS 2.55
21 5 Seattle Seahawks @ LAR 2.4
22 5 Miami Dolphins @ GB 2.05
23 5 Tennessee Titans vs. NE 1.9
24 5 Cleveland Browns vs. ATL 1.45
25 5 Arizona Cardinals @ KC 1.15

 
Looking Ahead to Week 10...

  • Arizona Cardinals (vs. OAK)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (@ JAC)
  • Indianapolis Colts (vs. TEN)
  • Los Angeles Chargers (vs. DEN)

More Weekly Lineup Prep


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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

San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Bo Bichette

Out Again on Tuesday
Trent Grisham

Likely Heading to Injured List
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Royce Lewis

Twins Activate Royce Lewis
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
Corbin Carroll

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
Yordan Alvarez

Could Return Early Next Week
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Kerry Carpenter

Shelved with Hamstring Issue
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Milwaukee Bucks

Damian Lillard Waived By Milwaukee
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Andrei Kuzmenko

Signs Up for One More Year with Kings
Morgan Geekie

Signs Long-Term Extension with Bruins
Ivan Provorov

Stays in Columbus on Seven-Year Deal
Alex Pietrangelo

Stepping Away From Golden Knights for Health Reasons
Matias Maccelli

Maple Leafs Bring in Matias Maccelli
Evan Bouchard

Inks $42 Million Contract with Oilers
Vladimir Tarasenko

Wild Acquire Vladimir Tarasenko From Detroit
Patrick Kane

Signs New One-Year Deal with Red Wings
Brad Marchand

Lands Six-Year Extension
Aaron Ekblad

Remains a Panther on Eight-Year Deal
Mitchell Marner

Heads to Vegas
Randy Arozarena

Homers Twice, Plates Four Monday
Shea Langeliers

Hits Three-Run Homer In Return From Injured List Monday
Wilyer Abreu

Belts Grand Slam and Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run
Philadelphia 76ers

Trendon Watford Lands in Philadelphia
New York Knicks

Jordan Clarkson Expected to Sign With Knicks
Santi Aldama

Remains with Grizzlies
Atlanta Hawks

Nickeil Alexander-Walker Lands in Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Los Angeles Clippers

Brook Lopez Strikes Deal With Clippers
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Chicago Bulls

Tre Jones Remaining in Chicago
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Houston Rockets

Dorian Finney-Smith Signing With Rockets
Atlanta Hawks

Caris LeVert Joining Pistons
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
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
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF