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 15 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts: 2017 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Bill breaks down all 2017 fantasy football Week 15 defenses (DEF) -- targets, streamers, sits/starts, and waiver wire pickups to add. His Week 15 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL defenses.

Still hangin' in there? Below are RotoBaller's Week 15 defense tiers and rankings, or which defenses to stream and start for Week 14 of the NFL and fantasy football season. Our tiered defense rankings are your guide to drafting defenses, making waiver wire pickups/adds to improve your lineups, and to decide which defenses to start, sit, target, avoid or stream for Week 15.

Starting the right defense every week can be a difference-maker, so we have broken out our defense rankings into tiers with analysis on each matchup. Some of these Week 15 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 15 pickup or add.

Just as a heads-up, when I mention DST scores, I am referring to ESPN's default PPR scoring. Let me know what you think on Twitter (@Roto_Dubs). Good luck in Week 15 RotoBallers!

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

 

Week 15 Defenses To Start & Stream: Tiers & Rankings

Tier 1 Defenses (The "Duh" DSTs)

1. Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. HOU)

I likely would have had the Jaguars ranked number one if Tom Savage started, but they are emphatically number one now that T.J. Yates is under center. Yates was actually pretty impressive in relief of Tom Savage, who was the victim of some of the most negligent concussion ignorance, but he did so against the 49ers weak secondary. The Jaguars are still the best pass defense in the NFL (174 YPG) and they have the pieces to contain DeAndre Hopkins and make Yates' life a living hell.

2. New Orleans Saints (vs. NYJ)

I definitely would not have had the Saints at number two if Josh McCown was healthy, but with Bryce Petty starting next week the Saints are a top play. They're home, which will likely lead to a bloodbath barring some sort of Herculean effort by Bilal Powell and Matt Forte--an outcome that is unlikely even with the Saints boasting the 20th-ranked rush defense.  The Jets aren't going to put up points and Lynch is almost certain to turn the ball over multiple times.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (@ NYG)

The Eagles organization as a whole is reeling after the loss of Carson Wentz, but this defense will still have plenty of opportunity to succeed against the Giants, a team that is "competing" for better draft position at this point. The Eagles are the best run defense in the NFL (71.2 YPG) which means Eli is going to have to throw to keep up. Nick Foles certainly isn't Carson Wentz, but there are tons of weapons around him and he at least has some NFL experience--including one majestic half-season (2013) that included a six-touchdown game. The Giants are in the "stream against" category, and the Eagles are talented enough as it is to keep them in the top tier.

4. Baltimore Ravens (@ CLE)

So this would have been a gimme top-three matchup a couple of weeks ago, but the presence of Josh Gordon has seemingly made DeShone Kizer a better quarterback. Kizer went off for three touchdowns against the Packers in Week 14, and now gets a Ravens secondary that is markedly worse without Jimmy Smith. Kizer is a near-lock for two turnovers still, which keeps the Ravens in the top tier, but their upside is limited every-so-slightly. As an additional point, Isaiah Crowell has churned out 90+ yards on the ground in three of his last five games.

Tier 2 Defenses (Rock-Solid Starts)

5. Buffalo Bills (vs. MIA)

The Bills DST couldn't get their footing any more than the Colts could in their snow bowl on Sunday in Orchard Park, and they disappointed with just one sack and no interceptions. That has everything to do with the ultra-conservative play-calling by both teams--the game plan was run, run, run. They should have much more success against the Dolphins in Week 15, who also have to come to Buffalo and play in the snow and cold. Jay Cutler is a turnover risk in great weather, and with the cold playing a factor this game has huge potential for the Bills DST. If they can contain Kenyan Drake on the outside they'll be in great shape.

6. Carolina Panthers (vs. GB)

The Panthers DST looked pretty great against the above-average Vikings offense last week, forcing three turnovers and tallying six sacks. The front seven should continue putting up numbers against the Packers, who currently sit at third in the NFL in sacks allowed. Brett Hundley has been remarkably up-and-down over the last month, alternating between three and zero touchdowns over the last four games. I'm gambling on him falling closer to zero than three in this one. Roll the Panthers out with confidence.

7. Minnesota Vikings (vs. CIN)

The Vikings got lit up by the Panthers in Week 15, yielding 31 points and a whole mess of yards. They were gashed by Jonathan Stewart of all people! They should bounce back entirely against the Bengals, who looked like trash against the Bears. Andy Dalton had a nice little hot streak in the middle of the season but he came crashing back to Earth last week, mustering just 141 yards, one touchdown and an interception. A.J. Green has been somewhat hit-and-miss this season (still a WR1 to be sure), but he'll have to deal with shutdown corner Xavier Rhodes in this one.

8. Detroit Lions (vs. CHI)

The Lions DST got back on track in Week 15 against the Buccaneers with five turnovers and three sacks. They may not have as easy a time with that against Mitch Trubisky and the Bears, as Trubisky has controlled the ball pretty well for a rookie. The big concern here is how the Lions' 21st-ranked run defense can stand up to Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen. I have faith that they can at least contain them enough to win the game, and Trubisky isn't going to light it up. Lions have a decent floor but limited upside in this one.

Tier 3 Defenses (Decent Streamers)

10. Los Angeles Chargers (@ KC)

Including last week's drubbing of the Redskins, the Chargers have now allowed just 23 total points over their last three games. That hot streak might bend against the Chiefs, but it certainly won't break. Andy Reid remembered how good Kareem Hunt is last week and it showed, as he was fed against the Redskins' 26th-ranked rushing defense. The Chargers upside is therefore limited--they actually rank 29th against the run. I expect them to sell out to stop the run and hope that Tyreek Hill doesn't make a mess for them deep. The Chargers are ranked fourth in sacks, so they do have a shot at a decent day if they can limit the damage done by KC's playmakers.

11. Denver Broncos (vs. IND)

I've been preaching against the Broncos DST all season, so naturally they blew up in the first round of the playoffs. While I don't see that being the new norm, they should have some success against the Colts porous offensive line. The Colts have yielded a whopping 52 sacks on the season, eight more than the next closest team. It's really that simple--the Broncos should rack up sacks, although I'm not certain they can keep points off the board. They've yielded the ninth-most points in the NFL.

12. Chicago Bears (@ DET)

The Bears DST has rattled off back-to-back solid outings against subpar teams (SF, CIN), but they'll have a tougher time of it when they visit the Lions in Week 15. Detroit has the fifth-best scoring offense in the NFL, but Matthew Stafford has at least one interception in four of his last five games. Low ceiling here, but your options might be limited this late in the season.

13. Los Angeles Rams (@ SEA)
14. Seattle Seahawks (vs. LAR)

I'll discuss the Rams and Seahawks together. This game has shootout written all over it, and that's honestly what's keeping me from ranking either team higher than that. Russell Wilson is literally on pace for one of the greatest fantasy seasons ever, and the Rams trail only the Eagles (by eight points) for the title of highest-scoring offense. Again, you might not have a choice at this point, but I'm not feeling great about either option.

Tier 4 Defenses (Deep Streamers)

15. Atlanta Falcons (@ TB)
16. Tennessee Titans (@ SF)

17. New York Giants (vs. PHI)
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. ATL)
19. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. NE)
20. New England Patriots (@ PIT)

 

Tier 5 Defenses (Desperation Plays)

21. Indianapolis Colts (vs. DEN)
22. Green Bay Packers (@ CAR)
23. Miami Dolphins (@ BUF)
24. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. LAC)
25. Cincinnati Bengals (@ MIN)

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis


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

Quinshon Judkins

Signs Fully Guaranteed Deal with Cleveland
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Carey Price

Canadiens Trade Carey Price to Sharks
Quentin Johnston

Scores Twice in Brazil
Justin Herbert

Spectacular in Win Over Chiefs
Marquise Brown

Sees Absurd Target Share Friday
Bobby Witt Jr.

Dealing With Back Spasms
Bobby Witt Jr.

Exits Early on Friday
Xavier Worthy

Injures Shoulder Early in Brazil, Questionable to Return
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Placed on Injured List With Quad Strain
Tyler Glasnow

Scratched on Friday With Back Tightness
Jayden Reed

Questionable to Play in Season Opener
Christian McCaffrey

Listed as Questionable for Season Opener With Calf Issue
Tyreek Hill

Cleared for Week 1
Rasmus Hojgaard

Finishes Tied For Second at Omega European Masters
Tyrrell Hatton

Finishes Tied for 32nd at LIV Indianapolis
Matt Fitzpatrick

Finishes Fifth at Omega European Masters
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied For Second in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Xander Schauffele

Finishes 42nd in 2025 FedEx Cup Standings
Tyler Glasnow

Scratched From Friday's Start for Undisclosed Reasons
Christian Kirk

Ruled Out for Week 1
Shohei Ohtani

Returning to the Mound on Friday
Kyle Finnegan

Lands on Injured List With Adductor Strain
Aaron Judge

Returns to Right Field on Friday
De'Von Achane

Without Injury Designation Heading Into Week 1
Christian McCaffrey

Seen Working on Side Field During Friday's Practice
Malik Nabers

Cleared to Play on Sunday
Willson Contreras

' Suspension Reduced, to Start Serving it on Friday
Kodai Senga

Mets Send Kodai Senga to Triple-A to Get Right
Chris Godwin

Officially Ruled Out for Week 1
Malik Nabers

' Reps Limited Friday Due to "Tight" Back
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card
Axel Sola

Alex Sola Set To Make His UFC Debut
Saquon Barkley

Scores Touchdown in Low-Yardage Outing
Jalen Hurts

Rushes for Two Touchdowns on Thursday
Javonte Williams

Salvages Inefficient Outing With Two Touchdowns
CeeDee Lamb

110-Yard Game Marred by Four Drops
Will Shipley

Questionable to Return on Thursday Night
Pablo López

Pablo Lopez Expected to Return on Friday
Micah Parsons

Expected to Play in Week 1
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Exits With Knee Contusions
Christian McCaffrey

Listed as Limited With Calf Injury
Will Smith

Unlikely to Play This Weekend
Shohei Ohtani

to Pitch on Monday
Jon Rahm

Looks to Prove His Importance on European Ryder Cup Team
Tommy Fleetwood

Among Leaders of European Ryder Cup Team
Brandon Sproat

to Start for Mets on Sunday
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Close to Triple-Double Versus Serbia
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Fills Box Score Against Turkey
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Shakes Off Minor Injury
E.J. Liddell

Inks Two-Way Deal With Nets
NBA

Ben Simmons Reportedly Considering Retirement
P.J. Washington

Agrees to Four-Year, $90 Million Extension
Mike Trout

Plans to Return on Thursday
Will Smith

X-Rays Negative on Will Smith's Hand
Will Smith

Exits With Hand Contusion
Jackson Chourio

in Lineup Wednesday Despite Hamstring Cramps
Sepp Straka

Gets Captain's Pick to Join Team Europe
Christian Yelich

Dealing With Soreness in Lower Back
PGA

Victor Hovland to Make Third Ryder Cup Appearance for Team Europe
J.J. Spaun

Set to Represent Team USA for First Time at Bethpage
Russell Henley

Makes First Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Harris English

Named to Ryder Cup Team for Second Time
Kyle Finnegan

Dealing With Groin Issue
Justin Thomas

Making Fourth Ryder Cup Team Appearance at Bethpage
Ben Griffin

Making First Career Ryder Cup Appearance at Bethpage
Bryson DeChambeau

Set to be Part of Team USA at Bethpage
Santi Aldama

Bags Double-Double in Losing Effort
Guerschon Yabusele

Erupts for 36 Points Against Poland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Leads Slovenia Into Next Round at EuroBasket
San Antonio Spurs

Stanley Umude Signs Training Camp Deal With Spurs
Reece Beekman

Joins Magic for Training Camp
Justin Minaya

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Magic
Alexandre Sarr

to Miss Rest of EuroBasket
Jared McCain

"On Pace" for Training Camp
Luke Hughes

Devils Optimistic About Signing Luke Hughes
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Dylan Holloway

Good to Go for Start of Season
Josh Morrissey

Fully Healthy for Start of Season
Dennis Hildeby

Signs Three-Year Extension With Maple Leafs
Franz Wagner

Collects Double-Double in Blowout Win
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Achieves Rare Numbers at EuroBasket
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Dominates Against Sweden
Kristaps Porzingis

Finding Form at EuroBasket
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Suffers Minor Injury at EuroBasket
Victor Wembanyama

Looking "Quite Stellar"
Denny Hamlin

Ends Eventful Day at Darlington in Seventh Place
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Almost Earns a Top-Five Finish at Darlington
John Hunter Nemechek

has His Best 2025 Performance at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Has An Underwhelming Performance At Darlington
Josh Berry

Crashes Early and Suffers A Playoff Setback at Darlington
Giannis Antetokounmpo

"Staying in Milwaukee"
Chase Elliott

Under Playoff Pressure After 17th-Place Darlington Finish
Kyle Larson

Despite Hendrick Mediocrity, Kyle Larson Remains Pretty Safe in Playoffs
Alex Bowman

Opening-Lap Crash and Botched Pit Stop May Have Sunk Alex Bowman's Playoff Hopes
Erik Jones

Darlington Master Erik Jones Comes Up Short but Still Finishes Third
AJ Allmendinger

A.J. Allmendinger Impresses at Southern 500
Daniel Suarez

is A DFS Risk for Darlington Lineups?
Noah Gragson

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Noah Gragson for Darlington?
Ty Dillon

is an Excellent Punt Option for Darlington DFS Lineups

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP