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Week 16 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts: 2017 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Bill breaks down all 2017 fantasy football Week 16 defenses (DEF) -- targets, streamers, sits/starts, and waiver wire pickups to add. His Week 16 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL defenses.

Time to go for the whole enchilada! Below are RotoBaller's Week 16 defense tiers and rankings, or which defenses to stream and start for Week 16 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 16.

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 16 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 16 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 16 RotoBallers!

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

 

Week 16 Defenses To Start & Stream: Tiers & Rankings

Tier 1 Defenses (The "Duh" DSTs)

1. Baltimore Ravens (vs. IND)

The Ravens trail only the Jaguars in DST fantasy points this year, and they get a Colts team that ranks 31st in the NFL in total offense. On top of everything, the Ravens are battling for a playoff spot while the entire Colts organization is in a holding pattern until Andrew Luck heals or leaves for greener (and much less hurt-y) pastures. The math is simple here.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (@ SF)

Jimmy Garoppolo has been a revelation for the 49er offense, but there still isn't enough talent around him to threaten the defensive juggernaut that is the Jacksonville front seven and secondary. They'll be able to get to Garoppolo at least three times, they won't yield more than 13 points and if any team can force him to turn the ball over it's this one.

3. Los Angeles Rams (@ TEN)

The Rams defense decimated the Seahawks in Week 15, and while they likely won't waltz over the Titans in like fashion, there isn't a ton of resistance coming out of Tennessee these days. Marcus Mariota has been a massive disappointment in every way this season, and as he has struggled so has the offense--they rank 22nd in total offense. There is plenty of upside for a team coming off its season-high in sacks (seven).

4. Los Angeles Chargers (@ NYJ)

The Chargers were overwhelmed by the suddenly potent Kansas City offense in Week 15, but prior to that they had posted eight or more DST fantasy points in eight of nine games (averaged 12.4 fantasy points per game in that time frame). The Bryce Petty-led Jets surprised everyone by sticking around the Saints for almost the entire game last week, but I don't think the Chargers will have any trouble getting ahead early in this one. The Chargers are tied for fourth in the NFL with 16 interceptions on the season, and I expect them to add to that number this weekend.

5. Detroit Lions (@ CIN)

The Bengals have pulled Andy Dalton in back-to-back weeks, as their offense has been absolutely pitiful. They've quietly slipped to the very bottom of the NFL in total offense, and things certainly aren't going to turn around even if A.J. McCarron draws a start instead of Dalton. There is virtually no risk here, and loads of upside.

Tier 2 Defenses (Rock-Solid Starts)

6. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. MIA)

The Chiefs are coming off back-to-back huge games, having tallied five sacks and seven turnovers in the last two weeks. The good times should continue to roll against Jay Cutler and the Dolphins, who just threw three interceptions against the Bills and are out of the playoff picture.

7. Minnesota Vikings (@ GB)

With Aaron Rodgers placed back on IR, the Packers have officially waved the white flag on their 2017 season. That instantly breeds a top fantasy DST matchup, especially considering Brett Hundley might be without Davante Adams (concussion) for that game as well.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. OAK)

The Eagles defense has yielded 24+ points in three straight games, but that streak should come to an end against an Oakland team that is simply killing time until the off-season. Barring some kind of Derek Carr eruption (which is possible but not at all likely), this DST has a nice, safe floor for this week. The reason they are ranked this low is because I said that last week against the Giants and was unpleasantly surprised.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (@ HOU)

The Steelers are going to be playing angry after losing Antonio Brown for the regular season and the game against the Patriots on Sunday in questionable fashion. The Texans are out of any playoff hunt, and will in all likelihood be shutting down Tom Savage (concussion) for the season, leaving T.J. Yates with the keys to the offense. Expect DeAndre Hopkins to beat them once or twice, but there is very little risk of a "bad" DST game with the Steelers.

10. Carolina Panthers (vs. TB)

The Panthers DST is coming off back-to-back double-digit outings, and they've racked up nine total sacks and seven total turnovers in those games. Jameis Winston has been hot since coming back from his shoulder injury though, throwing for at least 270 yards and two touchdowns in each of his last three games, thus limiting the Panthers' upside in Week 16.

Tier 3 Defenses (Decent Streamers)

11. Chicago Bears (vs. CLE)

The Bears DST is coming off of three straight weeks of eight or more fantasy points and they get the Browns, who still lead the NFL in giveaways by a healthy margin (36). It's that simple in this case.

12. New England Patriots (vs. BUF)

The Patriots are in the driver's seat in the AFC, but Tom Brady and Bill Belichick certainly won't let up on the gas yet. Their upside is capped in a visit from a desperate, playoff-starved Bills team that has been cooking on offense in recent weeks, and has very limited turnover potential with Tyrod Taylor under center.

13. Arizona Cardinals (vs. NYG)

The Cardinals have underwhelmed this season, but the Giants are still a solid matchup despite their offensive outburst last week against the Eagles. Look for the Cards to turn Eli Manning over a time or two and hold the Giants to 17 or fewer points.

14. Washington Redskins (vs. DEN)

The Redskins stepped up the pressure last week against the Cardinals and were rewarded with five sacks and two turnovers. I don't think their numbers will get that high, but they should still be able to post a decent day against Brock Osweiler despite his explosive performance against the Colts last week.

Tier 4 Defenses (Deep Streamers)

15. New Orleans Saints (vs. ATL)
16. Denver Broncos (@ WAS)

17. Seattle Seahawks (@ DAL)
18. Dallas Cowboys (vs. SEA)
Tier 5 Defenses (Desperation Plays)

19. New York Giants (@ ARI)
20. Indianapolis Colts (@ BAL)
21. Cleveland Browns (@ CHI)

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis


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.




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