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With three weeks of the NFL season now wrapped up, it is time to focus our attention on Week 4 and determine what defenses are best to play.
It was an unexpected week in terms of my Week 3 D/ST rankings, as two of our top-five ranked defenses performed awfully and ranked in the bottom five instead. The most surprising one was the number-one-ranked defense, the Dallas Cowboys, getting shredded by Joshua Dobbs and the Cardinals. Outliers such as this one have to be expected and should not change the way we approach starting defenses.
The number one defense in Week 3 was the Buffalo Bills, scoring a ridiculous 32 fantasy points. To put this into perspective, the Bills defense outscored every single fantasy QB in 4-point pass TD leagues. This goes to show how important it is to start the right defense weekly as it can improve your chances of winning significantly.
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How To Determine What Defenses To Start
When it comes to determining the top fantasy football defenses each week, you should look at which units have the most upside and can change the trajectory of your matchup. Defenses are often overlooked in fantasy, but as stated above, the top ones from each week can outscore some of your opponent's key starters.
Eight defenses scored double-digit fantasy points in Week 3. All eight of them had something in common, as they each held their opponent to less than 20 points scored. While six of the eight had at least three sacks in the game.
To maximize the upside of your fantasy defense each week, you need to target defenses that can get to the quarterback constantly that game and cause several turnovers. Sacks, turnovers, and defensive touchdowns are what create high ceilings for fantasy defenses. To determine a somewhat safe start at defense, you should look at low point totals and teams that can hold their opponent to less than 20 points.
Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 4
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | vs. WAS |
| 2 | San Francisco 49ers | vs. ARI |
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs. WAS (Yahoo % Rostered: 98%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: PHI favored by 8.5, Total ~44.5, Implied score: 26-18, 18 points against
Philadelphia’s defense has had at least two takeaways and sacks in each of their first three games, as they are tied for the second-most takeaways in the league with eight.
After two close wins to start the season, Sam Howell and the Commanders played an awful game against Buffalo. Howell threw four interceptions and was sacked an alarming nine times, making him the most sacked QB in the league by far with 18 through three weeks. The defensive line of the Eagles will be too much for Washington and they will force turnovers at ease. Expect a huge game from Philly's defense.
San Francisco 49ers D/ST vs. ARI (Yahoo % Rostered: 100%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: SF favored by 14, Total ~43.5, Implied score: 29-15, 15 points against
Despite the Cowboys’ defense getting torched by Joshua Dobbs and the Cardinals in Week 3, I would bet that this is not the case here and they come back down to earth. Jonathan Gannon has coached as well as anyone in the league through three weeks and deserves to be praised.
However, the 49ers have five interceptions and eight sacks on the season, while allowing just 14 points per game. You should not hesitate to start San Francisco’s defense in Week 4 as they are still facing an inconsistent offense at home.
Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 4
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 3 | Kansas City Chiefs | @NYJ |
| 4 | Pittsburgh Steelers | @HOU |
| 5 | Dallas Cowboys | vs. NE |
| 6 | New Orleans Saints | vs. TB |
| 7 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | @NO |
| 8 | Cleveland Browns | vs. BAL |
| 9 | Baltimore Ravens | @CLE |
| 10 | Indianapolis Colts | vs. LAR |
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST @NYJ (Yahoo % Rostered: 86%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: KC favored by 9.5, Total ~43, Implied score: 26-17, 17 points against
The defense of Kansas City has looked great in the two games that Chris Jones has suited up in. The team has allowed just 19 total points through those two games and has piled up seven sacks in that span. The Jets’ offense has looked like a dumpster fire as they’ve scored just 10 points in each of the past two games. The Chiefs' defense is a top play this week as we should be targeting the Jets weekly when starting defenses.
Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST @HOU (Yahoo % Rostered: 70%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: PIT favored by 3, Total ~41, Implied score: 22-19, 19 points against
C.J. Stroud has looked incredible through his first three career games, as he’s thrown for over 900 yards and has yet to throw an interception. However, the offensive line of the Texans has struggled with protecting Stroud and the team has not been able to establish a run game to any extent.
Pittsburgh leads the entire league in sacks with 13, behind the best defensive player in football, T.J. Watt. The team is also tied for the second-most takeaways with eight through three games. I wouldn’t hesitate to play the Steelers’ defense here as they could very well dominate Houston’s offensive line.
Dallas Cowboys D/ST vs. NE (Yahoo % Rostered: 100%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DAL favored by 7, Total ~42.5, Implied score: 25-18, 18 points against
After two dominating performances by Dallas’ defense to start the season, they put up just one fantasy point in their Week 3 matchups against the Cardinals. I would bet on that to be an outlier game and for the Cowboys to bounce back immediately. This is a defense that put up 10 sacks and seven takeaways through the first two weeks. I would expect a great performance by this Dallas defense against a mediocre Patriots offense.
New Orleans Saints D/ST vs. TB (Yahoo % Rostered: 65%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NO favored by 3, Total ~40.5, Implied score: 22-19, 19 points against
The Saints have allowed less than 20 points in each of their first three games to start the season. New Orleans has scored the seventh-most fantasy points thus far and has proven to be one of the most consistent defenses in football.
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs’ offense turned heads during their 2-0 start. However, when facing an elite defense in their Monday night matchup against the Eagles, they struggled a great deal. They had just 174 total yards on offense and turned the ball over twice. You should confidently be firing up the Saints' defense for Week 4.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST @NO (Yahoo % Rostered: 28%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NO favored by 3, Total ~40.5, Implied score: 22-19, 22 points against
The Bucs’ defense is just one of four this season with at least eight sacks and seven takeaways through the first three games. Despite their poor performance against the reigning NFC champions Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, Tampa Bay has one of the most complete defenses from top to bottom and is led by a great defensive mind in Todd Bowels.
With Derek Carr (shoulder) considered week-to-week and his status being in doubt for Sunday, Jameis Winston would start for New Orleans. As we know with Winston, he is a very talented passer but has a tendency to turn the ball over with his aggressive playstyle. The Bucs are a must-play at defense if you don’t have one above as they offer great upside in Week 4.
Cleveland Browns D/ST vs. BAL (Yahoo % Rostered: 47%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: CLE favored by 2.5, Total ~41.5, Implied score: 22-20, 20 points against
The Cleveland Browns have been the most shut-down defense in all of football. They are giving up just 10.7 points per game, which is the fewest in the league. Led by Myles Garrett, this defense is one of the most talented in the entire league and can match up against any offense.
With Baltimore’s offensive line banged up, Lamar Jackson was sacked four times against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite Jackson being as dominant as he is, Garrett and Cleveland’s defensive line will be too much to handle if Baltimore isn’t fully healthy.
Baltimore Ravens D/ST @CLE (Yahoo % Rostered: 88%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: CLE favored by 2.5, Total ~41.5, Implied score: 22-20, 20 points against
Despite missing several defensive starters, Baltimore has still performed at a high level. The team has 11 sacks this season, with second-year safety Kyle Hamilton accounting for three of them in his Week 3 breakout game. Led by All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, this defense plays fast and with intensity regardless of who’s on the field.
The Cleveland Browns played their best offensive game in Week 3 despite being without Nick Chubb (knee). Deshaun Watson looked the most polished he has since his Texans days and proved he can still throw the ball at an elite level. However, It’ll be much more difficult to drive down the field without a reliable run game. Baltimore’s defense is a great play in Week 4, as they offer a sustainable floor.
Indianapolis Colts D/ST vs. LAR (Yahoo % Rostered: 6%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: LAR favored by 1.5, Total ~45.5, Implied score: 24-22, 24 points against
The Colts are another defense that has quietly been excellent. Despite allowing 23.3 points per game, Indianapolis has 12 sacks on the season and has forced five turnovers. This is a unit that gets to the quarterback consistently and makes plays on the ball.
The Rams have played great offensively considering Cooper Kupp (hamstring) has yet to suit up. However, the offense showed inconsistencies in their loss to Cincinnati, as Matthew Stafford was sacked six times and threw two interceptions. The Colts’ defense is a safe play in Week 4 and has double-digit fantasy point potential.
Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 4
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 11 | New England Patriots | @DAL |
| 12 | Cincinnati Bengals | @TEN |
| 13 | Green Bay Packers | vs. DET |
| 14 | Buffalo Bills | vs. MIA |
| 15 | Jacksonville Jaguars | vs. ATL |
| 16 | Los Angeles Chargers | vs. LV |
New England Patriots D/ST @DAL (Yahoo % Rostered: 86%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DAL favored by 7, Total ~42.5, Implied score: 25-18, 25 points against
As we all know, the New England Patriots have always had a great defense. Bill Belichick hangs his hat on that side of the ball and they have continued to play well this season. The defense has allowed less than 20 points per game and is both a top-five pass defense and a top-10 run defense through three weeks.
The Cowboys’ offense was driving down the field consistently, but could not execute in the red zone during their Week 3 loss to the Cardinals. Dallas has thrived by establishing an elite run game and dominating time of possession. While they did this again in Week 3, they scored a touchdown on just one of their five trips to the red zone. New England’s defense offers a sustainable floor but limited upside in Week 4.
Cincinnati Bengals D/ST @TEN (Yahoo % Rostered: 38%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: CIN favored by 2.5, Total ~40.5, Implied score: 21-19, 19 points against
After two mediocre defensive performances to start the season, Cincinnati really turned it around in Week 3. The team piled up six sacks and two interceptions while allowing just 16 points, with seven of them coming in garbage time. This is still a secondary that I am concerned with but Tennessee is not a matchup where you have to worry about that much.
The Titans are averaging just 15 points per game, tied for the fourth-fewest in the league, and have not been able to get anything going offensively. PFF ranks their offensive line as the fifth-worst in the entire league, hence why Derrick Henry has not been able to produce through three games. While there is some risk with playing Cincinnati considering Henry could break out, I still wouldn’t be worried with Ryan Tannehill under center.
Green Bay Packers D/ST vs. DET (Yahoo % Rostered: 28%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DET favored by 1.5, Total ~45.5, Implied score: 24-22, 24 points against
As known, Jared Goff and the Lions are a significantly better team at home. Green Bay has allowed just over 20 points per game and has nine sacks through three weeks. The defense is also one of 10 with at least one defensive touchdown. This is another case where they offer a safer floor but lack the ceiling that the top-10 defenses have.
Buffalo Bills D/ST vs. MIA (Yahoo % Rostered: 97%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: BUF favored by 2.5, Total ~53.5, Implied score: 28-25, 25 points against
This is an extremely complicated ranking, as the Dolphins just put up the third-most points ever in a single game. However, Buffalo has forced the most turnovers in the league with nine and is tied for the second-most sacks on the year with 12. The matchup is a simple case of elite offense against elite defense. As we saw in their matchup with New England, Miami’s offense can be slowed down to an extent. I would much rather start a defense above, but the Bills’ defense is not a bad play by any means.
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST vs. ATL (Yahoo % Rostered: 59%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: JAX favored by 3, Total ~43.5, Implied score: 23-20, 20 points against
The Jaguars’ defense was awful in their Week 3 loss to the Houston Texans. They had no sacks and forced zero turnovers against Houston while giving up 37 points. I would consider this an outlier considering how well the unit played during their first two weeks.
Atlanta’s entire offense revolves around running the football and Jacksonville has allowed just 3.4 yards per carry this season. I still would prefer to play one of the defenses listed ahead of the Jaguars, considering their atrocious performance this past week.
Los Angeles Chargers D/ST vs. LV (Yahoo % Rostered: 6%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: LAC favored by 6, Total ~47.5, Implied score: 27-21, 21 points against
The Chargers have allowed a ridiculous 29 points per game through three weeks. Despite this, they have been able to get to the opposing team’s quarterback consistently over the last two games, piling up nine sacks. The Raiders turn the ball over at a high rate, as Jimmy Garoppolo leads the league in interceptions thrown with six. The Chargers do struggle against the run and Josh Jacobs could very well have his breakout game of the season. While they’re a risky play, the Chargers’ defense offers double-digit upside in Week 4.
Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 4
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 17 | Atlanta Falcons | @JAX |
| 18 | Seattle Seahawks | @NYG |
| 19 | Denver Broncos | @CHI |
| 20 | Washington Commanders | @PHI |
| 21 | New York Jets | vs. KC |
Atlanta Falcons D/ST @JAX (Yahoo % Rostered: 4%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: JAX favored by 3, Total ~43.5, Implied score: 23-20, 20 points against
Atlanta has been a bend, don’t break, type of defense but doesn’t have much upside when it comes to causing turnovers or getting to the QB. They have just three sacks through three games, which is the third-fewest in the league.
Jacksonville’s offense is averaging just 19 points per game and is ranked as the fourth-worst offensive line in the league, according to PFF. With how talented the Jaguars’ offense is, I would expect a huge bounce-back game from them in London. While the Falcons’ defense gives a somewhat sustainable floor, the ceiling isn’t there and not worth the risk.
Seattle Seahawks D/ST @NYG (Yahoo % Rostered: 44%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NYG favored by 1.5, Total ~46.5, Implied score: 24-23, 23 points against
Seattle’s defense has allowed the fourth-most points in the league and offers very little turnover potential. However, PFF ranked the Giants as the worst offensive line in the entire league as of right now. This is a case of a struggling offense matching up with a struggling defense. If Saquon Barkley (ankle) is out again, Seattle is a much better start, but I would stay from this defense altogether.
Denver Broncos D/ST @CHI (Yahoo % Rostered: 38%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DEN favored by 3.5, Total ~46, Implied score: 25-21, 21 points against
If they didn’t give up 70 points in Week 3, Denver would be much higher on the list. The Broncos have allowed the most points in the league while forcing just one turnover, and having four sacks through three games.
On the other hand, Chicago’s offense has been awful, as Justin Fields has been sacked the second-most times in the league with 13. I would strongly shy away from this defense altogether, but this would be the week where they offer somewhat of a high ceiling.
Washington Commanders D/ST @PHI (Yahoo % Rostered: 30%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: PHI favored by 7, Total ~44.5, Implied score: 26-19, 26 points against
Washington has a talented and youthful defense with one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. However, they have given up over 30 points in each of the last two games. Philadelphia’s offensive line is the best in the league, as they have run for the second-most yards through three weeks. This is an offense that you should shy away from when starting defenses as they can beat you convincingly through the air and on the ground.
New York Jets D/ST vs. KC (Yahoo % Rostered: 88%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: KC favored by 9.5, Total ~43, Implied score: 26-17, 26 points against
Despite being one of the most talented units in all of football, the Jets’ defense has struggled as they have been forced to stay on the field for the majority of games. This doesn’t need much explaining as you shouldn’t be starting many defenses against Patrick Mahomes at all. While they are as talented as any other defense in the league, the Jets offer an extremely low floor in Week 4.
Tier 5 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 4
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 22 | Miami Dolphins | @BUF |
| 23 | Houston Texans | vs. PIT |
| 24 | Tennessee Titans | vs. CIN |
| 25 | Arizona Cardinals | @SF |
| 26 | Chicago Bears | vs. DEN |
| 27 | Detroit Lions | @GB |
| 28 | Minnesota Vikings | @CAR |
| 29 | Carolina Panthers | vs. MIN |
| 30 | Los Angeles Rams | @IND |
| 31 | New York Giants | vs. SEA |
| 32 | Las Vegas Raiders | @LAC |
I would not be starting these defenses in Week 4 under any circumstances. These units are either going up against a top offense in the league, have not been a good defense in general, or both. They offer low ceilings and significantly low floors that can hurt your chances of winning your fantasy matchup.
Avoid all these choices entirely and try to get a defense in the top two to three tiers for Week 4. Thanks for reading, and good luck RotoBallers!
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