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 4 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts: 2015 Fantasy Tiers & Rankings

Below are RotoBaller's Week 4 defense tiers and rankings, or which defenses to stream and start for Week 4 of the NFL and fantasy football season. Our tiered defense rankings are your guide to making waiver wire pickups and adds to improve your lineups, and to decide which defenses to start, sit, target, avoid or stream for Week 4.

Are you looking for some assistance with your lineups? Not sure which defenses have good matchups for Week 4? Can't decide which defenses to target off the waiver wire, or whether you should stream a different defense for this week? No worries, we are here to help every week of the fantasy football season.

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 4 defenses have good matchups and are not widely owned, representing sleeper opportunities if they are available on your league's waiver wire for a Week 4 pickup or add. Good luck in Week 4 RotoBallers!

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 4 Defenses To Start & Stream: Tiers & Rankings

Bye Weeks: New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans

Tier 1 Defenses: Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos

The Arizona Cardinals have won many fantasy matchups single-handedly in the last two weeks thanks to a total of four touchdowns (a kickoff return and three pick-sixes). They had four total interceptions in Week 3 against a seemingly lost Colin Kaepernick, and while I don't expect anything close to that in Week 4, they do face a Rams offense that only managed six total points against the Steelers' sub-par defense. At the moment, the Cardinals are a rare must-start D/ST.

I'd usually recommend the Jets regardless of matchup, but with Ryan Tannehill and the anemic Dolphins offense opposing them they become a top-3 option. The similarly stout Buffalo Bills just manhandled the 'Phins, picking off Tannehill three times (returning one for a touchdown). The Jets secondary is even stronger than that of the Bills, so expect great things from this D/ST in Week 4.

Kam Chancellor has ended his holdout, and the Seahawks just got a major confidence boost in shutting out the godawful Bears in Week 3. They now face the 0-3 Lions at home...this one might get ugly.

The Denver Broncos are averaging over 3.5 sacks per game so far this season, along with 10 total turnovers and two touchdowns over three games. With Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware coming off the edge and Aqib Talib and Bradley Roby ball-hawking over the top, none of this comes as a shock. They'll get the Vikings at home in Week 4, and I think they can contain Adrian Peterson enough to make them a top D/ST once again. Teddy Bridgewater might be awful sore next Monday.
Tier 2 Defenses: Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers

After a Week 2 drubbing courtesy of the Patriots, the Bills got back on the horse with their own blowout of Miami, "squishing the Fish" in a 41-14 bloodbath. As I mentioned before, they had three interceptions against Ryan Tannehill, and with Eli Manning and company coming to town they may be in for some more. I don't see the New York run game getting anything going, which means Rex Ryan will be aiming to take Odell Beckham Jr. out of the game.

While the Eagles may have lost linebacker Kiko Alonso for a while, their defense still looked pretty terrific against a Jets team that was on a roll. They allowed only 17 points and forced four turnovers, and tacked on a Darren Sproles punt-return touchdown. They'll face Washington in Week 4, and I like their chances against Kirk Cousins--the only question is whether they can slow down Alfred Morris and Matt Jones.

Carolina has yet to allow more than 22 point so far this season, and I expect that trend to continue against Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers in Week 4. They've already racked up seven sacks in the first three weeks, and have at least one interception in each game. The Panthers might not have the potential to win you the matchup, but they may have one of the higher floors of any D/ST in Week 4.

The Packers are middle-of-the-road as far as fantasy D/STs go, but with Colin Kaepernick opposing them in Week 4 I love them as a streaming option. The 49ers' Week 1 victory now appears to be more mirage than anything, and I don't see them figuring it out against Green Bay. They are the definition of a low ceiling, high floor play in Week 4.
Tier 3 Defenses: Oakland Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens

Did you see the Bears game on Sunday? I use the word "game" lightly, because that looked like a varsity/JV scrimmage. Granted, it was the Seahawks who forced Chicago to punt on literally every possession, but I'll take my chances streaming the Raiders against them as well.

The Cleveland defense has seven sacks in three games, and Philip Rivers has already racked up four picks and two lost fumbles on the young season. This matchup has all the conditions for a nice streaming play in Week 4.

The Cowboys D/ST has been up and down so far in 2015, putting up a great game against Philadelphia in Week 2, but getting blasted for 39 points (most of which came in the second half) by the Falcons in Week 3. The reason I think they're worth streaming is simple--Luke McCown and Brandin Cooks are not Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. Look for the Cowboys to bounce back and at least manage 5-7 fantasy points.

I can't get a read on the Baltimore Ravens, which is why I'm leaving them in Tier 3. They've looked solid at times, and have a pick in each game so far along with seven total sacks. On the other hand, they were blown up by the Raiders in Week 2 and mangled by Andy Dalton in Week 3. This week they'll face a Michael Vick-led Steelers team (following the injury to Ben Roethlisberger), and have the potential to put up a solid fantasy day. I expect the Steelers to lean heavily on Le'Veon Bell, but if the Ravens can take advantage of the opportunities I believe Vick will present to them, then they could be worth a stream in deep leagues.

 

Tier 4 Defenses: Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers

The Bengals will be more of a desperation play than anything in Week 4, as the Chiefs tend to take care of the ball fairly well. Cincinnati already has seven sacks in 2015, and that's what you're hoping for against Alex Smith in Week 4. Jamaal Charles will likely have a vice grip on the ball following his Week 2 fumbling issues, but it wouldn't shock me if the Bengals got a pick or two off tipped balls.

Likewise, the Chiefs are a Hail Mary play in Week 4. Good Andy Dalton has been under center for the Bengals in 2015, and if you start the Chiefs you're banking on Bad Andy Dalton showing up. I don't like their chances, but in super-deep leagues you may have no other choice.

The St. Louis Rams are tied for the NFL lead with 13 sacks so far, and the only reason the Patriots are tied is because they had an absurd eight sacks against the Bills in Week 2. That's what you're looking for when they head to Arizona in Week 4, because I don't think there is anyone who can stop Carson Palmer and the Cardinals passing attack at the moment.

The Buccaneers have been halfway decent in 2015, posting seven sacks and five turnovers in three games. Cam Newton and the Panthers will come to town in Week 4, and I think this has all the makings of a trap game for the Panthers. Cam Newton can certainly play poorly at times, and I believe his receiving corps has completely over-performed up to this point. If the Bucs can neutralize Greg Olsen, they may surprise quite a few folks in the fantasy community.

The Falcons defense has been below-average so far in 2015, and they only make my rankings because they face the Houston Texans offense in Week 4. With Arian Foster still likely out, the Texans will need to rely on Ryan Mallet, who will more than likely turn the ball over a couple of times. This is an example of a bad defense playing a potentially worse offense, and you're only streaming them in the deepest of leagues.

The Steelers looked okay against the 49ers and Rams the last two weeks, but neither of those offenses are intimidating. They'll face the 0-3 Ravens on Thursday night, who are similarly impotent on offense. Pittsburgh has nine sacks already on the season, and should be able to add to that total. Maybe Antonio Brown returns a punt and stomps on another punter? Have your lady blow on the dice and then toss them.

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]

 


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

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF