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

Bill breaks down all 2017 fantasy football Week 5 defenses (DEF) -- targets, streamers, sits/starts, and waiver wire pickups to add. His Week 5 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL defenses.

Below are RotoBaller's Week 5 defense tiers and rankings, or which defenses to stream and start for Week 5 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 5.

I'll be trying out a bit of a different format this week, touching briefly on each team that I have ranked instead of picking just a few to analyze in depth. Let me know what you think on Twitter (@Roto_Dubs).

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 5 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 4 pickup or add. Good luck in Week 5 RotoBallers!

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

 

Week 5 Defenses To Start & Stream: Tiers & Rankings

Teams on bye: Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints

 

Tier 1 Defenses (The "Duh" DSTs)

1. Buffalo Bills (@ CIN)

If you can head into ATLANTA and not only come away with a victory but also hold the Falcons to 17 points, nobody can question your defensive legitimacy. While it's true that Matt Ryan lost both Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu over the course of the game, the Bills were without Shaq Lawson, lost E.J. Gaines during the game and had what looked like a very limited Marcell Dareus, so it's not like they were at 100%. The Bills came away with two picks and a forced fumble from the consistently careful Atlanta signal-caller, and while they only registered one sack they were able to get constant pressure on Ryan. This week they'll get a Cincinnati Bengals team that is tied for fourth in the NFL for most sacks allowed (14), and you can count on a turnover or two given how much pressure will be on Andy Dalton.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. JAX)

The Steelers are worlds better at home than they are away, and I fully anticipate them to be playing ahead all game. The Jaguars actually lead the NFL in rushing thanks to a commitment to Leonard Fournette and the ground game, but they are 27th in passing. With a likely deficit, Blake Bortles will be forced to throw the ball, and given his inconsistency and diminished set of weapons (we miss you, Allen Robinson) I don't see many points going on the board. The Steelers are also second in the NFL in sacks (15), so they should be able to get through the Jags solid offensive line.

3. Baltimore Ravens (@ OAK)

Ruh-roh Raiders. With Derek Carr out 2-6 weeks with a back fracture, there is simply no reason not to start the Ravens against them. E.J. Manuel will be under center, and that just equals DST success, plain and simple.

 
 
Tier 2 Defenses (Rock-Solid Starts)

4. Tennessee Titans (@ MIA)

The Dolphins have committed to Jay Cutler for at least one more week, but Smokin' Jay simply isn't getting the job done. They were shut out by the Saints (THE SAINTS, YOU GUYS) in London, and simply don't pose much of a threat. Jay Ajayi can only do so much.

5. Detroit Lions (vs. CAR)

The top-scoring DST through four weeks (Monday night pending) is primed for another big week against the Panthers. Their 11 takeaways will translate well in a home game against Cam Newton, who is still in my "shaky" column despite a great game against New England in Week 4. They are an elite DST until they prove otherwise.

6. Minnesota Vikings (@ CHI)

Mike Glennon's time as the Chicago starter is done, which means Mitch Trubisky will be under center for the Bears in Week 5. While Trubisky showed great potential in the preseason, you have to like a DST's odds going up against a kid making his NFL debut. Vikings are averaging 2,75 sacks per game, so the floor for fantasy scoring should be very high here.

7. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. ARI)

Arizona's offensive line is getting destroyed--they lead the NFL in sacks allowed (17). The Eagles have 10 sacks through four games, and they've got the pass rush to get to Carson Palmer a few times at the very least. As much as Carson Palmer is being forced to sling it around with David Johnson out, there is also plenty of potential for turnovers.

8. Oakland Raiders (vs. BAL)

The Raiders DST has been unimpressive in the early stages, but they'll now draw a home game against the Ravens, who are currently ranked 30th in total offense and third in total giveaways. This is a situation where you'll want to stream against a very bad offense, plain and simple. Joe Flacco simply ain't gonna beat 'em.

 
 
Tier 3 Defenses (Decent Streamers)

9. Seattle Seahawks (@ LAR)

Wunderkind Sean McVay has the Los Angeles offense firing on all cylinders--that's particularly true for Todd Gurley, who I'm pretty sure has all the fantasy points in 2017. The Seahawks are currently giving up 5.0 yards per rush, and I'm afraid they won't have an answer for Gurley, keeping them out of the top two tiers this week.

10. Cincinnati Bengals (vs. BUF)

Speaking of weak offenses, the shockingly 3-1 Buffalo Bills currently rank 27th in total offense, and are 30th in passing. LeSean McCoy hasn't really broken out yet this season, and Tyrod Taylor isn't much of a threat to erupt either. Cincinnati ranks third in sacks (12), and this DST should find some success in what should be a low-scoring fist-fight of a game.

11. San Diego Chargers (@ NYG)

The Chargers DST has been below average in 2017, thanks in large part to having just two total takeaways through four games. They are third in sacks though (12), and the Giants offensive line hasn't exactly been kind to Eli Manning this year. The vertical threats in the New York offense have my expectations tempered, but with no ground game and the always-ready-to-implode Eli under center, the Chargers should be a solid option in Week 5.

12. Arizona Cardinals (@ PHI)

The Eagles are allowing three sacks per game, which should provide a decent floor for the Cardinals DST. I wouldn't expect fireworks barring a pick-six or a special teams touchdown though, as Carson Wentz has been particularly careful with the ball this season (just two INTs) and LeGarrette Blount is starting to heat up now that he's receiving regular touches (203 yards and a TD on 28 rushes over last two games).

13. Kansas City Chiefs (@ HOU)

How about DeShaun Watson? A week after coming a field goal short of beating Tom Brady, the rookie led his team in an absolute trouncing of the Tennessee Titans. His mobility and explosiveness both on the ground and through the air has the entire Texans offense humming, and they should present a challenge to any opponent. The Kansas City Chiefs, however, are currently one of the most disruptive defenses in the NFL, and are averaging 3.67 sacks a game (Monday night pending) while Houston is tied for the league lead in most sacks allowed. There is definitely streaming potential in the counting stats, but this game could become a shootout quickly.

14. Houston Texans (vs. KC)

On the other side of the field, the Texans will be tasked with stopping one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt and Travis Kelce are all capable of beating any defense at a moment's notice, but the Chiefs are top-10 in sacks allowed. As I mentioned, this could become a shootout, but not one without some scoring potential for DSTs.

15. New York Jets (@ CLE)

Jets, what are you doing up here? Must have snuck out of the desperation plays section...oh wait, no. They've got the Browns this week. Stream, stream, stream against the Browns.

 
 
Tier 4 Defenses (Deep Streamers)

16. Carolina Panthers (@ DET)

After a great start against two lackluster offenses, the Panthers have paled in the face of quality opponents. Drew Brees and Tom Brady have hung 30 points on them in consecutive weeks, and now they've gotta stop Matthew Stafford and company. I'm not feeling great about this one, but there is some streaming appeal given the ferocity of the Panthers front seven.

17. Green Bay Packers (@ DAL)

Packers have been middle-of-the-road so far, and that's likely going to be the trend all season. In a matchup on the road against Dallas, I'm looking elsewhere if possible. Ezekiel Elliott is heating up and Dak Prescott is still a dual-threat quarterback who can hurt you at a moment's notice.

18. San Francisco 49ers (@ IND)

The 49ers have more talent on the roster than their record would suggest, and they absolutely shredded the Arizona offensive line in Week 4. They now get the Colts, whose offensive line is similarly porous, so they should be able to get to Jocoby Brissett a few times. However, the young quarterback still has enough weapons around him and enough mobility to do some serious damage.

19. Jacksonville Jaguars (@ PIT)

Le'Veon Bell is back, Antonio Brown is angry and the Steelers are at home. There isn't much to like here, but the Jaguars pass rush offers at least a little upside. If they get can get to Ben Roethlisberger a few times who knows what could happen?

 

Tier 5 Defenses (Desperation Plays)

20. Los Angeles Rams (vs. SEA)
21. Cleveland Browns (vs. NYJ)
22. Chicago Bears (vs. MIN)
23. New England Patriots (@ TB)

 
EDIT: Detroit Lions omitted when originally posted. Error has been corrected.
EDIT: Ravens rank shifted due to Derek Carr injury update.

 

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

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
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
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF