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With five weeks of the NFL season in the books, it is now time to focus our attention on Week 6 and determine what fantasy defenses are best to play this week.
Week 5 was another surprising one, as three out of the bottom-five fantasy defenses prior to the week finished with double-digit fantasy points. This included the Chicago Bears and New York Giants, who were the two worst fantasy defenses entering the week. These units didn’t have ideal matchups but capitalized on them, as they were played in just 1% of all Yahoo leagues. This goes to show that outliers such as these will occur and should not skew us from the way we approach defenses in fantasy.
The number one defense from this past week was the New Orleans Saints, scoring 24 fantasy points. To put this into perspective, the Saints’ defense outscored all but three running backs in full-PPR 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.
Nine defenses scored double-digit fantasy points in Week 5. These defenses all had something in common -- eight of the nine either scored a defensive touchdown or had at least four sacks. Eight of the nine defenses also forced at least two turnovers in their matchups. There are two teams on a bye in Week 6, limiting our options a little at defense. As a reminder, all defenses ranked in the same tier are interchangeable and could be based on preference.
To maximize the upside of your fantasy defense each week, you need to target units that can get to the quarterback constantly and cause several turnovers. Sacks, turnovers, and defensive touchdowns are what create high ceilings for these 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 6
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 1 | Buffalo Bills | vs. NYG |
| 2 | Philadelphia Eagles | @NYJ |
| 3 | San Francisco 49ers | @CLE |
Buffalo Bills D/ST vs. NYG (Yahoo % Rostered: 98%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: BUF favored by 14.5, Total ~45, Implied score: 30-15, 15 points against
The Giants have been awful to start the season. The offense has allowed 30 sacks through just five games and is averaging 12.4 points per game, which is the second-fewest in the league. The Bills are currently the second-ranked fantasy defense and have been nothing short of dominant. Despite losing cornerback Tre’Davious White (Achilles) and linebacker Matt Milano (knee) for the season, Buffalo still has a great defensive unit and is an excellent play with extreme upside in Week 6.
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST @NYJ (Yahoo % Rostered: 97%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: PHI favored by 6.5, Total ~42, Implied score: 24-18, 18 points against
While Zach Wilson and the Jets’ offense showed promise during their Week 4 matchup with the Chiefs, Philadelphia’s defense will be too much for them. The Eagles have racked up 15 sacks through the first five weeks and are averaging just over eight fantasy points per game. They are currently the best rush defense in the league, allowing just 61.2 yards on the ground per game. The Jets relied heavily on the run game in Week 5 and will attempt to continue doing that against this elite front seven. Fire up the Eagles’ defense with complete confidence in Week 6.
San Francisco 49ers D/ST @CLE (Yahoo % Rostered: 99%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: SF favored by 4.5, Total ~39.5, Implied score: 22-17, 17 points against
The 49ers defense faced their toughest matchup of the year and dominated the Dallas Cowboys. The unit forced four turnovers and racked up four sacks on Sunday night. This was a statement game for the entire team and specifically for the defense proving that they are as elite as anyone.
Deshaun Watson (shoulder) will more than likely be back and healthy coming off the bye as he suits up against San Francisco. In Watson’s only full game without Nick Chubb (knee), he had over 300 total yards and two touchdowns in the team’s win against Tennessee. However, this Niners defense has proved to be able to shut down any offense and Cleveland will have a difficult time moving the ball without a consistent run game. You should be starting the 49ers defense with no hesitation in Week 6.
Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 4 | Baltimore Ravens | @TEN |
| 5 | Miami Dolphins | vs. CAR |
| 6 | Kansas City Chiefs | vs. DEN |
| 7 | New Orleans Saints | @HOU |
| 8 | Atlanta Falcons | vs. WAS |
| 9 | Dallas Cowboys | @LAC |
Baltimore Ravens D/ST @TEN (Yahoo % Rostered: 94%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: BAL favored by 3.5, Total ~40.5, Implied score: 22-18, 18 points against
Baltimore is currently the eighth-ranked fantasy defense and has racked up 18 sacks through five games, which is the second-most in the league. They are also allowing just 15 points per game, tied for second-fewest in the NFL. This unit has solidified itself as elite and will be very difficult to bench this year.
PFF has the Tennessee Titans as the sixth-worst offensive line in the league. The offense is scoring just 17.6 points a game and has given up 17 sacks through five weeks. The Ravens’ front seven could have a field day against Ryan Tannehill and the Titans. Baltimore’s defense offers a safe floor and relatively high ceiling in Week 6.
Miami Dolphins D/ST vs. CAR (Yahoo % Rostered: 85%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: MIA favored by 14, Total ~48.5, Implied score: 31-17, 17 points against
The Carolina Panthers are the only winless team in the league through five games. While they did get blown out, a positive was that they finally let first-overall pick Bryce Young loose. Despite throwing two interceptions, Young threw the ball over 40 times for the first time and had three touchdowns through the air. He will continue to develop and make mistakes, but this is a positive sign for the offense as a whole.
This is still an offense that we should be targeting weekly when starting defenses. PFF grades Carolina as the second-worst offensive line in the league and Miami will take advantage of that. The Dolphins are tied for the third-most sacks in the league and are in an incredible situation this week. This defense offers a safe floor and high ceiling considering the matchup.
Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs. DEN (Yahoo % Rostered: 64%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: KC favored by 10.5, Total ~50, Implied score: 30-20, 20 points against
The Chiefs are allowing just 16 points per game through the first five weeks of the season. They have yet to allow more than 20 points in a game since defensive tackle Chris Jones has returned. While the unit is in the middle of the pack when it comes to getting sacks and forcing turnovers, they have shown that they are tough to move the ball on.
The Sean Payton era in Denver has not started the way they hoped. The team is 1-4 with their lone win being against the Chicago Bears. They have turned the ball over eight times through five games and have given up 15 sacks. This is a team that isn’t trending in the right direction and one I would want to start targeting. Start Kansas City’s defense with full confidence on Thursday Night.
New Orleans Saints D/ST @HOU (Yahoo % Rostered: 76%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NO favored by 1.5, Total ~41.5, Implied score: 22-20, 20 points against
The defense of the New Orleans Saints is elite. While they have had trouble putting up sacks, the unit has forced nine turnovers through five games and is currently the number four fantasy defense. They have allowed just 15.2 points per game, which is the fourth-fewest in the league. This defense is an every-week play outside of extremely tough matchups.
C.J. Stroud has been outstanding to start his career. The rookie QB has yet to throw in an interception through five games and has not been sacked since Week 2. The offense is efficient and gets the ball out quickly to avoid pressure. While the Saints' defense doesn’t offer a very high ceiling in Week 6, their floor is relatively safe and I would be comfortable playing them considering their elite play.
Atlanta Falcons D/ST vs. WAS (Yahoo % Rostered: 9%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: ATL favored by 2.5, Total ~42, Implied score: 22-20, 20 points against
Sam Howell is on pace to be sacked a ridiculous 98 times this season. While this obviously won’t happen, it goes to show how bad Washington’s offensive line has been. The team has turned the ball over 10 times through five games and has not shown any consistency. This is an offense that you should be targeting weekly when starting defenses. Atlanta has not been great at getting to the quarterback or forcing turnovers but is allowing less than 20 points per game. The Falcons’ defense offers a safe floor and is a solid play in Week 6.
Dallas Cowboys D/ST @LAC (Yahoo % Rostered: 99%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DAL favored by 2.5, Total ~49.5, Implied score: 26-23, 23 points against
Dallas’ defense got torn apart by Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. They gave up 42 points while forcing just one turnover and getting one sack on the day. While this performance was embarrassing, to say the least, it was against the league's most efficient offense. The Cowboys are still ranked as the number one fantasy defense by a wide margin and their Week 5 showing should not worry fantasy players.
They now face a Chargers team coming off their bye week and most likely getting Austin Ekeler (ankle) back from injury. The offense has turned the ball over just twice in four games and has been sacked nine total times. While this is a team that you usually want to stay away from when starting defenses, I would bet on a comeback game from Dallas and their defense. The other defenses in this tier offer a safer floor but Dallas offers a high-ceiling as always.
Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 10 | Jacksonville Jaguars | vs. IND |
| 11 | Las Vegas Raiders | vs. NE |
| 12 | Detroit Lions | @TB |
| 13 | New England Patriots | @LV |
Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST vs. IND (Yahoo % Rostered: 16%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: JAX favored by 4.5, Total ~45.5, Implied score: 25-20, 20 points against
The Jaguars have forced the second-most turnovers in the league and are allowing just over 20 points per game. This is a defense that I had as a sleeper to hold onto all season and they have not disappointed.
The team has already played the Indianapolis Colts this season, as they faced off in Week 1. They forced three turnovers and racked up four sacks in their win against the Colts. There will be a change at QB with rookie Anthony Richardson (shoulder) likely to be out multiple weeks and Gardner Minshew stepping into the starting role. Minshew does have the ability to pick defenses apart with his arm, but Jacksonville’s ability to cause turnovers consistently is something I would bank on in Week 6.
Las Vegas Raiders D/ST vs. NE (Yahoo % Rostered: 2%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: LV favored by 2.5, Total ~43, Implied score: 23-20, 20 points against
Mac Jones and the New England Patriots are coming off one of the worst two-game stretches in history. They have been outscored 72-3, while Jones has thrown for just 260 yards and turned the ball over six times during that span. This offense has been awful and is one that we have no choice but to consistently target when starting defenses.
While the Raiders are tied for the second-fewest fantasy points among all defenses, they showed life in their Week 5 win against the Green Bay Packers. This start is very little about the Raiders’ defense and more about how atrocious the Patriots have been offensively. Las Vegas’ defense is a solid Week 6 start and should be scooped off waivers if available.
Detroit Lions D/ST @TB (Yahoo % Rostered: 86%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DET favored by 3, Total ~43.5, Implied score: 23-20, 20 points against
The Detroit Lions have been great defensively over the last three weeks. They are giving up just 16 points a game over that time, led by second-year, breakout defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
They now face a Baker Mayfield-led Buccaneers team that is coming off a bye. While the Bucs aren’t putting 30 points up a game, they are playing great football offensively and have turned the ball over just three times through four games. This is a risker play, but Detroit has been great on the defensive side of the ball and this could very well continue here.
New England Patriots D/ST @LV (Yahoo % Rostered: 67%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: LV favored by 2.5, Total ~43, Implied score: 23-20, 23 points against
The play of New England’s offense is only hurting their defensive performance, not to mention the several injuries they have suffered on defense.
However, Bill Belichick’s familiarity with Josh McDaniels and Jimmy Garoppolo could work to his advantage. The Raiders are averaging just 15.8 points per game and have turned the ball over at the second-highest rate in the league. This isn’t an ideal start considering their recent play, but New England is a solid option if you’re desperate at defense this week.
Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 14 | Cincinnati Bengals | vs. SEA |
| 15 | Minnesota Vikings | @CHI |
| 16 | Seattle Seahawks | @CIN |
| 17 | Houston Texans | vs. NO |
| 18 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | vs. DET |
| 19 | Indianapolis Colts | @JAX |
Cincinnati Bengals vs. SEA (Yahoo % Rostered: 39%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: CIN favored by 2.5, Total ~46, Implied score: 24-22, 22 points against
The Bengals are the seventh-ranked fantasy defense through the first five weeks. They have 15 sacks and have forced eight turnovers thus far. With the injuries they have sustained, PFF ranks Seattle as a bottom-three offensive line.
Cincinnati has picked it up defensively and is a unit that could be streamed often, but this still isn’t an ideal matchup. The Seahawks are averaging almost 28 points a game and have scored under 24 just once this season. I would only play the Bengals’ defense if none of the ones ranked above are available.
Minnesota Vikings D/ST @CHI (Yahoo % Rostered: 5%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: MIN favored by 3, Total ~46.5, Implied score: 25-22, 22 points against
Minnesota is a defense that I would prefer to stay away from, considering they have just three takeaways on the season and are allowing 24.4 points per game. The Bears started the season out awful but have picked it up offensively over the last two games. They have 922 total yards of offense and are averaging 34 points per game during that time. While it may seem appealing to target Chicago’s offense, this is a defense that I would stay away from for the most part.
Seattle Seahawks D/ST @CIN (Yahoo % Rostered: 16%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: CIN favored by 2.5, Total ~46, Implied score: 24-22, 24 points against
Seattle put up one of the best defensive performances of the season during their Week 4 win against the Giants. The unit is getting to full health and expects to have Jamal Adams (concussion) ready for Week 6.
After a slow start to the season, the Bengals had their breakout game in Week 5 where they put up 34 points. Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and the rest of the offense finally got rolling and couldn’t be stopped. While Seattle’s defense is scary when at full health, they aren’t a unit I prefer playing considering the low floor that they offer.
Houston Texans D/ST vs. NO (Yahoo % Rostered: 27%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: NO favored by 1.5, Total ~41.5, Implied score: 22-20, 22 points against
Houston’s defense now has three games this season in which they have recorded zero sacks. This lack of pressure is what is keeping the unit from being elite.
The Saints are averaging under 20 points per game and have allowed 17 sacks through the first five weeks. The offensive line has played below expectations and is what makes this offense appealing to target when starting defenses. However, Houston has not pressured the QB well this season as mentioned and this will only benefit New Orleans. I would stay away from the Texans’ defense in Week 6.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers D/ST vs. DET (Yahoo % Rostered: 28%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: DET favored by 3, Total ~43.5, Implied score: 23-20, 23 points against
Tampa Bay has allowed just 17 points per game and forced 10 turnovers in the four games they’ve played. This unit has shown to be elite while being led by Todd Bowles and is a great streaming option when facing the right opponent.
They do not face the right opponent this week. The 4-1 Lions are putting up the fourth-most points a game and have allowed just seven sacks in five games. PFF ranks their offensive line as the second-best in the league behind the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite their great defensive play thus far, I would not play the Bucs’ defense against this dominant Lions’ offense.
Indianapolis Colts D/ST @JAX (Yahoo % Rostered: 14%)
Consensus Vegas Odds: JAX favored by 4.5, Total ~45.5, Implied score: 25-20, 25 points against
Indianapolis has racked up 15 sacks through five games and PFF ranks Jacksonville as the eighth-worst offensive line. They do however give up 23 points per game and are playing a Jaguars offense that just performed very well against Buffalo. I would much rather play any defense ranked above and would try to stay away from the Colts' defense in Week 6.
Tier 5 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Rank | DST | Opponent |
| 20 | New York Jets | vs. PHI |
| 21 | Cleveland Browns | vs. SF |
| 22 | Tennessee Titans | vs. BAL |
| 23 | Chicago Bears | vs. MIN |
| 24 | Washington Commanders | @ATL |
| 25 | Arizona Cardinals | @LAR |
| 26 | Los Angeles Rams | vs. ARI |
| 27 | Los Angeles Chargers | vs. DAL |
| 28 | Carolina Panthers | @MIA |
| 29 | Denver Broncos | @KC |
| 30 | New York Giants | @BUF |
These are the defenses that I would not be playing in Week 6 unless you absolutely have to. These units are either going up against a top offense in the league, aren’t 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 6. Thanks for reading, and good luck RotoBallers!
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