Fantasy football managers looking for a defensive boost have several intriguing options this week. One team has turned consistency into elite fantasy production, while another quietly leads the league in takeaways. A third defense might not offer long-term security but faces an opponent primed for mistakes. Each matchup brings its own upside — and potential to swing your fantasy matchup.
Houston Texans DEF (vs. SFO)
The Houston Texans have the best scoring defense in the NFL, having allowed just 14.67 points per game to start the year. That has translated to fantasy, where the Texans also lead all defenses, averaging 10.2 fantasy points per game, 0.8 more than the Seattle Seahawks in second.
The Seahawks’ outstanding offense won out against the Texans in Week 7, but Houston still managed to create four turnovers, including a strip-sack for a touchdown. This week, Houston faces the San Francisco 49ers, who have turned the ball over on 15.3% of offensive drives this season, the fifth-highest rate in the league.
The Texans have had their bye already, and are a top weekly defense that you can start for the rest of the year, and they’re sitting on waivers in most leagues this week.
Chicago Bears DEF (at BAL)
While not quite as impressive as Houston’s, the Bears’ defense is also one you can start for the rest of the season. Chicago had their bye in Week 5 and is the seventh-best defense (tied) in fantasy points per game (8.3) this season.
The Bears lead the NFL in turnovers (16), despite having played a game less than most teams. They have been a top-12 fantasy defense in five of their six games so far this season, which is remarkable consistency for a team that gives up plenty of points.
If the Ravens get Lamar Jackson back this week, then scrap this one. But their 16.1% offensive turnover rate is the second-highest in the NFL. If Cooper Rush or Tyler Huntley is under center, regardless of who gets the win in Baltimore, the Bears’ defense will make it scrappy, just as they always do.
Atlanta Falcons DEF (vs. MIA)
Unlike the Ravens’ and the Bears’, the Atlanta Falcons’ defense will not end your streaming needs for the rest of the year. Atlanta’s defense is 13th (tied) in fantasy points per game (seven) this year, and has tallied just two top-15 weekly finishes on the year.
However, the Falcons face a miserable Miami Dolphins team this weekend, and should have plenty of opportunities to make a splash on both sides of the ball. The Cleveland Browns beat Miami 31-6 in Week 7 and had the second-best fantasy week of any defense this year (25 points).
Miami’s 16.9% offensive turnover rate is the highest in the NFL, and the Falcons should be able to feast on a hapless Dolphins offense on Sunday. Houston and Chicago are more desirable options, due to their long-term value, but Atlanta has as high a ceiling as any defense this week.
