It is that time of year again: the playoffs. Everything invested — preparation, research, and effort — comes down to performance over the next three weeks. For some, it means competing for a championship; for others, it means enduring the consolation bracket. In either case, no points should be left unclaimed.
Selecting the right defense can provide as significant a swing as any positional player. With that in mind, here is a look at several streaming options for those who were unable to secure a top unit for the postseason.
Miami Dolphins (at PIT)
Frankly, I would prefer that my playoff matchup not hinge on a defense playing Monday Night Football. I am not especially confident in relying on the Dolphins, either. That said, those following closely will have noticed that Miami is currently on a hot streak.
Winners of four straight, the Dolphins have turned up their defense and allowed no more than 17 points during that streak. That includes a stunning 30-13 win over rival Buffalo just one month ago. That’s translated to fantasy as well, as the Dolphins D/ST is No. 2 in points per game since Week 10.
This is your chance to ride the wave and see what this pass rush can do against old-man Rodgers and a streaky Steelers offense.
Chicago Bears (vs. CLE)
Recently, the Browns have found a bit of offense as they turn to Shedeur Sanders. That said, they’ve beaten up on a lot of bad defenses over the previous weeks: Tennessee, Las Vegas, Baltimore, and the New York Jets. Against the 49ers in that stretch, they were held to just eight points.
Enter the Bears. Their defense hasn’t been overwhelming or even that good for most of the year, but they do create a ton of turnovers. Sanders, meanwhile, has thrown three interceptions and fumbled once and has taken eight sacks over his four games.
With the game being in Chicago and coming off a tough loss to the Packers, this is the upside play if you’re shooting for the ceiling.
Los Angeles Chargers (at KC)
The Chargers’ defense has performed more effectively on the field than in fantasy football over the course of the season, but it has reached double‑digit fantasy points in three of its last four games. The unit’s most impressive showing came against the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts, when it generated multiple takeaways, including more than one on the same play.
Typically, we’d avoid defenses facing Patrick Mahomes. But like Hurts, Mahomes is coming off a mistake-laden game with multiple turnovers. While we can assume he’ll straighten up, it’s another question if his receivers can hold onto the ball.
This is a momentum play for sure, but fortune favors the bold. At the very least, this should be a gritty divisional game with both teams making playoff pushes in December.
Atlanta Falcons (at TB)
Relying on the Atlanta defense with the season at stake is far from ideal. Still, if you are searching this deep among available units, the options are limited and require careful consideration.
The fact of the matter is that Baker Mayfield is playing hurt, and this game is on a short week. We’ve seen Baker at his best, and it’s impressive. We’ve also seen how ugly it gets when he plays through injury, and it ultimately ended his tenure in Cleveland.
The Falcons are far from a complete defense, but they’re hitting the quarterback early and often, and that could make all the difference here. This unit has put together some impressive games against the Saints, Patriots, and Colts recently, as well as the 49ers earlier, so there is a precedent for a good fantasy day here, even against better offenses.
