Look, if you are one of the fantasy football managers who have a defense like the 49ers, Browns, and Chiefs, you may think this article doesn’t mean much to you. However, while you might not need a DST, your opponent might. With the championship on the horizon, here are a couple of defenses and special team units that could be the move in Week 17.
What are the best options for a DST on the waiver wire in Week 17, either to start or to stash for Week 18 if you play in the final week?
Fantasy Football DST Streamers for Week 17
Los Angeles Rams (at NYG) – 29% Rostered
If you are in the championship, then this defense has to be very tempting. They are going up against a New York Giants offense that is one of the worst in the NFL. The Rams are playing for a playoff spot, so expect this team to come out in a big way.
Tommy DeVito had a great start, but the honeymoon era is ending, and he could be in for a long day against the Rams.
Green Bay Packers (@ MIN) – 47% Rostered
The Packers weren’t great against the Panthers on Sunday, but another matchup against another struggling quarterback is in store against Minnesota. Nick Mullens will be the starter right now. He did throw for 411 yards and two touchdowns against the Detroit Lions, but he also threw four interceptions.
I predict he will throw multiple interceptions in this game, and the Packers’ defense will take one of them back for a touchdown.
Denver Broncos (vs. LAC) – 47% Rostered
After their performance against the New England Patriots on Sunday, I am sure there are some fantasy managers taking a look at who they are playing and picking up that defense. Unfortunately for fantasy managers, they are going up against one of the worst defenses in the Los Angeles Chargers.
However, that means the Broncos’ defense is going up against a Chargers offense with no Justin Herbert and, most likely, no Keenan Allen.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. NO) – 27% Rostered
The Buccaneers are playing some fantastic football as of late on both sides of the ball. Baker Mayfield is getting a lot of the talk, but the defense has been impressive, too.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
They held the Jaguars to only 12 points, and those were scored when the game was out of reach. They had four sacks and forced four turnovers against Trevor Lawrence. The Saints’ offense isn’t on the level of the Jaguars, and they were dominated by the Rams until garbage time. This game will play a huge role in the division, so expect the Buccaneers’ defense to be outstanding once again.
Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Arizona) – 73% Rostered
The Eagles are still fighting for the No. 1 seed, but especially are competing for another NFC East Championship. On Sunday, the Cardinals struggled to do much of anything against the Chicago Bears. Kyler Murray was able to throw for only 230 yards, and much of that came late in the game.
If the Eagles want to show they are still the Super Bowl contender they were last year, then this is the type of game where their defense comes out and dominates.
Early Fantasy Football Week 17 DST Rankings
1) San Francisco 49ers | DST | (@ WAS)
2) Cleveland Browns | DST | (vs. NYJ)
3) New York Jets | DST | (@ CLE)
4) Kansas City Chiefs | DST | (vs. CIN)
5) Philadelphia Eagles | DST | (vs. ARI)
6) Buffalo Bills | DST | (vs. NE)
7) Dallas Cowboys | DST | (vs. DET)
8) Baltimore Ravens | DST | (vs. MIA)
9) New England Patriots | DST | (@ BUF)
10) Denver Broncos | DST | (vs. LAC)
11) Los Angeles Rams | DST | (@ NYG)
12) Chicago Bears | DST | (vs. ATL)
13) Green Bay Packers | DST | (@ MIN)
14) Indianapolis Colts | DST | (vs. LV)
15) New Orleans Saints | DST | (@ TB)
16) Pittsburgh Steelers | DST | (@ SEA)
17) Los Angeles Chargers | DST | (@ DEN)
18) Seattle Seahawks | DST | (vs. PIT)
19) Tampa Bay Buccaneers | DST | (vs. NO)
20) Miami Dolphins | DST | (@ BAL)
21) Houston Texans | DST | (vs. TEN)
22) Jacksonville Jaguars | DST | (vs. CAR)
23) Detroit Lions | DST | (@ DAL)
24) Atlanta Falcons | DST | (@ CHI)
25) Minnesota Vikings | DST | (vs. GB)
26) Tennessee Titans | DST | (@ HOU)
27) Cincinnati Bengals | DST | (@ KC)
28) New York Giants | DST | (vs. LAR)
29) Las Vegas Raiders | DST | (@ IND)
30) Arizona Cardinals | DST | (@ PHI)
31) Carolina Panthers | DST | (@ JAX)
32) Washington Commanders | DST | (vs. SF)
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