Knowing which defenses to start in fantasy football can be critical to winning your matchups. This position, arguably more so than any other, is matchup-dependent on a weekly basis, and the best results can be obtained by being flexible with a streaming strategy. Here’s a look at our Week 16 fantasy defense rankings and the top options to stream this week.
Top Fantasy Defense Streamers in Week 16
Week 15 was a difficult one from a streaming perspective due to a lack of high-quality options. This week’s options are far more appealing. If you’ve made it to the fantasy semifinals, we have options. Here are my top fantasy defense streamers, all of which are rostered in less than 50% of Yahoo leagues.
Tennesse Titans (vs. HOU)
After back-to-back weeks in the negative, the Titans’ defense acquitted itself quite well against the Chargers. They held Justin Herbert’s otherwise explosive offense to just 17 points, sacking him three times and picking him off twice. It marked the first time the Titans generated a takeaway since Week 10.
This week, the Titans have a home game against the surprisingly spunky Texans, who took the Cowboys to the limit and forced the Chiefs into overtime. But this is still an offense we’re not really scared of.
The Titans are at home and heavy favorites against the Texans. When these teams met back in Week 8, the Texans managed just 10 points. The Titans recorded three sacks and one interception. If we can get that again, we will take it. But I really believe that represents the Titans’ floor.
The Titans are home and desperately need this game. Expect an inspired effort on both sides of the ball, producing a negative game script, which provides opportunities for the Titans to record sacks and turnovers.
Los Angeles Rams (vs. DEN)
One of the highest-scoring defenses of Week 15 was the Cardinals. Why? They faced Brett Rypien and the Broncos’ lackluster offense.
Russell Wilson cleared the concussion protocol but was held out for safety reasons. Perhaps he returns in Week 16. Perhaps not. Either way, the Rams are an excellent defensive streamer. I will be interested in the passing yardage lower on Underdog Fantasy for whoever plays quarterback for the Broncos.
The Rams’ defense has not been anywhere near the force it was in 2021. They’ve only scored double-digit fantasy points once all season. They also haven’t faced an offense anywhere near as inept as the Broncos.
This article is written before Monday Night Football. So, I don’t yet know how the Rams performed against the Packers. But prior to that game, they recorded an interception in three straight and a fumble recovery in two of their last three. They’ve sacked the opposing quarterback at least two times in all but one home game this season.
The Broncos are the lowest-scoring offense in the NFL. They just allowed a below-average Cardinals defense to be one of the best in fantasy. I’m expecting the Rams to be a top-six defense in Week 16.
Cincinnati Bengals (at NE)
For much of the season, this was a defense to attack. More recently, the Bengals have been much improved. Over their past two games, the Bengals have forced a total of five turnovers. Now, to be fair, four of them came against Tom Brady. They won’t face as bad of a quarterback every week. Fortunately, Mac Jones is an even better opponent.
Jones has protected the football better following his brief benching for Bailey Zappe. After throwing an interception in each of his first five games, Jones has only thrown one since.
With that said, the Bengals are one of the hottest teams in football, while the Patriots have dropped three of their last four. Jones completed just 13 of 31 passes for 112 yards against the Raiders.
This is a game where we could see the Patriots held to under 17 points. Negative game script could also present the Bengals with sack and turnover opportunities.
The Bengals are the weakest of our three streaming recommendations, but targeting a good team’s defense against a bad offense is never a bad idea.
Week 16 Fantasy Defense Rankings
The rankings below are from Senior Fantasy Analyst Tommy Garrett. If you want to ask Tommy or any of our fantasy analysts about defense rankings or streamers for Week 16, then be sure to sign up for the PFN Discord server, where you will have unlimited access to the team throughout the season.
The table is best viewed in landscape on mobile devices and can be sorted using the filters above the table.Â
