Fantasy football managers are constantly searching for that perfect waiver wire pickup that could make or break their week. Defensive units often fly under the radar, but savvy players know that streaming the proper defense can be the difference between victory and defeat.
This week presents some intriguing options that could provide significant value for your lineup. Smart fantasy football decisions aren’t always about the most prominent names, but rather about identifying favorable matchups and emerging opportunities.
These rankings were last updated at 7:00 AM ET on Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Week 16 Defense Rankings
1) Houston Texans (vs. LV)
2) Buffalo Bills (at CLE)
3) Kansas City Chiefs (at TEN)
4) Philadelphia Eagles (at WAS)
5) New Orleans Saints (vs. NYJ)
6) San Francisco 49ers (at IND)
7) Detroit Lions (vs. PIT)
8) Denver Broncos (vs. JAX)
9) Seattle Seahawks (vs. LAR)
10) Jacksonville Jaguars (at DEN)
11) Minnesota Vikings (at NYG)
12) Green Bay Packers (at CHI)
13) Cincinnati Bengals (at MIA)
14) New England Patriots (at BAL)
15) New York Giants (vs. MIN)
16) Dallas Cowboys (vs. LAC)
17) Miami Dolphins (vs. CIN)
18) Carolina Panthers (vs. TB)
19) Chicago Bears (vs. GB)
20) New York Jets (at NO)
21) Atlanta Falcons (at ARI)
22) Pittsburgh Steelers (at DET)
23) Los Angeles Chargers (at DAL)
24) Cleveland Browns (vs. BUF)
25) Arizona Cardinals (vs. ATL)
26) Las Vegas Raiders (at HOU)
27) Indianapolis Colts (vs. SF)
28) Baltimore Ravens (vs. NE)
Buffalo Bills (at CLE)
Shedeur Sanders is who we thought he was. Hopefully, a volume-driven boom week against the Titans didn’t fool you into thinking he’s a franchise quarterback, or even should be starting in the NFL.
Last week, Sanders faced a Bears defense that isn’t even particularly good. He threw for 177 scoreless yards with three interceptions. Sanders now has a 52.2% completion percentage and five touchdown passes against six picks.
The Bills are riding high off a comeback victory over the Patriots. Even in a game where they faced a great offense and allowed 31 points, they still managed three sacks and an interception. Sanders has taken 13 sacks in five games.
Negative game script should once again force Sanders to drop back more than the Browns would like, creating opportunities for sacks and turnovers.
New Orleans Saints DEF (vs. NYJ)
The Saints haven’t been good this year, but their defense hasn’t performed as badly as their offense. The Saints’ defense has created six turnovers in its last five games and ranks in the top half in quarterback pressure rate this season (23%).
Facing that pressure this weekend will be rookie New York Jets quarterback Brady Cook, who has thrown one touchdown to five interceptions in two games.
