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 28, 2025.
Week 17 Defense Rankings
1) Denver Broncos (at KC)
2) New England Patriots (at NYJ)
3) Detroit Lions (at MIN)
4) Pittsburgh Steelers (at CLE)
5) Houston Texans (at LAC)
6) Seattle Seahawks (at CAR)
7) Green Bay Packers (vs. BAL)
8) Dallas Cowboys (at WAS)
9) New Orleans Saints (at TEN)
10) Jacksonville Jaguars (at IND)
11) Minnesota Vikings (vs. DET)
12) New York Giants (at LV)
13) Buffalo Bills (vs. PHI)
14) Los Angeles Chargers (vs. HOU)
15) Cincinnati Bengals (vs. ARI)
16) Baltimore Ravens (at GB)
17) San Francisco 49ers (vs. CHI)
18) Philadelphia Eagles (at BUF)
19) Chicago Bears (at SF)
20) Kansas City Chiefs (vs. DEN)
21) Atlanta Falcons (vs. LAR)
22) Miami Dolphins (vs. TB)
23) Cleveland Browns (vs. PIT)
24) Carolina Panthers (vs. SEA)
25) Las Vegas Raiders (vs. NYG)
26) New York Jets (vs. NE)
27) Arizona Cardinals (at CIN)
28) Indianapolis Colts (vs. JAX)
New England Patriots DEF (at NYJ)
It may be a surprise to see Mike Vrabel’s New England Patriots defense available on waivers this week, but after a bye in Week 14, two down weeks followed. This week, though, the Patriots face a divisional matchup with the New York Jets and rookie quarterback Brady Cook.
Despite Cook being healthy, Jets HC Aaron Glenn has informed the media that the rookie will start in Week 17, which gives you a good idea of how well he has played so far. In three games (two starts), Cook has totaled one touchdown, five interceptions, and three fumbles.
The Patriots’ defense is far better than it has shown in recent weeks, and it won’t get a better opportunity to prove it than this week.
