Should I Start the Eagles DST in Week 16? Fantasy Football Team Defenses

In terms of pure talent, few defenses can matchup up with the Philadelphia Eagles depth chart. The Eagles boast one of the best defensive lines in football and a secondary with several big names.

However, when it comes to fantasy, the most talented defenses don’t necessarily make the best plays. Fantasy managers need to be aware of matchups and have to be willing to stream to hit their maximum scoring upside. That becomes even more important during the fantasy playoffs.

Should I start the Eagles DST in Week 16? Check out the answer below.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Should I Start the Eagles DST in Week 16 Fantasy Football? 

The Eagles have been a top-five defense in fantasy football this season, averaging 9.1 fantasy points per game. The Eagles have generated 55.0 sacks (including at least six in each of the last three games), 15 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries, and a touchdown. Despite all that, the Eagles are far from a smash this week in a divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys.

While Philadelphia is healthy on defense, the injury to Jalen Hurts could have an impact on the team’s DST scoring. Gardner Minshew is one of the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL, but there is a chance the Eagles' offense could struggle to move the ball as he knocks off rust. If the offense sputters or turns the ball over, that will lead to better scoring opportunities for Dallas.

In the Eagles and Cowboys' previous matchup in Week 6, the Eagles allowed 17 points and forced three interceptions, but didn’t generate any sacks. The Eagles D/ST had only 7.0 points that week, tied for 11th overall in scoring.

Fantasy managers could rely on the Eagles' defense in Week 16; however, there are better matchups to exploit this week if possible. Given the number of bad weather games projected this weekend (Dallas and Philadelphia will be playing indoors), fantasy managers may want to scan the waiver wire to find a defense with a better matchup.

Check out Eric Samulski's Week 16 DST ranks here

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