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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to our weekly fantasy defensive rankings. Each week, I'll go through the best and worst fantasy defenses and rank them No. 1 through No. 32. With four teams on bye in Week 6 (Vikings, Dolphins, Rams, and Chiefs), there will be 28 defenses ranked and broken down into six different tiers.
Now, a question some fantasy managers might have entering the week is what to do with the Vikings defense. They are the top-ranked fantasy defense through five weeks but have a bye in Week 6. If you have them, though, it's best to keep them and stream another defense this week because Minnesota has become a set-it-and-forget-it option.
So here are the Week 6 fantasy football defense streamers and D/ST rankings.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- 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
Tier 1 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Tier | Rank | Team | Opp | Yahoo Owned% |
Implied Vegas Point Against |
| 1 | 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | at LV | 90% | 16.75 |
| 1 | 2 | Houston Texans | at NE | 41% | 15.25 |
| 1 | 3 | Denver Broncos | vs. LAC | 81% | 19.25 |
| 1 | 4 | Philadelphia Eagles | vs. CLE | 35% | 17.5 |
| 1 | 5 | Chicago Bears | vs. JAC | 74% | 21.5 |
| 1 | 6 | Los Angeles Chargers | at DEN | 13% | 16.25 |
| 1 | 7 | Buffalo Bills | at NYJ | 66% | 19.25 |
1. Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST at LV
PIT favored by 3, Total ~36.5
It remains to be seen if Gardner Minshew II or Aidan O'Connell will start at quarterback in Week 6. Either way, though, the Steelers will come in as the top fantasy defense this weekend. Pittsburgh has allowed 20 points or less in four of five games this season, and the Raiders haven't scored over 20 points in back-to-back games.
On top of that, the Steelers rank fourth in pass-rush win rate (52%), and Las Vegas has given up the fourth-most sacks (17) through five weeks.
So expect Pittsburgh to dominate the line of scrimmage. T.J. Watt -- who has 15 pressures on the year -- also has a favorable matchup on the outside against tackle DJ Glaze. Glaze started the year as a backup and has allowed nine pressures, six hurries, and three sacks over the last three games.
2. Houston Texans D/ST at NE
HOU favored by 7, Total ~37.5
The Patriots are another team that might make a quarterback switch in Week 6. If they do, Drake Maye will make his first career start on Sunday against the Texans. But it doesn't matter who starts for New England on Sunday because Houston's defense is a must-start option this week.
The #Texans defense currently rank NO. 4 in the NFL in Total defense. Allowing 274.2 yards per game.
• Currently ranked NO. 17 in the NFL in run defense. Allowing 120.2 yards per game.
• Currently ranked NO. 3 in the NFL in pass defense. Allowing only 154 passing yards to… pic.twitter.com/fjxzBrsoDt
— Mr. InvisibleTexan (@InvisibleTexans) October 7, 2024
The Texans rank fourth in pressure rate and sixth in sack percentage (9.26%) this season. Not only do those numbers rank at the top of the league, but New England has struggled to protect the quarterback through the first five weeks. It has given up the second-most sacks (19) and ranks tied for first in pressure rate this year. So Houston has a great opportunity in Week 6.
3. Denver Broncos D/ST vs. LAC
LAC favored by 3, Total ~35.5
The Broncos defense is legit, and it is seriously becoming a set-it-and-forget-it option moving forward. It has given up only 34 points over the past three weeks to the Jets, Buccaneers, and Raiders while totaling 15 sacks during that span. Now, Denver gets a great matchup against the Chargers.
The Broncos rank first in pass-rush win rate (58%), third in sacks (19), and second in pressure rate to begin the season. Given that the Chargers rank 31st in pass-block win rate (43%), there is a real opportunity for Denver's defense on Sunday.
Defensive tackles Zach Allen and Malcolm Roach also rank first and second in pass-rush win rate this season, and Allen has totaled 25 pressures and 16 hurries over the last four weeks.
4. Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs. CLE
PHI favored by 8.5, Total ~43.5
The Eagles defense hasn't done much through the first few weeks. It has only forced two turnovers while totaling six sacks through four games. However, every fantasy defense that has played against Cleveland's offense this year has put up strong numbers, so Philadelphia has some appeal in Week 6.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sacked a league-high 26 times so far, and Cleveland's offensive line ranks third in pressure rate allowed this season. The Browns have also failed to score above 18 points in any game this season. Therefore, given that opposing defenses are averaging 11 fantasy points against this offense, lock in the Eagles defense this weekend.
5. Chicago Bears D/ST vs. JAC
CHI favored by 1.5, Total ~44.5
The Bears have established themselves as a top defense through the first five weeks of the season. They just held the Panthers to 10 points in Week 5 after they averaged 30 points with Andy Dalton in two games before that. As a result, Chicago will come in as a top-5 play in fantasy this week against the Jaguars.
The Bears rank toward the top of the league in several categories, including second in pass-block win rate (57%). They have also totaled at least three sacks and forced at least two turnovers in four of five games this season.
Given that Jacksonville ranks in the middle of the pack in pass-block win rate (58%) and Trevor Lawrence has turned over the ball 61 times since 2021, fantasy managers should be playing Chicago's defense this week.
6. Los Angeles Chargers D/ST at DEN
LAC favored by 3, Total ~35.5
The Broncos had their best offensive game of the season last week against the Raiders, scoring a season-high 34 points. But that shouldn't draw away fantasy managers from starting the Chargers defense in Week 6. Denver has scored 10 or fewer points in two of the last four games, and the 35.5 over/under is currently the lowest of the week.
Now, Los Angeles could have a hard time getting sacks in this game, considering Denver ranks second in pressure rate allowed this season. However, with a rookie quarterback under center and Khalil Mack on the other side, this could be a nice matchup for the Chargers. Mack has totaled 12 pressures and eight hurries in 2024.
7. Buffalo Bills D/ST at NYJ
BUF favored by 3, Total ~41.5
The Jets have looked all out of sorts through the first five weeks of the season, so Buffalo's defense isn't a bad play in fantasy this week. The Bills rank seventh in pressure rate, and New York has had its struggles across the offensive line to begin the year.
The Jets rank 26th in pass-block win rate (51%), and Aaron Rodgers has the fourth-quickest time to throw (2.51 seconds). As a result, the Bills could be a solid play in Week 6.
Tier 2 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Tier | Rank | Team | Opp | Yahoo Owned% |
Implied Vegas Point Against |
| 2 | 8 | Green Bay Packers | vs. ARI | 38% | 22 |
| 2 | 9 | Las Vegas Raiders | vs. PIT | 24% | 19.75 |
| 2 | 10 | Indianapolis Colts | at TEN | 17% | 20.5 |
8. Green Bay Packers D/ST vs. ARI
GB favored by 5.5, Total ~49.5
It's time to start respecting the Packers defense as we head into Week 6. Green Bay leads the league with 14 takeaways, and it has forced at least two turnovers in every game this season. While Arizona looks like a tough matchup for this unit in Week 6, it should be started in most formats this weekend.
The Cardinals are tied for seventh in pressure rate allowed this season, and the Packers rank 10th in pressure rate. They are the No. 2-ranked fantasy defense entering the week while scoring at least seven fantasy points in all five contests. So it is a solid play this week.
9. Las Vegas Raiders D/ST vs. PIT
PIT favored by 3, Total ~36.5
The Raiders defense struggled to stop a Bo Nix-led offense last week. But there is potential for it to bounce back in Week 6 against the Steelers. For starters, Las Vegas ranks fifth in pass-rush win rate (52%), and Pittsburgh ranks 20th in pass-block win rate (57%) to start the season. As a result, it could be a low-end defensive option this week.
Maxx Crosby should also be able to get to Justin Fields in this game, which certainly helps the Raiders defense in fantasy. The Steelers offensive line has allowed the seventh-highest pressure rate through the first five weeks, and Crosby has totaled four sacks over the last three games.
10. Indianapolis Colts D/ST at TEN
IND favored by 1.5, Total ~42.5
The Colts defense had a rough game last week against the Jaguars, allowing 37 points and totaling zero sacks. However, it'll play one of the worst offenses in the NFL in the Titans in Week 6.
Tennessee ranks 27th in pass-block win rate (51%), and the offensive line has allowed 16 sacks across four games. With Will Levis -- who has thrown six interceptions this season -- expected to be ready to go, Indianapolis is a solid option in Week 6. It has totaled at least four sacks in three of five contests, so it has some potential this week against the Titans offense.
Tier 3 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Tier | Rank | Team | Opp | Yahoo Owned% |
Implied Vegas Point Against |
| 3 | 11 | San Francisco 49ers | at SEA | 98% | 22.25 |
| 3 | 12 | New York Jets | vs. BUF | 90% | 22.25 |
| 3 | 13 | Atlanta Falcons | at CAR | 5% | 20.5 |
11. San Francisco 49ers D/ST at SEA
SF favored by 3, Total ~47.5
On paper, this might not seem like the best matchup for the 49ers. The Seahawks rank 11th in points per game (24.4), and San Francisco has allowed at least 24 points in two of the past three games. However, they are a sneaky play against Seattle in Week 6.
Geno Smith was sacked seven times last week, and Seattle's offensive line ranks tied for first in pressure rate through five weeks. It also ranks 29th in pass-block win rate (49%), while the 49ers rank sixth in pass-rush win rate (51%). As a result, San Francisco is a solid top-12 play on a short week.
12. New York Jets D/ST vs. BUF
BUF favored by 3, Total ~41.5
It's tough to start defenses playing against elite offenses. The Bills have struggled offensively over the past two weeks against the Texans and Ravens, but this is an offense that can score 30 points on any given week.
However, the Jets defense is legit, and it proved that last week against the Vikings. So New York could be a solid play this week. It ranks fourth in sacks and second in yards allowed per game (255.8).
The Jets' defense has a 68.4% success rate on passing downs this season, the fourth-best mark for a defense in Weeks 1-5 this millennium.
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) October 7, 2024
13. Atlanta Falcons D/ST at CAR
ATL favored by 6.5, Total ~47.5
The Falcons defense is an interesting case heading into Week 6 because it has the potential to be a strong play. The Panthers rank 30th in pass-block win rate (49%), and Andy Dalton is tied for second in time to throw (2.45 seconds) this season. After looking at what Chicago's defense did to Carolina's offense last week, Atlanta's defense has some sneaky fantasy potential.
Now, it isn't a must-start because Atlanta has its problems getting to the quarterback. It has only five sacks this year and hasn't totaled more than two sacks in a game since Week 1. However, it is a strong enough play in 12- or 14-plus team leagues against a Panthers offensive line that has plenty of problems.
Tier 4 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Tier | Rank | Team | Opp | Yahoo Owned% |
Implied Vegas Point Against |
| 4 | 14 | Tennessee Titans | vs. IND | 2% | 22 |
| 4 | 15 | Cincinnati Bengals | at NYG | 14% | 22.5 |
| 4 | 16 | Baltimore Ravens | vs. WSH | 86% | 23 |
| 4 | 17 | Jacksonville Jaguars | at CHI | 4% | 23 |
| 4 | 18 | New Orleans Saints | vs. TB | 37% | 21.5 |
Most of the defenses in Tier 4 should only be started in deeper formats. If all 13 defenses aren't available from the first three tiers, then the Titans would be your next best choice.
Before their Week 5 bye, the Titans scored 10 fantasy points against the Dolphins on Monday night. Well, they could be used again in a Week 6 matchup against the Colts -- assuming Anthony Richardson plays. In three full games this season (Week 1 to Week 3), Richardson has thrown six interceptions.
Outside of the Titans, though, the rest of the defenses in Tier 4 are extremely risky. The Bengals rank toward the bottom of the league in pressure rate, and Daniel Jones has only been sacked seven times over the past four games. Despite Baltimore ranking third in pressure rate, opposing defenses are averaging the second-fewest fantasy points against the Commanders this year. That makes the Ravens hard to trust this weekend.
As for the Jaguars and Saints, they should only be started in 18-plus team leagues. The former is the better play of the two, considering Chicago ranks tied for third in pressure rate allowed this year. However, Jacksonville isn't a strong start because Caleb Williams and the Bears have scored 60 combined points over the past two weeks.
Tier 5 and 6 Defenses – Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 6
| Tier | Rank | Team | Opp | Yahoo Owned% |
Implied Vegas Point Against |
| 5 | 19 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | at NO | 10% | 24 |
| 5 | 20 | New York Giants | vs. CIN | 2% | 26 |
| 5 | 21 | Cleveland Browns | at PHI | 72% | 26 |
| 6 | 22 | Seattle Seahawks | vs. SF | 67% | 25.25 |
| 6 | 23 | Detroit Lions | at DAL | 14% | 24.75 |
| 6 | 24 | Dallas Cowboys | vs. DET | 69% | 27.75 |
| 6 | 25 | Carolina Panthers | vs. ATL | 1% | 27 |
| 6 | 26 | New England Patriots | vs. HOU | 38% | 22.25 |
| 6 | 27 | Arizona Cardinals | at GB | 1% | 27.5 |
| 6 | 28 | Washington Commanders | at BAL | 9% | 29.5 |
| N/A | N/A | Kansas City Chiefs | N/A | 86% | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | Miami Dolphins | N/A | 62% | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | Los Angeles Rams | N/A | 1% | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | Minnesota Vikings | N/A | 84% | N/A |
For the most part, fantasy managers should not be targeting any defenses from these two tiers. Most of these defenses are way too risky to start this weekend and should be avoided in most cases. 18 other defenses are better plays in Week 6.
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