Should I Start the Detroit Lions DST In Week 17? Fantasy Football Team Defenses

For many, Week 17 signals the end of the fantasy football season. After weeks of navigating bye weeks and injuries, slow stretches from players, and managing the waiver wire, we have finally made it to the championship game.

Fantasy managers who are playing for a championship are now in a place where they have nothing to lose and the upside is king. One of the few places where untapped fantasy potential can be found is in the D/ST position for fantasy football. While most of the top defenses are already gone, an edge can always be found pivoting to a better matchup given how much we know about the teams in the NFL today.

One defense that is likely on the waiver wire ahead of Week 17 is the Detroit Lions. Should fantasy managers consider starting the Lions' DST in Week 17? Find your answer below.

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Should I Start the Lions DST in Week 17 Fantasy Football?

The Lions' offense has done a fantastic job this season putting up points to get the team in the playoff window with just two weeks to go in the regular season. The defense, however, is a different story.

The Lions' defense has generated just 30 sacks, 10 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries, and one touchdown so far this season. The Lions DST only has four games with double-digit fantasy points so far this season. For sake of comparison, they have three games with zero or negative fantasy points (including Week 16’s game against the Carolina Panthers).

Detroit’s DST currently ranks 31st in the NFL in fantasy points per game (5.1 FPPG), only ahead of Week 17’s opponent, the Chicago Bears. The last time Detroit played Chicago in Week 10, they tallied three sacks, one interception, and one touchdown. Unfortunately, they also gave up 30 points and scored just 8.0 fantasy points.

Chicago’s offense has very limited playmakers; however, Justin Fields has proven to be a dual-threat force at quarterback throughout the season, which has helped the team stay competitive in many games (including the first matchup with Detroit). It is hard to see any way that Detroit is a viable defense in fantasy during Week 17.

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