Should I Start The Lions DST in Week 16? Fantasy Football Team Defenses

The DST position is one of the trickier propositions in fantasy football, but can sometimes be the difference between wins and losses. As we head into Week 16 of the NFL season, many fantasy managers are left searching for viable streaming options at the DST spot for fantasy playoffs.

The Lions' defense has come to life over the back half of the year. The Lions DST is coming off a season-high 13 points against the New York Jets, highlighted by Kalif Raymond's 47-yard punt return touchdown and a multi-sack performance from defensive end Romeo Okwara. Tomorrow on Christmas Eve, the Lions travel to face the Carolina Panthers.

So, should we start the Detroit Lions DST this week against Carolina?

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What Has The Lions DST Done in 2022?

The 2022 season can be cut into halves for the Detroit Lions' defense. In their first seven games, Detroit's defense struggled to defend air, allowing a league-leading 29.6 PPG. The Lions DST averaged a measly 2.6 points per game during that time.

Then, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and his unit captured lightning in a bottle. Since Week 9, the Lions DST has scored the third-most points among defenses, averaging 8.9 PPG. They've scored at least eight points in five of their last seven games.

Opponents are averaging 19.6 points per game against the Detroit Lions since Week 9. The Lions have 12 takeaways and 19 sacks during that time.

Should I Start The Lions DST In Week 16 Fantasy Football?

Detroit squares off against a Carolina Panthers that is averaging less than 20 points per game this year. Sam Darnold will start his fourth consecutive game for the Panthers. Darnold has uncharacteristically committed zero turnovers this year, despite averaging 1.3 turnovers per game in his first four seasons.

The Lions' defense has forced at least one turnover in every game since Week 1. They're also averaging three sacks per game over the past six weeks.

Detroit has won six of their last seven games and is currently on the outside looking in for an NFC Wild Card spot. This is a very winnable game for the Lions and their defense should succeed against a Carolina offense that is far from intimidating. The Lions DST is one of the better defenses to stream this week.

Click here to find out where RotoBaller's own DST expert, Eric Samulski places this DST in his Week 16 DST Rankings!

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