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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 17 of the NFL season, many fantasy managers are left searching for viable streaming options at the DST spot for fantasy playoffs.
The Patriots DST has been the highest-scoring defense this year, averaging 11.3 points per game. New England has been a top-two fantasy defense in three of the last four years. They have scored a defensive touchdown in three consecutive games and the New England DST has accounted for a league-leading seven touchdowns this year. Bill Belichick's defense has forced a turnover in all but two games this year. One of which came against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
So, should we start the New England Patriots DST this week in a rematch with Miami?
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What Has The Patriots DST Done in 2022?
The Patriots DST is the only unit to score more than five touchdowns this year. They rank third in takeaways this year, forcing 25 turnovers through their first fifteen games.
New England's pass rush is elite this year. Mathew Judon leads the team and is second in the league with 15.5 sacks. The Patriots are averaging 3.3 sacks per game and have recorded at least one sack in every game this year.
Opponents are averaging 19.8 points per game against the New England Patriots this year, the fifth-fewest in the league. They currently stand 1st in scoring among DSTs, averaging a point per game more than the next-best DST in 2022.
Should I Start The Patriots DST In Week 17 Fantasy Football?
The number one DST this year has scored in the double-digits in three straight weeks. During the stretch, the Patriots' defense has scored three touchdowns, forced six turnovers, and racked up 11 sacks.
Miami is currently on a four-game losing skid and committed four turnovers in Week 16's loss to the Packers. Teddy Bridgewater is starting under center for the Dolphins. In his two starts this year, Bridgewater threw three interceptions.
Although the Dolphins have limited opponents to 2.1 sacks per game and are ninth in scoring this year, the Patriots DST is a must-start in most leagues' championship week.
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