Should I Start the Patriots DST in Week 18? 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 18 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 11.4 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 four consecutive games and have accounted for a league-leading eight touchdowns this year. Bill Belichick's defense has forced a turnover in all but two games this year.

So, should we start the New England Patriots DST this week in a rematch with the Buffalo Bills?

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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 27 turnovers through their first sixteen games.

New England's pass rush is elite. Mathew Judon leads the team in sacks 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 19.5 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 18 Fantasy Football?

The number one DST this year has scored in the double-digits in four straight weeks. During the stretch, the Patriots' defense has scored four touchdowns, forced eight turnovers, and racked up 13 sacks.

Buffalo's offense got the better of New England's defense when they first met in Week 13. Josh Allen lost a fumble and was sacked twice by the Patriots, but led the Bills' to 24 points and a convincing victory.

New England needs a victory tomorrow in order to make the playoffs. Though going up against a powerhouse offense, the Patriots DST has proven to be the best this year and is a must-start every week.

Click here to find out where RotoBaller's own DST expert, Eric Samulski places this DST in his Week 18 DST Rankings!

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