X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Top Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings (Weeks 4, 5, 6, 7) - Defense Streamers and Starts

Von Miller Buffalo Bills Defense - Fantasy Football DST, Defense Streamers, Waiver Wire IDP

Joey's best fantasy football defense streamers and D/ST rankings for Weeks 4, 5, 6, 7 in 2024. NFL team defense streamers and starts based on strength of schedule.

Welcome, RotoBallers, to our defensive streamers and starts piece. If you are one of the many fantasy managers who stream defenses every week, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will look at the best fantasy defenses managers should be picking up in Week 4 and beyond. 

Some of the defenses on this list are only good for Week 4, while other defenses could be used for multiple weeks. Streaming defenses is never easy, and sometimes, choosing the wrong fantasy defense could end up costing you your week. However, if you plan accordingly for the weeks ahead, you could set yourself up nicely. 

So, here are the best defensive streamers and starts for Week 4 through Week 7.  

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

D/ST Strength of Schedule: Weeks 4-7

When looking at which defenses fantasy managers should pick up and start every week, a good recipe for success is targeting defenses playing poor offenses. Through three weeks, offenses like the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, and New York Giants have struggled to score points. As a result, opposing defenses are averaging over 10.5 fantasy points when facing those four offenses this season. 

Targeting those offenses has worked well for some fantasy managers in the early going, and that shouldn't change over the next few weeks. So, let's dive in and analyze the best fantasy defensive options in Week 4, 5, 6, and 7.

Each defense on this list will be broken down into four categories (temporary streamer, part-time streamer, recruit streamer, and fool's gold streamer) to help you make the best decision. The description of each category can be found below, and all defenses on this list will be rostered in 50% or less of ESPN leagues. 

  • “TemporaryStreamer: D/ST with a good matchup in Week 4
  • “Part-TimeStreamer: D/ST with multiple nice matchups in a row
  • “RecruitStreamer: D/ST with an easy upcoming schedule that you pick up earlier to stash on your bench
  • Fool’s GoldStreamer: D/ST that on paper looks like a good option but should be avoided 

 

Week 4 D/ST Streamers

Chicago Bears D/ST (Part-Time Streamer)

  • Week 4 Opponent: Los Angeles Rams (25th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 36.6.%
  • Over-Under: 40.5 points
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 18.75

At this point in the season, the Bears defense deserves to be rostered in more leagues. It has scored the third-most fantasy points through three weeks and has yet to give up more than 21 points in a game this season.

Fantasy managers would like to see Chicago's sack numbers rise -- as it has totaled just four sacks over the past two games -- but this defense has season-long potential.

The Bears defense also has a nice schedule upcoming, making it a part-time streamer for fantasy managers. In Week 4, it will face a depleted Rams offense at home that will be missing Cooper Kupp (ankle), Puka Nacua (knee), and multiple offensive linemen.

Then, Chicago has matchups against the Carolina Panthers (Week 5), Jacksonville Jaguars (Week 6), and New England Patriots (Week 10) over the next couple of weeks. 

Given how Chicago has looked defensively to start the season, it is a strong pickup ahead of Week 4. It has forced six turnovers in the first three weeks while totaling seven sacks and two touchdowns. 

Tennessee Titans D/ST (Temporary Streamer)

  • Week 4 Opponent: Miami Dolphins (31st)
  • ESPN Rostership: 3.2%
  • Over-Under: 36.5 points 
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 17.5

The Titans defense hasn't been a strong fantasy option this year, as it has scored five fantasy points or less in all three games. Last week, it only sacked Malik Willis three times and failed to force a turnover. However, expect better fantasy numbers for Tennessee's defense against the Dolphins in Week 4. 

It remains to be seen if Skylar Thompson (chest) or Tyler Huntley will start for Miami on Monday night. Either way, though, the Titans defense should be a strong fantasy play. The Dolphins couldn't move the ball at all last week -- even with playmakers like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane -- and Thompson was sacked a whopping six times. 

While Tennessee hasn't done much defensively through the first couple of weeks, it has a great chance to change that this week. However, after the team's Week 4 matchup against the Dolphins, it won't have much fantasy appeal.

The Titans have a Week 5 bye before facing the Colts (Week 6), Bills (Week 7), and Lions (Week 8) in the coming weeks. 

Indianapolis Colts D/ST (Recruit/Part-Time Streamer)

  • Week 4 Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers (8th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 7.8%
  • Over-Under: 39.5 points 
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 20.5

After struggling defensively in the first two weeks, the Colts looked much better on that side of the ball in Week 3 against the Bears. They held Chicago's offense to just 16 points, forced three turnovers, and sacked Caleb Williams four times. Now, they get a matchup against a Steelers offense that has scored only three offensive touchdowns so far this season. 

There's some risk in starting Indianapolis' defense this week, which is why it is listed as a recruit/part-time streamer. The Steelers have only given up six sacks all season, and opposing defenses have scored the eighth-fewest fantasy points against Pittsburgh's offense so far in 2024. So, it's understandable if fantasy managers don't want to start this defense this week. 

But the Colts defense should be picked up regardless ahead of Week 4. After the matchup against the Steelers, they will face the Jaguars (Week 5), Titans (Week 6), and Dolphins (Week 7) over the next three weeks.

With Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) still without a timeline for a return, there's a good chance he will not be ready for that game. That makes Indianapolis a strong fantasy option over the next month. 

Houston Texans D/ST (Borderline Part-Time Streamer)

  • Week 5 Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars (27th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 31%
  • Over-Under: 45.5 points 
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: 19.5

Following Monday's blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills, it's fair to say that the Jaguars offense is not very good. They are averaging only 13.3 points per game through the first three weeks, and quarterback Trevor Lawrence has been sacked 12 times to start the season. That makes the Texans defense a strong fantasy option heading into Week 4. 

Houston is coming off a subpar defensive game against the Vikings, giving up 34 points and forcing zero turnovers. However, it has totaled at least four sacks in back-to-back games, including seven sacks against the Bears in Week 2. 

Not only are the Texans a solid defensive option this week against the Jaguars, but they could be used in the coming weeks as well. While Houston is a must-sit against the Bills in Week 5, it has a nice matchup against the Patriots in Week 6. So, essentially, if you grab the Texans for this week, you can start them in two of the next three games. 

Minnesota Vikings D/ST (Recruit Streamer)

  • Week 4 Opponent: Green Bay Packers (5th)
  • Week 5 Opponent: New York Jets (6th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 20.4%
  • Over-Under: N/A
  • Opponent’s Implied Total Points: N/A

The Vikings have been the best defensive team through the first three weeks, and it hasn't been quite close. They held the 49ers to just 17 points in Week 2 and the Texans to only seven points last week. On top of that, they have totaled at least five sacks and forced two turnovers in every game this season. As a result, they are currently the No. 1 fantasy defense heading into Week 4. 

While Minnesota has some tough matchups upcoming against the Packers and Jets, it should 100% be picked up. It has scored at least 13 fantasy points in all three games this season, and both the 49ers and Texans offenses struggled to move the ball against it. So, now is the perfect time to add the Vikings defense before the matchup against Green Bay. 

The next couple of weeks aren't the most favorable matchups for the Vikings, considering they have the Packers (Week 4), Jets (Week 5), a bye (Week 6), and the Lions (Week 7) upcoming.

But after these four weeks, Minnesota will face the Rams (Week 8), Colts (Week 9), Jaguars (Week 10), Titans (Week 11), and Bears (Week 12). So, even if you don't plan to start this defense this week, add it for the middle of the season. 

 

Recruit Streamers

If you have Week 4 already figured out, let's look ahead at some defensive options that you could start in Week 5:

  • Seattle Seahawks (55.9% rostership)- Week 5 opponent: 28th-ranked Giants
  • Miami Dolphins (50.9% rostership)- Week 5 opponent: 24th-ranked Patriots
  • New England Patriots (3.4% rostership)- Week 5 opponent: 31st-ranked Dolphins

 

Fool’s Gold Streamers

Las Vegas Raiders D/ST vs. Cleveland Browns

  • Week 5 Opponent: Cleveland Browns (29th)
  • ESPN Rostership: 29.9%

There's no doubt the Browns have been one of the worst offensive teams across the first three weeks. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sacked a league-leading 16 times, and that Cleveland offense has yet to score over 18 points in a game so far this season. However, fantasy managers should stay away from the Raiders defense in this matchup. 

Las Vegas only has five sacks on the season and just gave up 36 points to the Panthers last week. In the first three weeks, the Raiders defense has also only forced one turnover. On paper, this matchup seems like a nice one for a Maxx Crosby-led defense. But it's best to avoid this unit for Week 4, considering the team's early season struggles. 

 

D/ST Streaming Action Plan

Planning out your fantasy D/ST might require some work, but it might be necessary to target the best matchups every single week. Here is how I would line up my defensive streams over the next four weeks. 

  • Week 4: Stream the Titans versus the 31st-ranked Dolphins
  • Week 5: Stream the Seahawks versus the 28th-ranked Giants
  • Week 6: Stream the Colts versus the 32nd-ranked Titans
  • Week 7: Stream the Bills versus the 32nd-ranked Titans


Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday

Bears Draft Luther Burden In Round 2
Buffalo Bills

Bills Move Up To 41st Pick In Trade With Bears

Patriots Add TreVeyon Henderson To The Backfield At Pick No. 38
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Acquire 37th Pick From Raiders, Draft Jonah Savaiinaea

Browns Add Quinshon Judkins To Backfield With 36th Pick
Seattle Seahawks

Seahawks Acquire 35th Pick From Titans, Select Nick Emmanwori

Texans Select Jayden Higgins 34th Overall
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3

Tyler Shough Could Come Off The Board Before Shedeur Sanders
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Isaiah Spiller

Raiders Waive Isaiah Spiller
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
NFL

Several Teams Trying To Trade Up Early In Round 2

Bhayshul Tuten Could Be A Third-Round Pick
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Cleveland Browns

Browns Fielding Calls For First Pick In Round 2
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
George Pickens

Steelers Receiving Calls About George Pickens
Moises Ballesteros

Riding An 11-Game Hit Streak
Victor Mesa Jr.

Starting Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Ryan Weathers

To Begin Rehab Assignment On Sunday
Colby Thomas

Heating Up At Triple-A
Dallas Cowboys

Cowboys Don't Feel Forced To Draft A Running Back
Emmanuel Rodriguez

Has Quiet Start To 2025
Jeff McNeil

Hitting Eighth In Season Debut
Brandon Sproat

Coughs Up Six Earned Runs In Latest Start
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez To Start Rehab Assignment On Saturday
Will Levis

Could Be Traded Soon
Bryce Young

Wanted Panthers To Take Tetairoa McMillan
Travis Hunter

Jaguars Plan To Start Travis Hunter In The Receiver Room
Detroit Lions

Lions Pick Up Aidan Hutchinson's Fifth-Year Option
Jameson Williams

Lions Exercise Jameson Williams' Fifth-Year Option
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jameson Williams

Lions Didn't Entertain Trade Offers For Jameson Williams
Qadir Ismail

Raiders Sign Qadir Ismail
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF