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

Week 16 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts: 2017 Fantasy Tiers, Rankings

Bill breaks down all 2017 fantasy football Week 16 defenses (DEF) -- targets, streamers, sits/starts, and waiver wire pickups to add. His Week 16 rankings and tiers for all of the NFL defenses.

Time to go for the whole enchilada! Below are RotoBaller's Week 16 defense tiers and rankings, or which defenses to stream and start for Week 16 of the NFL and fantasy football season. Our tiered defense rankings are your guide to drafting defenses, making waiver wire pickups/adds to improve your lineups, and to decide which defenses to start, sit, target, avoid or stream for Week 16.

Starting the right defense every week can be a difference-maker, so we have broken out our defense rankings into tiers with analysis on each matchup. Some of these Week 16 defenses have good matchups and are not widely owned, representing fantasy scoring opportunities if they are available on your league's waiver wire for a Week 16 pickup or add.

Just as a heads-up, when I mention DST scores, I am referring to ESPN's default PPR scoring. Let me know what you think on Twitter (@Roto_Dubs). Good luck in Week 16 RotoBallers!

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

 

Week 16 Defenses To Start & Stream: Tiers & Rankings

Tier 1 Defenses (The "Duh" DSTs)

1. Baltimore Ravens (vs. IND)

The Ravens trail only the Jaguars in DST fantasy points this year, and they get a Colts team that ranks 31st in the NFL in total offense. On top of everything, the Ravens are battling for a playoff spot while the entire Colts organization is in a holding pattern until Andrew Luck heals or leaves for greener (and much less hurt-y) pastures. The math is simple here.

2. Jacksonville Jaguars (@ SF)

Jimmy Garoppolo has been a revelation for the 49er offense, but there still isn't enough talent around him to threaten the defensive juggernaut that is the Jacksonville front seven and secondary. They'll be able to get to Garoppolo at least three times, they won't yield more than 13 points and if any team can force him to turn the ball over it's this one.

3. Los Angeles Rams (@ TEN)

The Rams defense decimated the Seahawks in Week 15, and while they likely won't waltz over the Titans in like fashion, there isn't a ton of resistance coming out of Tennessee these days. Marcus Mariota has been a massive disappointment in every way this season, and as he has struggled so has the offense--they rank 22nd in total offense. There is plenty of upside for a team coming off its season-high in sacks (seven).

4. Los Angeles Chargers (@ NYJ)

The Chargers were overwhelmed by the suddenly potent Kansas City offense in Week 15, but prior to that they had posted eight or more DST fantasy points in eight of nine games (averaged 12.4 fantasy points per game in that time frame). The Bryce Petty-led Jets surprised everyone by sticking around the Saints for almost the entire game last week, but I don't think the Chargers will have any trouble getting ahead early in this one. The Chargers are tied for fourth in the NFL with 16 interceptions on the season, and I expect them to add to that number this weekend.

5. Detroit Lions (@ CIN)

The Bengals have pulled Andy Dalton in back-to-back weeks, as their offense has been absolutely pitiful. They've quietly slipped to the very bottom of the NFL in total offense, and things certainly aren't going to turn around even if A.J. McCarron draws a start instead of Dalton. There is virtually no risk here, and loads of upside.

Tier 2 Defenses (Rock-Solid Starts)

6. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. MIA)

The Chiefs are coming off back-to-back huge games, having tallied five sacks and seven turnovers in the last two weeks. The good times should continue to roll against Jay Cutler and the Dolphins, who just threw three interceptions against the Bills and are out of the playoff picture.

7. Minnesota Vikings (@ GB)

With Aaron Rodgers placed back on IR, the Packers have officially waved the white flag on their 2017 season. That instantly breeds a top fantasy DST matchup, especially considering Brett Hundley might be without Davante Adams (concussion) for that game as well.

8. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. OAK)

The Eagles defense has yielded 24+ points in three straight games, but that streak should come to an end against an Oakland team that is simply killing time until the off-season. Barring some kind of Derek Carr eruption (which is possible but not at all likely), this DST has a nice, safe floor for this week. The reason they are ranked this low is because I said that last week against the Giants and was unpleasantly surprised.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (@ HOU)

The Steelers are going to be playing angry after losing Antonio Brown for the regular season and the game against the Patriots on Sunday in questionable fashion. The Texans are out of any playoff hunt, and will in all likelihood be shutting down Tom Savage (concussion) for the season, leaving T.J. Yates with the keys to the offense. Expect DeAndre Hopkins to beat them once or twice, but there is very little risk of a "bad" DST game with the Steelers.

10. Carolina Panthers (vs. TB)

The Panthers DST is coming off back-to-back double-digit outings, and they've racked up nine total sacks and seven total turnovers in those games. Jameis Winston has been hot since coming back from his shoulder injury though, throwing for at least 270 yards and two touchdowns in each of his last three games, thus limiting the Panthers' upside in Week 16.

Tier 3 Defenses (Decent Streamers)

11. Chicago Bears (vs. CLE)

The Bears DST is coming off of three straight weeks of eight or more fantasy points and they get the Browns, who still lead the NFL in giveaways by a healthy margin (36). It's that simple in this case.

12. New England Patriots (vs. BUF)

The Patriots are in the driver's seat in the AFC, but Tom Brady and Bill Belichick certainly won't let up on the gas yet. Their upside is capped in a visit from a desperate, playoff-starved Bills team that has been cooking on offense in recent weeks, and has very limited turnover potential with Tyrod Taylor under center.

13. Arizona Cardinals (vs. NYG)

The Cardinals have underwhelmed this season, but the Giants are still a solid matchup despite their offensive outburst last week against the Eagles. Look for the Cards to turn Eli Manning over a time or two and hold the Giants to 17 or fewer points.

14. Washington Redskins (vs. DEN)

The Redskins stepped up the pressure last week against the Cardinals and were rewarded with five sacks and two turnovers. I don't think their numbers will get that high, but they should still be able to post a decent day against Brock Osweiler despite his explosive performance against the Colts last week.

Tier 4 Defenses (Deep Streamers)

15. New Orleans Saints (vs. ATL)
16. Denver Broncos (@ WAS)

17. Seattle Seahawks (@ DAL)
18. Dallas Cowboys (vs. SEA)
Tier 5 Defenses (Desperation Plays)

19. New York Giants (@ ARI)
20. Indianapolis Colts (@ BAL)
21. Cleveland Browns (@ CHI)

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Analysis


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




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

Jake Cronenworth3 hours ago

Targeting Earlier Return
Liam Hendriks3 hours ago

Set To Return On Saturday
Jackson Merrill3 hours ago

Not Expected To Return Next Week
Martín Pérez3 hours ago

Martin Perez Will Undergo MRI On Saturday
Casey Schmitt4 hours ago

Expected To Hit Injured List
Brock Stewart4 hours ago

Expected To Return On Sunday
Luke Keaschall4 hours ago

Busy In MLB Debut
Jose Fleury4 hours ago

Continues Strong Start On Friday
AJ Smith-Shawver5 hours ago

Strikes Out Eight In Defeat
Marcelo Mayer5 hours ago

Tallies Seven RBI On Friday
Zyhir Hope5 hours ago

Hits Two Home Runs On Friday
Andrew Painter5 hours ago

Sharp In Second Rehab Outing
Tyler Anderson10 hours ago

Keeps Hot Streak Rolling Friday
Logan Webb10 hours ago

Fans 12 In Tough-Luck Loss
Carlos Rodón10 hours ago

Carlos Rodon Goes Six Scoreless To Snap Personal Losing Streak
Andrew Abbott10 hours ago

Dominates Orioles On Friday
Yoshinobu Yamamoto11 hours ago

Tosses Another Gem
Cam Smith11 hours ago

Hits Two Taters On Friday
Trevor Story11 hours ago

Mashes Pair Of Three-Run Homers
Zack Wheeler14 hours ago

Records 13 Strikeouts
LaMonte Wade Jr.14 hours ago

Out On Friday
Ja Morant14 hours ago

Cleared To Play Friday
Brandon Williams15 hours ago

Available Against Grizzlies
Anthony Davis15 hours ago

Will Play Friday Night
Gary Trent Jr.15 hours ago

Available For Game 1 Against Pacers
Taurean Prince15 hours ago

Returns To Bucks Lineup Saturday
NFL15 hours ago

Justin Hardee Sr. Waived With Non-Football Injury
Isaiah Stewart15 hours ago

To Return For Game 1
Ausar Thompson15 hours ago

Available For Game 1
Rui Hachimura15 hours ago

On Track To Play Saturday
Austin Reaves16 hours ago

Ready To Go For Game 1
NFL16 hours ago

Bills Release Armani Rogers, Branson Deen
Luka Dončić16 hours ago

Luka Doncic Removed From Injury Report
LeBron James16 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Game 1
Ben Sheppard16 hours ago

Probable For Saturday's Game 1
NFL16 hours ago

Kolton Miller Absent From Raiders' Voluntary Offseason Program
Kevin Durant16 hours ago

To Houston Already Losing Steam
Lauri Markkanen16 hours ago

Wants To Stay With The Jazz
NFL16 hours ago

Ross Blacklock Let Go By New York
Bennedict Mathurin16 hours ago

Expected To Play In Game 1 Saturday
Pascal Siakam17 hours ago

Available For Playoff Opener
Tyrese Haliburton17 hours ago

Returning From Two-Game Absence Saturday
Cade Cunningham17 hours ago

Available For Game 1 Against Knicks
Josh Hart17 hours ago

Back In Knicks Lineup Saturday
OG Anunoby17 hours ago

Good To Go For Game 1
Jalen Brunson17 hours ago

Available For Saturday's Game 1
NFL18 hours ago

Raiders Considering Drafting A Quarterback
Irv Smith18 hours ago

Sticking With Texans
Ryan Lindgren18 hours ago

Set To Return Saturday
NFL18 hours ago

Texans Expected To Draft Wide Receivers
Greg Dortch18 hours ago

Returning To Cardinals
Josh Manson18 hours ago

Available For Game 1
Mark Andrews18 hours ago

Could Be Traded Soon
Ondrej Palat18 hours ago

To Return For Start Of Playoffs
David Savard19 hours ago

Will Retire After Playoffs
NFL19 hours ago

Raiders, Falcons Could Have Interest In Jalen Ramsey
Robert Thomas19 hours ago

Good To Go Saturday
Matthew Tkachuk19 hours ago

Expected To Return For Game 1
19 hours ago

Raiders Are High On Ashton Jeanty
Jason Robertson19 hours ago

Considered Week-To-Week
Rome Odunze19 hours ago

To Hopefully Get More Involved
NFL19 hours ago

Dolphins Could Draft A Quarterback
James Cook19 hours ago

Could Stay Away From Voluntary Workouts
Leon Draisaitl1 day ago

Wins First Rocket Richard Trophy
Nikita Kucherov1 day ago

Bags Third Art Ross Trophy
Bryan Rust1 day ago

Scores Twice In Season-Ending Win
Igor Shesterkin1 day ago

Shuts Out Lightning With 27 Saves
Dylan Cozens1 day ago

Picks Up Three Points In Regular-Season Finale
Matvei Michkov1 day ago

Caps Off Rookie Campaign With Three-Point Effort
Brady Tkachuk1 day ago

Makes Early Exit For Precautionary Reasons
Jake Tonges1 day ago

Signs Exclusive-Rights Tender
Denver Broncos1 day ago

Broncos To Focus On RB Position In Next Week's Draft
Drew Lock1 day ago

Sam Howell, Drew Lock Expected To Compete For Backup Job
New York Giants2 days ago

Giants Leaning Toward Taking Best Player Available At No. 3
New Orleans Saints2 days ago

Ryan Ramczyk Announces His Retirement
Buffalo Bills2 days ago

Tre'Davious White Reunites With Buffalo
Aaron Rodgers2 days ago

Willing To Play For $10 Million A Year
Jakob Chychrun2 days ago

Returns Against Penguins
Rasmus Andersson2 days ago

Out Against Kings
Jonathan Huberdeau2 days ago

Sits Out Regular-Season Finale
Ryan Pulock2 days ago

Out On Thursday
Jake Sanderson2 days ago

Back In Action Thursday
Thomas Chabot2 days ago

To Be Rested Against Hurricanes
Claude Giroux2 days ago

Active On Thursday
Lucas Glover3 days ago

Looks To Rebound After Poor Performance
Daniel Berger3 days ago

Looking To Continue Solid Play At RBC
Sepp Straka3 days ago

Looking To Bounce Back At RBC
Justin Thomas3 days ago

Looking To Shake Off Poor Masters At RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele3 days ago

Still Looking For Year's First Win At RBC Heritage
Maverick McNealy3 days ago

Is An Intriguing Play At RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry3 days ago

Looks To Shake Off Poor Masters Sunday At RBC Heritage
Will Zalatoris3 days ago

Eyes A Bounce-Back At RBC Heritage
Gary Woodland3 days ago

Could Add Some Surprise At Hilton Head
Sam Burns3 days ago

Hoping For Better Times At RBC Heritage
Sahith Theegala3 days ago

Still Trying To Put It All Together
Aaron Rai3 days ago

Might Be That Guy For Hilton Head
Robert MacIntyre3 days ago

All Or Nothing At RBC Heritage
Tom Hoge3 days ago

Still Playing Solid Heading To Hilton Head
Nick Dunlap3 days ago

Continues To Have Rough Stretch
Keegan Bradley3 days ago

Looks To Move On From Masters Performance
Matt Fitzpatrick3 days ago

A Boom-Or-Bust Option At RBC Heritage
Patrick Cantlay3 days ago

A Strong Play At RBC Heritage
Jordan Spieth3 days ago

Targets Another Strong RBC Heritage Showing
Collin Morikawa3 days ago

Eyeing Victory At RBC Heritage
Max Homa3 days ago

Breaks Through At The Masters
Alexander Volkanovski4 days ago

Reclaims Featherweight Title
Diego Lopes4 days ago

Drops Decision At UFC 314
Paddy Pimblett4 days ago

Remains Undefeated In The UFC
Michael Chandler4 days ago

Suffers TKO Loss
MMA4 days ago

Patricio Freire Gets Dominated In His UFC Debut
Yair Rodriguez4 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Bryce Mitchell4 days ago

Gets Submitted At UFC 314
Jean Silva4 days ago

Gets Submission Win At UFC 314
Dominick Reyes4 days ago

Wins Third Fight In A Row
5 days ago

Austin Dillon Nabs His First Top-10 Finish Of The 2025 Season At Bristol
5 days ago

Ryan Blaney's Bold Strategies Fall Flat, Still Musters A Top-Five Finish At Bristol
5 days ago

Christopher Bell Finishes In The Top 10 After Falling Back Midway At Bristol
5 days ago

Ty Gibbs Earns His First Top-Five Finish Of The 2025 Season At Bristol
5 days ago

Chase Briscoe Quietly Scores First Career Top-Five Finish At Bristol
5 days ago

Denny Hamlin Cuts Into William Byron's Points Lead
5 days ago

William Byron Makes Best Of His Mediocre Qualifying Run With Sixth-Place Finish
5 days ago

Despite Engine Failure, Alex Bowman's Improved Speed Looks Promising
NASCAR5 days ago

A.J. Allmendinger Enters Playoff Picture With Surprise Bristol Top-10 Finish
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF