Fans were treated to an incredibly rare feat last week... the Bengals' defense had a solid outing. They surrendered just six points while racking up five sacks and three turnovers on their way to 18 fantasy points. This was their first time holding a team to fewer than 14 points since Week 6.
On the more predictable side of things, the Giants' opponent was able to shut them down on offense with ease. After struggling throughout the year, the Falcons' defense scored 25 fantasy points on the back of two pick sixes. This marked the second time this season that a team had multiple pick sixes in the same game.
Every fantasy manager would be thrilled to see their D/ST score a touchdown or two in the fantasy championship. It's impossible to project when a defense is going to score, but attacking favorable matchups and relying on elite defenses is the best way to set yourself up for success.
WEEK 17 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 17: Who to start, sit at D/ST
Rankings based on PPR scoring. These rankings were updated on Dec. 26 and will be updated throughout the week, so check back often.
| RANK | TEAM | OPPONENT |
| 1 | Philadelphia Eagles | vs. DAL |
| 2 | Kansas City Chiefs | at PIT |
| 3 | Los Angeles Chargers | at NE |
| 4 | Buffalo Bills | vs. NYJ |
| 5 | Miami Dolphins | at CLE |
| 6 | Indianapolis Colts | at NYG |
| 7 | Pittsburgh Steelers | vs. KC |
| 8 | Cleveland Browns | vs. MIA |
| 9 | Minnesota Vikings | vs. GB |
| 10 | Denver Broncos | at CIN |
| 11 | Washington Commanders | vs. ATL |
| 12 | Green Bay Packers | at MIN |
| 13 | Dallas Cowboys | at PHI |
| 14 | Seattle Seahawks | at CHI |
| 15 | Las Vegas Raiders | at NO |
| 16 | Baltimore Ravens | at HOU |
| 17 | Tennessee Titans | at JAC |
| 18 | New England Patriots | vs. LAC |
| 19 | Los Angeles Rams | vs. ARI |
| 20 | Houston Texans | vs. BAL |
| 21 | Arizona Cardinals | at LAR |
| 22 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | vs. CAR |
| 23 | San Francisco 49ers | vs. DET |
| 24 | Atlanta Falcons | at WAS |
| 25 | Cincinnati Bengals | vs. DEN |
| 26 | New Orleans Saints | vs. LV |
| 27 | Jacksonville Jaguars | vs. TEN |
| 28 | Detroit Lions | at SF |
| 29 | New York Jets | at BUF |
| 30 | Chicago Bears | vs. SEA |
| 31 | New York Giants | vs. IND |
| 32 | Carolina Panthers | at TB |
Who are the best fantasy defenses for Week 17?
After a troubling season in 2023, an injection of young talent in Philadelphia has made the Eagles one of the most frightening defenses in the NFL. Jayden Daniels had his way with this defense last week, but Philadelphia has regularly held opponents to fewer than 20 points. Their best game of the season came against the Cowboys, their Week 17 opponent, when they held Dallas to 146 yards and six points back in Week 10. Expect Philadelphia to keep Cooper Rush and company in check this week.
In just one year with the team, Jim Harbaugh has transformed the Chargers' defense into one of the more talented units in the NFL. They'll get the New England Patriots this week, a matchup where the Los Angeles defense should have the upper hand. Drake Maye has played admirably in his rookie season, but he's in for a tough day against the Chargers.
After a couple of promising weeks, the Jets' offense was stopped dead in its tracks against the Rams last week. They'll head to Buffalo this week and will likely have another tough day against a solid Bills defense. Buffalo has been a top-10 fantasy defense throughout the year, and they are in line for another strong performance this week.
Who are the best fantasy defense waiver pickups for Week 17?
Colts vs. Giants in Week 17 is setting up to be a battle between the stoppable force and the moveable object. The Colts have struggled on defense all year, but the Giants under Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito have somehow looked even worse. Fresh off a game with three turnovers and three sacks, the Giants' offense is a clear target for defensive streamers.
The Giants and Saints are currently in a battle for who can have the worst offensive roster in the NFL. The Saints are putting together a compelling case, with an offense highlighted by Spencer Rattler, Kendre Miller, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. This offensive "firepower" lifts the Raiders into streaming consideration this week.
