Week 16 D/ST Rankings

If you are reading this, you are likely either in your championship game, playing daily fantasy, or caring a little too much about a consolation game. Let's hope it's the first one.

Three Matchups to Play

Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Starting in Week 8, the Buccaneers have allowed eight or more fantasy points to every opposing fantasy defense except Washington. The Packers shouldn't have much trouble getting ahead, and can run out the clock with Eddie Lacy and James Starks.

Carolina Panthers vs. Cleveland Browns

The Panthers have tightened up on D lately, and have 21 fantasy points in the past two weeks combined vs. New Orleans and Tampa Bay. Granted, those aren't the toughest of matchups, but Carolina should contain the rushing game and force Johnny Manziel to throw for most of the game. The Bengals scored 15 fantasy points against Manziel's Browns last week.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans

This is obviously more of a desperation play, but the Jags D/ST put up six fantasy points against the Titans in Week 6 and the Titans' offense is arguably worse now. The Jaguars are listed here because they are widely available; check first if the Rams or Broncos are available.

Matchups to Avoid

For the first time this season, no heavily-owned defense has a super tough matchup this week. The closest two cases we get are Houston D/ST vs. Baltimore and Arizona D/ST vs. Seattle. Both teams are rated in the teens, and despite the strong offenses of the opponents, the defenses should be okay, but not great for fantasy. If anything, I might be too low on Houston, which has the JJ Watt factor in its favor.