Week 17 Fantasy Football Defensive Streaming: Leaning on the Steelers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Owned: ESPN 11.4%, Yahoo 14%
numberFire Projected Rank: 24th

In Week 17, one thing we're looking for is a team that still has something to play for and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fit that bill.

The Buccaneers need to beat the Carolina Panthers, along with getting some help to make the playoffs. They actually need a lot of help, as seven games need to fall right for the Bucs to advance. So, while it's a small chance, there's still a chance.

On the season, Tampa Bay's defense ranks as the 13th-best, according to numberFire's schedule-adjusted metrics. They're facing off against a Panthers team they had success against in Week 5, as well.

In that matchup, the Bucs forced four turnovers en route to the seventh-best defensive performance on the week.

Vegas has listed them as a 6.5-point home favorite against the Panthers, and if the Steelers are already taken, the Buccaneers make for a decent alternative.