Selecting a defense is never the most glamorous part of fantasy football. It often goes overlooked for the more fun positions that people want to watch and root for during the game. The good news is that if our opponents aren’t putting too much thought into their defense, we can gain an advantage with some research. So let’s dig in and try to identify some defenses that could be in a good position to score fantasy points this week.
It's an interesting slate for defenses, with viable options from the top of the salary ranks to the bottom. Let's try to identify three of the best.
Green Bay Packers
FanDuel Salary: $5,000
Sometimes, the defense with the highest salary is also the best play. That is the case this week since the Green Bay Packers have a great setup at home.
They have a good level of skill on defense overall and will get the benefit of playing against a backup quarterback.
Overall, the Green Bay D/ST ranks ninth in numberFire's schedule-adjusted metrics. They are also ninth in pressure rate. They haven't had much luck in the turnover department, but that could all change this week.
The Packers are 9.5-point favorites at home against the New England Patriots. The Patriots' offense was already struggling, ranking 22th in pass offense. Now, with Mac Jones injured, it looks like they will have to turn to 36-year-old Brian Hoyer at quarterback.
Hoyer has not won a game as a starter since 2016 and is an immobile quarterback who could face a lot of pressure this Sunday. New England already has turned the ball over eight times in three games, and their lack of explosive playmakers seems to be hurting their offense.
New England's implied team total is just a slate-low 15.0 points. The Packers' defense is a great play in any lineup if you can fit in their $5,000 salary. They are projected for a slate-high 9.3 points.
Chicago Bears
FanDuel Salary: $4,100
Shockingly, the Chicago Bears are 2-1 on the season. We don't expect them to continue to contend for a playoff spot -- especially with how their offense is playing.
However, they have played well on defense so far, and that could continue in Week 4.
The Chicago D/ST has certainly been the driving force in the team's two wins. They've recorded five takeaways in their three games. They've also pressured the opposing quarterback on 33.3% of drop backs this season, which is the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. This week, they'll go up against a quarterback that we love to use defenses against.
The Bears are on the road to play the New York Giants. Giants QB Daniel Jones has thrown 31 interceptions and fumbled 37 times in 40 career starts. He is also prone to getting sacked; the Giants have allowed the second-highest adjusted sack rate in the league this season. New York's wide receiver group has been ravaged by injuries and players not performing well, making Jones' job even harder.
Many people may turn to the New York Giants D/ST in this game as home favorites. With the Bears basically refusing to throw the ball, it's hard for the Giants' defense to generate opportunities to score fantasy points.
The Bears, though, come at a $200 discount from the G-Men, making them the superior play.
Arizona Cardinals
FanDuel Salary: $3,200
If you are looking for a complete punt this week, the Arizona D/ST could be the way to go.
They have been a disappointing unit on the season but have a good matchup that could lead to them being the value play you need at the position.
There aren't many positives to point to for the Arizona Cardinals this season. A bright spot on defense would be J.J. Watt, who has two sacks in two games. The team also has recovered a fumble in each of the first three games this season. On Sunday, they get to play by far the worst offense they will have seen this season.
The Cardinals are playing against the Carolina Panthers in Week 4. Carolina's offense has posted just five touchdowns in three games this season. Their offensive line is 28th in adjusted sack rate allowed, and they've also fumbled eight times so far.
Now, Christian McCaffrey has missed practice twice this week, and he is by far the best player on this offense. If he can't go this week, they could really struggle to move the ball.
For just $3,200, they fit nicely as a value defense that allows you to use salary at the skill positions. Arizona's defense ranks as the best value play at the position, per our projections.
Nicholas Vazquez is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Nicholas Vazquez also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username hbyanksman. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his/her personal views, he/she may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his/her personal account. The views expressed in his/her articles are the author’s alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.