Fantasy Football Expert Justin Edwards looks at the current Fantasy Football Defense rankings and projections for Week 7.
“After six full weeks of NFL action, there are a number of surprises in the football landscape, and the fantasy football Defense rankings are reflecting that.”
2024 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings
*As always, the projections and rankings are courtesy of 4for4’s Fantasy Football Defense rankings!
# | Player | FF Pts |
1 | Bills | 7.5 |
2 | Broncos | 7.3 |
3 | Bengals | 6.5 |
4 | Colts | 6.2 |
5 | Steelers | 6.1 |
6 | Eagles | 6 |
7 | Saints | 6 |
8 | Packers | 5.9 |
9 | Jets | 5.9 |
10 | Chargers | 5.9 |
11 | Commanders | 5.9 |
12 | Jaguars | 5.8 |
13 | Dolphins | 5.8 |
14 | Falcons | 5.8 |
15 | Lions | 5.8 |
16 | Vikings | 5.8 |
17 | Ravens | 5.8 |
18 | Patriots | 5.7 |
19 | Chiefs | 5.6 |
20 | Rams | 5.6 |
Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings, Who Should I Add Off Waiver Wires:
The New Orleans Saints were the highest recommended D/ST waiver wire pickup this week.
Analysis
Through six weeks, the New Orleans Saints defense/special teams (D/ST) has largely met or exceeded expectations, delivering solid performances in favorable matchups. They’ve had standout games against weaker offenses like the Carolina Panthers, which was somewhat expected, and also shined against stronger teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, who have struggled more than anticipated this season.
Their defensive effort against the Philadelphia Eagles was also impressive, and despite surrendering 51 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, they still managed to put up a respectable performance in that game.
On the flip side, the Saints D/ST has had some rough outings, notably against high-powered offenses like the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs, where they struggled to keep up. However, the upcoming schedule presents a lot of promise. In Week 7, they face a favorable matchup against Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos, a team that has been inconsistent and turnover-prone, making the Saints defense a strong streaming option.
Additionally, with the exception of the Falcons in Week 10, the Saints’ schedule over the next couple of months is filled with juicy matchups, providing fantasy managers with plenty of opportunities to capitalize on their defense. If you’re looking to bolster your D/ST for the long haul, the Saints are in a great position to continue performing well.
Read Matt Okada’s full Week 7 Waiver Wire Watch
What is another Matchup to Exploit in the Fantasy Football Defense Rankings?
The Cincinnati Bengals stick out with a positive matchup during Week 7.
Analysis
The loss of Amari Cooper certainly doesnโt help matters, but this was going to be a matchup to target regardless. At 1-5, the Browns are about to embark on an entire tear-down project and tackle Jack Conklin and guard Joel Bitonio, who are both likely on the block, as are practically every other veteran.
Conklin returned to action last week and played well enough at RT, but only three snaps into the game, the struggling O-line was hit with yet more bad news.
Center Nick Harris, who was receiving his second start of the season (the other coming at LT), went down and was subsequently placed on IR due to an ankle injury. This cleared the way for 2017 UDFA Michael Dunn, who allowed two sacks on the day, to move from right guard, and Zak Zinter, who allowed one more sack, to regain control of RG.
The musical chairs aspect of the unit is putting Deshaun Watson under duress, and the quarterback is responding in poor fashion.
While under pressure, Watson ranks 27th (out of 34 qualifying QBs) in on-target rate (56.0%), 30th in adjusted yards per attempt (0.9), and 30th in pressure-to-sack rate (26.1%). If the Bengals are clicking on offense, Cleveland will be forced to take to the air, and D/ST fantasy points will follow.
*Read Justin Edwards’ full O-Line Rankings and Matchups to Exploit: Week 7*
Who are some Week 7 Fantasy Defenses to avoid?
Some options who have fallen out of the top-20 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings include: The San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants, and Cleveland Browns.
For more advice on who to start check out the Fantasy Football DST Rankings Week 7.