Streaming Defenses: Week 16 Options

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Updated on December 17, 2019 3:57PM EST

We broke out of our streaming slump in resounding fashion last week, with the five recommended defenses combining for 44 fantasy points. Each of the top four picks scored seven or more, while the fifth and final selection, Detroit, was the lone disappointment.

Anyone still reading this column likely is preparing for a championship matchup, or perhaps a semifinal if you have the misfortune to play in a league that includes Week 17. Whatever the case, depth at the skill positions is no longer a major consideration, so we shouldn't hesitate to go all-in with a waiver/FAAB claim for a D/ST unit.

For injury/ranking updates throughout the week, follow me on Twitter (@RotowireNFL_JD).

Note: These recommendations are limited to team defenses with ownership of less than 60 percent on Yahoo or 30 percent on ESPN as of Tuesday morning. Any references to fantasy points are based on Yahoo standard scoring, which doesn't include yards allowed.

Top Streaming Options for Week 16

1. Denver Broncos (vs. Detroit Lions)

25% Yahoo ownership, 19% ESPN

Team implied total: 22.25

Opponent implied total: 15.75

Upcoming Ranks — Week 17: No. 14 (vs. OAK)

For injury/ranking updates throughout the week, follow me on Twitter (@RotowireNFL_JD).

Top Streaming Options for Week 16

1. Denver Broncos (vs. Detroit Lions)

25% Yahoo ownership, 19% ESPN

Team implied total: 22.25

Opponent implied total: 15.75

Upcoming Ranks — Week 17: No. 14 (vs. OAK)

The Denver defense should be a priority add in most fantasy leagues, with the Broncos favored by 6.5 points over a Lions team that carries the lowest implied total of Week 16. We've seen this unit come through with some useful performances against quarterbacks much better than David Blough, including five fantasy points last week against Patrick Mahomes and 15 the week before against Deshaun Watson. Keep in mind that isn't just the quarterback spot where the Lions have fallen apart; Marvin Jones and T.J. Hockenson both are on IR with ankle injuries, and it isn't clear if Kerryon Johnson (knee) or Bo Scarbrough (ribs) will return for Sunday's game.

2. Indianapolis Colts (vs. Carolina Panthers)

30% Yahoo ownership, 41% ESPN

Team implied total: 26.25

Opponent implied total: 19.75

Upcoming Ranks — Week 17: No. 13 (at JAX)

Many will be hesitant to use the Colts defense after Monday's disaster in the Superdome, but let's not forget the gargantuan difference between a road game against Drew Brees and a home matchup versus Will Grier or Kyle Allen. It doesn't seem like the Panthers have much confidence in their rookie third-round pick, considering Allen was allowed to implode for nearly two months before the team even considered making a change. The Colts defense ranks 18th in DVOA (3.0%) and t-20th in fantasy scoring (6.6 per game), but it should be competent enough to do the trick in this premium matchup. No need to adjust the ranking if Allen is tabbed for another start, as his proven propensity for committing turnovers is nearly as appealing as the prospect of facing a first-time rookie starter.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (at Chicago Bears)

63% Yahoo ownership, 32% ESPN

Team implied total: 25.0

Opponent implied total: 20.0

Upcoming Ranks — Week 17: No. 12 (vs. LAC)

The KC defense technically misses our ownership cut-off to qualify for this space, but it's close enough to warrant inclusion given that many fantasy managers will have the option available (a.k.a. I'm cheating... shhh). This unit has risen to No. 8 in fantasy scoring average (8.9), producing eight or more points in each of its past four games. Reputation no longer matches reality, with Kansas City up to 11th in defensive DVOA (-4.3%) and 10th in points allowed per game (20.3). The Bears haven't been especially generous in terms of allowing fantasy points to defenses, but that's partially a product of getting lucky with avoiding return touchdowns (zero). Chicago has been right around league-average when it comes to giving up sacks (t-18th) and turnovers (t-13th), and far below average in points scored (26th).

4. Atlanta Falcons (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

8% Yahoo ownership, 6% ESPN

Team implied total: 26.5

Opponent implied total: 19.0

Upcoming Ranks — Week 17: No. 20 (at TB)

The Falcons defense has made an awkward transition from incompetent to inconsistent, scoring double-digit fantasy points in four of six games since a Week 9 bye. I'm not saying I trust this unit, but it should at least have the upper hand in a home matchup with Gardner Minshew and the cat attack. If we strictly looked at the betting odds, the Falcons defense would border on top-five status in my weekly D/ST rankings. I'm a bit skeptical, but the No. 8 spot ain't bad.

5. New York Jets (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)

32% Yahoo ownership, 30% ESPN

Team implied total: 17.75

Opponent implied total: 20.75

Upcoming Ranks — Week 17: No. 16 (at BUF)

The Steelers turn every game they play into a slugfest, sporting a top-five defense and a bottom-five offense. I'm not sure if Devlin Hodges or Mason Rudolph will get the nod Week 16, and I'm also not sure it matters. Either way, the Jets' mediocre defense should have the advantage, with its weak secondary less of an issue against quarterbacks that struggle to make accurate throws downfield.

Editor's Note: The Steelers named Hodges as their Week 16 starter.