2024 Week 16 Fantasy Football Defense/Special Teams (D/ST) Streaming Options

It’s that time of year again—it’s almost Christmas, and fantasy football is heating up with the semi-finals fast approaching. Let’s make sure our teams are locked and loaded with the best defensive plays. We all love those sneaky low-owned defenses, like Atlanta, that can bring in big points. But consistency is key, so aiming for anything above average is the name of the game. With a little data and a sprinkle of fantasy luck, we can hopefully hit the jackpot again this week.

Don’t be shy about rostering two defenses at this critical stage. Holding a strong matchup on your bench can give you an edge, and preventing your opponent from grabbing a potentially league-winning defense is a big win in itself.

Our strategy is to target defenses in matchups where they can pressure the quarterback, force turnovers, and rack up sacks. We’re looking for weaknesses in offensive lines, play-calling tendencies, and struggling quarterbacks. So, how did we fare last week? Let’s review the results from my top five recommendations for Week 15:

Washington: 6 pts
Atlanta: 20 pts
NY Jets: 6 pts
Arizona: 5 pts
Cincinnati: 19 pts

We hit the mark with two of the top plays last week, which is definitely cause for celebration. While the other three didn’t light up the scoreboard, they still held their own. It’s always good to stay above the teams that scored fewer than five points, of which there were ten in Week 15.

Now, let’s dive into my top seven defensive adds for Week 16:

1. Green Bay vs. New Orleans
2. Atlanta vs. NY Giants
3. Cincinnati vs. Cleveland
4. Indianapolis vs. Tennessee
5. Jacksonville at Las Vegas
6. Arizona at Carolina
7. Las Vegas vs. Jacksonville

For those looking at higher-owned options, consider the following:

Buffalo Bills (BUF, 76%) — With a matchup against the Patriots at home, the Bills make for a strong addition given New England’s generosity to opposing defenses.
San Francisco 49ers (SF, 73%) — Facing a volatile Dolphins team, the Niners could capitalize on potential turnovers and showcase their defensive prowess despite their recent struggles.

Looking at the cream of the crop, my top picks for the week are:

Green Bay Packers (GB, 50%) — Coming off a solid defensive performance, the Packers look to capitalize on their momentum against an offense led by Spencer Rattler.
Atlanta Falcons (ATL, 38%) — The Falcons have been a pleasant surprise in recent weeks, and facing the reeling Giants could lead to another favorable outing.
Cincinnati Bengals (CIN, 39%) — With a favorable matchup against a Browns team in disarray, the Bengals present a strong streaming option this week.

For those targeting weak offenses and struggling quarterbacks:

Indianapolis Colts (IND, 22%) — Despite some defensive shortcomings, the Colts have a favorable schedule ahead and could shine against lackluster competition.
Houston Texans (HOU, 47%) — A matchup against Carson Wentz and a potentially turnover-prone Chiefs offense makes the Texans an intriguing play this week.

In conclusion, there are several solid streaming options for Week 16, ranging from high-owned favorites to deep cuts. Whether you’re looking for a reliable choice or a sneaky play, consider the matchups, injuries, and recent performances to make an informed decision for your fantasy lineup. With a bit of strategy and a touch of luck, your defense could be the key to securing a spot in the championship round.