It’s the final week of the NFL and fantasy seasons, so every point here counts in fantasy and in real life (for those teams who still have something to play for). Start these defenses this week to get the most out of your fantasy lineup in your championship matchup.
1. Seattle Seahawks
You were expecting something different? The Seahawks have only scored less than nine fantasy points in just two games this season. Two! So what would stop you from playing them this week? Certainly not Kellen Clemens who has only seven touchdowns in nine games. Put the Arizona Cardinals’ upset victory last week behind you, and feel great about starting this defense.
Projected Statistics: Seven points allowed, three sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery
2. San Francisco 49ers
Speaking of those pesky Cardinals, they still have a shot at making the playoffs if they defeat the 49ers and the New Orleans Saints lose. But look for the 49ers to put an end to that, as they would rather not have to play their division foe in the postseason. Motivations aside, San Francisco’s defense has scored at least eight fantasy points in 11 of its last 12 games, and they have forced at least one turnover in every game since its Week 9 bye. Facing an Arizona offense that ranks just 21st in the NFL in yards per game, the 49ers are a great start.
Projected Statistics: 10 points allowed, three sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery
3. Carolina Panthers
The last time the Panthers faced the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, they picked of Matt Ryan three times en route to a 20-point fantasy day. While it’s tough to count on a defensive touchdown again for the Panthers, it is wise to expect them to put up a solid performance again against the woeful Falcons. Last week, Carolina held the New Orleans Saints (who have an offense twice as good as Atlanta) to just 13 points, the seventh time this year it has held a team to 13 or less points. Expect this playmaking bunch to put up extremely valuable fantasy numbers again this week.
Projected Statistics: 10 points allowed, two sacks, two interceptions
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati’s two negative-point performances this season have driven some owners away, but be sure to have them in your lineup this week against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are allowing the seventh most points to fantasy defenses this year, and their offense has looked terrible in the second half of the season. In his last three games, Joe Flacco has six interceptions, and is coming off a game where he allowed Baltimore to get blown out at home 41-7 at the hands of the New England Patriots. This game is also an opportunity for the Bengals to knock their division rivals out of the playoff picture, and there’s no way they take their foot off the gas in the final week.
Projected Statistics: 13 points allowed, three sacks, one interception
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers get a surprise mention this week, given how disappointing they’ve been this season. But they’re facing the Cleveland Browns, who are allowing over nine fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Last week, the Browns allowed the New York Jets defense to score 12 points, and the otherwise awful Chicago Bears defense put up eight points against the Browns in Week 15. Pittsburgh has also rebounded nicely in the last five weeks, scoring 11 points each in their last two games. They find themselves as a very startable defense this week in a favorable matchup.
Projected Statistics: 10 points allowed, two sacks, one interception