2 D/STs to start and 2 D/STs to fade in Week 17 fantasy football

We have officially at the last week of the 2020 NFL regular season, which means your fantasy football season is likely over. Or you are in the second leg of your championship match and on the brink of possibly bringing home the win.

That being said, there are still a few teams with something to play for and their defense could have a major role on the field and in fantasy football. Let’s look at couple of defense you need to pickup and two you need to completely fade in Week 17.

D/ST Starts

Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

The Indianapolis Colts’ defense should be able to feast on Sunday against a Jaguars’ offense that is starting Mike Glennon at quarterback. But will also be without rookie running back James Robinson and possibly D.J. Chark Jr.

The last two defenses that played Jacksonville scored 15 and 11 fantasy points respectively, while also producing five sacks and two interceptions. This season, the Colts are averaging 1.6 takeaways and 2.3 sacks per game.

Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams

In a game between two NFC West teams fighting for their playoff lives, the Cardinals’ defense is worth a start in fantasy football this week. Arizona is going up against a Rams’ offense that will be without starting quarterback Jared Goff and starting running back Darrell Henderson Jr.

That being said, Los Angeles will have backup John Wolford under center, who has not played a single regular season NFL snap. We should expect Arizona to apply pressure to Wolford as they are averaging 5.7 sacks in the last three games.

D/ST Sits

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Football Team

Over the last two weeks, we’ve seen the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense get shredded by DeAndre Hopkins, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb. This weekend, it does not get any easier as they are facing a Washington Football Team that is trying to win the NFC East.

The Eagles defense could be without a few starters such as Fletcher Cox, Jalen Mills, and Derek Barnett. If those players do not play, we could see the Washington offense move up the field with Alex Smith under center.

Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers

This might come as a shocker, especially with the way that the Bears’ defense has played recently. However, the Bears are going up against the Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is in a zone and trying to get his team the first seed in the NFC playoffs. The last time these two teams played, the Packers scored 41 points, while the Bears mustered zero fantasy points.

With all that being said, I highly doubt that the Bears’ defense will be held scoreless. But they won’t score a lot of fantasy points in Week 17.