Defensive units are starting to pick up steam for the second half of the NFL season just as we’re getting ready for the fantasy playoffs. Some units are gelled, others have completely fallen apart (hello, Chicago Bears!).
We’ll need to be a bit pickier, as a result, when it comes to our matchups. A repeat or two, this week. But, hey. That’s on you for not rostering them. We’ve called the Rams defense all four weeks in a row now.
This first unit I list is one I’m high on for the rest of the season. Let’s get to it.
Start ‘Em
Miami Dolphins D/ST (vs. Las Vegas Raiders; 68.3% rostered)
We saw just how well new DC Anthony Weaver can command this offense on meaningful downs and distances in Week 10. The Dolphins sacked Matthew Stafford four times on third downs, often only when pressuring with four bodies. They blitzed with a fifth on a more critical third down later in the game.
Jalen Ramsey is playing inspired football in the secondary, as is Kader Kohou. Miami’s disguised coverages had Stafford absolutely bamboozled on Monday night.
Jaelan Phillips is out for the season, but this upcoached Miami unit won’t need him for a tilt against the paltry Raiders offense. Dolphins need to win out. Desperation, on defense, often looks like disciplined violence. Expect at least a turnover and three sacks in this one.
Los Angeles Rams D/ST (vs. New England Patriots; 24.1% rostered)
It’s been the most impressive unit on this inconsistent Rams team all season. They’re going against the New England Patriots. It’ll be a nice enough day in Foxboro that this west coast team is going to be dealing with terrific east coast conditions. There is always the time lag, and LA is on short rest. I understand a bit of hesitation.
But Jared Verse leads all rookies in quarterback pressures. Braden Fiske was Kool-Aid-man bursting through offensive lines until they realized it was time to start doubling him at nose. This New England offensive line shouldn’t be able to stand a chance against those guys and the rest of the Rams’ front-seven, including Byron Young.
Maye will churn out yards on them, but this defense has been creating pressure upon pressure.
Sit ‘Em
Buffalo Bills D/ST (vs. Kansas City Chiefs; 48.4% rostered)
I know Matt Milano could come back for this game. Last week’s Defensive Player of the Week, Taron Johnson, looks to be in sensational midseason form. And Patrick Mahomes has more interceptions than he has touchdowns, or just as many, or some stat that doesn’t matter about Patrick Mahomes.
This is when the Chiefs kick it into high gear. Patrick Mahomes has only thrown three touchdown passes this season once. He’ll do it again on Sunday in Buffalo.
The game might be slower-paced than the Gabe-Davis-led barnburner a few years ago, but I still think Kansas City is unlikely to turn the ball over. Even if possessions are long and the game’s a bit of a slugfest, I think the Chiefs will limit mistakes on offense, and put up big yardage totals and a respectable score. Buffalo’s talented defense won’t do enough outside that to remain fantasy-viable in Week 11.
New Orleans Saints D/ST (vs. Cleveland Browns; 44.1% rostered)
Jameis Winston may have shown some pumpkin spice flashes against the Chargers in Week 9, but Nick Chubb sure didn’t. And he’s two weeks healthier than he was the last he played football.
The Saints’ offense may have turned it around a bit last week, but their defense still hasn’t posted more than 5.0 FPTs since Week 3. I don’t think it’s as solid a unit as the Chargers’ one that so bamboozled Kevin Stefanski and Jameis Winston in Week 9.
Jameis in a dome. Kickers are draining FGs from 150 yards regularly. I think more points will be scored in this one than we think, and the Browns win on the road.
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