This week in the NFL, defenses made a big impression. Cleveland and New England led the way with stellar performances, securing their spots as Tier One defenses. Kansas City, Chicago, and Los Angeles all broke into double digits, while Seattle closely trailed with a respectable nine points. Overall, a solid week for our rankings!
Interestingly, I had the Texans in the top 10 initially, but I reconsidered based on the Seahawks offense. Despite Houston scoring 18 points and finishing strong, their matchup dynamics played a role in my rankings. The Panthers and Cowboys surprised many by entering the top 10, showing how unpredictable the league can be. After analyzing the Panthers’ impressive performance, I adjusted my formula to heavily weigh opponent performance. After all, their success partially stemmed from facing a struggling Jets team.
Each week, you’ll not only see my rankings but also the reasoning behind them. Here’s how I categorize defenses:
- Tier One: Elite plays of the week.
- Tier Two: Strong choices.
- Tier Three: Often borderline top-10s.
- Tier Four: Deep-league targets.
- Tier Five: Defenses to avoid.
I’ll keep track of how many top-10 defenses I predict correctly each week to track the accuracy of these rankings.
Week 7 Results: 6 wins, 4 losses.
Season Overall: 35 wins, 35 losses.
My approach focuses on defenses that apply pressure and create turnovers. Though matchups matter, I prefer to evaluate the quality of a defense over simply picking those facing weaker offenses. Bad defenses often struggle for a reason.
To determine which defenses shine each week, I use a formula that factors in key metrics. It weighs a team’s performance in various aspects, from pressure rate to points allowed.
Looking at this week’s rankings:
| Rank | Tier One DSTs | Opponent | BOD Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indianapolis Colts | vs TEN | 16 |
| 2 | Atlanta Falcons | vs MIA | 7 |
| 3 | Kansas City Chiefs | vs WAS | 3 |
| 4 | New England Patriots | vs CLE | 12 |
It’s noteworthy to see the Colts ranked first this week, despite their BOD rating suggesting otherwise. The Titans have struggled, allowing 14 points per game to opposing defenses recently. The Colts bring strong metrics—8th in turnover rate and 10th in pressure rate—allowing them to capitalize on a deficient offense.
The Falcons are a team to watch this week. They are predicted to thrive against a struggling Dolphins offense, ranking high in key metrics like expected points added. Atlanta’s upcoming game sees them heavily favored, and any injuries to Miami might make this matchup even more favorable.
Kansas City stays in the top tier, especially with questions surrounding Washington’s offensive starters. The Chiefs have impressive stats in different categories, making them a strong choice when facing a potential underwhelming opponent.
The Patriots are performing well too. They currently lead the AFC East and showcase solid defensive stats, especially against the run. Their focus will likely be on stopping Cleveland’s run game and forcing their quarterback to make plays.
For Tier Two DSTs, we have some intriguing options:
| Rank | Tier Two DSTs | Opponent | BOD Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Houston Texans | vs SF | 1 |
The Texans may have lost recently, but their defensive statistics show promise, ranking first in key metrics like opponents’ scoring rate. Their upcoming matchup against the 49ers, who are dealing with injuries, could be very telling.
Watch for player updates and practice reports this week to adapt your selections. Building an effective defense strategy relies on both statistical performance and real-time player availability.
Finding success in fantasy football often hinges on these adjustments, especially with how quickly the dynamics can change week to week. Stay tuned for updates and rankings that reflect the latest information!
