Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 7: Who to Start at D/ST - Bleacher Nation (2024)

Fantasy FootballExpert Justin Edwards looks at the current Fantasy Football Defense rankings and projections for Week 7.

“After six full weeks of NFL action, there are a number of surprises in the fantasy football landscape, and the Defense rankings are reflecting that.”

2023 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings

*As always, the projections and rankings are courtesy of4for4’s Fantasy Football Defense rankings!

Fantasy Football D/ST Rankings, Who Should I Add Off Waiver Wires:

The Cleveland Browns were the highest recommended D/ST waiver wire pickup this week.

Analysis

1. Cleveland Browns – Rostered in 28% of Yahoo leagues

Defenses opposite Gardner Minshew have finished as the D/ST15 (Ravens) and D/ST3 (Jaguars) in his two starts. Check your waiver wire since Cleveland, the current D/ST16 in points per game, was dropped in most places over their bye.

2. Las Vegas Raiders – Rostered in 47% of Yahoo leagues

Tyson Bagent.

3. Atlanta Falcons – Rostered in 9% of Yahoo leagues

Albeit 2.5-point road dogs right now, Baker Mayfield’s hand contusion could pit the Falcons against Kyle Trask at kick-off. Sprinkle extra FAAB here since the Falcons get Malik Willis in Week 8.

Read John Daigle’s fullWeek 7 Waiver Wire Watch

What is another Matchup to Exploit in the Fantasy Football Defense Rankings?

The New York Giants stick out with a positive matchup during Week 7.

Analysis

Watching the New York Giants defense—or the team in general—has been an unpleasant affair to this point in the season, but for fantasy purposes, they have about the best matchup we could ask for in Week 7.

We have consistently nailed high-floor, high-ceiling outcomes by attacking the Commanders’ offensive line through their propensity to allow pressure and Sam Howell’s predisposition to turn those into sacks.

Washington has allowed the eighth-most pressures on the season and has the league’s worst adjusted sack rate (14.04%), no thanks to Sam Howell leading the league in pressure-to-sack rate (33.7%).

With left tackle Charles Leno back in the lineup in Week 7, there’s a chance that the Commanders can bounce back, but the Giants’ D/ST is in a good spot-start position, regardless.

*Read Justin Edwards’ fullO-Line Rankings and Matchups to Exploit: Week 7*

Who are some Week 7 Fantasy Defenses to avoid?

Some options who have fallen out of the top-20 Fantasy Football Defense Rankings include: the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Chargers, and the New England Patriots

For more advice on who to start check out theFantasy Football DST Rankings Week 7to compare the following defense pairings

1. Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants
2. Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks
3. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks
4. Green Bay Packers vs. Washington Commanders
5. Baltimore Ravens vs. Seattle Seahawks
6. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Washington Commanders
7. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Seattle Seahawks vs. Washington Commanders
9. Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks
10. Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos
11. New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
12. Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks

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Justin has been playing fantasy sports since he booted up a Sandbox Fantasy Football league on his Gateway computer in Middle School. After nearly two decades in the restaurant industry, he's focusing his attention on making a living in the sports industry.