Matchups are always the first thing we look at putting together D/ST rankings, and they’re not particularly favorable for heavy-hitters such as the Patriots (vs. Buccaneers), Steelers (@ Packers), Ravens (@ Broncos), Rams (vs. Cardinals), and Panthers (@ Cowboys), among a couple others. It’s a tough call as to whether you should trust the talent and stick with these teams or try to stream, but given some of the struggles of the Steelers and Ravens – and the overall efficiency of the Bucs and Cardinals – it might be better to stream for them depending on your options.
WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker
If you’re looking for some potential pickups, both D/STs in the Colts-Dolphins game are in play given their respective QB issues, and both defenses in the Giants-Saints game are worth streaming given those quarterbacks’ historical turnover problems. You can also try your luck with the Bears (vs. Lions), Bengals (vs. Jaguars), and Titans (@ Jets), all of whom play weak, potentially turnover-prone offenses.
WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker
The fact that there are more good streaming options than “every-week” plays should tell you all you need to know about this position. Eventually, things will calm down a bit, but with offenses seemingly stronger than ever across the league (and virtually every rule seemingly designed to make things more difficult for defenses), it’s best to just look for the bad quarterbacks/offenses to stream against. Those will be far more consistent week-to-week than all but the very best D/STs, and even those are vulnerable against the very top offenses.
WEEK 4 DFS LINEUPS: DraftKings | FanDuel | Yahoo
Injuries will continue to change which matchups are favorable/unfavorable, so it’s not an exact science, but generally speaking, the fantasy points per game allowed metric is more reliable than D/ST fantasy points scored. Plan ahead and take advantage.
MORE WEEK 4 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder
Note: We’ll be updating these D/ST rankings as needed throughout the week. so check back for the latest movement and analysis.
WEEK 4 FANTASY: Start ’em, sit ’em | Sleepers | Busts
