Let’s start with the potential streamers. The Raiders (vs. Bears), Cowboys (vs. Giants), Cardinals (vs. 49ers), Titans (vs. Jaguars), and Vikings (vs. Lions) all have solid matchups on paper, though the Titans let everyone down in an even better matchup last week against the Jets. The Vikings have disappointed most of the year, too. The Packers (@ Bengals), Falcons (vs. Jets), and Eagles (@ Panthers) are also in play based on fantasy points allowed to D/STs, but none are particularly strong defensively. Perhaps the Falcons-Jets game being in London gives the Falcons an extra boost, but they’re a start-at-your-own-risk unit.

WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker

Injuries to a couple starting QBs could be a major factor this week. If Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) is out, the disappointing Steelers look significantly better. We’re currently ranking them as if Drew Lock (and his inevitable interceptions) is starting. The same goes with the Cardinals, who will draw rookie Trey Lance in his first NFL start. As much upside as Lance has, he’ll still likely make a few big mistakes. Take advantage.

WEEK 5 STANDARD RANKINGS:Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | Kicker

Unfortunately, several top D/STs drop in our rankings because of bad matchups. The Rams (@ Seahawks) are still on the start-sit bubble, as Seattle is prone to giving up sacks and Thursday night games are notoriously sloppy, but clearly their ceiling is lower like it was last week against the Cardinals and the week before against the Bucs. However, the Bills (@ Chiefs), Browns (@ Chargers), and Colts (@ Ravens) simply can’t be trusted, as tough as that is to hear for Bills owners. You can try your luck against Patrick Mahomes, as he’s been a bit more turnover-prone this year, but don’t be surprised if you wind up with low single-digit points.

WEEK 5 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings | Yahoo

Washington (@ Saints) continues to play horribly, so as much as we’d like to give it the benefit of the doubt against a Jameis Winston-led offense, we can’t put it any higher than middle of the pack. Even that is probably too generous. The Dolphins (@ Bucs), another preseason favorite, also continue to disappoint, and they’re a complete no-go with with their matchup this week. Both of these D/STs can be dropped.

MORE WEEK 5 DFS: Best stacks | Best values | Lineup Builder

We know at least one or two D/STs will have return TDs or randomly get a bunch of takeaways. It might even be the Dolphins or Bills. You can’t predict that kind of stuff, so you’re better off sticking with talent combined with matchup. Take into account new injuries, and go from there. Offenses seem better than ever, and fantasy D/STs are suffering as a result. You’re not alone if you get mediocre results, so just be happy with a middle-of-the-pack showing and hope you don’t go against the one or two monster defenses that week.

WEEK 5 FANTASY: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em

Note: We’ll be updating these D/ST rankings as needed throughout the week. so check back for the latest movement and analysis.

Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 5: Who to start, sit at D/ST in fantasy football

title: “Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 5 Who To Start Sit At D St In Fantasy Football” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-27” author: “Victoria Carswell”

As always, the weekly powerhouses are the easiest to rank. The Bills (vs. Steelers), Packers (vs. Giants), and Buccaneers (vs. Falcons) are usually solid plays, but plus-matchups make them even more alluring this weekend. The Broncos (vs. Colts) move into the top five in a short week for Matt Ryan with Jonathan Taylor (ankle) questionable. The Rams and Cowboys, who face each other in L.A., could capitalize on each other’s banged-up O-lines with a ton of sacks and some turnovers.  

The 49ers (@ Panthers) and Ravens (vs. Bengals) will look to attack Baker Mayfield and Joe Burrow, who have each had shaky starts to the season. The Bengals did get a big win on Thursday Night Football, but the injury to Tua Tagovailoa helped matters there. Burrow is still a shell of his 2021 self behind a shaky offensive line, and the Ravens always find a way to get points. 

WEEK 5 STANDARD RANKINGS:QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers

Speaking of those Dolphins (@ Jets), they’ll likely be on the field a lot more with Tagovailoa sidelined. With Zach Wilson under center for just the second start of the season, Miami’s elite secondary could force some interceptions. Similarly, the Saints (vs. Seahawks) should be a great play at home against Geno Smith.

WEEK 5 PPR RANKINGS:QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Kickers

We’re a little worried about the red-hot Eagles (@ Cardinals) in a high-flying battle of the birds with Kyler Murray, but the Panthers showed D/STs can still rack up points against Arizona. The Chargers (@ Browns) and Browns (Chargers) don’t look like great plays against each other, while the Patriots (vs. Lions) are on the bubble against a solid Lions’ offense. 

WEEK 5 FANTASY PICKS: Sleepers | Busts | Start ’em, sit ’em

If you’re holding any of those questionable D/STs, you may consider streaming this week. The Vikings (vs. Bears) have a high ceiling against an erratic Justin Fields offense that allowed six sacks and lost three fumbles against the Giants last week. The Titans (@ Commanders) get turnover-prone Carson Wentz, while the Colts (@ Broncos) have some upside in a short week despite Shaquille Leonard (concussion) likely being out.

WEEK 5 DFS: Best stacks | Best values

Need deeper sleepers? The Panthers (vs. 49ers) have looked pretty good this season, and have some mild upside against a good-but-not-great 49ers offense. The Lions (@ Patriots) will face either Bailey Zappe or Brian Hoyer, which automatically legitimizes an opposing D/ST. The Seahawks could make some noise in the Bayou regardless of Jameis Winston’s status. All would be better options than the Steelers (@ Bills), Bears (@ Vikings), Giants (vs. Packers), and Bengals (@ Ravens). 

WEEK 5 DFS LINEUPS: FanDuel | DraftKings

Let’s get to our complete rankings and prime you for what should be another wild ride of a weekend. Good luck, and come back throughout the week for the latest updates and player movement.

Week 5 fantasy defense rankings

Week 5 defense fantasy projections, rankings from Draft Sharks

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