Fantasy Defense Rankings Week 7: Start Them, Sleepers, Streamers

Understanding the D/ST Position in Fantasy Football

In the world of fantasy football, the D/ST (Defense/Special Teams) position is often overlooked. However, it can be a game-changer when it comes to securing a win or a loss. In Week 7, there are numerous opportunities to target strong matchups that could lead to a solid performance from your D/ST squad.

Starting a good NFL defense in a poor matchup is not advisable, as it does not translate into fantasy points. The key to success with the D/ST position lies in focusing on favorable matchups. Below are the Week 7 D/ST fantasy rankings, best starts, sleepers, and some matchups to avoid.

Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 7

Here are the top defenses for Week 7:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
2. Green Bay Packers vs. Arizona Cardinals
3. Denver Broncos vs. New York Giants
4. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Minnesota Vikings
5. Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins
6. New England Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans
7. Arizona Cardinals vs. Green Bay Packers
8. Seattle Seahawks vs. Houston Texans
9. Carolina Panthers vs. New York Jets
10. San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons
11. Los Angeles Rams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
12. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders
13. Los Angeles Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts
14. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Los Angeles Rams
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Detroit Lions
16. Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
17. Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles
18. Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Chargers
19. New York Jets vs. Carolina Panthers
20. New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos
21. Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs
22. Tennessee Titans vs. New England Patriots
23. Chicago Bears vs. New Orleans Saints
24. Atlanta Falcons vs. San Francisco 49ers
25. Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys
26. Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders
27. Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks
28. New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears
29. Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns
30. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Note: Players who have already had their game are in italicized, strikethrough font.

Who Are the Best Fantasy Defenses in Week 7?

The Pittsburgh Steelers are at the top of the list as they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. The Bengals' offense is far from explosive, and Joe Flacco is still adjusting to his new role. Additionally, Flacco's mobility is limited, and the Bengals' offensive line has struggled. This should result in plenty of sacks in what could be a low-scoring game.

The Green Bay Packers face the Arizona Cardinals, which presents a good matchup regardless of whether Kyler Murray plays or not. There is also the potential for Marvin Harrison Jr. to miss the game, which further benefits the Packers.

Who Are the Best Fantasy Defense Sleepers in Week 7?

The Carolina Panthers are a team that is often overlooked for Week 7. While their defensive unit is not elite, targeting favorable matchups is key in fantasy football. In Week 6, the Jets did not score a touchdown, and Justin Fields was sacked as many times as he completed a pass, nine times. The Panthers should be able to take advantage of this struggling Jets team and secure a good outing for fantasy.

Defenses to Avoid in Fantasy Week 7

The Tennessee Titans face a New England offense that is starting to look dangerous under Drake Maye. The Titans have had their struggles, and this matchup could get ugly.

While the Cleveland Browns looked weak on offense in Week 6, there is still no reason to start the Miami Dolphins against them. Some defenses are so bad that the matchups do not matter.