Week 7 Defense Rankings: Your Guide to Fantasy Football Success

As we enter Week 7 of the NFL season, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the top defenses in fantasy football. These units can make or break your lineup, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest rankings.

Here are the top 10 defenses for Week 7, according to FantasyPros:

Transition: Now that you have the rankings, let's discuss why these defenses are so highly regarded and how they can benefit your fantasy team.

Why Defense Matters

In fantasy football, defense is often overlooked, but it can be just as important as offense. A strong defense can limit your opponents' scoring and give you a significant edge in matchups. Here's why defense matters:

• Points Allowed: The fewer points allowed, the better. Obviously, you want to choose defenses that consistently give up the least amount of points.
• Turnovers: Turnovers are a huge bonus in fantasy football. Defenses that force turnovers can give you extra points and also set up your offense with good field position.
• Sacks: Sacks are another valuable statistic for defenses. Each sack earns you points, and they can also put pressure on opposing quarterbacks, leading to mistakes.
• Interceptions: Interceptions are even more valuable than sacks. They give you points and can also lead to turnovers.

How Defense Benefits Your Fantasy Team

Choosing the right defenses can benefit your fantasy team in several ways:

• Lower Opponent Scoring: A strong defense can limit the number of points your opponents score, giving you a better chance of winning matchups.
• Increased Point Potential: Defenses can score points in fantasy football through turnovers, sacks, and interceptions. This can give you a significant boost in scoring.
• Improved Matchup Advantage: By choosing defenses that are playing against weak offenses, you can increase your chances of success.
• Flexibility: Defenses are relatively easy to stream in and out of your lineup. This allows you to adjust to different matchups and injuries.

Transition: Now that you understand the importance of defense and how it can benefit your team, let's take a closer look at the top defenses for Week 7.

Top Defenses for Week 7

1. New York Jets: The Jets have been one of the most impressive defenses in the NFL this season. They have allowed the fewest points per game (14.3) and have forced the most turnovers (12). This week, they face a struggling Denver Broncos offense that is averaging just 16.3 points per game.

2. Buffalo Bills: The Bills are another top defense, allowing the second-fewest points per game (15.0). They have a tough matchup this week against the Green Bay Packers, but they have the potential to be a game-changer.

3. New England Patriots: The Patriots have been a bit up and down this season, but they have a great matchup this week against the Chicago Bears. The Bears are one of the worst offenses in the NFL, so the Patriots are a safe bet to put up some good numbers.

Transition: In addition to the top 10 defenses, here are a few other defenses that are worth considering for Week 7:

• Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars have been impressive this season, allowing the fourth-fewest points per game (16.0). They have a good matchup this week against the New York Giants.
• Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have been a bit inconsistent this season, but they have a great matchup this week against the Arizona Cardinals.
• Baltimore Ravens: The Ravens have been a top defense for several years, and they have a good matchup this week against the Cleveland Browns.

Transition: Remember, defense is an important part of fantasy football, so make sure to consider the rankings and matchups when setting your lineup.

Effective Strategies for Choosing Defenses

Here are a few effective strategies for choosing defenses in fantasy football:

• Stream Defenses: Don't be afraid to stream defenses, meaning to pick up defenses that have good matchups each week. This can give you a significant edge in matchups.
• Target Weak Offenses: Always try to target defenses that are playing against weak offenses. This will increase your chances of success.
• Consider Home and Away: Defenses tend to perform better at home, so try to target defenses that are playing at home.
• Look for Turnovers: Defenses that force turnovers are more likely to score points and give you a better chance of winning.
• Avoid Injured Players: Always check the injury report before setting your lineup. If a key player is injured, it could significantly impact the performance of the defense.

FAQs

1. How do I know which defense to start?

Consider the rankings and matchups when setting your lineup. Try to target defenses that are playing against weak offenses and have a good chance of forcing turnovers.

2. Is it better to stream defenses or stick with one defense?

It depends on your team and the matchups each week. If you have a strong defense, it might be better to stick with them. However, if you have a weak defense or there are good matchups available, it might be worth streaming defenses.

3. What is a good defense to start in Week 7?

The top defenses for Week 7 are: New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Dallas Cowboys.

4. How do I find out which defenses are playing against weak offenses?

You can check the NFL schedule and look for matchups where one team is clearly favored. You can also use a fantasy football website or app that provides matchups and rankings.

5. What is the best way to improve my defense in fantasy football?

The best way to improve your defense in fantasy football is to stream defenses, target weak offenses, and consider home and away games. You should also try to avoid injured players and look for defenses that force turnovers.

6. How often should I change my defense in fantasy football?

You should change your defense as often as necessary to take advantage of good matchups. If you have a strong defense, you might only need to change them once a month or so. However, if you have a weak defense or there are good matchups available, you might need to change them every week.

7. Is it better to start a defense or a kicker in fantasy football?

It depends on your team and the matchups. If you have a strong defense and a weak kicker, it might be better to start the defense. However, if you have a weak defense and a strong kicker, it might be better to start the kicker.

8. How do I know which kicker to start in fantasy football?

Consider the matchup, the weather, and the kicker's recent performance when setting your lineup. Try to target kickers who are playing against weak defenses, have a good chance of scoring a lot of points, and have been performing well lately.