Defense/special teams is typically one of the last things a fantasy manager will think about when constructing their respective rosters and with good reason. For a position that depends heavily on week-to-week matchups, it’s low on the priority list compared to nailing offensive skill positions like running back and wide receiver. However, managers are inevitably going to run into extremely close matchups that go down to the wire and who they have in the D/ST slot could prove to be the thing that determines whether or not they walk out with a ‘W’ that week. Needless to say, it shouldn’t be ignored.
When should I draft D/ST?
Typically, you’ll want to wait until the last two rounds of your draft to select your D/ST unit and that’s if you decide to draft one in the first place. As mentioned before, the position heavily depends on the individual matchup each week and many managers will choose to “stream” or rotate units in and out of their lineup based on that very premise. However, you still want to make sure you’re not getting stuck with one of the weaker defenses in the league and it would be wise to at least lock in one of the better ones to start the season.
Who are the best D/ST to draft this season?
The Denver Broncos’ D/ST currently ranks No. 1 in ADP (average draft position) and would be a safe bet if you decide to take them in the later rounds of your draft. The Broncos finished last season as the No. 1 D/ST unit in fantasy, totaling 179 points to average 10.5 points per game for managers. They led the NFL with five defensive touchdowns and allowed just 19.0 points per game, the third-least in the entire league. The presence of All-Pros Patrick Surtain II and Nik Bonitto once again makes them a threat to force turnovers while All-Pro returner Marvin Mims Jr. is always a threat to break off a long return on special teams.
The Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens are other top options that managers are considering heading into the season. Both units are safe bets to produce more often than not considering the amount of talent they have year in and year out.
Who is a sleeper pick at D/ST?
The Seattle Seahawks finished the 2024 season as the No. 6 D/ST unit in fantasy football, averaging 8.0 fantasy points per game while producing 136 points total. The team produced four defensive touchdowns last season snd return three players who each recorded three interceptions in Julian Love, Riq Woolen, and Coby Bryant. There’s good value for them as the No. 13 D/ST in ADP heading into the season and you could probably even pick them up off the free agent pool for Week 1.
