Week 16 Defense (DEF/DST) Waiver Wire Pickups: Colts to Bounce Back Against Will Grier and the Panthers

The 2020 fantasy football season is quickly approaching which means it’s time to get a start on your research. We have you covered with our fantasy football rankings as well as projections for the upcoming season. If you are interested in the defensive side of the ball we have you covered there as well. Leave no stone unturned and check out everything we have to offer.

Team defenses are a very interesting fantasy position. One of the only positions that can hurt your team by scoring negative points fairly often. For example, in week 15 the Cleveland Browns defense, LA Rams defense, and Indianapolis Colts defense all of which are respectable defenses that scored negative points. Defenses lose you points by allowing more than 28 points scored, -1 point for allowing 28-34 points and -4 points for allowing 35+ points. However defenses can also score big for you, the best example of this is the Patriots defense this season. Averaging 15.5 fantasy points per week, scoring points through sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries, and defensive touchdowns. Exposing matchups against poor offensive lines or young quarterbacks who are susceptible to making poor decisions under pressure are your best options. Below you will find the best options available on the waiver wire this week. All defenses listed in this article will be rostered in less than 66% of fantasy leagues.

Indianapolis Colts D/ST vs Carolina Panthers – 41.1% Rostered

Standing as the 17th best fantasy defense on the season so far. The Indianapolis Colts are coming off a very tough loss against the New Orleans Saints. Scoring -4 fantasy points in week 15 against the Saints, their first negative fantasy performance of the season. The Colts are still a solid NFL defense. Creating 11 interceptions (16th best) and 8 fumbles (17th best) on the season along with 33 sacks (17th best). The Colts will be facing the Carolina Panthers in week 16. Reports started surfacing on Monday that the Panthers will be rolling out Will Grier in his first NFL start. Grier was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of West Virginia University. Facing a rookie quarterback in his first NFL start behind an awful offensive line who has allowed the 2nd most quarterback sacks to opposing defenses, making the Colts’ defense a juicy start in week 16.

Fantasy Football Strategy Podcast Week 16 (Free)

Kansas City Chiefs D/ST vs Chicago Bears – 34.3% Rostered

Possibly one of the most improved defenses in the NFL this season. After being one of the most favorable matchups from last season, fantasy teams have had to reconsider starting their receivers against the Chiefs. Ranking as the 10th best fantasy defense on the season averaging 7.2 fantasy points per game. The Chiefs have created the 12th most turnovers this season, including 14 interceptions (7th best) and 7 fumbles (24th best) along with 37 sacks (12th best) on the season so far. The Chiefs will face the Chicago Bears at Chicago in week 16. Mitch Trubisky has been incredibly hit or miss this season, after 2 very good games against Detroit and Dallas Trubisky had another sub-par performance against Green Bay. Throwing 10 interceptions so far this season (14th most). Trubisky’s offensive line has not helped him out too much this season, allowing Trubisky to be sacked 35 times this season (15th most). The Kansas City Chiefs are a great fantasy defense option in week 16.

Seattle Seahawks D/ST vs Arizona Cardinals – 51.1% Rostered

Ranking as the 15th best fantasy defense so far this season. The Seahawks have been dominating teams on turnovers. Creating the 3rd most turnovers on the season, including 16 interceptions (3rd most) and 16 fumbles (leads the league). Only having the 29th most sacks in the NFL, the Seahawks will face the Arizona Cardinals who have allowed 47 sacks (5th most). The Arizona Cardinals have had one of the worst offensive lines in the league for 2 seasons in a row now. With Jadeveon Clowney possibly returning this week from sickness, his return will aid the Seahawks pass rush against the Cardinals poor offensive line. The last time this Seahawks team faced the Arizona Cardinals earlier this season, the Seahawks performed very well. Only allowing 10 points, creating 1 interception returning it for a touchdown, and getting 4 sacks. The Seahawks will be a great fantasy option against the Cardinals in week 16.

Green Bay Packers D/ST vs Minnesota Vikings – 49.7% Rostered

The Green Bay Packers, who ranks as the 21st best fantasy defense this season, will face Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings on primetime TV this Monday night. The Green Bay Packers have only allowed their opponents to score more than 28 points 2 times this season. The Packers have created the 7th most turnovers this season. Including the 5th most interceptions and the 18th most fumbles this season. Along with the 20th most sacks this season. The Packers will face their division rival Minnesota Vikings this Monday night. The Vikings unfortunately have a banged up Dalvin Cook after week 15. Injuring his shoulder in week 15, the Vikings may try to save Cook, keeping him on a snap count or even out of the game completely. However, the latter is less likely as reports coming out are saying that he feels good. If the Vikings are to keep him on a snap count, that will be a great break for the Packers run defense. This could also force Kirk Cousins to throw more against the Packers. Cousins is infamous for his lack of play during prime time games. These reasons are why the PAckers are a solid fantasy defense option this week, possible a great contrarian play in DFS.