Week 15 Results

Baltimore (at NY Giants) - 3 sacks, 1 INT

The Ravens got Tim Boyle into the game, but they only forced one takeaway and didn't create a fantasy scoring bonanza in a big week for D/ST scoring.

A Look Ahead: PIT @HOU - The Steelers offense might be futile if George Pickens can't play, but Russell Wilson takes care of the ball.

Washington (at New Orleans) - 3 sacks, 1 INT

Another game where the backup to the backup came in, but the fantasy results were lukewarm. Washington almost lost this game.

A Look Ahead: PHI ATL - Commanders D/ST relieved of duty

Houston (vs Miami) - 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 3 INT

A big hit as the Texans pass rush wasn't giving Tua Tagovailoa time to do much except throw short to Jonnu Smith when he wasn't throwing interceptions or taking sacks.

A Look Ahead: @KC BAL - This could be interesting if Carson Wentz starts in Week 16

Cincinnati (vs Tennessee) - 1 sack, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 INT, 1 DEF TD

Here's what's crazy: Jordan Battle dropped a sure fumble return touchdown at the goal line when he was switching hands for some unknown reason, and the ball went through the end zone for a touchback. Or this would have been an even bigger day for this D/ST

A Look Ahead: CLE DEN - Facing Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn't really a step down in terms of D/ST matchup attractiveness. Keep 'em in.

Denver (vs Indianapolis) - 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 INT, 1 DEF TD

Marvin Mims Jr. almost broke a punt return for a touchdown, too. Denver joined Kansas City and Cincinnati as D/ST plays that were good enough to swing the outcome of playoff fantasy matchups.

A Look Ahead: @LAC @CIN - The Broncos D/ST on a Thursday has some potential, even though they face Justin Herbert.

Arizona (vs New England) - 2 sacks, 1 INT

The Cardinals defense shut down Drake Maye until garbage time, but there was little D/ST scoring to show for it.

A Look Ahead: @CAR @LAR - Dallas had a big game against Bryce Young last week, so there's something here

Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda

Dallas (at Carolina) - 6 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 INT

Micah Parsons and Co. are creating some D/ST value in a lost season as Bryce Young's resurgence hit a pothole in the road.

Atlanta (at Las Vegas) - 1 safety, 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 2 INT

This matchup got an upgrade when Desmond Ridder was announced as the starter, but we learned that news after it could help us select a rent-a-defense. Aidan O'Connell is likely to start in Week 16.

Green Bay (at Seattle) - 7 sacks, 2 INT

The Packers forced Geno Smith out of the game and then the pass rush teed off on Sam Howell.

Week 16 Candidates

**Minnesota and Denver are assumed to be rostered**

Green Bay (vs New Orleans)

The Packers defense is getting to a new level, and they were already a strong D/ST play for a good part of the year. Spencer Rattler in the cold sounds like a recipe for a blooper reel.

A Look Ahead: @MIN - Send em packing

Cincinnati (vs Cleveland)

The Bengals defense has been declawed for most of the year, but coming through against Will Levis is enough evidence of their upside to keep them in against Dorian Thompson-Robinson. And we would have kept them in against Jameis Winston, too.

A Look Ahead: DEN - Bo Nix threw three picks (that rhymes!) last week, but probably a pass.

Buffalo (vs New England)

The Bills will be playing in the bitter cold against a Patriots offense line that pass-protects like a windbreaker in a blizzard.

A Look Ahead: NYJ - This has potential, especially if we get some winter weather

Atlanta (vs NY Giants) 

The Falcons defense has woken up just as Kirk Cousins has aged 20 years before our very eyes. They can handle Tim Boyle or Drew Lock or Tommy DeVito.

A Look Ahead: @WAS -They might not be able to handle Jayden Daniels.

Arizona (at Carolina)

The Panthers line hung Bryce Young out to dry last week, and the bolder version of Young played closer to the line of turnover danger. The Cardinals are playing for their lives; the Panthers looked like a team booking January vacations last week.

A Look Ahead: @LAR - This could be a game for the division lead in Week 17

Houston (at Kansas City)

If Carson Wentz is starting, this could be explosive for the Texans D/ST because the Chiefs' tackle play has been poor this year, while the Texans have the best set of defensive ends in the league.

A Look Ahead: BAL - Chasing Lamar Jackson is very different than chasing Carson Wentz

Playoffs Preemptive Pickups

Week 17

Philadelphia (vs Dallas)
Indianapolis (at NY Giants)
Miami (at Cleveland)
LA Chargers (vs New England)
Tampa Bay (vs Carolina)