Rent-A-Defense: Week 16

Our Sigmund Bloom finds waiver-wire defenses with great matchups that should be featured in your starting lineup.

Sigmund Bloom's Rent-A-Defense: Week 16 Sigmund Bloom Published 12/17/2024

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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.

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