2 D/STs to start and 2 D/STs to fade in Week 16 fantasy football

We are officially at the championship round in the fantasy football playoffs. At this point of the season, there’s not much to pick from off the waiver wire at certain spots. However, when it comes to defense/special teams, you can always find lightning in a bottle streamer option for any given week. This week, we’ll be looking at a couple of defenses that you either need to pick or start and two you need to completely forget about.

D/ST Starts

Washington Football Team vs. Carolina Panthers

The Washington Football Team defense did a great job of not getting torched by the QB-WR duo of Russell Wilson and D.K. Metcalf. Washington held Wilson to 121 passing yards, a touchdown, and forced an interception. Then, when it came to Metcalf, he only had five receptions (six targets) for 43 yards.

Through 15 weeks, WFT’s defense is only giving up 219.8 passing and 112.4 rushing yards per game. This week, they are going up against a Panthers’ offense that will likely not have Christian McCaffrey, but still has a solid trio of wide receivers. However, Carolina has allowed seven sacks in two games, which does not bode well for quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.

Houston Texans vs. Cincinnati Bengals

You might think it is crazy to have the Texans’ defense on your roster or actually placing a waiver claim on them. However, they have a solid matchup against a Bengals’ offense that wasn’t impressive on Monday night versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. As we all know, this Texans’ defense will give up a ton of yards through the air and on the ground. But they still have J.J. Watt and can create pressure to drum up some sacks.

In the Bengals’ last three games, opposing defenses have recorded 10 sacks. Meanwhile, the Texans’ defense is averaging 2.3 sacks per game this season. Take your chances on their defense as a low-risk, high-reward pick.

D/ST Sits

Atlanta Falcons vs. Kansas City Chiefs

There isn’t a lot to say about this choice as the Atlanta Falcons’ passing defense has been downright horrific this season. The Falcons are giving up two passing touchdowns per game and allowed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to come back from a 17-0 deficit last week.

Then, on top of that, they are also giving up 10.7 yards per completion to opponents, good for 27th in the league. This is not a great matchup and it's one that Patrick Mahomes will delightfully take advantage of.

Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans

One of the biggest weaknesses will likely get exposed in this game on Sunday, which makes this a horrible matchup. This season, as quiet as it's been kept, the Packers have a less than stellar run defense. Despite only giving up 110.1 yards per game on the ground, they are also allowing opposing running backs to average 4.5 yards per carry. On Sunday, they face the league’s best running back in Derrick Henry, who is just tearing up and dominating the competition. Anytime he touches the ball, Henry is capable of ripping off 20-plus yard runs and rushing for at least 100 yards. Stay away from the Pack’s defense in this one.