Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 7: Who to start, best sleepers, streamers, waiver wire picks at D/ST

Somehow, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the No. 1 fantasy defense in a game where they allowed 27 points. Five sacks, three turnovers, and a defensive touchdown tend to help buoy the fantasy production.

Week 6 was a bit funky, but Week 7 presents some pretty clear spots to attack for fantasy purposes. Three different games are projected to have totals of less than 40 points. Our top-10 fantasy defense rankings are littered with the teams in these matchups.

If you're not particularly interested in doing a deep dive into the Week 7 slate, there's no need to worry. We've thoroughly evaluated each game this week to put together a comprehensive set of D/ST rankings. With these in hand, you'll be good to go in your D/ST slot this week.

WEEK 7 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers

Fantasy Football Defense Rankings Week 7: Who to start, sit at D/ST

These rankings will be updated throughout the week, so check back often.

Who are the best fantasy defenses in Week 7?

Our D/ST1 and D/ST2 come from the same matchup - Steelers vs Jets. The defense is the strength of both teams, and they should both be on display in Week 7. Both defenses rank top-10 in EPA allowed per play, scoring defense, and fantasy points scored. The total for this one is frighteningly low at 36.5; fans shouldn't be shocked if neither team reaches 20 points.

Another two of our top-5 defenses come from the same matchup. The matchup between the Broncos and Saints is eerily similar to Steelers vs. Jets. The game features two stalwart defenses, while both offenses will roll with rookie quarterbacks. This is another game that features a sub-40 total and shouldn't be particularly exciting unless you're a fan of dominant defensive play.

Week 7: Check out our full Waiver Wire advice article

Who are the D/ST units on byes in Week 7?

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys' defense has not been quite as threatening as they have been in recent years. Injuries have certainly played a role, but the defense has underperformed nonetheless. They'll have to regroup during their bye week and address a rushing defense that has been among the league's worst.

Chicago Bears: Chicago's secondary continues to give opposing quarterbacks a hard time, and the defense as a whole has forced a turnover in every single game this season. They are a strong fantasy option, but they are not worth an extra roster spot during their bye week. Drop them for a defensive streamer and target them on waivers when Chicago returns in Week 8.

Who are the best fantasy defense sleepers in Week 7?

Can you actually start the Jaguars' defense in fantasy? When they're playing the Patriots, the answer is yes... if you're desperate. No matter how encouraging Drake Maye looked in his first career start, this is still an offense to target in fantasy. They have not yet scored more than 21 points and have scored 13 or fewer points in three of six games this season. Until this offense gels together under Maye, they're an easy team to pick on in fantasy.

The Cincinnati defense is another unit that has struggled in 2024 but may be worth a look in Week 7 against the Browns. There's no other way to put it, Deshaun Watson does not belong on an NFL field. Film fanatics, proponents of advanced analytics, and casual fans can all agree that Watson should be on the bench. Just looking at the surface, Watson has not yet thrown for 200 yards and Cleveland has not scored 20 points in a single game. While Watson remains the starter, you can start almost any defense in fantasy when they face the Browns.