Fantasy Football Week 17: Defense Rankings SHOCKER! Who to Start & Avoid

The final stretch of the fantasy football season is upon us, and Week 17 is shaping up to be a wild ride. With playoff spots on the line and division crowns to be won, it's more important than ever to make informed decisions about your defense lineup. In this article, we'll dive into the latest defense rankings and provide you with expert advice on who to start and who to avoid in Week 17.

As the NFL playoffs heat up, defenses that have been flying under the radar all season are suddenly gaining traction. With key matchups looming, now is the time to pounce on under-the-radar defenses that could propel your team to the top of the fantasy standings. On the other hand, some top defenses that have been dominating all season may be due for a collapse. We'll take a closer look at the top defenses in Week 17 and break down who to start and who to avoid.

The Top Defenses in Week 17

Top 5 Defenses

New England Patriots

The Patriots are primed for a big performance in Week 17, facing off against the Miami Dolphins. With Rob Gronkowski and James White leading the charge, this defense has the potential to put up huge numbers.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are looking to clinch a playoff spot and may leave their starters in Week 17. With their high-powered offense, they may struggle to keep the opposing offense off the board.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks are a top-five defense, and their Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears is a great opportunity to put up points.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are looking to lock up a division title and may give their starters a rest in Week 17. With a top-notch defense, they could put up huge numbers.

Los Angeles Rams

The Rams are looking to clinch a playoff spot and may leave their starters in Week 17. With their explosive offense, they could put up huge numbers.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 17.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Washington Redskins in Week 17.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Houston Texans in Week 17.

Chicago Bears

The Bears are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 17.

New York Giants

The Giants are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

Houston Texans

The Texans are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17.

New York Jets

The Jets are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Buffalo Bills in Week 17.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 17.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17.

Detroit Lions

The Lions are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the New York Jets in Week 17.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 17.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 17.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 17.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17.

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17.

New York Giants

The Giants are a top-10 defense and have a great matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

The Bottom 5 Defenses

New York Giants

The Giants are a bottom-10 defense and have a tough matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are a bottom-10 defense and have a tough matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17.