Though the team’s defense position isn’t as important as a running back, wide receiver, quarterback, or tight end, defenses can help you get those extra points needed to topple your opponent in your weekly fantasy matchups. The problem is, a team defense may play a poor team in one week, but a competitive team in the next week. Assuming you don’t have a team defense like the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, or San Francisco 49ers (who are basically matchup-proof and can be played weekly), I’m here to solve that problem by listing 3 of the top defenses you can stream during weeks 6 and 7 of this fantasy season.

This article assumes the following:

• Points via the ESPN Fantasy App
• Rankings via the ESPN Fantasy App

(Ranked 9th) Packers Defense: An underrated defense, the Packers have established themselves as a threat to the rest of the NFL. In week 6 they’ll be playing the New York Jets, who have a decent receiving core and good running backs, but have a struggling offensive line due to the injuries of Mekhi Becton (out for the season), George Fant (likely to come back in week 8 versus the Patriots), Max Mitchell (expected to return in week 9 versus the Bills), and Duane Brown (questionable against the Packers in week 6). Expect this defense to have a monster game, not just this week, but next week as well because after the Jets, they’re playing the Commanders, who can’t seem to get anything going on offense because of aging quarterback Carson Wentz and a non-existent offensive game plan. Wentz has 6 interceptions in 6 weeks and a 62.9 completion percentage so far this season. Expect Jaire Alexander of the Pack to snag an interception from Wentz and watch as the Commanders get blown out in week 7. A pick 6 touchdown return by this defense is even possible!

(Ranked 11th) Bengals Defense: The Bengals play the Saints in week 6. This is a positive because, with injuries to Saints’ receivers Chris Olave and Micheal Thomas, the Bengals defense can, and will, focus on shutting down the Saints’ run game and tear apart Alvin Kamara and the Saints’ offensive line (which features no stars whatsoever). The Bengals then play the Falcons, who have similar issues on offense as the Commanders in the form of poor quarterback play from Marcus Mariota, a horrible offensive game plan most weeks, and injuries to key players such as Cordarrelle Patterson which limit the running game. The Bengals defensive line will be belligerent throughout the game. Expect multiple sacks of Mariota by the end of this game. 

(Ranked 7th) Patriots Defense: You can skip playing the Patriots in your matchups in week 6 (against one of the best rushing attacks in the league in the Browns), but looking ahead the Pats have an unbelievable matchup against the Bears in week 7.  This defense has breakout linebacker star Matthew Judon and a core of defensive backs that rank among the best in the league.  Additionally, one-day Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick always schemes an impressive defensive game plan and will almost certainly focus on keeping the Bears’ rushing threat of a quarterback, Justin Fields, in the pocket. The Bears are one of the worst offenses in the league and are turnover prone. Expect Justin Fields to be under pressure almost every play as the Patriots will find holes in the Bears’ swiss cheese of an offensive line.