Defense isn’t always the flashiest part of fantasy football, but in Week 5 it could be the deciding factor. With shaky quarterback play and injury-riddled offenses across the league, a few DSTs are set up for breakout weeks, while others are better left on the bench.
Start ’Em DSTs
Minnesota Vikings (vs. Browns in London)
The Vikings have quietly been one of the better turnover-forcing units so far, and they get a Browns offense that has struggled with giveaways. Playing overseas tends to lead to mistakes, and Minnesota is in a prime spot to capitalize with sacks and turnovers.
Detroit Lions (at Bengals)
Detroit’s defense looks more like a playoff unit each week. The pass rush is generating constant pressure, and they’ve held opposing quarterbacks in check. The Bengals’ offense hasn’t found a rhythm, and that’s the kind of matchup fantasy managers can trust.
Arizona Cardinals (vs. Titans)
The Cardinals are not a flashy defense, but they’ve been aggressive and opportunistic. Tennessee’s offensive line continues to be a problem, and Will Levis has been inconsistent under pressure. That combination makes Arizona a sneaky top-10 play this week.
Sit ’Em DSTs
Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Jaguars)
The Chiefs have been a steady defense, but this isn’t the matchup to roll them out. The Jags have been careful with the ball and have not let a defense score more than 5 fantasy points against them this year.
Denver Broncos (vs. Eagles)
Normally Broncos is a plug-and-play defense, but the Eagles are playing clean football. Their quick offense minimizes sack opportunities, which caps Denver’s upside.
New York Jets (vs. Cowboys)
The Cowboys offense is built to neutralize defenses with its mix of receivers and explosive plays downfield. The Jets could find themselves chasing more than scoring.
Streaming Options
Cleveland Browns (vs. Jaguars)
Cleveland’s defense remains tough against the run, and if Trevor Lawrence presses too much, turnovers could follow. They’re a strong under-the-radar play for Week 5.
Green Bay Packers (after bye)
They don’t play this week, but they’re worth stashing ahead of softer matchups in Weeks 6 and 7.
Final Word
If you’re hunting for upside in Week 5, the Vikings, Lions, and Cardinals all have the matchups to swing fantasy contests. On the other side, defenses like Buffalo and Los Angeles carry too much risk. It’s not always pretty, but the right DST decision can be the difference between winning and losing your week.
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