3 Defenses To Stash For The Fantasy Football Championship

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – DECEMBER 08: Bryan Bresee #90 of New Orleans Saints celebrates with … [+] teammates after blocking a field goal attempt against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on December 08, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

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After a long, grueling season, we’re closing in on the fantasy football championship. For most, week 16 is the semi-finals, with week 17 being the week of the big game. Getting there isn’t enough, though; you play to win the game. In order to get a leg up on your future opponent, targeting a defense with a fantastic week 17 matchup is the best move you can make.

Make sure that you win in week 16 first, but the waiver wire is still super important. Below, we’ll be looking at defenses that are under % owned on ESPN. Let’s dive into the top three defenses to stash for the fantasy football championship.

1. New Orleans Saints Vs. Las Vegas Raiders

(38.1% Rostered)

The New Orleans Saints are the best defense to stash for week 17, based on their matchup and proven production. On the season, the Saints have been solid averaging a respectable 6.6 PPG, good for 15th in the NFL. In week 17, they get to go up against Desmond Ridder.

Combine that with the fact that the Raiders have allowed 10.9 PPG to opposing defenses, and you have a fantastic matchup. That 10.9 PPG mark is currently the 3rd worst in the NFL. If you can grab the Saints to prepare for your championship, that would be my number one priority.

FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY – NOVEMBER 12: Indianapolis Colts players celebrate after the team’s 10-6 … [+] victory over the New England Patriots during the NFL match between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots at Deutsche Bank Park on November 12, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

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2. Indianapolis Colts Vs. New York Giants

(11.9% Rostered)

The Indianapolis Colts are coming off a 10-point performance in week 15 and I expect them to keep building off that. It’s no secret that the New York Giants have been a mess at the quarterback position. Drew Lock is in line to start the next few weeks, and he’s had a rough season so far. In both games where Lock was the starter, he had no touchdowns and one interception.

The Colts defense has been slightly below average this year, scoring 6.1 PPG but it’s nothing too bad. That ranks for 19th in the NFL and should jump up after a great week 17 matchup. The Giants have allowed the 4th most points to defenses this year with 10.1 PPG. That’s just slightly behind the Raiders, who we talked about above.

3. Miami Dolphins Vs. Cleveland Browns

(35.8% Rostered)

Out of the three defenses on this list, the Miami Dolphins are the ones I would prioritize the least. They’ve scored a meager 4.4 PPG, which is 28th in the NFL this season. With that being said, they scored nine points against the Texans, which gives me hope that they can produce against a weak offense.

The Dolphins take on the Cleveland Browns, who just made the move to bench Jameis Winston. Going up against Winston and his 13 interceptions would have been nice, but Dorian Thompson-Robinson isn’t great either. In his only two years in the NFL, Thompson-Robinson has thrown seven interceptions to only one touchdown. The Dolphins defense has been great, but with the Browns allowing 11.6 PPG to opposing defenses (2nd in the NFL), I’m fine starting them in week 17.

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