3 defenses to add to the Fantasy Football Championship

On December 26, 2024By Littum

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 01: Tarheeb Still #29 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after a … (+) interception in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

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After a long, grueling season, we’ve officially reached Week 17. If you’re reading this, I just want to say congratulations on reaching the fantasy football championship. Getting to the championship isn’t good enough though, as you’re playing to win it all.

One of the best ways to get a leg up on your opponent is with your defense. I was already on this before week 16, but if any of the defenses from this article are available, I would highly recommend adding them. To qualify for this list, each defense must be less than 50% listed on ESPN. With that said, we’ll look at the top three defenses to add in Week 17 of the fantasy football season.

1. Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots

(49.8% listed)

The Los Angeles Chargers are one of the strongest defenses you can muster and they are definitely my top priority this week. By week 16, the Chargers are the 7th best defense on the year, averaging 7.7 PPG. They have been good against every team they have played and should dominate a weak offense.

In Week 17, the Chargers take on the New England Patriots, who have allowed 5th most points to opponents with 9.1 PPG. Although Drake Maye has shown some impressive flashes, he has thrown 10 interceptions in 10 games. While not all of these are from Maye, the Patriots are also 7th in sacks, which helps opposing defenses a lot.

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 13: Josh Blackwell of the Chicago Bears celebrates an interception during … (+) NFL game between Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 13, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

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2. Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks

(21.2% listed)

Despite having a rough 4-11 season, the Chicago Bears defense hasn’t been too bad in fantasy. They have scored the 14th most PPG this season with 6.4. Going up against the Seattle Seahawks is a great matchup as they have allowed 9.1 PPG to opponents due to a rough season from Geno Smith.

Smith has taken far too many sacks this year with 49 (4th in NFL)helps opposing defenses a ton. The negative plays for Smith don’t stop there, as he has thrown the 2nd most interceptions in the NFL with 15. Going up against a quarterback who consistently allows negative plays is the dream of a healthy defense like the Bears.

3. Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns

(45.1% listed)

The Miami Dolphins have been one of the worst defenses to own this season, ranking 27th in the NFL. Compared to the other defenses mentioned, they have scored a paltry 4.5 PPG. However, the reason they are mentioned is because of their great matchup against the Cleveland Browns.

During the 2024 season, the Browns have given up the most points to opposing defenses by a wide margin at 12 PPG. If you’re worried that Jameis Winston not playing will hurt the Dolphins, that’s not the case. Dorian Thompson-Robinson is arguably just as bad, throwing two interceptions and no touchdowns last week. The Dolphins have been a bad play most of the year, but the Browns should force them into a solid Week 17 performance.