Defenses are finding it more and more difficult to play Football as the rules change. That was prevalent on "Monday Night Football," as an onslaught of roughing the passer penalties helped both the Steelers and the Buccaneers move the ball. That doesn't make it any easier for fantasy defenses to make big plays either. However, there are still several defenses racking up fantasy points. Let's take a look at the ten best ones for week 4 of the NFL season.
1. LA Chargers D/ST
The 49ers offense gets significantly less scary with C.J. Beathard at the quarterback position.
The Chargers haven't been a great fantasy defense this year, but a home game against a 49ers team that struggles on offense should be the cure to their woes.
2. Green Bay Packers D/ST
Do you believe in Josh Allen? The Buffalo Bills routed Minnesota, 27-6, on the road. Now they will travel to take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau. Can Allen repeat that performance? It's unlikely, as Allen should make some rookie mistakes in his second road start. The Packers are a 10 point favorite and an elite fantasy defense for week 4.
3. Seattle Seahawks D/ST
The Seahawks lost some of their playmakers on defense, but they've still managed to record seven interceptions in three games. Now Seattle gets to take on Josh Rosen in his first ever start.
Seattle might be on the road, but the matchup is good enough to make the Seahawks a top five fantasy defense in week 4.
4. Chicago Bears D/ST
The Bears lead all fantasy defenses in scoring with 15.7 points per game and appear to be the NFL's premier defense. Khalil Mack has taken what was already a good defense and made it a nearly unstoppable one.
A matchup against a red hot Ryan Fitzpatrick is a little scary, but the Bears have already proven that they are a top fantasy defense regardless of matchup with their first 3 weeks.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars D/ST
The Jaguars aren't making as many big plays as last year on defense, but they are still averaging 8.3 fantasy points per game.
This week, Jacksonville has an excellent matchup against a Jets offense that couldn't do anything in the 2nd half against Cleveland. The Jaguars are an elite fantasy option this week.
6. LA Rams D/ST
The Minnesota Vikings looked awful on offense against the Buffalo Bills, and they will try to right the ship in a Thursday night road game against the Rams. The Rams are playing very well on defense right now, averaging 13 points per game. Injuries to their cornerbacks are a bit concerning, but the Rams are still worth starting in a home game against Minnesota.
7. Dallas Cowboys D/ST
The Cowboys defense has been hit or miss so far this season. In their one home game against the New York Giants, the Cowboys shut Eli down and racked up 13 fantasy points.
In their other two games, the Cowboys defense had just 12 points combined. In week 4, the Cowboys get to come back home and play a Lions team that has been wildly inconsistent this season. The Cowboys are worth the start on defense against Detroit
8. Philadelphia Eagles D/ST
The Eagles defense hasn't been quite as good as it was last season, but it's still an elite group. The Titans have managed to scrape together two wins in shocking fashion without Marcus Mariota, but it's unlikely that continues. The Eagles are a fringe top 10 defense for week 4.
9. New England Patriots D/ST
The Patriots struggled on defense against the Detroit Lions, but a return home could be the cure for their woes. A matchup with the Miami Dolphins in week 4 offers a nice bounce back opportunity for this struggling defense.
10. Cleveland Browns D/ST
The fact that the Cleveland Browns have managed to make this list after a 0-16 year is shocking. But surprisingly, Cleveland has been one of the NFL's best fantasy defenses, averaging 10.3 fantasy points per game, even against an elite New Orleans Saints defense. The Browns have a favorable matchup against the Oakland Raiders in week 4.
