This article highlights three defenses to pick up for Week 15 and beyond in the fantasy playoffs. Generally speaking, I’m more of a “dance with who brought you” type of manager when it comes to fantasy defenses in the playoffs, but if you need a backup plan or aim to block some of your opponents, there are some widely available defenses that will be in favorable spots during the playoff run.
Dallas Cowboys
Week 15: vs Minnesota Vikings | Week 16: @ Los Angeles Chargers | Week 17: vs Washington Commanders
We all like to point and laugh at the Cowboys as they perennially trip over their own feet and bungle personnel decisions seemingly every year. It appeared it was business as usual for Jerry Jones this offseason as he traded away all-pro edge rusher Micah Parsons, and the Cowboys started the year with one of the most exploitable defenses in all of the league. Credit to this front office, however: their moves at the deadline and some development from the players already on their roster suddenly has them playing at a respectable level on the defensive side of the ball. Dallas is allowing just 18.3 points per game to their opponents over their last 3 games (before TNF against the Lions), and they boast the highest pressure rate in the league at 32.9%. This sets up nicely for their next matchups, facing one of the league’s worst passers under pressure in J.J. McCarthy. Week 16 is generally more of a neutral matchup against the Chargers, but the ‘Boys finish the year against a Commanders team that is likely going to have folded up their tent for the season.
Detroit Lions
Week 15: @ Los Angeles Rams | Week 16: @ Pittsburgh Steelers | Week 17: @ Minnesota Vikings
The Detroit Lions appear to have the opposite problem this year than they did last. They are still one of the more injury-riddled teams in all of the NFL, but in 2025, their defense has largely been able to avoid the injury bug, pending Brian Branch‘s status following his exit from last night’s game against the Cowboys. Week 15 has the Lions heading to Los Angeles to face the Rams, which should be avoided from a fantasy defense perspective. With those games in the rear-view, Detroit kicks off a two-week stretch that has a lot of appeal. Week 16 at the Steelers is an intriguing game for its impact on the NFL playoff standings, but Pittsburgh is struggling to generate points on offense, and these two run-heavy systems should keep the scoring at a minimum. The Lions close the fantasy playoffs with one of our favorite punching bags of late, the Minnesota Vikings. Whether it’s Carson Wentz, Max Brosmer, or J.J. McCarthy under center, the Vikings are one of the most turnover-happy teams in all of the league, and there is no reason to expect that to be resolved by season’s end.
New York Giants
Week 14: BYE | Week 15: vs Washington Commanders | Week 16: vs Minnesota Vikings | Week 17: @ Las Vegas Raiders
The New York Giants are far from a juggernaut on the defensive front, but they have an ace up their sleeve that makes them pretty interesting down the stretch run: an elite pass-rush. New York is one of four teams with a Week 14 Bye. Once that hurdle is cleared, the Giants will be on easy street and can play a legitimate role on a championship fantasy team. Week 15 against the Commanders is arguably the most problematic, as the timeline for Jayden Daniels to return lines up with that tilt against the Giants. Even if Daniels makes his return for that game, he will take the field with one of the worst fumble grades according to PFF, and he averages 1.16 turnover-worthy plays per game. The Semi-Final and Final rounds of your playoff bracket will feature matchups against the Vikings and the Raiders, two of the NFL’s most turnover-prone teams and least effective offenses. The Giants are only rostered in about a third of leagues, so you should be able to scoop them up for the playoff run if you’ve been streaming the position this year.
Adapted by Kurt Wasemiller (@kurt_player02 on Instagram & Threads | @kuwasemiller.bksy.social on BlueSky)