NFL DFS: Ranking the Must-Play Defense Matchups for Week 10

1. Kansas City Chiefs

FanDuel Salary: $4,500

Opponent: Denver Broncos

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 18th

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the most imposing teams in the NFL. While their offense consistently gets credit for their contributions, it's time to recognize what the Chiefs' defense brings. 

Through their first eight undefeated games of the season, the Chiefs rank second in total defense, third in rush defense, and fourth in scoring defense. Moreover, we've seen improved efficiency from Kansas City over its previous three contests. Through their first five games of the season, the two-time defending champs gave up 305.4 yards per game. Across their past three, that number has fallen to 274.0.

Sunday's encounter versus the Denver Broncos could be the Chiefs' defense's season-best performance. At $4,500, KC's defense is worth the investment.

4. Chicago Bears

FanDuel Salary: $5,000

Opponent: New England Patriots

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 28th

There's nothing like a showdown against the New England Patriots to get your defense going. It's not that the Chicago Bears need any extra help. The Bears have been one of the top defensive teams in the league, and they are projected to thrive against the bottom-feeding Pats. 

So far this season, Chicago has allowed the fifth-fewest points and 12th-fewest yards; however, their fantasy contributions go beyond traditional stats. The Bears have a ferocious pass rush, sacking quarterbacks an average of 2.9 times per game, the ninth-most in the NFL. Likewise, they've been adept at turning the ball over, forcing 1.9 turnovers per game, tied for the fourth-most. 

Those metrics work against a Patriots side that is one of the worst all-around offensive teams in the league. New England gives up the third-most sacks per game (3.4) and is coming off a three-turnover performance. In reconciling opponent metrics, it's easy to see why the Bears' defense has the second-highest salary on the board. 

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

FanDuel Salary: $4,200

Opponent: Washington Commanders

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 2nd

Rookie quarterbacks rarely fare well against the Pittsburgh Steelers. We predict this trend will continue against the Washington Commanders in Week 10.

Fresh off a bye week, the Steelers head to the nation's capital for a date with the Commanders. While the optics are concerning, Pittsburgh should be able to reel in Jayden Daniels. The rookie pivot has looked somewhat ineffective recently, throwing for just 209 yards last time out.

With a lingering rib injury seemingly limiting his potential, Daniels could be bottled up against an unforgiving Steelers' pass rush. Pittsburgh allows the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game, and no opposing quarterback has run for more than three yards over the Steelers' last four games. 

Don't be fooled by their mediocre price; the Steelers will get things done in Washington.

2. Minnesota Vikings

FanDuel Salary: $4,900

Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 15th

For weeks, we yammered about how the Los Angeles Chargers defense wasn't getting the respect it deserved. But here we are in Week 10, singing a different tune. The Minnesota Vikings have been one of the fantasy units in the league, and that's once again the case in Sunday's encounter versus the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Fatasy-wise, Minnesota's defense is proliferating. The Vikings have reached double-digit fantasy points in six of eight games this season. In total, they're averaging nearly 12.0 fantasy points per game while maximizing production from every layer of their defense. 

The NFC North contenders rank first in turnovers per game, forcing opponents to give away the ball 2.1 times per game. Further, the Vikings are sacking opposing quarterbacks 3.4 times per game, tied for the second-most in the NFL. We're forecasting another elite performance on Sunday, with the Vikings' defense potentially leading the slate in fantasy scoring against the Jags.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

FanDuel Salary: $4,500

Opponent: Denver Broncos

FanDuel Opponent Rank vs. Position: 18th

The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the most imposing teams in the NFL. While their offense consistently gets credit for their contributions, it's time to recognize what the Chiefs' defense brings. 

Through their first eight undefeated games of the season, the Chiefs rank second in total defense, third in rush defense, and fourth in scoring defense. Moreover, we've seen improved efficiency from Kansas City over its previous three contests. Through their first five games of the season, the two-time defending champs gave up 305.4 yards per game. Across their past three, that number has fallen to 274.0.

Sunday's encounter versus the Denver Broncos could be the Chiefs' defense's season-best performance. At $4,500, KC's defense is worth the investment.