Top Strategies for Drafting Fantasy Football Defenses

2024 NFL Fantasy Football: The Strategy Behind Drafting Defenses with a Betting Angle

Tier One Defenses: The Cream of the Crop

When it comes to drafting defenses in fantasy football, the top tier often mirrors the best teams in the NFL. For 2024, the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and New York Jets make up the elite group of defenses that fantasy managers covet. These units not only feature stout defenses but also have the potential to score points on turnovers, sacks, and special teams plays.

However, the big question is, when should you draft a defense? Unless you’re in a league with an unusual scoring system that heavily rewards defensive performances, it’s generally not advisable to draft a defense before the 10th round. The elite defenses will likely be gone by then, but reaching too early for a defense can cost you valuable skill position players. In standard leagues, consider waiting until around the 12th to 14th round before pulling the trigger on a defense.

Drafting Strategy: Play the Matchups, Not the Name

One of the most effective strategies when it comes to fantasy defenses is streaming—picking up and starting a defense each week based on favorable matchups rather than relying on a single defense for the entire season. This approach is particularly useful if you miss out on the top-tier defenses. For instance, if a team like the Cincinnati Bengals is facing the New England Patriots in Week 1, it might be worth drafting the Bengals defense solely for that matchup.

New England, Carolina Panthers, and teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers with less potent offenses are prime targets for streaming defenses early in the season. The idea is to maximize your chances of a high-scoring defensive performance by targeting weaker offenses, which often struggle to protect the ball or sustain drives.

Tier Two Defenses: Solid Options with Upside

If you miss out on the elite defenses, the second tier includes teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and Miami Dolphins. These defenses are still strong options but come with slightly more variability in their performance. For example, the Dolphins have a defense that might not dominate every week, but their high-scoring offense often forces opponents to throw the ball, increasing the chances of turnovers and sacks.

Drafting a tier-two defense isn’t about expecting them to carry your team every week but rather providing steady, reliable production. You can complement this by streaming defenses when your chosen unit faces a particularly tough matchup or when a lower-tier defense has an exceptionally favorable matchup.

Betting Insights: Leveraging Defense Matchups

In the betting world, defensive matchups can be a goldmine, particularly in weekly prop bets or over/under totals. For instance, betting on the under in games where elite defenses like the 49ers or Ravens are playing makes sense, especially if they’re up against lower-tier offenses. Conversely, in games where a high-powered offense is likely to force a weaker defense to keep up, betting on defensive props like total sacks or turnovers might offer value.

Another angle to consider is betting on special teams touchdowns or defensive touchdowns, particularly when an elite defense is facing a turnover-prone quarterback. While these bets are risky, they can provide high payouts when they hit.

Late-Round Defense Options: Dark Horse Picks

If you’re drafting late and the top and second-tier defenses are off the board, don’t despair. There are always dark horse defenses that could emerge as solid options. Teams like the Detroit Lions, who have been building a strong defensive unit, or even the Chicago Bears, who have traditionally been strong defensively, could provide value if they gel early in the season.

Remember, defenses like Miami, which benefit from forcing opponents into shootouts, are also good late-round targets. The key is to remain flexible and ready to pivot to streaming if your late-round pick doesn’t pan out.

Final Thoughts: Drafting and Betting on Defenses in 2024

Drafting a defense in fantasy football is as much about strategy as it is about understanding the dynamics of NFL matchups. While it’s tempting to reach for an elite defense early, the smarter play is often to wait and either grab a solid tier two defense or focus on streaming based on weekly matchups.

In the betting world, defense-focused props and matchups can offer unique opportunities, especially if you’re savvy about targeting teams with high turnover rates or poor offensive lines. As the 2024 NFL season unfolds, staying adaptable with your defensive strategy—both in fantasy and betting—will be key to maximizing your success.

You can read all about what’s going on in the National Football League at SportsGrid.com.