As always, matchups cause our defense rankings to fluctuate wildly from week-to-week, and with the 49ers set to host the Packers, they’ve tumbled all the way 30. The Seahawks (vs. Lions) and Cardinals (vs. Rams) are must-starts regardless of opponent, but their owners have to love the schedule this week. Let’s take a look at the full fantasy defense/special teams rankings for Week 4 to identify some sleepers and busts — and help Patriots’ D/ST owners avoid the bye-week blues.

MORE: Week 4 fantasy football rankings:Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Kickers

Week 4 fantasy football rankings, Defenses

  1. Seahawks vs. Lions. Seattle hasn’t intercepted a pass this season, but that will likely change against Matthew Stafford, who’s thrown at least one pick in every game and has turned it over six times on the season. The Lions’ offensive line is leaky, and a trip to Seattle for a primetime game doesn’t figure to help. 

  2. Cardinals vs. Rams. Theory: Arizona always seems to make big plays at home. A matchup against St. Louis’ 32nd-ranked offense will only add to that theory.

  3. Eagles at Redskins. The sacks haven’t been there this year (5), but the Eagles have forced eight turnovers and feature plenty of playmakers in the return game. Washington has turned it over almost 2.5 times per game, so expect Philadelphia to force some mistakes.

  4. Panthers at Buccaneers. The Panthers’ defense might not be great, but it’s done a great job taking advantage of favorable matchups to start the year. Here’s another one against the low-scoring, mistake-prone Bucs.

  5. Broncos vs. Vikings. As with most run-oriented teams, the Vikings don’t offer a ton of chances for D/STs to rack up fantasy points, but the Broncos have allowed the fewest yards per game while forcing 10 turnovers this season. They’ll get the job done at home.

  6. Bills vs. Giants. It’s a bit surprising that Buffalo only has six sacks, but with eight takeaways, it’s still an automatic start most weeks. The Giants haven’t been as sloppy as years past, but one could just read that as “they’re due,” especially in a rowdy road game in Buffalo.

  7. Jets vs. Dolphins (in London). The Jets are allowing the fewest points in the NFL and have forced 11 turnovers. The Dolphins don’t present a particularly favorable or unfavorable matchup, so there’s no reason to worry about New York slowing down.

  8. Packers at 49ers. You could argue Green Bay should be ranked higher based on Colin Kaepernick’s implosion last week, but  the Packers haven’t exactly shined this year, at least in a road game, so it’s tough to move them up any more spots.

  9. Rams at Cardinals. The Rams are tied for the league lead with 13 sacks, but they’ve managed only three takeaways. Any team that can get that kind of pressure is dangerous, even in a bad matchup like this one. 

  10. Cowboys at Saints. Dallas’ improved defense took a serious step back last week against Atlanta, but the Saints have struggled all year — with or without Drew Brees. In the past, this game might have been a shootout, but this year’s edition could wind up being a sloppy turnover fest.

  11. Dolphins vs. Jets (in London). Miami has been one of fantasy’s biggest disappointments, but we’ll give them one more chance against the Jets, who are allowing over 2.5 takeaways per game. If both Chris Ivory (quad) and Eric Decker (knee) play, bump Miami down a few spots.

  12. Vikings at Broncos. Denver’s offense looked better on Sunday night, but it’s clear both run- and pass-blocking are still issues. The Vikings have done a relatively good job holding down their opponents, and they should be able to force Denver into some mistakes.

  13. Chiefs at Bengals. The Bengals have done a nice job protecting Andy Dalton, but Kansas City features arguably the best pass rush in the NFL. Don’t be surprised if “Bad Andy” makes an appearance.

  14. Ravens at Steelers. Baltimore has been gashed for yards all year, particularly through the air, but the Steelers passing game won’t be the same without Ben Roethlisberger. This game always gets ugly, which suits the Ravens just fine.

15. Texans at Falcons. Houston has been a major disappointment, but we know there’s talent there. Atlanta has been a big surprise, but even after Devonta Freeman’s heroics last week, it still looks like a two-man offense. We’re giving the Texans the benefit of the doubt and still listing them among the borderline-starting units.

16. Browns at Chargers. The Chargers are allowing the third-most sacks in the league, and Cleveland’s pass rush falls into the “good-not-great” category. Fortunately, that’s good enough to be a bye-week fill-in in fantasy leagues.

MORE: Best waiver wire pickups for Week 4

Best of the rest

  1. Colts vs. Jaguars 18. Bengals vs. Chiefs 19. Chargers vs. Browns 20. Lions at Seahawks 21. Redskins vs. Eagles 22. Steelers vs. Ravens 23. Giants at Bills 24. Raiders at Bears 25. Saints vs. Cowboys 26. Falcons vs. Texans 27. Bears vs. Raiders 28. Jaguars at Colts 29. Buccaneers vs. Panthers 30. 49ers vs. Packers

BYES: Patriots, Titans

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