NFL Fantasy Week 7: Which Defenses to Start and Which to Sit

Alright, fantasy managers, the grind continues. Week 7 rolls around and the biggest headache this time isn’t the quarterback carousel or a surprise RB injury—it’s the D/ST column. Yep, that often‑overlooked unit can swing a matchup from a bust to a bonanza if you pick the right one.

First up, the easy call: start the Denver Broncos. Their defense finally got a taste of their own medicine after that overtime win over Seattle, racking up three takeaways and a bunch of quarterback pressure. Sean Payton even praised the unit, saying they were “magnificent.” With the Cardinals leaning heavily on a pass‑first attack—think Trey McBride and Michael Wilson—the Broncos should have plenty of opportunities to make plays.

Next, keep an eye on the Dallas Cowboys. Their secondary has been humming all season, and they’re heading into a showdown with a weak‑passing Steelers squad. The Cowboys have a knack for forcing turnovers against teams that love to air it out, so they’re a solid start‑worthy pick.

If you’re looking for a streaming option, the New York Jets deserve a glance. They’ve been decent against the run, and this week they face a Vikings offense that still leans on a ground game. A low‑cost stream could pay off, especially if the Vikings struggle to get the ball into the air.

On the flip side, it’s probably wise to sit the Houston Texans. Their defense has been porous against both the run and the pass, and they’re up against the high‑octane Giants attack. Unless you’re desperate for a bye‑week fill‑in, give the Texans a pass.

Another squad to bench: the Chicago Bears. While they’ve shown flashes, they’re up against a balanced Bills offense that can exploit any weakness. The Bears have struggled to generate sacks lately, and that’ll limit fantasy upside.

Bottom line: start Denver, Dallas, and consider streaming New York. Bench Houston and Chicago. As always, double‑check injury reports the morning of the games—if a key defender goes down, the whole equation changes. Good luck, and may your D/ST scores be as high as your confidence.