2015 Gridiron Playoff Challenge: 5 Most Valuable DEFs

By Sean Cordy

2015 Gridiron Playoff Challenge: 5 Most Valuable DEFs

Cleveland Browns v Cincinnati Bengals — Just because the NFL regular season is over, that doesn’t mean you can’t get your fantasy football fix. It’s time to make your selections for the ESPN Gridiron Playoff Challenge.

Like normal fantasy football, it’s all about picking value. Like FanDuel or Draft Kings, you have a salary, making it more difficult to create a top lineup. Luckily, the market values set on certain defenses will give you great advantage if you manage them right.

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Baltimore Ravens v Cincinnati Bengals

5. Cincinnati Bengals

Baltimore Ravens v Cincinnati Bengals — I’m expecting the Indianapolis Colts to post a lot of points led by Andrew Luck in this weekend’s matchup. However, as much as the Bengals will be hurt by allowing points, I’m confident that the Colts’ aggression will have them turning the ball over multiple times, and lend a hand to the Bengals and fantasy GMs who select them this week at their $4.4M price tag.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers v Baltimore Ravens

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers v Baltimore Ravens — It’s usually a good defensive battle when the Steelers take on Ravens. Whether it’s a high-scoring affair with turnovers or a low-scoring battle with ball control, fans can at least expect the Steelers to have some success. They’re valued at $4.5M, so you’re not paying too much for them, and you’re receiving some reliability.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens v Houston Texans

3. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens v Houston Texans — What goes for the Steelers also goes for the Ravens, but I like their potential to control the game better than the Steelers’ odds thanks to RB Le’Veon Bell’s injury. Yes, the Steelers have a great passing attack, but at least one variable of their offense is marginalized and you can’t expect Big Ben to toss six TDs against the Ravens again. At $4.7M, they might be a little overpriced, but you’re also getting great potential.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys v Chicago Bears

2. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys v Chicago Bears — The Cowboys have one of the most underrated defenses in the league, and the Lions might have one of the most overrated offenses. The Cowboys led the league in turnovers with 13 in the month of December, and should be able to contain the Lions at least on the ground this week. The Lions will be playing catch-up for most of the game, so there’s bound to be some mistakes that the Cowboys will capitalize on and exceed their $4.4M price tag.

1. Carolina Panthers

Atlanta Falcons v Carolina Panthers

1. Carolina Panthers

Atlanta Falcons v Carolina Panthers — It doesn’t get much better than a team going against a third-string QB. That’s exactly what the Panthers’ situation is against the Arizona Cardinals, who are also likely without their starting RB. The Cardinals have dropped their last two games, and the Panthers are coming off a win last week.

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