Fantasy Football Week 5: Detroit Lions and 3 Defenses Set to Score Big

Defenses aren’t a primary source of fantasy points, but having the right D can turn the tide of a close game. In a season in which surprising teams like the Redskins and Texans (!) have clawed their way up the fantasy defense rankings, figuring out whose D will make the big plays has become a tougher task than usual.

This trio could make all the difference for their fantasy owners in Week 5:

Detroit Lions (vs. Chicago)

With the Bears’ D struggling against the deep ball, Matthew Stafford and the Lions will likely take an early lead. That means Jay Cutler will probably have to air it out, which doesn’t bode well for Chicago.

The Lions’ D (which has little reason to respect a shaky Chicago ground game) will have plenty of chances against a QB who’s already accounted for four INTs and two fumbles. The Bears have also given Cutler the league’s second-worst protection (15 sacks thus far), so expect Ndamukong Suh and company to tee off.

Tennessee Titans (at Pittsburgh)

The struggling Steelers’ ground game isn’t likely to get much traction against Tennessee’s tough run defense, and that means lots of passing attempts for Ben Roethlisberger. He’s thrown an uncharacteristic five INTs through four games in addition to fumbling four times.

He’s also battling an injured foot, which will leave him less mobile than usual. Of course, if it’s worse than the team has let on and Big Ben doesn’t get the start, that’s more good news for the Titans’ D.

Green Bay Packers (at Atlanta)

Green Bay has given up bushels of passing yards, so a shootout against the pass-heavy Falcons may seem like a tough matchup for this defense. However, the Pack has also racked up eight interceptions already, not to mention a solid 11 sacks.

With Aaron Rodgers being a good bet to keep Green Bay on top, Matt Ryan will be playing catch-up. He’s already been picked off four times and has three fumbles, so there should be turnover chances if the Packers can capitalize on them.