Fantasy football is basically a giant game of "who can I trick today?" and Week 4 is usually when the wheels start to fall off for people who drafted based on last year's names. If you're still starting the 49ers just because they're the 49ers, you're gonna have a bad time. Honestly, the week 4 defensive rankings are looking a little upside down compared to what we expected back in August. We've got the Texans and Broncos sitting at the top of the mountain while some "elite" units are struggling to keep their heads above water.
It's weird. Usually, by late September, the cream has risen to the top. This year? The cream is still in the fridge and the milk is getting a little sour. Matchups are everything right now. If you've been paying attention to the actual yardage and the way pressure is being generated, you know that a "good" defense can get absolutely shredded if they're facing a high-octane offense. On the flip side, a mediocre unit can look like the '85 Bears if they're playing against a rookie quarterback who is seeing ghosts.
The heavy hitters in the week 4 defensive rankings
Let's talk about the Houston Texans. They have been an absolute nightmare for opposing offensive coordinators. They aren't just winning; they are suffocating people. They currently lead the NFL in total defense, giving up a measly 277.2 yards per game. That’s not a fluke. When you look at the advanced metrics, they rank first in opponent scoring rate. They’re basically telling teams, "You can move the ball a little, but you aren't getting in the end zone."
Then you have the Denver Broncos. They're right on Houston's heels, allowing 278.2 yards per game. Their secondary is playing out of their minds. Opposing quarterbacks are completing just $57.8%$ of their passes against Denver. That is an insane number in the modern NFL where every rule is designed to help the offense. They have a matchup against the Bengals this week, and while Joe Burrow is always a threat, the Broncos' pass rush has been relentless.
- Houston Texans: 277.2 yards allowed (1st)
- Denver Broncos: 278.2 yards allowed (2nd)
- Minnesota Vikings: 282.6 yards allowed (3rd)
- Cleveland Browns: 283.6 yards allowed (4th)
The Vikings are the biggest surprise for me. Brian Flores has them playing this chaotic, blitz-heavy style that just breaks people's brains. They put up 30 fantasy points against the Bengals last week. Thirty! You don't see that often. They are currently first in the league in EPA (Expected Points Added) allowed per play. If you're looking for a unit that creates turnovers and sacks, Minnesota is your best friend right now.
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Why some "elite" units are falling behind
You've probably noticed the 49ers aren't exactly dominating the week 4 defensive rankings like they used to. They are sitting way back at 20th in total defense, giving up over 340 yards per game. That’s a lot of grass. The issue in San Francisco seems to be the pass rush—or lack thereof. They were dead last in the league in sacks earlier this year, which is wild considering the talent they have on that line. Without that pressure, their secondary is getting exposed.
Then there are the Ravens and Chiefs. They're facing each other this week. In fantasy terms, that’s a "sit 'em" for both. Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are just too good to play a defense against. The Chiefs' defense is talented, sure, but the Ravens' offense hasn't given up a single fantasy point to a D/ST in the first two weeks of the season.
Honestly, the Ravens' defense has been "dog water" lately, to quote some of the more frustrated fans on Reddit. They’re giving up nearly 248 passing yards per game. If you're still holding onto them because of their reputation, you might be hurting your team. Reputation doesn't get you interceptions.
Streaming options you need to consider
If you don't have one of the top-tier units, you're probably looking at the waiver wire. This is where the real work happens. The Buffalo Bills are a great shout this week against the Saints. Buffalo's pass defense is actually the best in the league right now, allowing only 156.9 yards through the air. The Saints have been struggling with Spencer Rattler at the helm, and the Bills have a history of bullying young, inexperienced quarterbacks.
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Another sneaky play is the Chicago Bears. They had a monster game against the Cowboys, racking up three interceptions. This week they get the Raiders. Las Vegas has been giving up sacks at the fifth-highest rate in the league. If you've got a defense that can get to the quarterback, the Raiders are a "smash spot."
- Green Bay Packers: They’ve got a "Micah Parsons revenge game" vibe going on.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: They lead the league in run defense, giving up only 85.6 yards per game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Always a threat for sacks, and they’re playing a Vikings team that—despite their defensive success—gives up a lot of sacks.
The Chargers are also worth a look. They’re top-five in total defense and they’re playing a Giants team that looks, well, like the Giants. Daniel Jones is always one bad decision away from a defensive touchdown for the other team.
Matchups that could ruin your week
Sometimes the week 4 defensive rankings don't tell the whole story because of one bad matchup. Take the Cleveland Browns. On paper, they’re a top-five unit. But they’re playing the Lions in Detroit. Jared Goff in a dome is a different animal. The Lions' offense is a machine right now, and even a great defense like Cleveland's is going to struggle to keep them under 20 points.
You also want to stay away from the Cowboys. They are currently 30th in the league in yards allowed. Thirty-frikkin-thirtieth. They are giving up 377 yards per game. Unless they make some serious adjustments, they shouldn't even be on your roster. It’s a similar story for the Bengals and Commanders. They’re both in the bottom three for total defense.
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Actionable insights for your roster
Don't get married to a defense. In 2026, the league is too volatile for that. If you see a team like the Texans or Vikings on your waiver wire—which probably won't happen, but check anyway—grab them and hold on. Otherwise, play the matchups.
Look for teams playing against the Raiders, Titans, or Giants. Those offenses are currently the "gift that keeps on giving" for fantasy defenses. Also, pay attention to the injury reports. A defense might lose its star cornerback on a Friday, and suddenly that "plus matchup" becomes a disaster.
Check the pressure rates. Sacks and turnovers are what win you weeks in fantasy. A defense that gives up 300 yards but gets five sacks and two picks is way more valuable than a team that gives up 200 yards but doesn't do anything else. Focus on the playmakers.
The most important thing to do right now is audit your D/ST. Look at the last three weeks of stats, not just the names on the jerseys. If your defense isn't in the top half of the league in pressure rate or turnover percentage, it's time to move on. Grab a streamer with a high-upside matchup against a struggling quarterback and don't look back.