3 FanDuel Defenses to Target in Week 7

Picking a defense can be an overlooked part of playing daily fantasy football on FanDuel. It makes sense, too, as D/STs rarely produce huge outputs.

However, we still need to give a lot of thought to which defense we roster, and there's definitely an edge to be had if you hit on a D/ST.

With that in mind, here are three defenses to have on your radar for this week's main slate.

All betting odds come from the NFL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Seattle D/ST

FanDuel Salary: $4,900

The Seattle Seahawks' defense has quietly put up solid fantasy numbers, touting the eighth-best mark in total points scored. Is Seattle's unit good enough for a play this week, especially with a salary of $4,900?

For Week 7, the Seahawks will face one of the weakest offenses in the NFL, the Arizona Cardinals. Kyler Murray returned to practice this week, but it's unlikely that he will play on Sunday. Arizona's passing game could be lacking once again, as it ranks 25th in passing yards per game. Plus, Joshua Dobbs has a -0.12 expected points added per dropback (EPA/DB).

The Cardinals lean heavily on the run, ranking sixth in rushing yards per game. This plays right into the Seahawks' hands, who rank fifth in numberFire's adjusted run defense ratings. Bobby Wagner continues to be one of the league's best off-ball linebackers. Keep in mind he's 33 now; that sounds superhuman to me.

Seattle's D/ST had a solid showing in Week 6, finishing 16th. The Seahawks have also reeled in three interceptions over their last two games, and Dobbs has three picks in his last two outings. Seattle should be a good play for Week 7.

Tampa Bay D/ST

FanDuel Salary: $4,000

In the 2022 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ranked 15th in rushing yards allowed per game. After ranking within the top three of the category for three consecutive seasons, this was an out-of-character finish for the Bucs. The exceptional run defense looks to be back, as Tampa Bay is seventh in rushing yards allowed per game.

How does this apply to D/ST plays in Week 7? The Buccaneers are playing a team that pretty much lives and dies by the run -- the Atlanta Falcons . Coach Arthur Smith pulls no punches about his system, as he consistently pounds the rock. Atlanta is 9th in rush play percentage and 24th in pass play percentage.

The Falcons have totaled under their 119.0-rushing-yard average in three of the last four games while averaging under 4.0 yards per carry in three of the four. Three of Atlanta's last four opponents also had their defenses finish within the top seven of weekly fantasy points.

With Tampa Bay's ability to limit the run, I'm backing the Buccaneers' D/ST.

Indianapolis D/ST

FanDuel Salary: $3,800

The Indianapolis Colts' defense is my risky play of Week 7. While the Colts rank 17th in numberFire's defensive rankings, this may be a safer play than you would expect.

How so? Indy will face the Cleveland Browns -- the same team that has failed to reach 20 points in back-to-back games. The Browns will likely be without Deshaun Watson for the third consecutive game; he is dealing with a strained rotator cuff. This leaves the starting job to P.J. Walker for the second consecutive week.

Cleveland totaled only 174 passing yards in Week 6. The ground game remains a threat, though, as it totaled 160 yards last week. The Colts have the second-best mark in the NFL at -87.3 expected rushing yards allowed over expected and rank eighth in numberFire's adjusted run defense ratings.

numberFire's projections also have Indianapolis as the fourth-best D/ST for Week 7.

Looking to build some NFL DFS lineups? Head over to FanDuel’s daily fantasy football lobby to see all the offerings for this week's slates.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.