With the season winding down, here are my D/ST MVPs. These aren’t the top defensive players in the league. Rather, they’re guys who unexpectedly lifted their D/STs to viability, and in some cases, prominence.
CB Patrick Peterson, Arizona: The fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft has been routinely torched at corner, but he just tied an NFL record by returning his fourth punt for a touchdown. Two of those returns came against the Rams, rewarding owners who used the Cardinals as a matchup play. He also has two interceptions.
CB Kyle Arrington, New England: Arrington leads the NFL with seven INTs and is highly regarded by PFF (+6.7). He’s a big reason why the Pats D/ST has become a late-season sleeper, averaging 17.3 fantasy points in CBSSports.com scoring the past three weeks. New England has plus matchups the rest of the way, starting Sunday at home against the hapless Colts.
OLB Connor Barwin, Houston: When Mario Williams was lost for the season, many expected the Texans’ defense to struggle. But Barwin (8.5 sacks) has helped take up the slack. He has 36 combined sacks, hits and pressures, with five passes batted down. Houston leads the league in total defense (268.4) and ranks second in fantasy points (15.5 per game) in CBSSports.com scoring.
OLB Von Miller, Denver: The second overall pick is PFF’s top-rated 4-3 outside linebacker (+43.3), and it’s not close. He has 10.5 sacks, 47 combined sacks, hits and pressures, and three forced fumbles. The Broncos have averaged 14.0 fantasy points over the past four weeks. Except for Week 15 at New England, Denver has good matchups remaining.
DE Carlos Dunlap, Cincinnati: In limited snaps, Dunlap has posted an incredible +28.3 PFF rating with 38 combined sacks, hits and pressures. The Bengals D/ST is tied for sixth in weekly fantasy points (12.5) thanks in large part to Dunlap and fellow DE Frostee Rucker (+8.7). Cincy is tied for eighth in fewest passing TDs allowed (13).
RECOMMENDED PICKUPS: If you don’t have a top D/ST, consider grabbing one of these, if available:
Saints: Whether it's his finger or just bad decisions, Matthew Stafford has thrown nine INTs the past three games.
Jaguars: Philip Rivers leads the NFL with 17 INTs, and his team is in disarray.
Chiefs: Kansas City hasn’t quit, as evidenced by its near upset of Pittsburgh, and the Bears miss Jay Cutler.
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