Fantasy: Week 14 D/ST Watch

For many, this is the first week of the fantasy playoffs. Congrats on making it this far.

Let’s look at which of the top 10 D/STs have the best and worst matchups for Week 14.

BEST

Steelers: Pittsburgh’s D/ST is averaging 20 fantasy points over the past two weeks in CBSSports.com scoring. The defense made a statement vs. Cincinnati, and the effort was punctuated by Antonio Brown’s punt return for a TD.  Now the Steelers get to feast on the pathetic Browns offense, which averages 14.6 points, 28^th in the NFL.

Ravens: Baltimore’s D/ST is ranked No. 1 in CBSSports.com scoring, averaging 16.6 points after Sunday’s 21-point performance vs. Cleveland. The Ravens have an appetizing matchup against the Colts, who are giving up the second-most fantasy points to D/STs. It should be noted, however, that Dan Orlovsky injected life into Indy’s offense as the Colts put up 24 points against New England. Owners of the Patriots D/ST came away very disappointed.

Jets: New York’s D/ST hasn’t put up a big number since Week 6, but now gets to host the Chiefs, who will be led by Tyler Palko or a rusty and hurt Kyle Orton. Palko somehow played most of the game vs. the Bears without committing a turnover. But he had seven turnovers in his previous two games. His soft tosses should be easy pickings for Revis & Co.  PFF’s Neil Hornsby notes that LB Bart Scott picked up a sack and five hurries vs. Washington and has been highly productive on a per-snap basis.

Honorable mention: 49ers (at Arizona)

WORST

Titans: Tennessee D/ST owners probably should look for a better option with the Saints coming to town. New Orleans isn’t as prolific on the road, but why would you want to face Drew Brees now? He’s thrown 9 TDs and 0 INTs over the last three games. And New Orleans’ running game isn’t bad, either.  The Titans have just three sacks over the last three games.

Bears: Chicago’s D/ST is being hurt by its slumping offense, which is going nowhere without Jay Cutler and Matt Forte. Now the Bears visit Tim Tebow and the Broncos. While Denver isn’t explosive, Tebow has committed just one turnover in the Broncos’ five-game win streak. And even that turnover was questionable; it looked like Tebow’s knee was down when the ball came out. PFF’s Ben Stockwell notes that Tebow hit 3 of 4 deep throws and that Willis McGahee tied his season high by forcing six missed tackles by Vikings defenders.

Bengals: On paper Sunday’s matchup with Houston doesn’t look too tough, because the Texans will start rookie QB T.J. Yates without Andre Johnson. But the Texans can run the ball on anyone. And Cincy’s defense is banged up. Missing both starting corners and DE Carlos Dunlap vs. the Steelers, the Bengals gave up four offensive TDs and finished with five fantasy points.

PICKUPS: If you're looking for a good waiver option, consider these:

Seattle — The Seahawks took advantage of Philly's sloppiness and should do the same vs. St. Louis, the NFL's lowest-scoring team.

Miami — Even with Michael Vick returning, Philly is no longer a scary matchup for this rising D/ST.