Fantasy Player Projections

Calvin Johnson will get his yards, but the rest of the Detroit offense is nothing for Atlanta to worry about. The Falcons could have a nice week, especially since Detroit has given up three defensive scores in the past two games.

The Redskins had two interceptions and two sacks against the Browns on Sunday. This defense had four sacks and two interceptions against the Eagles in Week 11.

San Diego had two sacks and forced one fumble against the Panthers in Week 15. Despite the lackluster outing, the Chargers have seven D/ST touchdowns this season, and they get a weak Jets offense in Week 16.

The Patriots struggled to stop the 49ers in Week 15, allowing 41 points in the loss. They registered just one sack, one interception and one fumble recovery in the game. They should rebound with a big game against the Jaguars in Week 16.

The Bears recorded three sacks and two forced fumbles in Week 15 against Aaron Rodgers and Co. They also allowed the Packers to score 21 points. The Bears' D/ST should have a big day against the Cardinals, who are starting a rookie quarterback in Ryan Lindley.

The Vikings had four sacks and an interception return for a touchdown at St. Louis in Week 15. They also forced a fumble. Minnesota should have a tough time stopping Arian Foster and Co., so look elsewhere for a fantasy defense.

The Jets' defense played well against the Titans in Week 15, although they gave up the second-longest run from scrimmage in Monday Night Football history when Chris Johnson scored from 94 yards out. Even so, the Titans had just 294 total yards, and the Jets' defense is worth starting against a Chargers team without Ryan Mathews (clavicle).

The Rams had two sacks against Minnesota, but they were unable to force a turnover in Week 15. The Buccaneers are coming off an embarrassing shutout against the Saints, but expecting another bad game from Doug Martin and Co. is wishful thinking.

The Broncos had one sack and a 98-yard interception return for a touchdown at Baltimore in Week 15. They also held the Ravens to just 17 points on the afternoon. Despite signs that the Browns may be an up-and-coming young offense, the Broncos remain a great start in Week 16.

This unit is playing well against the pass and run, but it means very little against New Orleans. There is no stopping Drew Brees; there is only slowing him down. That's not what fantasy owners need.

What a difference Clay Matthews makes, not just on passing downs, but as a run stopper as well. The Packers' defense looked fresh last week and should frustrate the Tennessee offense all afternoon.

The Eagles had six sacks and two forced fumbles against the Bengals in Week 15. They'll either be facing a Redskins team led by the possible Rookie of the Year in Robert Griffin III or a Redskins team led by Kirk Cousins, who threw for more than 300 yards in his first NFL start. Despite the big game against the Bengals, the Eagles' defense is still a middle-of-the-road unit in fantasy play.

The Steelers' secondary continues to collect injuries, which has made the entire unit vulnerable. The front seven can still apply pressure, but fantasy owners can no longer view this defense as one of the league's elite.

The Colts had three sacks at Houston Sunday, but they couldn't force any turnovers and they allowed the Texans to score 29 points in the loss. The Chiefs are their Week 16 opponent, however, which makes the Colts an interesting play.

Two reasons to keep New Orleans out of starting lineups: The Saints allow 27.1 points per game, and Dallas has been one of the NFL's most balanced and dangerous offenses in recent weeks.

It's true, the Steelers are in a slump. That doesn't mean Cincinnati's defense is a good pick this week. The Steelers are still capable of putting up crazy points and this game will be played in Pittsburgh.

The Giants had just one sack against the Falcons in Week 15, and they allowed a season-high 34 points. It was their worst fantasy outing of the season, and now they get Ray Rice and Co. in Week 16. Luckily, the Ravens are working things out on offense with a new offensive coordinator. Even so, it's tough to bank on this fantasy defense, which has just two sacks and two interceptions in its past three games.

Baltimore had two sacks against the Broncos, but the Ravens were unable to force any turnovers. The Broncos ended up scoring 34 points against this formerly formidable defense. The Giants are coming off a shutout, so expect them to come out with guns blazing.

The Texans' defense/special teams scored a touchdown against the Colts on a blocked punt return and also registered five sacks on the day in Week 15. The unit has delivered eight above-average fantasy games this season. Keep it active against the Vikings, despite the presence of Adrian Peterson.

The Bills got run over by the Seahawks in Week 15, giving up 270 rushing yards, 205 passing yards and 50 points. Buffalo will get a break in Week 16, as it faces a Dolphins team it held to 14 points in Week 11.

Miami had two sacks against Jacksonville in Week 15, but didn't force any turnovers even though it should have. The Bills have a better offense and the Dolphins are a mediocre fantasy defense.

The Buccaneers gave up 41 points, failed to force a turnover and managed just one sack at New Orleans in Week 15. St. Louis' offense has been strong lately, meaning the Bucs aren't worth a fantasy look in Week 16.

The Raiders recorded a shutout against the Chiefs in Week 15, while also registering four sacks and an interception. Oakland's defense has not been reliable all season, however, and it shouldn't be used in fantasy play against Cam Newton and Co. in Week 16.

The Panthers had six sacks and two forced fumbles at San Diego in Week 15, and they allowed just seven points to the Chargers. This was the best fantasy outing of the season for the Panthers' D/ST. Despite their production in Week 15, however, it's tough to rely on them in crunch time.

San Francisco's defense looked great in the first half against the Patriots in Week 15, but eventually, Tom Brady did what Tom Brady does. The Niners gave up 443 passing yards, 95 rushing yards and 34 total points. This defense had three sacks and two interceptions and remains a good start in Week 16 against the Seahawks.

The Seahawks had two interceptions, one fumble recovery and three sacks at Buffalo in Week 15. They also returned one of those interceptions 57 yards for a defensive touchdown for their fifth touchdown score this season on defense or special teams. They remain a good fantasy unit in Week 16, facing a 49ers team they held to just 13 points in Week 7.

The Cardinals' D/ST had a big day against the Lions in Week 15, scoring on two interception return and registering two sacks and four forced turnovers. While the Cards are an opportunistic bunch, it's tough to rely on them weekly in fantasy.

Kansas City's defense had one fumble recovery, no interceptions and no sacks at Oakland in Week 15. While the Chiefs did keep the Raiders out of the end zone, they still gave up five field goals. Things won't get any easier in Week 16 when the Colts and Andrew Luck come to town.

The Browns notched one interception and two sacks against an RGIII-less Redskins team in Week 15. The Cleveland defense has produced some strong recent games (Chiefs, Steelers), but the Broncos are coming to town and fantasy owners should steer clear.

The Detroit defense is probably not as bad as it looks on paper. Take last week for example: The unit gave up 24 points but just 196 yards of offense. Still, fantasy owners should avoid bad luck as much as bad talent.

Stop Green Bay's offense? Yeah, right. The Titans will get pressure on Aaron Rodgers but won't find enough bodies to cover all of Rodgers' weapons downfield. This is no match.

Jacksonville registered one sack and one forced turnover in Week 15 at Miami. With Tom Brady and Co. coming to town in Week 16, fantasy owners will want to pass on this defense.