Defense Analysis: NFL Divisional Round

Elite Play

Sunday's Wild Card Round game between the Seahawks and Vikings served as a perfect reminder that even if two teams have met recently, the results are unlikely to be identical to the first meeting. That said, one can't help but salivate at the thought of using the Cardinals defense against the Packers after the beat down they laid on the Cheese Heads in Week 16. Arizona allowed just eight points, scored two defensive touchdowns, forced four turnovers, recorded nine sacks and held them to under 200 total yards of offense. The result was 33 fantasy points on FanDuel and DraftKings.

The Packers allowed the fifth most sacks (47) during the regular season, but they did allow just one sack in the Wild Card Round win over the Redskins. Green Bay scored 35 points against Washington, but the offense didn't exactly light the world on fire with Aaron Rodgers completing only 21 of 36 passes for 210 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The running game was very good, but they'll have a tough time getting much going on the ground this week. Arizona ranked sixth in rushing yards allowed per game (91.3) at a paltry 3.9 yards per carry. If Rodgers is forced to air it out, as I expect, the scoring upside for the defense will be immense. The Cardinals ranked second in turnovers forced and ranked eighth in passing yards allowed per game (230.4). Expecting Arizona to score 33 fantasy points again this weekend is too ambitious, but they stand out as the best defensive selection. As an added bonus, they're just the fourth most expensive defense on DraftKings and the third most expensive on FanDuel, so you won't have to break the bank to use them.

Ownership Estimates:

FanDuel

Cash: 55-65%

GPP: 35-45%

DraftKings

Cash: 55-65%

GPP: 35-45%