Picking the right defense can make or break your team.
But how exactly do defenses rack up those precious points?
It’s not just about keeping the opposing team from scoring—there’s a lot more to it!
In this post, I’ll break down the defense scoring system in fantasy football, so you can make informed choices and dominate your league
How Defense Get Points In Fantasy Football
We all love those flashy offensive players. But here’s the thing: a solid defense can be your secret weapon. I’ve seen leagues won and lost on the backs of a killer D!
Here’s a table with how defense gets points:
| Stat Category | Points Awarded |
| Points Allowed (0-6) | +10 |
| Points Allowed (7-13) | +7 |
| Points Allowed (14-20) | +4 |
| Points Allowed (21-27) | +1 |
| Points Allowed (28+) | 0 |
| Sacks | +1 per sack |
| Interceptions | +2 per interception |
| Fumble Recoveries | +2 per fumble recovery |
| Defensive Touchdowns | +6 per touchdown |
| Safeties | +2 per safety |
| Blocked Kicks/Punts | +2 per block |
| Yards Allowed (varies) | -1 for every 10 yards after 300 |
Let’s break down how these defensive units rack up those precious fantasy points in detail:
Sacks
First up, we’ve got sacks. Every time your defense brings down the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage, cha-ching! That’s usually worth 1 point.
It might not sound like much, but trust me, those sacks add up faster than concession stand prices.
Interceptions
Interceptions are like Christmas morning for your defense.
Also check out our fantasy point calculator
When your guys pick off a pass, you’re typically looking at 2 points. And if they take it all the way back for a touchdown?
That’s usually an extra 6 points! Talk about a game-changer.
Fumble Recoveries
Fumbles are another way your D can bring home the bacon.
A recovered fumble is usually worth 2 points. And just like with interceptions, if they scoop and score, you’re looking at that sweet 6-point bonus.
Safeties
Safeties don’t happen often, but when they do, it’s like hitting the jackpot.
Most leagues award 2 points for a safety. It’s not much, but it’s honest work, and it can be the difference in a tight matchup.
Points Allowed
Here’s where it gets interesting. Your defense gets points based on how few points they allow the other team to score. A shutout? That’s the holy grail, often worth 10-12 points.
As the opposing team scores more, your fantasy points decrease.
But hey, even holding them under 10 can net you a solid 3-4 points.
Yards Allowed
Some leagues also factor in total yards allowed. The fewer yards your D gives up, the more points you get. It’s like a game of reverse limbo – how low can they go?
Also Read: How Do Kickers Get Points In Fantasy
Scoring Defense
Don’t forget about defensive touchdowns! Whether it’s a pick-six, a fumble return, or even a blocked kick taken to the house, these are usually worth 6 big ones. It’s like getting offensive production from your defense!
Bottom Line
There you have it, folks! That’s how defense gets points in fantasy football.
Remember, while everyone’s fighting over the last top-tier running back, you might just find value in snagging an elite defense. They might not get the glory, but they could be your ticket to fantasy football fame.
So next time you’re setting your lineup, don’t sleep on the D.
After all, defense wins championships… and fantasy leagues!