What Is Team Defense / D/ST?

Team Defense, commonly written as DEF or D/ST, is a fantasy position representing an entire NFL defense and usually its special-teams unit. You select one NFL team rather than individual defensive players.

How D/ST scores

Common scoring categories include sacks, interceptions, fumble recoveries, safeties, blocked kicks, and defensive or return touchdowns. Many leagues also award or subtract points based on points allowed, and some include yards allowed.

Choosing a defense

Opponent quality, expected game script, offensive line injuries, quarterback turnover risk, and the defense's pass rush can all matter. D/ST scoring is volatile, so managers often stream the position by adding a favorable weekly matchup instead of holding one defense all season.

Check your league settings because scoring ranges can differ substantially. A defense that is valuable under one points-allowed system may be less attractive under another.