WEEK 4 Defensive Picks for Fan Duel and Draft Kings: Finding Value in the Top Tiers
Here we are, Week 4 of the NFL season. The time of year when teams start to separate themselves—the pretenders from the contenders. And in DFS, it’s the same thing. Anyone can tell you to pick Justin Jefferson or Patrick Mahomes, but real DFS players know the truth: you make your money in the mud. And that means finding the right defense.
We’re not just looking for the obvious. No, it’s Week 4, and by now, we’ve got data. We know who’s struggling on the offensive line, who’s missing key starters, and which quarterbacks are prone to turning the ball over like it’s a hot potato. So, let’s dive into some defensive stacks that can turn your good DFS lineups into a great ones.
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NFL DFS Week 4 Defense Picks
1. Cleveland Browns (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
Cost: $4,900 (FanDuel), $3,500 (DraftKings)
Data Deep Dive: 14 sacks, 7 turnovers forced
The Browns aren’t just good this season—they’re dominant. Myles Garrett and that defensive front are practically living in the backfield, and this week they face a Raiders team that’s been leaking turnovers like a bad faucet. Jimmy Garoppolo has thrown five interceptions already, and the Browns are ranked 3rd in the NFL in sacks. The Raiders’ O-line has been a mess, and Cleveland is licking their chops.
Why This Matters in DFS: We’re talking about a high-ceiling defense. Sacks, forced fumbles, picks—everything is on the table. Garoppolo has been under constant pressure, and when you’re building your DFS lineup, you want a defense that can explode. The Browns are priced like a premium defense, but they’re worth every penny.
NFL DFS Week 4 Defense Picks
2. New Orleans Saints (vs. Atlanta Falcons)
Cost: $4,400 (FanDuel), $3,100 (DraftKings)
What We Know: The Falcons have allowed 11 sacks, Ridder has 4 picks in 3 weeks
Look, I love a rookie quarterback storyline as much as the next guy, but Desmond Ridder is walking into a buzzsaw this week. The Saints’ defense has been top-10 in forcing turnovers, and Ridder—talented as he is—has looked shaky when the pressure ramps up. The Falcons are tied for second-worst in the league in terms of pressures allowed on their QB.
Why This Matters in DFS: With Ridder still learning the ropes, and a Saints defense that’s built to capitalize on mistakes, you could be looking at one of those multiple-turnover games that pays off big in DFS. New Orleans brings pressure from everywhere, and they’ve been feasting on offenses that struggle to protect their QB.
NFL DFS Week 4 Defense Picks
3. Kansas City Chiefs (at Los Angeles Chargers)
Cost: $4,600 (FanDuel), $3,600 (DraftKings)
What the Numbers Say: Chiefs rank 5th in pressures, Chargers’ offensive line crumbling.
Let’s be real. When you hear Kansas City Chiefs, defense is not what comes to mind. It’s Patrick Mahomes threading needles, Travis Kelce pulling off circus catches, and a high-octane offense that dominates the highlight reels. But here’s what nobody’s talking about: Kansas City’s defense has quietly become a factor. And in Week 4, with a banged-up Chargers team on the schedule, their defense might just be the sneaky DFS pick you need to break through.
A Hobbled Herbert Spells Trouble
We all know Justin Herbert can light it up. But this week? He’s walking into Week 4 limping—literally. Herbert reaggravated a high ankle sprain last Sunday, and you know what that means in the NFL. Even if Herbert suits up, he won’t be close to 100%. Plus, to make matters worse, the Chargers’ offensive line is a patchwork unit. They’re without Joe Alt, their promising rookie OT, and their All-Pro tackle, Rashawn Slater, is doubtful to play. That offensive protection Herbert relies on? It’s gone.
Enter Chris Jones and the Chiefs’ Pass Rush
This is where Chris Jones comes in. He’s been quietly working his way up the rankings, but this week, he’s ready to make noise. With Herbert’s mobility limited, or potentially Taylor Heinicke taking the snaps if Herbert sits, Jones and the Chiefs’ pass rush will be licking their chops. It’s a golden opportunity for Kansas City’s defense to take over.
Why This Matters in DFS
Now, let’s talk DFS strategy. The Chiefs’ defense has been largely under-the-radar because of their offensive firepower, but don’t sleep on them. They’re ranked 5th in pressures, meaning they’re getting to the quarterback. With the Chargers’ offensive line in shambles and Herbert nursing that ankle, the opportunity for sacks and turnovers is ripe. You could easily see a couple of picks, and maybe even a defensive touchdown.
But it’s not all perfect. The Chiefs are still ranked 15th in turnover rate, and they sit mid-pack when it comes to tackles for loss. They’ve also allowed their share of points. Still, when you look at the Chargers’ offensive injuries, this matchup feels like a safe floor.
Bottom Line: Pounce While You Can
The DFS world loves flashy picks, but here’s your reminder: smart money comes from targeting weaknesses. With Herbert hobbled, two starting OTs out, and Kansas City’s defense trending upward, this Week 4 matchup offers a chance to capitalize on chaos. At $4,000 on FanDuel and $3,600 on DraftKings, this could be the defense that takes your DFS lineup to the next level.
NFL DFS Week 4 Defense Picks
4. Cincinnati Bengals (at Carolina Panthers)
Cost: $3,700 (FanDuel), $3,300 (DraftKings)
What the Stats Say: Panthers rank 28th in offensive efficiency
The Bengals haven’t been perfect, but this week they don’t need to be. Carolina has been a train wreck offensively, and now they’re turning back to Andy Dalton under center. Sure, Dalton’s a vet, but the Panthers’ offense is so out of sync
that even an average Bengals defense could have a field day.
Why It Matters in DFS: This is your budget play. You’re not expecting a defensive juggernaut, but the Panthers have been turnover-prone, and their offense lacks any real punch. The Bengals could grab a couple of sacks, force a fumble, maybe even land a pick-six. At their price, that’s all you need.
NFL DFS Week 4 Defense Picks
Sleeper: Indianapolis Colts (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
Cost: $4,000 (FanDuel), $3,200 (DraftKings)
Data Insight: Steelers rank 30th in offensive scoring, Pickett’s been sacked 12 times
The Colts are the classic DFS sleeper this week. They’re up against a Steelers offense that’s looked completely out of sync. Kenny Pickett has been running for his life, and when he’s not getting sacked, he’s throwing balls into coverage. The Colts’ defense isn’t elite, but this is a classic case of the right matchup at the right time.
DFS Impact: For the DFS player looking to go against the grain, the Colts offer massive value. The Steelers can’t score, and their offensive line is struggling. Expect sacks, and maybe even a few turnovers. This is how you save budget for those high-priced offensive stacks without sacrificing defensive upside.
NFL DFS LINEUP
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REMEMBER: These are lineups we use but feel free to pick and choose plays and make your own lineups. Don’t ALWAYS follow these as they don’t hit 100% of the time. We do use these but sometimes late scratches happen and it’s too late to update the lineup. Good luck and bring home the bacon.