ClutchPoints
Based on the way things are going for the so-called stud fantasy football defenses — case in point, the Green Bay Packers — it’s time to focus harder on matchups. Forget leaning on the big dogs like the Packers if they are playing anything near a top offense. And here are the fantasy football defense and special teams rankings for NFL Week 5 in the 2025 season.
And that’s why a somewhat surprising team takes the ranks in the top five in this week’s rankings. The Arizona Cardinals will be at home against the offensively challenged Tennessee Titans. Look for the Cardinals to cut loose with a performance similar to what they did against the Panthers in Week 2.
Here are the teams to look for in Week 5.
It helps matters that the Cardinals could get their second-round pick back in the secondary. Cornerback Will Johnson has missed the last two weeks with a groin injury, but could play against the Titans.
Yes, the Cardinals rank No. 29 against the pass, but they are No. 8 against the run. And Titans quarterback Cam Ward hasn’t scared defenses through the air in his first four NFL games.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon said his defense needs to improve toward the end of games, according to ESPN.
“I appreciate the resiliency, that’s there,” Gannon said. “No one has their head down. Everyone believes we can win. But we’re not doing enough, all three phases, to win these games. That’s very clear.”
Another good pick is the New York Giants defense. They get to take on the Saints. And the Giants are coming off a top-10 defensive finish against the powerful Chargers’ offense. They had two sacks, two picks, and defended six passes. But they also had 12 quarterback hits.
It could be a tough afternoon for Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler. That’s especially true since Abdul Carter is starting to find his way in his first NFL season. Carter said it’s a team thing, according to the Giants Videos post on X.
“Abdul Carter says the Giants’ defensive line feeds off of each other: “Whoever is hot, whoever is bringing the energy, we try to feed off that and keep bringing the energy all together”
The No. 1 defense in Week 3, the Minnesota Vikings, have posted mid-range finishes in the other three weeks. Playing at the Browns, this should be another good week. Look for the Vikings to create havoc and cause turnovers even if they give up a few points and some yardage.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said his defense is still playing well, according to Vikings.com.
“I thought our defense kept us battling, a couple big stops,” O’Connell said about the Steelers game.
But the run defense needs to be better.
“We hold ourselves to certain standards,” safety Joshua Metellus said. “And you’ve got a guy like Aaron Rodgers just sitting back there and controlling the game off running the ball...
