Eric Samulski releases Week 7 2026 fantasy football DST rankings and updates model
Analyst Eric Samulski ranks NFL defenses for Week 7 of the 2026 season, noting strong performances by the Vikings and Chiefs and revising his projection formula to emphasize opponent offensive strength.
Analyst Eric Samulski issued his Week 7 defensive rankings for the 2026 fantasy football season, highlighting the Minnesota Vikings as the top DST after a bye and a favorable matchup against a low-scoring Indianapolis Colts offense. The Kansas City Chiefs followed, posting 15 fantasy points, the second-highest total for the week.
Samulski noted several mismatches between his projections and actual results, including the Seattle Seahawks, which he had ranked second but managed only three points, and the Jacksonville Jaguars, ranked seventh but scoring a single point. He cited the variability of sacks and turnovers as a factor that can undermine otherwise solid defensive play.
The analyst also acknowledged a major surprise with the Tennessee Titans, which he placed 25th but finished first with 21 points, largely due to forced turnovers and a blocked punt despite allowing nearly 400 yards. Conversely, the New Orleans Saints, absent from his top-10, finished third, though he questioned whether their season-long performance justified a higher ranking.
After reviewing more than 80 statistical inputs, Samulski announced a revision to his Best Overall Defense (BOD) formula. The updated model will give greater weight to the strength of the opposing offense and incorporate a sack-rate check on that offense, while reducing reliance on turnover rate due to its week-to-week inconsistency. He will continue to favor defenses that generate consistent pressure and excel on third down.
In the tiered rankings, Samulski placed the Vikings, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, and Denver Broncos in the second tier, citing favorable opponent implied totals and defensive metrics. The Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, and Dallas Cowboys rounded out the third tier, each evaluated against specific matchup factors such as opponent turnover propensity and implied point totals.
Samulski’s full rankings and a video discussion of DST plays are available on the NFL on NBC YouTube channel.