Fantasy Football: Week 16 Kicker and Defense Rankings

MIAMI, Dec. 21 (UPI) -- Streaming defenses and kickers has become the way to go when it comes to fantasy football.

Only rookie owners waste early round draft picks on those lineup slots. But if you have been streaming those positions, you might have found a consistent weekly option. If you have yet to find that, have no fear, there are more streaming options available here.

To help you figure out who to sit or start at the position, take a look at my top 20 defense/special teams units and top 15 kickers for Week 16. You can also view my add/drops for the week and more positional rankings in the links below.

TOP SHELF

Quarterback Bryce Petty brings the New York Jets to Foxborough. The Christmas Eve matchup helps move the New England Patriots into my No. 2 defense this week. The Patriots have allowed more than 25 points just once this season and have forced eight turnovers in his last four games. Petty has thrown six interceptions, fumbled once, and been sacked 11 times in his last four games.

Dan Bailey is my top kicker this week. The Dallas Cowboys special teamer has had a busy leg lately, with six field goal attempts and two extra points last week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. More importantly, Bailey will be indoors again for Monday Night Football's matchup against the Detroit Lions.

SNEAKY PLAYS

The Green Bay Packers host the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field Saturday and are my No. 5 option for Week 16. The Packers have forced 10 turnovers in its last two games. Dom Capers' defense has limited its opponents to 13 points or fewer in three of its last four games. Since allowing 89 points to the Tennessee Titans and Washington Redskins, the Packers have held its last four opponents to 63 points combined.

Houston Texans kicker Nick Novak faces the Cincinnati Bengals at 8:25 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Novak has connected for nine field goals and two extra points in his last two games. I expect plenty more opportunities for him in this spot, behind a refreshed Texans offense and new quarterback Tom Savage.

LONG SHOTS

The New York Giants have an NFC East road match Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles. This matchup makes the Giants my No. 8 defense for Week 16. Since allowing 24 points to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13, the Giants have held the Cowboys and Lions to seven and six points, respectively. The G-Men also have forced nine turnovers in its last four games.

Graham Gano and the Carolina Panthers battle the Atlanta Falcons on Christmas Eve in an NFC South skirmish. Gano has been one of the hottest kickers as of late, connecting for eight field goals and four extra points in his last two games. I have Gano as a starting option again this week, where he could make the difference in your championship game.