Fantasy Football: Week 15 Kicker and Defense Rankings

MIAMI, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Getting a touchdown from your defense can win you a fantasy football playoff game. The same is true for a big performance from your kicker.

If you have been preparing correctly for the post season, you might already have great matchups from those units on the schedule this week. If you haven't, there are still plenty of great options available on the waiver wire.

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 15. You can also view my add/drops for the week and more positional rankings in the links below.

TOP SHELF

The Kansas City Chiefs continue to be one of fantasy football's top defensive/special teams units. In Week 15, the Chiefs host the Tennessee Titans at Arrowhead Stadium. Arrowhead Stadium brings a huge advantage to the Chiefs, a unit that has allowed more than 21 points at home just once this season.

I expect Cairo Santos to stay busy Sunday against the Titans. With the Chiefs' defense dominating, I expect plenty of possessions for the home team, with several attempts from Santos. Santos has not attempted a field goal since Week 12, but he should rebound here.

SNEAKY PLAYS

With the Los Angeles Rams heading into the jaws of the 12th man, it will be impossible to bench the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15. The Green Bay Packers blasted the Seahawks in Week 14, but I expect a rebound against a Rams unit it held to nine points in Week 2. Last week, the Atlanta Falcons had two defensive scores, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions against the Rams.

Dustin Hopkins is another kicker booked for a big workload. With Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins excelling offensively, I can see several extra point attempts against a struggling Carolina Panthers unit. I also see Hopkins legging a few out from long range when the Redskins go three-and-out. Hopkins has multiple field goals in eight of his 13 starts.

LONG SHOTS

The Falcons are worthy of a streaming play. This week, the Falcons host the turnover prone San Francisco 49ers. After its huge Week 14 performance, the Falcons are rewarded with Colin Kaepernick. During its current 12-game losing-streak, the 49ers haven't scored more than 24 points since Week 2.

Will Lutz is a good option for Week 15 because of his weather circumstances. While other kickers might have to deal with snow, the New Orleans Saints' leg is facing the Cardinals in Arizona. I expect this game to have its fair share of scoring. Clean snaps and holds should help Lutz connect on his field goal attempts. Lutz hit three field goals last week and has multiple successful attempts in three of his last four games.