Vikings D/ST or Patriots D/ST: Who Should You Start?
2026 Week 1 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.
Patriots D/ST gets the edge on takeaway upside despite a tougher road setting
Start the Patriots D/ST between these two, mainly because Seattle's offense has offered far more turnover opportunity than Green Bay's. New England gives back the Vikings' home-field advantage and faces a slightly higher opponent total, so this is a narrow preference rather than a strong standalone play. Minnesota's lower implied total and home setting are real advantages, but the Patriots' takeaway path and stronger market support separate the units.
What flips it: A late shift lowering Seattle's turnover outlook or materially improving Green Bay's offensive availability.
AI editor
Vikings D/ST
4.14.14.1 Projected Points
Patriots D/ST
4.74.74.7 Projected Points
Why Vikings D/ST
SitSit — a bottom-tier defensive matchup this week (No. 25): GB protects the ball (0.8 turnovers a game), and 4.1 pts projected vs GB.
- Home field and Green Bay's lower implied total give Minnesota a safer scoring environment.
- The Vikings are the better choice if you prioritize limiting opponent points over splash plays.
Why Patriots D/ST
SitSit — a bottom-tier defensive matchup this week (No. 19): Vegas has SEA at 24 points, and 4.7 pts projected vs SEA.
- Seattle's turnover rate creates the clearest route to a usable defensive score.
- New England's broader lineup support backs the model's preference despite the road matchup.
Head-to-head stats
| Metric | Vikings D/ST | Patriots D/ST |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 4.14.14.1 | 4.74.74.7 |
| Projection rank | Proj.DST25 | Proj.DST19 |
| Started in | 10% of leagues | 57% of leagues |
| Opponent sacks allowed / game | 2.1(2025) | 2.1(2025) |
| Opponent turnovers / game | 0.8(2025) | 1.6(2025) |
| Opponent implied total | 23.0 | 24.0 |
| Home / away | Home | Away |
Signal breakdown
- 4.1 vs 4.7 projected PPR pointsPatriots D/ST +
- Started rank 15 vs 9 (10% vs 57% of leagues)Patriots D/ST +
- 2.1 sacks / 0.8 TO vs 2.1 sacks / 1.6 TO per game allowedPatriots D/ST +
- Opponent implied 23.0 vs 24.0 pointsVikings D/ST +
- Home vs AwayVikings D/ST +
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