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NFL · Defense/Special Teams (DST)

What Is Defense/Special Teams (DST) in NFL DFS?

Last updated October 18, 2026 by Ship It Nation

Defense/Special Teams (DST) is a roster selection representing one NFL team's combined defense and special teams, rather than an individual player. It earns fantasy points through sacks, takeaways, defensive and return touchdowns, and other plays, with adjustments for points allowed.

Why It Matters

A good real-life defense is not automatically the best DFS choice: salary, opposing quarterback tendencies and opportunities to pressure the passer matter. An opponent forced to throw can create sacks and turnovers even in a high-scoring game. Defensive touchdowns are difficult to predict, so weigh those opportunities against cost rather than chasing last week's score.

Example

Say a $2,700 DST faces a quarterback who takes frequent sacks behind an injured offensive line. On DraftKings, three sacks and two interceptions earn seven points, while 10 points allowed add four, bringing the total to 11. Returning one of those interceptions for a touchdown adds another six points, producing 17 without needing a shutout.

Pro tip

Compare what a DST upgrade costs elsewhere in your lineup. If paying more forces you off an important offensive role, check whether a cheaper defense offers a credible path through sacks and turnovers.

Hear Us Break It Down

Hand-picked moments from our free live streams where our hosts break down this term.

Why you do not have to pair your running back with his DST You can pair a running back with his team's DST when both fit your lineup's expected game script, but the pairing is not mandatory. You prioritize scoring potential rather than forcing that combination. “You need the people that are going to score the most points.” NFL · Saturday, Oct 17 1:24:38 ▶ Why low ownership alone does not make a defense worth playing You weigh the opposing quarterback before choosing a DST just to be different. The argument against targeting Patrick Mahomes is that weaker quarterbacks offer better matchups, even though an unexpected defensive touchdown can still happen. NFL · Sunday, Oct 4 53:22 ▶
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SUN 10/18 “And to be honest, I don't think either team defense is really good, so I expect a lot of points and.” 9:59 ▶ SUN 10/11 “Guys out there and Jordan Love actually looked fairly confident back there because he had some bodies that could actually give them more than a half a second to throw the fucking football which was nice so yeah hopefully hopefully that can...” 10:43 ▶ SAT 10/10 “And so it's weird to like, my leverage lane is play the Detroit DST.” 1:38:49 ▶ SUN 10/4 “All right, let's move over to DST.” 51:45 ▶ SAT 10/3 “If you go Derrick Henry, for example, you have $4,300 remaining for wide receiver tight end flex DST.” 52:22 ▶ THU 10/1 “A lot of people like to do the running back DST correlation thing even on showdown.” 56:06 ▶ SAT 9/26 “And so many people just kind of view the DST position as a throwaway.” 1:22:10 ▶ MON 9/21 “Does it take luck with a DST to get that many points out of them?” 24:06 ▶ SUN 9/20 “And then the other guy that I would have interest in is Taequann Thornton in those DST ranges just because he had seventy three percent.” 51:55 ▶ SUN 9/20 “But it's DST that we play in the STs for special teams.” 1:22:33 ▶

Common Questions

How much should you spend on DST in NFL DFS?

There is no fixed amount you should spend. Compare cheaper defenses with realistic sack and turnover opportunities before paying up. A more expensive unit can be worthwhile, but its advantage must justify the offensive upgrades you give up to afford it.

Can a DST score negative fantasy points?

Yes. On DraftKings, the points-allowed component falls to minus four when a DST is charged with 35 or more points allowed. If sacks, takeaways and other scoring plays do not offset that deduction, your defense finishes with a negative fantasy score.

Is there a DST roster spot in college football DFS?

No, not in DraftKings' standard college football Classic format. You select offensive players rather than a team defense. Defensive matchups still matter when evaluating those players, but you cannot roster a college defense to collect points for its sacks or interceptions.

Every term we use on the shows, explained Written for the sport you play, with the moments where we use them.
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