Defense vs Position (DvP)
What Is Defense vs Position (DvP) in DFS?
Last updated October 29, 2026 by Ship It Nation
Defense vs Position (DvP) measures how much fantasy production a defense allows to players at a particular position. You use its stats or rankings to compare matchups, with scoring rules and adjustment methods varying by source.
Why It Matters
A weak ranking can flag a useful matchup, but raw DvP also reflects opponents faced, available opportunities and a few unusually large games. Check whether the numbers adjust for opponent strength before treating them as defensive ability. Use DvP alongside expected playing time and involvement, rather than letting it turn a low-volume player into a priority.
Example
Say a defense has allowed the most fantasy points per game to tight ends through five games. You check its opponents and find two elite tight ends and one long touchdown inflated the average. A cheap tight end facing that defense still runs few passing routes, so the favorable ranking alone does not make him a strong play.
Before comparing ranks, check which end means the easiest matchup and whether the table reports totals, points per game or production per opportunity.
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Common Questions
Is DvP reliable for picking DFS players?
DvP is useful context, not a standalone prediction. Raw rankings mix defensive performance with opponent quality and opportunity, while adjusted versions depend on their methodology. You still need to check whether the player has the role and expected workload to exploit the apparent weakness.
How many games before DvP becomes useful?
There is no fixed number that makes DvP reliable. More games reduce the influence of individual performances, but schedule strength, injuries and changing defensive personnel can still distort the picture. Check the opponents behind the ranking and whether older games describe the defense you are facing now.
Why do DvP rankings differ between websites?
DvP has no single standardized calculation. Sources can use different scoring systems, date ranges, position assignments and adjustments for opponent strength. Some rank the most generous defense first; others rank the toughest first. Compare the underlying numbers and methodology before interpreting a rank or its color.