If you read my article on playing the waiver wire game, you know that it is an essential part of winning your fantasy football league. If you haven’t read it, what are you waiting for? I just told you it’s an essential part of winning your fantasy football league! Why do you hate winning?
One of the best ways to maximize your weekly scoring is to stream defenses. This strategy is simple – we aren’t as concerned about good defenses, so much as finding defenses that are playing terrible offenses. Bad offenses are more likely to keep playing bad, because if they knew how to be good, they would already be good. Because of this flawless logic, I will be pointing out the best streaming options on a weekly basis.
Los Angeles Chargers DEF (67% owned)
I’m throwing the Chargers out there, because I think a lot of people will have dropped them after their abysmal week fifteen performance against the Kansas City Chiefs. While I understand being hesitant about the Chargers, it is worth noting they had a tough match-up. The Kansas City Chiefs have given up the 3rd fewest points to opposing defenses. This week, they are playing a New York Jets team that is giving up the 10th most fantasy points to opposing defenses. And they were a favorable match-up with Josh McCown at quarterback. With Bryce Petty at quarterback, I expect this to be an even more favorable match-up.
Chicago DEF (27% owned)
I have heard it bandied about that the Chicago Bears are a top choice as a defensive option in week sixteen. Considering that they are playing the Cleveland Browns, how could they not be? An interesting fact about Hue Jackson is that his last two wins as a head coach have been on Christmas Eve. Dec. 24, 2011, he beat the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime 16-13. Last year, on Dec. 24th, Hue Jackson beat the San Diego Chargers 20-17. Am I saying Hue Jackson is going to three-peat his Christmas miracle? I’m not sure I could ever feel comfortable guaranteeing a Cleveland Browns victory. But I do think that it is incredibly difficult to go winless in football. And it isn’t like the Chicago Bears are that much better at playing football. I think streaming the Chicago Bears defense is a riskier play than it is being given credit for. I would avoid them in the championship round.
Detroit DEF (59% owned)
If you are looking for a defensive option against an Ohio team that has given up hope, might I recommend the Detroit Lions? If you’ve watched the Cincinnati Bengals recently, you have seen a team that looks absolutely defeated. On top of that, the Detroit Lions need to win out to have a chance at the playoffs. This might end up being the best defensive streaming option of the week. All it requires is the belief that the Detroit Lions can somehow close the deal on a playoff run without shooting themselves in the foot.
Bonus: Washington (35% owned)
Since I provided two defensive streaming options that are over 50% owned and a third option to avoid, I feel it would be lax on my part not to provide a very respectable streaming option available in most leagues. The Washington Redskins are just such an option. The big question in Denver is whether Brock Osweiler or Paxton Lynch will be starting at quarterback. What is not in question is who has the advantage. Whether Osweiler starts or Lynch starts, Washington’s defense is the clear winner.
