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.
Week Five Defense Streamers
Tampa Bay DEF (7% owned) @ New Orleans
On the year, Tampa Bay has been a top ten overall defense, yet are only owned in 7% of leagues. This is because people are remembering Tampa Bay’s defense last year. But on the season, they have eleven sacks, four interceptions, five fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns. They’ve given up a fair amount of points, but this week they are playing a Teddy Bridgewater-led Saints team that is playing on a short week. I like their chances of having a strong performance.
San Francisco DEF (35% owned) @ Cleveland
The undefeated San Francisco 49ers (this is weird to say) have gotten that way on the backs of a pretty solid defense. Even with their bye week, they are still a top-ten fantasy defense. And on Monday night, they will be playing a Cleveland Browns team that is giving up the 7th most fantasy points to opposing defenses. Cleveland’s offensive line looks terrible and in four games, Baker Mayfield has six interceptions. San Francisco’s defense, on the year, has five interceptions. This is a great match-up on paper for the 49ers.
Houston DEF (46% owned) @ Atlanta
Atlanta is pretty terrible right now, giving up the 9th most fantasy points to opposing defenses. While the Texans defense hasn’t been much to write home about this season, they have the talent to exploit a spiraling Atlanta offense. If I needed a defensive streamer for week five, and Tampa Bay or San Francisco wasn’t available, the Texans would be at the top of my list.
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