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?
Streaming defenses is one of the best ways to maximize your weekly scoring. 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 likelier to keep playing badly 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 weekly streaming options.
Denver Broncos DEF (28% owned) @ Las Vegas Raiders
We are a quarter of the way through the season and I now feel confident that the Denver Broncos might be one of the best defenses in football. They have the 9th most turnovers, 2nd most sacks, and the 3rd fewest points allowed to opposing teams. Most important of all, they are the number four fantasy defense on the season. So the fact that they are only 28% rostered is nuts. This week, they are playing a Raiders team that is giving up the 5th most fantasy points to opposing defenses, making the Broncos the number one streaming option of week 5.
Chicago Bears DEF (50% owned) @ Carolina Panthers
The fact that the Chicago Bears are available in 50% of fantasy leagues is crazy considering they are the number three fantasy defense on the season. Unlike the Broncos, who were terrible last season, the Bears were considered by many to be an elite defense. Especially by this author. The Bears this season have the 3rd most turnovers, the 8th fewest first downs allowed, and the 8th fewest points allowed. They are also playing an Andy Dalton-led Panthers team that is scoring the 8th fewest points per game. Good defense vs bad offense is always a good decision when streaming defenses.
Seattle Seahawks DEF (35% owned) @ New York Giants
If you can’t get the Broncos or Bears, the Seahawks are a solid third alternative. The Seahawks have the 4th most sacks and 7th fewest first downs allowed, which means they are causing opposing offensive drives to stall. The Giants offense doesn’t need much help stalling drives, with the 6th most turnovers and 4th fewest points scored per game. Most important of all, the Giants are giving up the 6th most fantasy points to opposing defenses, so you can feel confident in starting Seattle this week.
New England Patriots DEF (6% owned) @ Miami Dolphins
If for some unknown reason, all three of the above options aren’t available, New England is a decent floor play. With no Tua, the Miami Dolphins offense is terrible. They have the 4th fewest first downs, the 8th most sacks, the fewest drives ending in a score, and the fewest points scored per game. Basically, the Dolphins offense is offensive to those who like scoring. The Dolphins also give up the 3rd most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. If you need a last minute fill in,
