Streaming Defenses: Week 12 Targets

Nov 24, 2015

When it comes to drafting a defense, I’m not someone to start the run. I’d rather wait until the end of the draft and play the defense with the great match-up. This practice is commonly known as streaming defenses. Every week, you target a mediocre defense with a great matchup against a weak QB or offensive line.

We have been writing this streaming feature for six years -- offering readers several available-on-the-waiver-wire defense picks each week -- and they averaged DT5, DT6, DT7, DT10, DT8 and DT7 numbers from 2009 to 2014. Generating top 10 DT numbers off the waiver wire allows fantasy owners to basically ignore the position on draft day, instead focusing on more important areas during the draft.

We’re now headed into Week 12, and defenses like the Broncos, Jets and Cardinals have emerged from the stream and are weekly starters. If you’re still streaming, target a defense playing a below average QB. A home match-up is nice, but not absolute.

In Week 11, all five of our targets produced top-10 DST numbers; Tennessee (DST9), Atlanta (DST9), Dallas (DST7), Baltimore (DST5) and Houston (DST10). Through 11 weeks, our defensive streaming suggestions are averaging nine fantasy points per week, on par with DST10 numbers.

Generally, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40% of Yahoo fantasy leagues to be eligible. This ensures we are talking about defenses that are readily available.

Now, let’s take a look at the defensive targets for Week 12:

Cleveland Browns (vs. Baltimore Ravens)

Week 11 finds the Browns defense in an advantageous position. Joe Flacco was lost for the season with a torn ACL, which leaves everyone’s favorite turnover prone QB Matt Schaub to start.

Desmond Bryant leads the defensive line and has recorded three sacks and nine QB hits this season. He’s had an impact in the run game as well, recording four tackles for a loss and 10 tackles total in the run game.

Armonty Bryant has been the big play linebacker, notching 3.5 sacks and eight QB hits. He’s also produced two turnovers and has been a nice surprise for the defense this year. Karlos Dansby has produced three turnovers himself, including three INTs.

The secondary has missed Joe Haden, but Tashaun Gipson has produced two INTs, while Tramon Williams has been a solid cover corner capable of picking a pass off at any time.

I like the home matchup for the Browns this week, who should limit the points and produce some big plays. Instead of Joe Flacco and Justin Forsett, it’ll be Matt Schaub and Javorious Allen. Although they only have 16 total sacks, they have nine fumble recoveries. Baltimore might be 5th in aFPA to opposing defenses, but that was pre-Schaub.