Streaming Defenses: Week 13 Targets

Dec 01, 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 13, 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 matchup is nice, but not absolute.

In Week 12, our top target, Cleveland finished as a DST7. Through 12 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 13:

Chicago Bears (vs. San Francisco 49ers)

Chicago has been an average defense all season, but a plus matchup with the 49ers is on the horizon for Week 13.

Jarvis Jenkins has been a surprise this season for the defensive line, recording 3.5 sacks and eight QB hits. Willie Young has also recorded three sacks and a turnover.

Pernell McPhee has been a pressure monster at outside linebacker with five sacks and 14 QB hits. Lamarr Houston also has five sacks himself and 10 QB hits.

The secondary doesn’t turn the ball over much, but they defend the pass well. Tracy Porter has been responsible for two turnovers and 10 defended passes.

They have 22 sacks as a unit and face a 49er team that’s 28th in aFPA to opposing defenses.