Streaming Defenses: Week 14 Targets
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 14, 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 13, Cincinnati finished as a DST6. The Bears were a bit of a letdown as they finished as a DST15. Through 13 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 14:
Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Buffalo Bills)
The Eagles turned in quite a Week 13 performance despite a tough matchup on the road against the Patriots. This week, they get a home tilt with the Bills and this defense is playing above expectations.
Fletcher Cox leads the aggressive defensive line with 5.5 sacks, while also throwing in 13 QB hits and three turnovers. Vinny Curry has also added 3.5 sacks and 12 QB hits.
Brandon Graham has had an impact, not only in the pass rush, but on the line of scrimmage as well. Graham has 10 tackles for a loss and three forced fumbles. Mychal Kendricks is also making plays at the inside, notching three sacks and eight tackles for a loss.
Walter Thurmond leads the team in interceptions with three, and Malcolm Jenkins is the team’s leading tackler with 74.
This an opportunistic defense that remains under-owned. They have 30 sacks and four defensive touchdowns and face a Buffalo offense that can give up big plays to the opposing defense.
