Streaming Defenses: Week 10 Targets

Nov 08, 2016

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 matchup. 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 seven 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 2015. 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.

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.

Last week, the San Diego Chargers finished with 14 fantasy points against the Titans, putting them on the board as the DST1. Through nine weeks, our suggestions are averaging nearly 10 fantasy points per game.

As always, continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average or rookie QB. Week 10 is here, so let’s take a look at who we’re targeting this week:

New York Jets vs. LA

The Jets welcome a struggling offense in the Rams, in which their fanbase was chanting for the rookie Goff to take over for Case Keenum. Jets are in a good spot at home.

Leonard Williams continues to terrorize QBs. He didn’t have a sack in Week 9, but was a menace towards Miami’s offensive line, producing two QB hits. On the season, he’s notched six sacks and 13 QB hits. Muhammad Wilkerson will also look to get to the QB against the porous Rams offensive line. On the year, Wilkerson has 2.5 sacks and eight QB hits.

Lorenzo Mauldin notched his first sack since Week 3 and three more QB hits. In nine game, with the exception of Week 2, he’s produced QB hits and is providing consistent pressure on the QB.

Marcus Gilchrist leads the secondary in tackles and INTs and has also forced a fumble. Marcus Williams has six defended passes and has turned the ball over three times with two INTs.

The Jets defensive line is producing pressure and pressure leads to sacks and bad throws, which also leads to INTs. Keenum has been sacked 20 times and has thrown an INT in all but two games. The Jets are available in 62 percent of leagues and facing an offense that’s allowing the 2nd most FPA to opposing defenses.