Streaming Defenses: Week 16 Fantasy Football Targets
Generally, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40% of Yahoo fantasy leagues to be eligible as a streaming option. This ensures we are talking about defenses that are readily available.
Last week, the Detroit Lions were our top scoring defense, scoring 12 fantasy points against the Bears. They finished as the DST6 in most formats. In Week 15, our targets averaged 7.6 points and, overall, our streaming picks are averaging nearly 10 FP/game.
Continue to target a defense facing a below average or rookie QB or making a long road trip. Week 16 is here and for most of you, hopefully, a chance at your league's 'ship. Here are the defenses we're targeting for the upcoming week.
Chicago Bears vs. CLE
The Browns travel to Chicago in hopes of getting their first win of the season. It's going to be tough in Soldier Field and they are facing an under-rated defense capable of getting to the QB.
Akiem Hicks continues to get to the QB consistently. He leads the team in sacks and got to Matthew Stafford in Week 14. He's also contributed 16 QB hits.
Lamarr Houston returned to the defense this season and has already contributed 4 sacks in three games. Danny Trevathan is their defensive captain who is capable of contributing big plays when called on.
Although the secondary hasn't contributed many turnovers, they'll get their chance this week against the INT-prone Deshone Kizer. Eddie Jackson had an INT stolen from Marvin Jones in Week 15, so he's stuck at 2.
The Bears defense is in a good spot against the Browns as they have sack and turnover upside against an offense just playing out the string. Their only weapon is Josh Gordon, and even still, aren't producing many points with him right now. The Bears are available in 76% of leagues and are facing a Browns offense allowing the second-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to defenses.
Arizona Cardinals vs. NYG
The Cardinals welcome the woeful Giants to the desert. The Giants offense has been average, at best, and the Cardinals are shaping up to be a decent streaming option for Week 16.
Olsen Pierre is second on the team with 4.5 sacks and has 3 sacks in the last 6 games. The defensive line ties up the offensive line at the point of attack, allowing the linebackers to get to the QB and make plays.
Chandler Jones leads the way in sacks with 14, while also chipping in 27 QB hits. Karlos Dansby leads the team in tackles and has contributed a few big plays for the defense.
Patrick Peterson is shutting down opposing teams' top receivers. Antoine Bethea has 3 INTs, while Tyrann Mathieu has produced 2 himself from the slot. Budda Baker is another playmaking safety.
The Cardinals have enough playmakers, especially Jones, to produce fantasy points. The Giants aren't playing for much and look to just finish their miserable season. Arizona is available in 56% of leagues this week.
Washington Redskins vs. DEN
The Broncos have lost Trevor Siemian for the season, so the Redskins will tackle the Brock-ness monster, Brock Osweiler this week. Redskins have capable playmakers and the Broncos are making the trip east.
Anthony Lanier and Matt Ioannidis are probably two names you've barely heard of. They've combined for 7.5 sacks and 23 QB hits.
Ryan Kerrigan leads the team in sacks and has also contributed 12 QB hits. Preston Smith leads the team in QB hits with 16 and is generating a 12% pressure rate. Zach Brown missed Week 15, so let's hope he's ready to go in Week 16. He leads the team in tackles and is a contributor of big plays.
Josh Norman doesn't have an INT because opposing QBs tend to stay away from him. Kendall Fuller leads the team in INTs and Beshaud Breeland has contributed 14 defended passes.
Denver continues to hand out fantasy points like Santa hands out candy canes. Denver's offensive line is having issues in pass protection and Osweiler can be wildly inaccurate. Denver ranks last in aFPA to opposing defenses and the Redskins are available in 66% of leagues.
Carolina Panthers vs. TB
I'm a bit surprised the Panthers aren't owned in more leagues. As long as Luke Kuechly is healthy, it's a defense capable of getting to the QB and causing turnovers.
Mario Addison has sacks in three straight, while Julius Peppers has contributed sacks in two of his last three games. Both Addison and Peppers have 9.5 sacks. Kawaan Short is also getting to the QB, producing 6 sacks and an 11% pressure rate.
Luke Kuechly is the heart and soul of the defense and has notched over 100 tackles while also contributing big plays across the stat sheet, including 3 INTs (which leads the team).
Mike Adams leads the secondary with 2 INTs and the group, as a whole, has struggled to produce INTs since they lost Josh Norman. James Bradberry and Daryl Worley each have 9 defended passes.
In their first go around, Carolina limited Tampa to just 3 points and also pitched in 2 INTs and 3 sacks. Tampa is allowing the 13th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to to opposing defenses and the Panthers defense is available in 55% of leagues.
Other Considerations
Cleveland Browns @ CHI - The Browns are also in play against the Bears who can struggle to score points. Mitchell Trubisky is INT prone.
New York Giants @ ARI - The Giants defense is now in play with Drew Stanton at QB. Olivier Vernon and Jason Pierre-Paul can get to the QB. Darian Thompson is a ball-hawking safety capable of producing turnovers.
