Streaming Defenses: Week 3 Fantasy Football Targets

Sep 19, 2017

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 readily available.

Last week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers dominated Chicago for 19pts and finished as the DST1 in most formats. The Ravens defense put up 17 on Cleveland and finished as the DST2. Our targets averaged 11 points and, overall, our streaming picks are averaging 12.5 FP/game over the first two weeks.

Continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average or rookie QB. Week 3 is here, so let's look the defensive options we're targeting this week:

Cleveland Browns vs. IND

At this point, I don't care who's playing QB—it won't be Andrew Luck—and for that reason, the Browns are in play this week at Indianapolis. The offense is 'meh' and has scored 22 points in two weeks.

Emmanuel Ogbah and Carl Nassib have been quiet to start the season. A matchup with Indy's offensive line should help them break out of any early season slump they're having. Nassib does at least have a sack on the year. James Burgess is also getting attention on the defensive line.

Christian Kirksey and Jamie Collins have both been utilized in pass rushing schemes. Collins has been lining up as a true SAM linebacker and tasked with getting to the QB. Kirksey is an all-around linebacker, capable of forcing fumbles and making plays at the LOS. Kirksey produced his first sack of the year in Week 2. Joe Schobert is another guy who's capable of making plays in the backfield.

Jason McCourty turned in a big game in Week 2 and showed why Cleveland made a good move in bringing him in. McCourty recorded an INT and defended two other passes in Week 2. Julius Peppers is also a threat around the ball.

The Colts have allowed 10 or more points to opposing defenses in the first two weeks and don't show any signs of turning into any kind of explosive offense. I like Cleveland's chances at a double-digit fantasy point game and are available for free everywhere.

Continue reading for three more streaming defense options, and three deep candidates...