Streaming Defenses: Week 4 Targets

Sep 25, 2018

Generally, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40 percent 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 Cleveland Browns finished with nine fantasy points fantasy points and were the DST10 in most scoring formats. The Dolphins put up eight fantasy points against the Raiders. Our targets averaged nearly five fantasy points in Week 2. Through three weeks, our targets are averaging 8.5 fantasy points per game.

Continue to target a defense with a home matchup who is the favorite facing a team with a low implied team total. We also want to target offenses with a below-average or rookie QB. Week 4 is in our sights, so let's look at the defensive options we're targeting this week.

Top Streaming Picks

Green Bay Packers vs. Buffalo Bills

The Packers welcome the Bills to legendary Lambeau Field. Looking at the early lines for Week 4, Green Bay has been installed as early 10-point favorites.

Green Bay's defensive line won't produce a ton of sacks, but they will be able to generate pressure against the offensive line and open sack opportunities for the edge rushers. Kenny Clark and Mike Daniels are loads up front and can get to the QB when they want to—Clark and Daniels are combining for a 12-percent pressure rate.

Nick Perry and Clay Matthews are their edge rushers, and while they've combined for just a sack (thanks to penalties in Clay's case), they will take advantage of a bad offensive line. Blake Martinez is capable of producing turnovers. Although he has a few defended passes, he was responsible for three turnovers and a sack in 2017. Martinez can make an impact in the boxscore.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is responsible for the lone INT, however, against an inaccurate QB, the whole secondary has upside to add on to their turnover rate in Week 4.

The Packers are among the top-10 in the NFL in pressure rate. Pressure rate can lead to sacks, and against a rookie QB, can lead to bad decisions and INTs. The Bills have an implied total of 17.3, so let's just hope Clay Matthews can avoid another penalty. Through three weeks, the Bills rank 29th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed (aFPA) to opposing defenses.

The Packers defense is available in 71 percent of leagues heading into Week 4.