Streaming Defenses: Week 2 Targets

Sep 13, 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 Philadelphia Eagles finished with 11pts against the Browns, putting them on the board as the DST3.

Continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average or rookie QB. Week 2 is here, so let's look the defensive options:

Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland

It appears that the Browns are missing offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack even more than expected. It seemed the offensive line allowed the Eagles to do whatever they wanted in the pass rush. I’m targeting the Ravens for the same reason.

Brandon Williams is a load at nose tackle and could bring pressure on Cam Erving, who struggled mightily against Fletcher Cox and the rest of the Eagles line. Timmy Jernigan recorded a sack in his first game of the season and should be able to take advantage of the right side of Cleveland’s line.

Terrell Suggs didn’t look like a defender coming off an Achilles’ injury. Even though he managed two tackles in Week 1, he did get that first sack out of the way and was solid in the pass rush all day. Zachary Orr also turned in a solid game from the pass rush, while also notching six tackles.

Eric Weddle should anchor the secondary and should provide some big play ability, while Shareece Wright and Jimmy Smith man the outside.

Robert Griffin III has been placed IR and will miss a minimum of eight games, so Josh McCown is getting the nod. Even with McCown starting, I think Baltimore’s defense still turns in a good outing. This offensive line is struggling without Mack and Schwartz and are one injury from turning to rookie, Cody Kessler.

The Ravens are available in 92% of Yahoo leagues.

Continue reading for three more streaming D's.