Streaming Defenses: Week 4 Targets

Sep 27, 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 12pts against the Colts, putting them on the board, as a DST9. Through three weeks, our suggestions are averaging 6 fantasy points per game.

Continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average or rookie QB. Week 4 is here, so let's look the defensive options:

Washington Redskins vs. CLE

In the obvious pick of the week, I’m going with the Redskins in a home matchup against the Browns. Redskins possess a solid defense and should be able to make things uncomfortable the visiting Browns.

The defensive line is plugging the holes, allowing the linebacker group to make plays and rush the QB. Chris Baker is the defensive linemen leading the way at the pass rush. He’s notched a sack and two QB hits, while also forcing a fumble in the first three games.

The linebackers are the group making the plays. Trent Murphy already has three sacks and has also produced five QB hits, so he’s getting to the QB consistently. If he’s around the ball, he’s going to try and punch it out, as he has two forced fumbles. Ryan Kerrigan has two sacks and five tackles for loss. The Browns offensive line is going to have issues with this group.

Josh Norman is the big name in the secondary, and although he doesn’t have an INT, he has seven defended passes. He’ll be trouble for the Browns receivers.

Cody Kessler is going to have trouble passing on Josh Norman, and even with Terrelle Pryor in the mix, it’s going to be hard to get anything going on offense. Fantasy defenses are averaging 10 points per game against the Cleveland offense.

Washington is owned in just 8 percent of Yahoo leagues.