Streaming Defenses: Week 6 Targets

Oct 11, 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 Buffalo Bills finished with 17 fantasy points against the Rams, putting them on the board as the DST1. Through five weeks, our suggestions are averaging 8 fantasy points per game.

Continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average QB/rookie. Week 6 is here, so let's look the defensive options:

Tennessee Titans vs. CLE

We took the week off from picking on Cleveland, mainly because it was New England and they were already a highly owned defense.

Jurrell Casey recorded his first two sacks of the year in Week 5 while adding two QB hits. On the year, he’s tallied nine total QB hits and has been a pressure monster all season. He’ll continue to be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

The Titans possess a big play linebacker that could continue to make their mark in Week 6 in Brian Orakpo. Orakpo notched two sacks in Week 5 and has sacks in four straight games and is consistently getting to the backfield to pressure the QB. Avery Williamson is also around the ball, capable of making plays.

Even though Perrish Cox can be picked on, he has two INTs and four defended passes, so he can make a play when called upon. Jason McCourty also recorded his first INT of the year, as well.

As of now, the Browns don’t have a starting QB, as Cody Kessler suffered an injury in Week 5. Now, their starting LG, Joel Bitonio, is out for an extended period of time which gives a boost to the Titans' pass rush. Cleveland's allowing nearly 10 points per game to opposing defenses on the year. The Titans are owned in just 6 percent of leagues, so they should be readily available.