Streaming Defenses: Week 11 Targets

Nov 15, 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 Baltimore Ravens finished with 14 fantasy points against the Browns, putting them on the board as the DST3. Through 10 weeks, our suggestions are averaging nearly 10 fantasy points per game.

As always, continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average or rookie QB. Week 11 is here, so let’s take a look at who we’re targeting this week:

Pittsburgh Steelers @ CLE

The Browns offense is in a state of flux. Cody Kessler was removed from the Ravens game for Josh McCown and now, no one knows who the starting QB is.

Steelers did suffer a blow with the loss of Cameron Heyward, but there will be plenty of guys to step up in his absence. Stephon Tuitt should have no problem getting to the QB against Cleveland’s soft offensive line. Tuitt got on the board in Week 10 with his first sack and should take advantage of the matchup this week, as well. Javon Hargrave and Daniel McCullers are in line to receive more snaps this week.

Ryan Shazier, although he’s battled injuries, is still making plays around the ball. He’s caused four turnovers and has a sack on the year. Lawrence Timmons leads the team in tackles with 64 and James Harrison is still able to get pressure around the edge.

Artie Burns is one of the defensive backs with an INT and Ross Cockrell has eight defended passes. The secondary has upside this week to produce some turnovers via the pick.

Even though this game is in Cleveland, I have a feeling it’s going to feel like a home game for Pittsburgh. Not sure who the starter will be, but with offensive line issues and the pressure given up by Cleveland’s offensive line, the Steeler defense will have upside for pressure this week. The Browns allow the ninth-most schedule-adjusted fantasy points to opposing defenses. Pittsburgh’s defense is available in 67 percent of leagues.