Streaming Defenses: Week 13 Targets

Nov 29, 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 New York Giants finished with 23 fantasy points against the Browns, putting them on the board as the DST1. Three of our other streaming options finished with double-digit fantasy points. Through 12 weeks, our suggestions are averaging nearly 11 fantasy points per game.

As always, continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average or rookie QB. Week 13 is here and, unfortunately, we don’t have the Browns to pick on. So let’s take a look at who we’re targeting this week:

Oakland Raiders vs. BUF

The Bills are making the west coast trip to face the surging Raiders whose defense seems to be picking up their play at the right time.

Khalil Mack has gone beast mode as he now has sacks in six straight games and could’ve had more, as he’s also compiled 13 QB hits. Mack is a game changer that takes over a game when he needs to.

Bruce Irvin has been Oakland’s version of Von Miller over the last few weeks. How now has sacks in consecutive games and has an impact at the line of scrimmage with three tackles for a loss. He’s been generating pressure consistently and has also compiled 16 QB hits on the year.

Reggie Nelson leads the Raider secondary in INTs with three, while Sean Smith and David Amerson have combined for four and 25 defended passes.

Tyrod Taylor has been smart with the football but has thrown four INTs and has taken 30 sacks this season. I think the Raiders are an opportunistic defense that can produce in this home matchup against Buffalo. Oakland’s ownership is on the rise, however, they’re still available in 57 percent of leagues.