Streaming Defenses: Week 5 Targets

Oct 02, 2018

Last week, the Green Bay Packers finished with 23 fantasy points fantasy points and were the DST1 in most scoring formats. Through four weeks, our streaming targets are averaging 8.5 fantasy points per game.

This week, you will want to continue targeting defenses with home matchups who are favorited and facing teams with low implied team totals. We also want to target offenses with a below-average or rookie QB.

Generally, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40 percent of Yahoo fantasy leagues to be eligible as a streaming option. This ensures we are talking about defenses that are readily available. Week 5 is in our sights, so let's look at the defensive options we're targeting this week.

Top Streaming Picks

Carolina Panthers vs. New York Giants

If the Panthers were dropped because of the bye week, you should race out to pick them up. They have a favorable matchup at home against the Giants, according to our Defensive SOS tool.

Mario Addison is an underrated pass rusher capable of getting to the quarterback. He's already notched three sacks in the Panthers' first three games. Efe Obada made an impact just before the bye week, recording a sack and an 18.8 percent pressure rate in Week 3.

Luke Kuechly is the captain of the defense and is always around the ball. When he makes a tackle, he's looking to punch the ball loose. Shaq Thompson can make plays around the ball and rush the passer. On just 26 pass rush snaps, Thompson has recorded five total QB pressures and a sack.

Donte Jackson leads the secondary in interceptions and is making a play on the ball 35 percent of the time he's thrown at. Carolina brought in safety Eric Reid during the bye week. He's an in-the-box safety capable of producing turnovers.

The Panthers are a well-rounded defense capable of putting up fantasy points via sacks or turnovers. The Giants represent a favorable matchup as they travel to Bank of America Stadium. An early look at Week 5 shows the Panthers installed as 6.5 point favorites with New York's implied team total hovering around 19. The Giants are 31st in aFPA to opposing defenses.