Streaming Defenses: Week 7 Targets

Oct 16, 2018

Last week, the New York Jets finished with 13 fantasy points fantasy points and were the DEF6 in most scoring formats. Through six weeks, our streaming targets are averaging 8.7 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 7 is in our sights, so let's look at the defensive options we're targeting this week.

Top Streaming Picks

Indianapolis Colts vs. Buffalo Bills

Let's hope the Colts get some key defensive pieces back this week, but it may not matter because of Buffalo's QB situation.

The Colts are hoping to get back Margus Hunt, but they still have Jabaal Sheard. Sheard leads the defensive line in pressures generated and is producing a 10.6 percent pressure rate. Kemeko Turay has been a surprise, creating an 11.7 percent pressure rate while converting three into sacks.

Darius Leonard returned last week and is their defensive captain and leading tackler. He's also been responsible for four sacks.

Malik Hooker is their deep safety who is capable of turning the ball over. He recorded his first INT of 2018 and should be able to take advantage of Nathan Peterman's affinity for throwing to the other team.

The Colts are early 5.5 home favorites and the Bills just aren't scoring any points. Buffalo is 32nd in schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed (aFPA) to opposing defenses.

The Colts defense is available 94 percent of leagues.

Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

I like the home matchup for this Redskins defense against a one-dimensional Cowboy offense.

Matt Ioannidis leads the defense in sacks, while Jonathan Allen and Da'Ron Payne aren't too far behind with two each. They've been a stout duo up front. Allen is getting to the QB and is generating an eight percent pressure rate, which isn't a bad rate for a 0-technique nose tackle.

Ryan Kerrigan's sack number is surprisingly low (one), but is still generating a double-digit pressure rate (11.5 percent).

DJ Swearinger is a big play safety who is capable of generating turnovers and will blitz when called upon. Swearinger recorded his first sack in Week 6 and also has two INTs on the year. Swearinger is making a play on the ball nearly 60 percent of the time he's targeted with an INT or defended pass.

If the Redskins can contain Zeke Elliott, the secondary can take the receivers out of the game completely. The Redskins are early three-point favorites and the Cowboys are currently 16th in aFPA to opposing defenses.

Washington's defense is available in 94 percent of leagues.