Streaming Defenses: Week 10 Targets

Nov 04, 2014

For those new to Streaming Defenses (also called Defensive Team By Waiver Wire, or DTBWW), the strategy goes like this: Each week, you target a mediocre defense on the waiver wire, looking for a good matchup (i.e. bad quarterback, suspect offensive line, etc.), preferably at home. You will typically get good defensive production without having to burn a semi-valuable pick on draft day. Or if you do draft a defense and they start to disappoint, you can stream the rest of the way.

Note: For more on selecting a defense each week, read Chris Raybon’s excellent piece about what factors go into an attractive defensive matchup. I have come to some of the same conclusions over the years, but he added a few new factors to consider.

I have been writing this streaming feature for five years -- offering readers several available-on-the-waiver-wire defense picks each week -- and they averaged DT5, DT6, DT7, DT10 and DT8 numbers from 2009 to 2013. 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.

Generally, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40% of Yahoo fantasy leagues to be eligible. This ensures that we are talking about defenses that are readily available.

Last week, the Saints (13 fantasy points, DT4) and Ravens (11 FP, DT7) posted good numbers, while the Chiefs (8 FP, DT10), Panthers (8 FP, DT10), Browns (7.5 FP, DT13) and the Vikings (7 FP, DT14) produced serviceable numbers. Only the Redskins (2 FP, DT23) flopped in Week 9.

On the season, these streaming picks have averaged 9.2 FP, which equate to DT7 numbers. Not bad.

Let’s take a look at the top streaming picks for Week 10:

Ravens (vs. TEN)
Baltimore got torched by Ben Roethlisberger and Co., but they still managed 11 FP thanks to a Jacoby Jones return TD, which means they’ve scored 8.5-plus in five of their last six games. This week, they’re hosting a rookie quarterback (Zach Mettenberger) making his second start. Yummy.