Streaming Defenses: Week 6 Targets

Oct 13, 2015

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 that has the great match-up.

This practice is commonly known as streaming defenses. Every week, you target a mediocre defense that has a great matchup against a weak QB or offensive line. We have been writing this streaming feature for six 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 2014. 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.

We’re moving along in the season and defenses like the Broncos have emerged from the stream and are now weekly starters. If you’re still streaming, target a defense that is playing a below average QB. A home match-up is nice, but not absolute.

In Week 5, the Atlanta Falcons finished as DT8 with 12 fantasy points. Through five weeks, our defensive streaming suggestions are averaging nine fantasy points per week, on par with DT10 numbers.

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.

Now, let’s take a look at the defensive targets for Week 6:

New York Jets (vs. Washington Redskins)

I am very surprised to see the Jets aren’t more heavily owned.. They are getting back an integral part of the defensive line and have a nice matchup against the Redskins.

That integral lineman is Sheldon Richardson. He’s coming back from a four-game suspension and will practice this week. It will be interesting to see how his snaps and role are handled. The line is getting sacks, and Muhammad Wilkerson, Leonard Williams and Damon Harrison can get pressure on the QB and stuff the run.

David Harris and Demario Davis are always around the ball, either forcing fumbles, defending passes or getting sacks. Harris has two sacks, and Davis is generating pressure as well.

The secondary is responsible for six INTs, including two from Darrelle Revis and Marcus Williams. Calvin Pryor has an INT and has 23 tackles and a forced fumble.

The Jets are averaging just over 10 fantasy points per game, and even though the Redskins are 21st in aFPA to defenses, the Jets have ability to make plays and get to the QB.