Streaming Defenses: Week 7 Targets

Oct 20, 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 headed into Week 7 and defenses like the Broncos and Jets have emerged from the stream and are 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 6, the Miami Dolphins finished as DST1 with 24 fantasy points. Through six weeks, our defensive streaming suggestions are averaging 10 fantasy points per week, on par with DST10 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 7:

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)

The Steelers have a tough matchup in Kansas City, but it’s a different team now that Jamaal Charles is no longer part of the offense.

Stephon Tuitt leads the defensive line with 3.5 sacks, while also racking up six QB hits, producing consistent pressure on the QB. Tuitt’s also making an impact in the offensive backfield with five tackles for a loss. Cameron Heyward has two sacks himself and seven QB hits.

Lawrence Timmons heads up an LB group with 44 tackles, a sack and INT. Bud Dupree is also making an impact on the outside with three sacks. This is a tough group that can make plays and rush the QB.

The secondary hasn’t picked off many passes but it’s a group that’s around the ball. Antwon Blake has an INT, as well as five defended passes. Safety Michael Mitchell also has an INT and three defended passes.

The Steelers have 17 sacks, five INTs and four fumble recoveries, so this is a group that’s around the ball. This unit is averaging close to nine points per game and facing a KC squad, that while allowing 7.9 adjusted fantasy points per game to date, aren’t the same offense without Charles.