Streaming Defenses: Week 9 Targets

Nov 03, 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 with the great match-up.

This practice is commonly known as streaming defenses. Every week, you target a mediocre defense with 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 9 and defenses like the Broncos and Cardinals 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 8, three of our targets produced top-10 numbers; Houston (DST1), Kansas City (DST3) and Dallas (DST10). Through eight weeks, our defensive streaming suggestions are averaging nine 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 9:

Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Cleveland Browns)

The Bengals have been waiting for this game since last year, when the Browns embarrassed them on national television. The Browns are coming into this game battered and in disarray.

Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins are putting pressure on the QB consistently, as they’ve produced double-digit QB hits and 11.5 sacks between them. Michael Johnson is another linemen who can bring pressure, recording eight hits and two sacks.

Vincent Rey leads the team in tackles and has produced a turnover and can cover well, as he also has three defended passes. The Bengals also got back playmaker Vontaze Burfict back.

Reggie Nelson leads the team with three INTs, and Adam Jones has two. The matchup for the secondary will get better if Johnny Manziel gets the start.

The Bengals, as a defensive unit, have eight INTs and 20 sacks, so they can make the big plays. The Browns don’t have any playmakers on offense and are severely outmatched. Cleveland is 30th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to opposing defenses.