DFS Army’s Gthom goes over the defenses to stream this week. The defenses to stream listed below are normally found in at least 50-percent of leagues (prior to waivers).
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Nov 26, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Rams D/ST vs Washington Commanders
Available in 83% of Sleeper Leagues
In Washington’s last five games only three teams have allowed more fantasy points above expectation. Additionally, the Commanders allow an average of 12.8-FPPG to opposing D/ST’s. Even when analyzing the last eight weeks, or the whole season, Washington has routinely been a team to stream defenses against.
These poor metrics are highlighted by Washington’s inability to protect the quarterback. Currently they have allowed the second most sacks this season with 58. Washington also turns the ball over at a high rate. So far, they have 23 turnovers and that is the fifth most in the NFL.
While the Rams are nothing to be proud of as a fantasy defense, their match up cannot be ignored given the Commanders sample size of poor performances.
Falcons D/ST @ Carolina Panthers
Available in 69% of Sleeper Leagues
The Panthers’ offense has been horribly bad this year. They average a small, 15.2 points per game (which has shrunk down to 11.3 over their last three) and they failed to score a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints in Week 14. It doesn’t help that Carolina’s 51 sacks allowed are the fourth most in the NFL too.
The Falcons D/ST has scored an average of 7.8 fantasy points over the last five weeks while Carolina has allowed 13.2-FPPG to opposing D/ST’s during that time. Furthermore, when adjusting for schedule the Panthers allow 5.2 fantasy points above expectation to the D/ST position and that is the second worst in the league.
While Atlanta’s defense has not been running hot, the Panthers’ offense has been ice cold. Factoring in that Atlanta is amid a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South, the Falcons should come out ready to shut down a struggling offense.
Colts D/ST vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Available in 60% of Sleeper Leagues
No D/ST in the NFL has scored more fantasy points in their last five games than the Indianapolis Colts, who averaged 12.7-FPPG. Luck has certainly been on their side, but their soft schedule has given their defense a boost as well. This week they are taking on a Mitch Trubisky led Steelers team and it’s tough to project how well the Colts will do.
While the Steelers do a great job at protecting the football and their quarterback, they are tough on opposing defenses allowing 5.3-FPPG across their last three games. When adjusting for schedule, Pittsburgh has allowed -0.8 fantasy points above expectation in their last three. These metrics show that the Colts have their work cut out for them since the Steelers typically keep opposing D/ST’s from scoring high fantasy scores.
While the Colts have been running hot, the Steelers are a well-coached and disciplined team. With Mitch Trubisky being the quarterback, chaos can always present itself and that is why the Colts are a top defense to stream.
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