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 ESPN leagues (prior to waivers).
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Sep 6, 2024; Sao Paulo, BRA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) runs during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Neo Quimica Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Packers D/ST @ Tennessee Titans
Available in 94% of ESPN Leagues
After a gutsy performance against the Colts, the Packers look like a defense worth streaming in Week 3. Through two games, the Packers D/ST has averaged nine fantasy points per game. They’ve recorded three sacks but have been elite in securing turnovers. In contrast, Tennessee has allowed an average of 17.5 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses.
The Titans’ roster includes quarterback Will Levis, who currently leads the NFL with five turnovers. This bodes well for the Packers, who are leading the league with six takeaways. Sacks are also an issue for Tennessee; the Titans have allowed seven sacks, tied for the sixth-most in the NFL.
Seahawks D/ST vs Miami Dolphins
Available in 46% of ESPN Leagues
Through two games, the Seahawks have filled the stat sheet on defense. They’ve recorded one fumble recovery, two interceptions, and five sacks. Fantasy managers love to see these numbers, especially when a juicy matchup arises—this week, it’s against the Miami Dolphins.
Due to Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion in Week 2, the Dolphins will be forced to roll out Skylar Thompson. The backup quarterback has only started two games in his career, and he didn’t finish one of them due to injury. His stat lines for the two contests were: no touchdowns, 7-for-13 passing for 89 yards (injured game); and no touchdowns, 20-for-31 passing for 152 yards.
Given the matchup and the Seahawks’ defensive performance so far, fantasy managers should confidently start the Seahawks D/ST in Week 3.
Buccaneers D/ST vs Denver Broncos
Available in 97% of ESPN Leagues
Broncos starting quarterback Bo Nix has not had a strong start with his new team. Through two games, his offense has committed a league-leading five turnovers (four of which were Nix’s interceptions). Additionally, Denver is struggling to move the ball and score points. The team averages just 0.5 touchdowns per game, 4.2 yards per play, 13 first downs per game, and 13 points per game—metrics that are among the worst in the league.
The Buccaneers D/ST has underperformed this fantasy season, scoring only two fantasy points per game. However, much of that could change when they face a rookie quarterback making his second-ever road start in the NFL. Rookies often struggle on the road, and Nix is likely to continue that trend against the Bucs in Week 3.
Raiders D/ST vs Carolina Panthers
Available in 96% of ESPN Leagues
The Raiders will be hosting the Carolina Panthers, who have been embarrassingly bad in 2024. So much so that they had to bench their starting quarterback, who was drafted first overall in 2023.
Backup quarterback Andy Dalton will now be the starter for Carolina. While the Panthers may show some improvement on offense, Dalton is not a significant upgrade. The former TCU Horned Frog averages one turnover per game over his career.
Carolina averages 3.5 yards per play, with only the Chicago Bears performing worse. They average nine total first downs per game and have logged just 0.5 touchdowns per game—both the worst in the league. It’s no wonder the Panthers have allowed 12.5 fantasy points per game to opposing defenses.
Sleepers
- Bears D/ST @ Indianapolis Colts
- Colts D/ST vs Chicago Bears
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