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 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) scores a touchdown catch against Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Eagles D/ST vs Cleveland Browns
Available in 90% of ESPN Leagues
The Eagles defense has been struggling in 2024. They are averaging just 3.5 fantasy points per game, ranking 28th among fantasy defenses. Whether it’s opponents’ points allowed, opponents’ yards per rush, or opponents’ yards per pass, Philly is near the bottom of the league. So, what makes the Eagles a top streaming option in Week 6? Enter the Cleveland Browns.
The Browns are led by their highly paid quarterback, Deshaun Watson, who has struggled mightily over the last few years. In 2024, Watson has been holding the ball far too long, which has contributed to the Browns leading the NFL in sacks allowed with 26—seven more than the next highest team. A deeper dive into the data shows Watson gets sacked on 12.81% of his dropbacks, a staggering rate.
Cleveland ranks last in third-down conversion rate, last in yards per pass, last in expected fantasy points against opposing D/ST’s, 31st in fantasy points allowed to opposing defenses, 30th in passing yards per game, 28th in touchdowns per game, 27th in rushing yards per game, and 27th in completion percentage… Sheesh.
Bears D/ST vs Jacksonville Jaguars
Available in 51% of ESPN Leagues
The Chicago D/ST has started off strong in 2024 for fantasy purposes. They rank 4th in the NFL in fantasy points per game at the D/ST position, averaging 11.4 fantasy points. This success has been driven by their opportunistic play, generating the league’s 3rd most takeaways and tying for the 11th highest number of sacks. Sacks and turnovers are key for fantasy defenses, and with the Jaguars coming to town, the Bears will be a prime play in Week 6.
The Jaguars likely need no introduction in 2024—they’ve been struggling, and much of the blame falls on their offense. They’ve had difficulty scoring points, due in part to a low third-down conversion rate (25.9%) and poor red zone performance, where they’ve only scored a touchdown on 44.4% of their trips. While they’ve played better over their last two games, those matchups were against divisional opponents they know well, with struggling defenses.
The Jaguars are allowing an average of 6.2 fantasy points per game to opposing D/STs, which ranks 18th in the NFL.
Texans D/ST @ New England Patriots
Available in 79% of ESPN Leagues
The Texans’ D/ST will be traveling to New England to face a struggling Patriots offense. The Patriots rank last in red-zone touchdown conversion, and they are 31st in points per game, yards per game, yards per play, sacks allowed, and touchdowns per game. This offense also gives up 3.8 fantasy points above expectation (29th) and allows an average of 10.4 fantasy points to opposing defenses (28th).
As for Houston, their defense has been better at defending the pass than the run. This trend favors New England, who average 4.9 yards per carry and 131.4 rushing yards per game. Despite this, Houston allows the 4th fewest yards per game and has held opposing quarterbacks to a 51.7% completion rate—the lowest mark in the NFL. Additionally, the Texans have logged the 10th most sacks so far, which plays to their advantage since the Patriots get sacked on 11.7% of their dropbacks, the 3rd highest rate in the league.
Either Houston takes care of business and covers their 7-point spread, or New England forces this into a run-first, low scoring, defensive affair. The Houston defense should get fantasy managers there no matter what.
Sleepers
- Chargers D/ST vs Denver Broncos
- Colts D/ST @ Tennessee Titans
- Falcons D/ST @ Carolina Panthers