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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Oct 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Chargers D/ST @ Arizona Cardinals
Available in 62% of ESPN Leagues
The Chargers have been a great defense so far this season. They allow the fewest points per game at 13.2. They’ve held opponents to the 6th-fewest yards per game and the 8th-fewest yards per play. LA has also been opportunistic on defense, averaging 1.8 takeaways per game and boasting a +1.4 turnover margin per game. Their complementary style of football helps boost their time of possession, limiting opponents’ opportunities to score.
On the other side, the Cardinals have been up-and-down all year. They average a middling 22.2 points per game, ranking 17th in the league, and have allowed 6.5 fantasy points to opposing D/STs. Where the Chargers match up well is in the turnover department. The Cardinals have given the ball away eight times this season, tied for the 8th-most in the NFL.
Colts D/ST vs Miami Dolphins
Available in 73% of ESPN leagues
The Dolphins have allowed opposing fantasy defenses to feast this season. Over their last four games, they are allowing an average of 12.8 fantasy points per game. Fantasy defenses are also scoring well above their expected projections, as the Dolphins are giving up 6.6 fantasy points above expectation.
It doesn’t really matter how good, or bad, the Colts’ defense is. The Dolphins rank 32nd in points per game, 31st in red zone touchdown percentage, 29th in third-down conversions, 28th in yards per play and 26th in sacks allowed. Anytime the Dolphins play without Tua as their quarterback, it’s a green light to start the opposing D/ST.
Jaguars D/ST vs New England Patriots
Available in 83% of ESPN Leagues
There aren’t many good things about the Jaguars this season, especially their defense. Jacksonville allows the 2nd-most points per game to opposing offenses, the 2nd-most yards per game, and a whopping 76.19% red zone touchdown rate. But for Week 7, we’re going to throw out the data and play the matchup.
The Jags will face the New England Patriots and their rookie quarterback, Drake Maye. This will be Maye’s first road start, which historically leads to nerves, poor decision-making, and shaky performances for rookies. In Week 6, Maye started his first-ever NFL game. In that contest, he was sacked four times, threw two interceptions, and fumbled once. Even if Maye improves those metrics by 50%, the Jaguars’ defense should still generate enough fantasy production for their managers.