Streaming Defenses: Week 4 Targets

Sep 29, 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 that has the great match-up.

This practice is commonly known as streaming defenses. Every week, you target a mediocre defense that has 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.

This early in the season, you want to see which defense has the best matchup. Is that defense playing a below average QB and are they at home? As the season rolls on, hopefully one of these defenses can emerge to become an every week play.

In Week 3, the Minnesota Vikings finished as DT5 with 15 fantasy points. Through three weeks, our defensive streaming suggestions are averaging nine fantasy points per week, on par with DT10 numbers, which isn't bad considering Week 1's targets performed horribly.

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 4:

Green Bay Packers (vs. San Francisco 49ers)

The Packers have given up points, since so many teams are throwing on this team late to play catch up. However, there are plenty of playmakers that can help the defense compile fantasy points.

The defensive line consists of Mike Daniels, who has sacks in consecutive weeks, and B.J. Raji is a beast up front, capable to producing pressure or stuffing the run, which could lead to forced fumbles. Datone Jones is another linemen capable of producing pressure.

The Packer linebacking group is one of the best at compiling sacks, led by Clay Matthews, who had two himself in Week 3. Mike Neal and Jayrone Elliott are also pass rush specialists on the outside.

Sam Shields leads the cornerback group and the safeties are capable of producing turnovers, as well.

The 49ers are 28th in aFPA to opposing defenses, allowing 11 adjusted fantasy points per game to opposing defenses.