Defensive Team By Waiver Wire (DTBWW): Week 4

Sep 25, 2012

For those of you new to Defensive Team By Waiver Wire (DTBWW), the strategy goes like this: Each week, you target a mediocre defense on the waiver wire, looking for a good matchup, preferably at home. You will typically get good defensive production without having to burn a semi-valuable pick on draft day. Or if you do draft a DT and they start to disappoint, you can use DTBWW the rest of the way.

I have been writing this feature for three years and in 2009, my top three weekly picks averaged DT5 numbers. In 2010, they averaged DT6 numbers. Last year, they averaged DT7 numbers. So the system works pretty well.

Generally, defenses have to be available on the waiver wire in at least 40% of ESPN fantasy leagues to be eligible. This ensures that we are talking about defenses that are readily available.

Let's see how we did last week:

1. Cardinals (24 fantasy points, DT1)

2. Bills (12 fp, DT9)

3. Chargers (4 fp, DT22)

4. Raiders (5 fp, DT18)

5. Dolphins (5 fp, DT18)

The Cardinals were obviously a great pick as they shut down the Eagles' offense. The highlight of the game was the sack/fumble/return TD as the Eagles were driving just before halftime. The Cardinals DT is for real, so if you were fortunate enough to pick them up last week, HOLD ONTO THEM. I cannot stress this enough. The defense is very good and its upcoming schedule (MIA, STL, BUF, MIN) is even better.

The Bills were quite solid as well, which was no surprise given the opponent. Unfortunately, they have the Patriots this week.

Let's take a look at Week 4:

Cardinals (vs. MIA)

HOLD ONTO THE CARDINALS! Why am I yelling? Because I don't want you to drop them. Ryan Tannehill is coming to town and that's wonderful news for you.