Streaming Defenses: Week 2 Targets

Sep 15, 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.

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, on to your defensive targets for Week 2:

Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. San Francisco 49ers)

The Steelers, it appears, went undrafted due to their first week match-up against the Patriots. I looked up Pittsburgh's ownership on Yahoo! and right now it's at 7%. This represents a tremendous buy-low opportunity in a nice match-up.

I'd definitely target the home team here against a completely different 49er offense. Stephon Tuitt is going to be an every-down linemen and should be in all blitzes. Bud Dupree made an impact right out of the gate, recording a sack. Ryan Shazier and Lawrence Timmons are a solid LB duo that can get to the ball quickly and strip it if it comes near them.

While the secondary isn't elite, Will Allen can make plays on the ball and William Gay, while he didn't have a defended pass in Week 1, is coming off a season where he had 12. Dial up the Steelers defense in Week 2.