Streaming Defenses: Week 7 Targets

Oct 18, 2016

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 with the great matchup. This practice is commonly known as streaming defenses. Every week, you target a mediocre defense with a great matchup against a weak QB or offensive line.

We have been writing this streaming feature for seven 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 2015. 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.

Last week, the Chicago Bears finished with 7 fantasy points against the Jaguars, putting them on the board as the DST10. Through six weeks, our suggestions are averaging 8 fantasy points per game.

As always, continue to target a defense with a home matchup or facing a below average or rookie QB. Week 7 is here, so let's look the defensive options:

Cincinnati Bengals vs. CLE

If owners have dropped off the bandwagon, this is the week to get back. The Bengals come off a tough matchup with the Patriots, and get a Week 7 matchup at home against Cleveland.

The big beneficiary of this matchup on the defensive line will be Geno Atkins, as he should be lining up over Cameron Erving. Erving has played horribly at center, so Atkins should be able to take advantage. Carlos Dunlap matches up on Austin Pasztor.

Vontaze Burfict is one of their playmakers at linebacker and is coming off a solid game against the Patriots, where he recorded his first sack. Burfict can put pressure on the QB and make plays when near the ball, that can result in forced fumbles.

Adam Jones and Dre Kirkpatrick each have an INT and have a total of eight defended passes between the two of them. They are solid in coverage and can make plays.

The Browns offensive line is non-existent, so there is the upside for multiple sacks, as the Browns allowed nearly an 80 percent pressure rate on over 35 dropbacks. Pressure also leads to INTs, which should allow Adam Jones and Dre Kirkpatrick to make plays on the ball. Add in the fact that their top playmaker, Terrelle Pryor, is dealing with a hamstring injury, and they should be scooped up this week as they are available in 53 percent of leagues.