Streaming Defenses: Week 3 Targets
As discussed previously, we are rolling out a new-and-improved model this season for projecting fantasy defenses. This model focuses on the most predictable elements of defense scoring: points allowed, sacks, and interceptions. To project points in each of those areas, we rely on the Vegas lines, quarterback history of interceptions, and the offensive and defenses history of producing sacks. Below, we will look at what those elements say for Week 3.
Other Week 3 Streaming Articles: QB | TE | K
Looking Backward
Last week against the tanking Dolphins, the Patriots defense had the highest projection. They exceeded even those expectations, producing seven sacks and four interceptions, while allowing no points at all to the Dolphins offense. The opponent facing the Dolphins will remain a great option all season.
For options available on the waiver wire, we first recommended the Texans defense, in our second tier. They allowed only 12 points, below the Vegas expectation of 17 points, and had four sacks, giving a total score on the predictable elements slightly above our projection. If you used them, you should be pleased with the results.
In the third tier, we gave three recommendations. One was the Panthers defense, which slightly underperformed our projection. They allowed 20 points, which was below the Vegas expectation and had three sacks, but did not get the expected interception.
The Packers defense was another recommendation. They allowed 16 points, below the Vegas expectations of 21, and had two interceptions, pushing them to a score slightly above our expectations.
Our final recommendation in Tier 3 was the Steelers defense. While they had four sacks, they allowed 28 points to the Seahawks, well above the Vegas projection fo 21.5 points, and ended up over two points below our projected score. Overall, two of the three recommendations from Tier 3 delivered acceptable scores.
Week 3 Projections
Below is a tiered table showing the projected stats for all 32 NFL defenses this week, along with their availability in Yahoo! leagues.
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