Fantasy Football Defense Streaming Week 5: Iffy Defenses Against Much Iffier Offenses

Oct 06, 2026

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

We're back for Week 5 of the streaming defense column here at 4for4, armed with more context and data. The goal, as always, is to identify the top fantasy defenses available on most waiver wires that you can pick up and play this weekend.

For reference, we'll be using 50% Yahoo rostership as our benchmark — anything higher will technically be cheating (though it'll probably happen once or twice). Also, the teams will be roughly ordered as I'd rank them for the week, but you can pick and choose at your whim!

More Week 5 Streaming: QB | TE | K

Intro over, let's get into the goods for Week 5.

Top Streaming Options for Week 5

Secret Note: I really like the Bears (59% rostered) against Green Bay and the Jaguars (55% rostered) against Philadelphia, and while both are too widely rostered to make the article, they may be available in your leagues. Take a gander.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Miami Dolphins

Rostered in 23% of Yahoo leagues

Despite losing Trey Hendrickson this offseason, the Bengals are fourth in sack rate (8.6%) and have the third-quickest time to pressure (according to Next Gen Stats) through the first month of the season. They struggled to keep the Buccaneers and Steelers from scoring (not particularly high-flying offenses) but did hold the Texans to six points and the Jaguars to 22 points. But most importantly, they play the Dolphins in Week 5. The Dolphins, who still haven't scored more than 13 points in a game (or more than 10 points in a game without De'Von Achane). The Dolphins have the fifth-highest sack rate on offense (8.5%), and their quarterback has averaged just 178.0 passing yards per game, and their top offensive weapons are Ollie Gordon II and Malik Washington. You get the point. Cincy is a top D/ST for the coming weekend.