Welcome back to the defensive rankings Week 10 – defensive streamers article. This is the thick of the NFL season. Bye weeks are back upon us. We’re now into the double-digit weeks, and trade deadlines are rapidly approaching. But over here I’m grinding out the top defensive selections.
Last week was a tale of two stories. On the one hand, I recommended Washington and New England. Neither gave up many points, but the upside was limited since neither team pressured the quarterback nor recovered any turnovers. However, I did recommend Cincinnati and Tennessee. These two defenses combined for nine sacks and five turnovers. I did express some concern with the Titans if Drake Maye was activated, but the Titans defense bullied the rookie all game long. Not a bad weekend, but we’re back in the lab for week 10!
This week we have four teams on leave, and the streaming landscape isn’t overly impressive this week. There are some fine options available, so let’s get started!
As a reminder, teams that are rostered in 60% or more of Yahoo leagues are ineligible for this list.
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New York Giants (68% available) vs. Carolina Panthers
The Giants defensive line continues to impress, and they have a great matchup this weekend against the Panthers. Despite getting no sacks against Washington, the Giants are averaging 3.8 sacks per game. At the time of this writing, there are five teams with a team total lower than 20, and the Panthers are one of them with 18. To be fair, the Panthers offense over the last two games has improved, giving up only three sacks. There is risk with all the streaming options available this week, but if you think Bryce is due for a disastrous game, this is the defense you want.
Atlanta Falcons (81% available) vs. New Orleans Saints
The Falcons defense is an uninspiring one for fantasy football. While they are in the middle of the road in turnovers, the sack rate is at the bottom of the barrel. In fact, the Falcons have the lowest number of sacks in the league, including teams that have already had a bye.
Why would I list them as an option if they are so bad? The Saints offense could potentially be worse. While Derek Carr is returning, Chris Olave is projecting to be out. The starting receivers for New Orleans will be Mason Tipton and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. New Orleans could rally around the new interim head coach and run the ball effectively with Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill. But I do not foresee an offensive explosion six days after a massive coaching staff overhaul.
Los Angeles Rams (84% available) vs. Miami Dolphins
This is the nomination that keeps me awake at night. I do not love this option even with how slow Tua Tagovailoa has performed in his two games back from injured reserve. While I do expect the Dolphins passing attack to find its rhythm, this Rams defense is no slouch. Defensive duo Jared Verse and Braden Fiske have performed admirably as the Rams attempted to fill the mammoth gap left behind by legend Aaron Donald. Look for the Rams to continue to force pressure against Tagovailoa and the Dolphins offensive line. It’s imperative to understand that the Rams made a big change with benching (and recently trading away) Tre’Davious White. The new secondary rotation has played admirably, but this is the toughest matchup since the secondary change was made. If you do go with the Rams, you do get the added bonus of their matchup next week against the Patriots. I prefer the Giants or Falcons, but the Rams could work out to be a fine streamer for the weekend.
The Not-in-My-League Option
Indianapolis Colts (88% available) vs. Buffalo Bills
Let me be very clear: this option is only for the most desperate. This is for those of you that have a backup running back instead of a D/ST and are scrambling around Sunday morning looking to find a D/ST. The Bills played without Amari Cooper, and now Keon Coleman is missing practice due to injury. The Colts’ defense isn’t intimidating, but it is opportunistic. Indy is No. 6 in total takeaways for the season.
The big issue with this is you will need the Colts to do something they haven’t done all season: stop the run. They are No. 31 in rushing yards allowed per game. I would start every option above before I go with the Colts; this is for those of you in those wild 16-team leagues where options are bare. You’re hoping both starting Bills receivers are out, and the Colts can magically stop the run.
Week 10 Options to Stash
Los Angeles Rams vs. New England Patriots: This is all about the Rams improved defense against the exploitable Patriot defense.
Miami Dolphins vs. Las Vegas Raiders: The average Dolphin defense is the first to take on the new look Raiders offense that brought Norv Turner out of retirement.
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