Welcome to the Defensive Streamers article for Week 5! After four weeks through the season, we have more injuries on top of bye weeks starting up this week. Despite the injuries and shortcomings, last week was outstanding for my defensive streaming selections.
I recommended Tampa Bay (six sacks, two turnovers), Atlanta (fumble and interception returns for touchdowns), Las Vegas, and Tennessee. All four finished inside the top eight of all defenses based on standard defense scoring on Yahoo.
Last week was a great lesson in embracing the uncertain. I didn’t love the matchups, but all four recommendations worked out. Let’s take the lessons learned and apply them to Week 5. Remember, I will only list defenses that are available in 60% or more of Yahoo Leauges. Let’s get to it!
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Note: I had intended to write on Denver and Seattle as both were available in 60% or more Yahoo leagues on Monday. But after waivers ran, both eclipsed the cutoff number. If available, they are excellent options.
Las Vegas Raiders (24%) vs. Denver Broncos
Fun fact! Every human being alive had more yards passing (0) than Bo Nix did (-7) at halftime against the Jets last week. While the Raiders are not the Jets, they proved that they could lock down weak offenses without their star defensive end Maxx Crosby. The Raiders held the hapless Browns to 149 total yards passing, forcing three sacks and one interception.
Now the Raiders get to tee off against Captain Checkdown himself, making the Raiders an excellent streaming option. Denver has a 19-point team total, and this game projects to be a nasty, ugly slugfest that will set the sport back 50 years. I do have concerns about both teams committing to the run, limiting sacks and turnovers. But this is the perfect example of a safe, low-floor option.
Green Bay Packers (35%) vs. Los Angeles Rams
The Green Bay Packers face off against the decimated Rams on Sunday, and they are my next option. I know, they got torched by Sam Darnold in the first half last weekend. But streaming defenses is all about embracing uncertainty when identifying matchups. Matt Stafford has been sacked an average of four times a game this season. No Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua, and the Packers defense thrives on turnovers. The Packers have forced 12 turnovers, most in the NFL. Stafford can protect the ball better than most, but he will be under fire all game long. The Packers have the highest upside of all the streaming options this weekend.
New England Patriots (25%) vs. Miami Dolphins
After one week of Tyler Huntley, the Dolphins offense remains a sitting duck for opposing defenses. Tyreek Hill has struggled mightily to reach seven catches for 63 yards without Tua Tagovailoa. De’Von Achane has 45 yards rushing over the last two weeks.
The Patriot Defense is competent enough to keep the scoring low, making them the perfect defense to start for those with little to no options available. The Dolphins have the second-lowest team total according to Vegas with 18 points. This is a safe, low-floor option, but I like the odds of the Patriots to keep this game low scoring.
The “Not-in-my-league” option
Reminder: this is only for the most desperate. I would recommend the other defenses above before rostering this defense.
Washington Commanders (5%) vs. Cleveland Browns
I hate everything about this matchup, and hopefully you’re never forced to use these deep options. Amari Cooper will likely torch the Commander secondary on Sunday. However, Deshaun Watson will get sacked. He will throw incredibly poor passes. An interception is highly possible. After holding the Cardinals to 14 points, it’s highly possible that Washington could limit Cleveland this Sunday.
Week 6: Options to Stash
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cleveland Browns- Eagles fresh off a bye get the decimated Browns offensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Denver Broncos- A rested Chargers defense gets Bo Nix.
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