Welcome back to the latest edition of Defensive Streamers! Another week down, and again, we had strong performances from three of the four recommendations. Both the Packers and Patriots racked up three sacks and two turnovers each.
My deep play was Washington, and they crushed Deshaun Watson to the tune of seven sacks. My one miss was the Raiders defense. I felt that they would be able to do enough against Bo Nix, but again, he proved me wrong! Forgive me, Mr. Nix; I was unfamiliar with your game.
Week 6 has more teams on bye, including two strong D/ST plays in Minnesota and Kansas City. Fortunately, this week has two strong options available, and two defensive streamers for those who like to play with a little risk! Without further ado, let’s get started!
Note: All defenses are available in 60% or more of Yahoo Leagues. At the time of writing this, the Los Angeles Chargers are available in 58% of Yahoo leagues. They would be a contender for No. 1 streamer if available.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (86%) vs. New Orleans Saints
One of, if not the hardest hitting rivalry, is renewed this Sunday with the Bucs and Saints. Did you know that over the last five matchups, only two teams scored 21 points or more in the series history? This matchup is notoriously nasty, especially with the inevitable faceoff between Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore.
And now, the Saints are forced to roll out rookie Spencer Rattler. Rattler had plenty of hype early in his career before having to transfer and play with less talent. The Bucs are the safest option of the week.
Detroit Lions (86%) vs. Dallas Cowboys
At first glance, this game appears to be a fantasy-friendly game. And while that is accurate, the Cowboys offense carries plenty of concerns going into the game. Rookie Tyler Guyton gets matched up with Aidan Hutchinson after the team gave up two sacks to T.J. Watt. Detroit carries more risk than other teams, as indicated by the team total of 24 for Dallas. But Detroit could easily fall into a strong play as one of the defensive streamers you should consider with a few sacks and a turnover against the maligned Cowboys. Last year, when both teams matched up, Hutchinson gathered three sacks, and the Lions defense forced three turnovers.
Atlanta Falcons (87%) vs. Carolina Panthers
Andy Dalton isn’t as bad as he looked last Sunday against the Bears defense. The Falcons aren’t up to the level that the Bears defense is, but they are strong enough to push the Panthers offense. The Panthers carry a team total of 20 points, which isn’t imposing. The big issue is that the Falcons defense has averaged only one sack per game this season. The turnovers have been hard to come by, averaging only one sack per game as well. You’re hoping that Dalton is slowly turning back into a dusty backup, and the Falcons are able to generate any pressure on Sunday. I would ride with Detroit or Tampa over Atlanta.
The Not-in-My-Leauge Option
Indianapolis Colts (82%) vs. Tennessee Titans
We have the moveable force in the Colts defense against the stoppable object in the Titans offense. The Colts’ defense is my least favorite option of the week, but they carry plenty of upside getting to face off against turnover machine Will Levis. The Colts’ secondary has been in disarray since the team lost Julius Brents. Dallis Flowers, who was starting, has now been cut by the team.
If Tennessee decides to go with a run-heavy script, this could get ugly quick. Indianapolis gives up the second most rushing yards per game, and Tennessee is coming off the bye week rested and ready. I would choose all the other defenses listed above before starting the Colts. This is only for the most desperate.
Week 7 Options to Stash
New England vs. Jacksonville – New England gets the Jaguars in London where games usually hit the under.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Las Vegas Raiders – the Rams made major changes in their secondary and performed admirably against Jordan Love. They will be rested up from the bye week against Aidan O’Connell.
