I get it, defenses are lame. Every year in almost every league I find myself streaming a defense and putting my defensive faith into the void.
Aside from the big dogs, it’s so much more worth it to stream weekly than to pay up in drafts. It’s frustrating to have to dig into weekly defensive ranks and checking your leagues to see if they’re available. That’s what this article will help relieve.
I’ll be highlighting my top projected defenses who are also below 35% ownership in ESPN leagues. I know ownership varies between host sites but ESPN has the highest amount of leagues, so I’m rolling with it.
With the recent news that this week’s game between the Tennessee Titans and Pittsburgh Steelers, I’m lowering the ownership% requirement so less-owned teams are highlighted. This is only because teams who didn’t get to stream-shop earlier this week are now forced to hit the waivers, expect the jump back to 50% next week!
My projections are based on Vegas odds, defensive and offensive player projections, starters, and positional matchups! Let’s get started.
NY Jets – 12.7% ESPN Ownership
Opponent – DEN
This TNF fame is gross overall, but typical gross games provide good value at DST. This game has the lowest O/U according to Vegas and Denver has their third-string QB in after Jeff Driskel had a rough start last week. Defenses against Denver average 11 fantasy points which is all you look for in a stream. I personally had to opt for the Jets defense after Pittsburgh’s game was canceled, so you’re not alone if you’re this desperate!
KC Chiefs – 21.3% ESPN Ownership
Opponent – NE
Aside from a weak performance in LA against the Chargers, the Chiefs defense has been a solid option this year. They were especially good this past week when they were able to all but shut down the Ravens offense on the ground. They face a similar foe in New England who has two passing TDs and seven on the ground. I don’t expect a full shut down but enough to pass as a serviceable stream this week.
CIN Bengals – 3.4% ESPN Ownership
Opponent – JAX
The Bengals? Are you kidding me, Kyle? I know, it’s gross, but looking at last week’s game we saw the Miami defense shut down Jacksonville entirely and be the sixth-best DST in fantasy. Fun fact: Miami has an awful defense. If Miami can shut down Jacksonville and Minshew I would hope a more average DST in Cincinnati can do something similar.
