I’m switching things up this week. Typically I’ve highlighted some defenses that are still available in either 50% or 35% of leagues, but this week I’m double-dipping. I’ll be picking a favorite team or two in both categories moving forward!
I’ll be highlighting DSTs that may still be available in your leagues. These are DSTs that are still below a 50% or 35% ESPN ownership on Thursdays that I feel are worth a pickup and start based on my projections.
These options are only for the desperate teams that stream DSTs weekly and missed out on some favorites on waivers. The teams that still have Washington’s DST on their lineups when they’re on a bye.
My projections are based on Vegas odds, defensive and offensive player projections, starters, and positional matchups. These are your defensive detours!
Defenses Still Under 35% Ownership
TEN Titans – 23.4% ESPN Ownership
Opponent – CIN
Tennessee’s defense was able to intercept Ben Roethlisberger three times this past week. Joe Burrow has thrown an interception in four straight games with five fumbles in the past three weeks. Those two combined I almost feel like several turnovers are inevitable. Add in the fact that Cincinnati has given up the most sacks (28) and we’ve got a recipe for a startable fantasy defense in Tennessee!
Defenses Under 50% Ownership
LA Chargers – 47.2% ESPN Ownership
Opponent – DEN
Did anyone else see what the Chiefs did to the Broncos last week on defense? Something to the tune of three sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions, a defensive TD, and a return TD. That’s a lot of fantasy points and the Chargers get their shot at them this week. Denver is sixth in expected points this week, currently 31st in total yards this season, and Drew Lock has thrown two interceptions in back-to-back games. This Denver offense is not good and the LAC defense should flourish.
NO Saints – 48.7% ESPN Ownership
Opponent – CHI
Vegas currently has Chicago with the fourth-lowest expected points this week and their entire offense sits at 29th in total yards-per-game. The Saints aren’t a hot commodity on defense, they’re rather meh in almost all defensive categories. They are, however, top-ten in passing yards allowed and top-five in rushing yards allowed. For an offense that already struggles to move the ball, they’re going to have a harder time against this Saints defense. I’m not stressing with New Orleans in my starting lineup.
