Defensive Detours – Week 9 Streaming Defense Options

It’s defense time! Last week I switched things up by highlighting defenses with under 50% and 35% ownership. I was hoping to continue that this week, but the teams below 35% were enough!

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

HOU Texans – 27.9% ESPN Ownership

Opponent – JAX

Jacksonville is starting Jake Luton at QB this week. The lack of hype around him alone should be reason enough to consider this Houston DST. Houston has been just alright on defense but they’ve faced almost all of the best offenses in the league so far. Jacksonville’s bad defense may put their offense in catch-up mode all game mixed with Houston’s sixth-most blitz rate should force some quick, wonky decisions from Luton. 

NYG Giants – 28.6% ESPN Ownership

Opponent – WAS

Washington has the lowest implied total (22.75) among all favored teams this week, according to Vegas. The Giants are currently tied for ninth on the season among DSTs in fantasy and face one of their weaker opponents of the year. They are fifth in pressure rate and fourth in QB knockdown rate facing a Washington team that is third in sacks allowed. Those almost-guaranteed sacks along with a low point total spells well for a fantasy DST.

TEN Titans – 27.4% ESPN Ownership

Opponent – CHI

Chicago! The Bears have the third-lowest implied total (20) according to Vegas this week. Tennessee has been disappointing these past few weeks on defense, really disappointing. HOWEVER, Nick Foles has yet to play a game this season where he hasn’t thrown an interception. Foles has also been sacked nine times in the past two weeks. Sacks, turnovers and low scoring aplenty in this matchup for Tennessee.

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