It’s week 5 of the NFL season and week 5 of your fantasy football leagues. Are you still searching for that DST to start this week?
I’ll be highlighting DSTs that may still be available in your leagues, the ones that weren’t signed on waivers. These are DSTs that are still below a 35% in roster percentage on ESPN that I feel are startable if you’re still searching.
These options are only for the teams who didn’t pick someone up on waivers this week and still need a startable DST for week 4. Your waivers may look barren and the top options are off the board, but I’ve got a few teams that may still be hanging around on your waivers.
My projections are based on Vegas odds, defensive and offensive player projections, starters, and positional matchups. These are your defensive detours!
DSTs Under 35% Roster %
MIN Vikings – 20.1%
Opponent – DET
This game has one of the higher O/U lines of the week and Vegas does not have Detroit scoring many of those points. The line is set at 49.5 and the Vikings have a -10 spread in their favor, putting Detroit’s implied total at 19.75. Add in the almost-guaranteed turnover from the Detroit offense and you’ve got yourself a startable DST in Minnesota!
DAL Cowboys – 33.8%
Opponent – NYG
Daniel Jones has 4 turnovers and 8 sacks so far this season, averaging a turnover and two sacks per game. Dallas is also the 5th-highest scoring DST in fantasy so far this season with two interceptions in every game. I think this is a solid DST to start for most matchups moving forward with a potential top-5 scoring game this week.
DSTs Under 50% Roster %
LV Raiders – 37.1%
Opponent – CHI
The Raiders have a pretty solid defense and are playing a Bears team that could struggle under pressure. Add in the fact that David Montgomery won’t be in the lineup, things could be rough this week. Chicago has a low implied total of 19.5 and typically that bodes well for opposing DSTs. I expect a few sacks from this Raiders offense and a potential takeaway for a solid fantasy output.
If You’re Feeling Dangerous
NY Jets – 2.1%
Opponent – ATL
NFL games in London are notoriously bad. Add in the fact that this matchup has an O/U set at 45 and the Falcons are missing their top two wide receivers in Calvin Ridley and Russell Gage. I’m expecting a low-scoring game with low yardage totals and the Jets DST should have a safe scoring floor based on that. I’m not excited about it, but they’re not a bad start this week if you need it.
