Player Spotlight: Week 12 Streaming D/ST
Last week was a resounding success, as all five defenses scored in the top 13 for the week, led by the numbers one and three defenses in the Steelers and Lions. This week, there are a few juicy match-ups that hopefully we can feast on. Before we get into the picks, if the Giants, Dolphins or Patriots are available, they all have great match-ups as well, but are owned in the majority of leagues already.
Also, as a reminder, all stats are based on ESPN scoring and ownership is 50 percent or less in ESPN leagues. Let’s get eatin’!
Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts
Doubling down on the Steelers defense this week after last week’s performance is entirely dependent on Andrew Luck’s status. Currently he is in the concussion protocol, and is unlikely to be cleared for Thursday night’s game. Even with Luck, the Colts are 20th in fantasy points allowed to defenses, and we all know how much they struggled without him last year. This should be a nice cap to a Thanksgiving dinner.
New Orleans Saints hosting the Los Angeles Rams
The Saints defense has finally improved to a passable unit that can be streamed. The Rams are the perfect team to target, especially with new quarterback Jared Goff at the helm. With Goff still learning, the playbook has been limited, and, as the case has been all year, so has the scoring by the Rams offense. The defense facing the Rams would be ranked third on the season, and would have scored less than seven points once all year. Dial up the Saints with confidence.
Tennessee Titans at the Chicago Bears
It makes no difference that the Titans are the away team, as the Bears have been bad news in Chicago all year. Jay Cutler is done for the season, and Chicago will turn to third string quarterback Matt Barkley. With Zach Miller done for the season, and Alshon Jeffrey suspended, the Bears are hurt pretty bad, and the Titans should take advantage of the team that is 25th in fantasy points allowed to defenses.
If you are feeling desperate….
Atlanta Falcons hosting the Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta’s defense has not been the best at stopping all of it’s opponents, but it has been good at taking the ball away. They are eighth in takeaways, and 14th in sacks, which are good indicators they can provide fantasy value. The Cardinals have struggled this year, and have allowed the third most sacks and have the fifth most giveaways. In their last four games, the Cardinals have allowed 56 fantasy points to defenses. Yes, 56. You could do worse than the Falcons this week.
Houston Texans hosting the San Diego Chargers
San Diego is 22nd in fantasy points allowed to defenses, and has allowed defenses to score double digit fantasy points in three of the last four weeks. Houston is at home where they are much better. San Diego has committed multiple turnovers in eight games this year, and has struggled on the road. The Texans should be a solid play this week.
If you want to discuss further options for streaming defenses, or anything else, just hit me up on the Fantasy Life App. My user name is @jmarin on the app, and you can usually find me in the FL OG Podcast chat.
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