Player Spotlight: Week 13 Streaming D/ST
Playoffs either are just around the corner, or are starting for many people this week, and it is a tough week for streaming. Last week saw some mixed results, but some good success. Streaming a defense against a new starter worked for the Steelers, as they scored the sixth most points last week, but did not work for the Titans, as they scored the 21st most points. The Saints proved to be a good streaming option, scoring the eighth most points for the week. The Falcons and Texans were not great options, but were okay for deep leagues and the truly desperate.
This week, the Browns and Titans are on bye for whatever reason. Bad scheduling by the NFL really. This takes away our number one team to target this week in the Browns. The Rams, the number two target, are facing the Patriots, which are most likely owned in your league. On top of that, Minnesota is facing Dallas, which has given defenses a negative score eight of 11 weeks, and other top defenses getting tough match-ups and the pickings might be slim here. We will try our best none-the-less!
Reminder that all defenses suggested are less than 50 percent owned in ESPN leagues, and all scoring mentioned is ESPN standard.
Cincinnati Bengals Hosting the Philadelphia Eagles
At first glance, it may not seem like all that favorable of a match up, but the Eagles have given up an average of seven fantasy points to defenses in away games, with no game less than five. They have given up 18 points the last two weeks and have not scored more than 24 points since week three. The Bengals have held opponents to an average of less than 20 points a game since their bye, and are favored in a game with a low over/under. Cincinnati should be a safe play this week.
Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings
Thursday night games are always tough to predict, but with the way Dallas has been controlling the clock, and the way the Vikings offense has been, this seems like an easier call. Despite being on the road, Dallas is favored. Minnesota is 20th in fantasy points allowed to defenses, and has not allowed less than five points to a defense since their bye six weeks ago.
Jacksonville Jaguars Hosting the Denver Broncos
I am always hesitant to endorse the Jaguars, especially after earlier in the season when they put up their worst performance. Fact of the matter is, the Broncos are giving up a lot of fantasy points to defenses, allowing double digits in five of their past seven games. They are 24th in fantasy points allowed on the season as well. The Jaguars, since that horrible showing, have at least scored a modest 22 points in the four weeks after, three of them being away games. While the Jags may not be the safest play, they do have a decent floor and high ceiling this week.
If you are feeling desperate….
San Diego Chargers Hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In all honesty, every play this week feels like a desperate one. This pick is more based on a gut call than just straight stats. San Diego has scored double digit fantasy points four of their last six games, and despite Tampa’s recent success, the Chargers should have a decent day defensively. They are the home favorite by more than a field goal as well, and are number eight on the season for fantasy.
Green Bay Packers Hosting the Houston Texans
The over/under for this game is not that high, and that might be because of the Texans’s offense more than anything. Houston is 25th in fantasy points allowed to defenses and have committed six turnovers the last two games. Green Bay has done better at home, and will look to build off of last week’s strong performance against the Eagles.
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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