Player Spotlight: Week 15 Streaming D/ST
Last week had some disappointing performances in the fantasy world, but some of our streaming defenses here were definitely not a part of that. The Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers came up huge the first week of the playoffs being the numbers one and two defenses of the week, scoring 26 and 20 points respectively. A huge boon for fantasy owners. The Titans were a respectable 10th with 10 points, and the Lions and 49ers were just serviceable.
In last weeks column, we highlighted the match ups against the Jets, Browns, and Rams as teams to target in the future weeks. That is still the case here. Those are the teams we want to target most. As for the rest of the match ups, let’s get to it! Reminder that all defenses recommended are less than 50 percent owned in ESPN leagues and all scoring discussed is ESPN Standard.
Atlanta Falcons hosting the San Francisco 49ers
As of this writing the Falcons are still under 50 percent owned, but it would not be surprising if this changed. If they are available, grab them for this week. San Francisco is 25th in fantasy points allowed to defenses thus far. Atlanta has 10 takeaways and 10 sacks the last five games and are playing at home. The 49ers are averaging 7.83 fantasy points allowed in away games and Colin Kaepernick has had two decidedly sub par games the past two weeks. Signs are pointing to the Falcons flying high once again.
Oakland Raiders at San Diego Chargers
One of the few games that won’t be effected by bad weather this week, Oakland makes a pretty convincing argument that you should play them. The Raiders have been fairly consistent the last five weeks, averaging just under eight fantasy points per game, with at least two takeaways in each match up and a total of 11 sacks. San Diego, for their part, is 27th in fantasy points allowed to defenses, allowing double digit points in five of the last seven weeks. The Chargers are turning the ball over a lot, having done so 12 times the past four weeks. The Raiders should plunder their way to a good fantasy week.
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
Miami got cooled off in week 13 against Baltimore, but picked up the hot streak again with a win against Arizona. Now they travel to New Jersey to face the Jets Saturday night, and have a nice match up against a struggling team. Weather is scheduled to make an impact in this game, so scoring could be down, and let us not forget that the Jets are 30th in fantasy points allowed to defenses. In the turnover department, New York has given up nine in the last five weeks, and Miami has forced 13 in the same span. The last time Miami played the Jets, they scored 13 fantasy points and were the third best defense. A repeat performance is pretty likely.
If you are feeling desperate….
These next two are certainly risky, featuring hot defenses with not so hot match ups, which is why they are in this section.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
Tampa has quietly been a superb defense the last five weeks, scoring 25, 5, 18, 12 and 12 fantasy points, an insane 14.4 points per game. They are the No. 1 defense over that span, with 13 sacks, 14 takeaways, and only 12.8 points allowed. Dallas had been the No. 1 team in regards to fantasy points allowed to defenses until the last couple of weeks, where they have allowed 24 fantasy points. The danger here is that Dallas returns to form and has their way, but the struggles could also continue against a red hot defense.
New York Giants hosting the Detroit Lions
Another red hot defense, the Giants are allowing a paltry 15 points per game over the last four. During that time, they have scored 48 fantasy points with nine takeaways and 16 sacks. The only team with more sacks in that time frame is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Lions have given up 10 sacks the last four weeks, and three of their four losses have come on the road. The Giants playing at home in wet weather is a good recipe for defensive success.
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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