Player Spotlight: Week 16 Streaming D/ST
Week 16 is here and the end to many a fantasy season is upon us. It is do or die time. Many of the options presented last week were a boon to the savvy player, as the Falcons, Raiders, Dolphins and Giants were all top eight plays for the week. The Buccaneers were not so good, but that is why they were a desperation play. The Tampa dart throw aside, it was a good week for streaming and hopefully and spot in the championship awaits.
This will be the last week for streaming options, as most leagues end this week. If your league does not end in week 16, please petition your commissioner to change that. Week 17 is the worst. Reminder that all options are less than 50 percent owned on ESPN at time of writing, and scoring references are ESPN standard. On to the list!
Green Bay Packers hosting the Minnesota Vikings
At one point Minnesota was 5–0 and looking like they were taking control of the NFC North. Then the last nine games happened. During that span, the Vikings went 2–7 and have averaged a measly 16.11 points per game. They have committed a turnover in six straight games, and have scored more than 20 points just twice in that same span. Green Bay scored nine fantasy points against them last time out, and have 10 sacks along with 12 takeaways the last four weeks. Green Bay should put the freeze on Minnesota in Lambeau this weekend.
Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are still a team to target, as they are 29th in fantasy points allowed to defenses for the season, and have allowed an average of 11 fantasy points the last six weeks. During their nine game losing streak, the offense has managed to score just an average of 17.7 points per game. They have also turned the ball over 17 times during that span, while allowing 18 sacks. Tennessee is a great option this week.
San Diego Chargers at Cleveland Browns
Speaking of teams to target, the Cleveland Browns are playing this weekend, and the Chargers are the lucky beneficiaries. Cleveland is 30th in fantasy points allowed to defenses and, well, they are the Browns. Over the last five weeks this has been especially evident, as Cleveland has allowed double digits to every fantasy defense, and allowed an AVERAGE of 16.2 points during that span. Maybe the 2008 Detroit Lions will get company after this season.
If you are feeling desperate….
San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Rams
While San Fran may not be the most dependable defense, the defense facing the Rams is just that, so this week the 49ers are playable. The Rams are dead last in fantasy points allowed to defenses and have allowed 51 fantasy points the last three weeks (17 point average). The last time they played, the 49ers scored 14 fantasy points off of the Rams. And Sean Mannion may be starting for a concussed Jared Goff. Not that it would make much of a difference, but that is still something to monitor. Either way, the 49ers are a decent play this week.
Cleveland Browns hosting the San Diego Chargers
Yes. Yes the Chargers are up above as a recommended defense. And it is the Cleveland Browns. So why are they in play? Well, San Diego is pretty bad in their own right. They are 28th on the season in fantasy points allowed to defenses. They have allowed double digit fantasy points six of the past eight games. Over their last five games, they have committed 14 turnovers and allowed 14 sacks. San Diego is also coming east for an early game. If you are in a deep league or really need a desperation play, the Browns could be the unlikely savior 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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