Defense Streamers: Week 5
Streaming defenses is one of the more common practices among fantasy football users. One of the primary reasons for that is the fact you can start an average defense as long as they are playing against a sub-par offense and they will outperform their typical production. Alternatively, even some of the best defenses can struggle when faced with a top offense. Here we will be looking at defenses that are owned in less than 15% of leagues according to NFL.com and why their matchups make them ideal starts this week.
Arizona Cardinals
Owned Percentage: 11.8%
Matchup: San Francisco 49ers
Analysis: With Jimmy G out for the season, the 49ers are now are starting C.J. Beathard at QB. He had a decent first week on Sunday, but he still threw two interceptions. Despite the Cardinals’ offense being very bad this season, the defense has been able to hold its own in most of the games this year. They still have enough playmakers and pass rushers to be able to get to the quarterback and force turnovers. They won’t score a ton of points, but seven to ten points would be very achievable this week.
Cincinnati Bengals
Owned Percentage: 10.4%
Matchup: Miami Dolphins
Analysis: Due to a lack of a productive running attack in recent weeks, the Dolphins’ offense has become very one dimensional in recent weeks. The Patriots drew up the blueprint last week for how to absolutely shut down the passing of the Dolphins by playing press coverage on their receivers and getting coverage sacks on Tannehill. Expect the Bengals to follow the same game plan this week. If they can return to the success they had the first two weeks, this could be a great week fantasy wise for the Bengals’ defense.
Kansas City Chiefs
Owned Percentage: 8.4%
Analysis: The Chiefs will have a decent matchup this week going up against the Jaguars without their star RB Leonard Fournette. Bortles has proven he is still capable of running the offense without Fournette, but he has thrown at least one interception in three out of the first four weeks. If the Chiefs can limit the Jags like the Titans were able to do in week 3, they will be in great shape. The Chiefs have relied on their high powered offense many games this season, but with the Jags defense as strong as they are, this is the week they will need their defense to step up.