Defenses to Stream – Week 7 NFL Fantasy Football

DFS Army’s Gthom goes over the defenses to stream this week. The defenses to stream listed below are normally found in at least 40-percent of leagues (prior to waivers).

Follow Gthom on the cesspool they call twitter, @GarettThomas.

Browns D/ST @ Indianapolis Colts

Available in 79% of Sleeper Leagues

The Browns have quietly been the best defense in the NFL in terms of yards allowed, and it’s by 60 yards per game. While they rack up sacks, they have trouble getting takeaways with only four on the season. Perhaps they can change that this week against the Colts.

The Colts have an up-and-down season against opposing D/ST’s. They currently allow 5.7-FPPG to the position but allowed Jacksonville’s defense to score 12 fantasy points on three interceptions, three sacks and one fumble recovery last week.

Backup quarterback Gardner Minshew will be the key to the Browns’ success, or demise. He struggled in his second start of 2023, and it may be more of the same against a tough Browns defense. He has committed at least one turnover in each of his two starts.

Between the Brown’s elite defense and the struggles of a backup quarterback, Cleveland should be one of the best starts of Week 7.

Raiders D/ST @ Chicago Bears

Available in 68% of Sleeper Leagues

The Bears will be without their star quarterback, Justin Fields. This offense has its troubles, they allow the third most sacks and the fourth most turnovers. Now there is a backup, rookie quarterback under center, Tyson Bagent (CHI).

Something ‘ought to give in Week 7 between these teams. Chicago is 30^th against opposing D/ST’s in fantasy points above expectation with 5.4 fantasy points. Additionally, they have allowed 11-plus fantasy points in five-of-six games this season. As for the Raiders D/ST, in the last three weeks they have the 12^th most fantasy points at their position.

With the Bears rookie quarterback and the team’s poor metrics, the Raiders are well worth investing in as a defense to stream.

Seahawks D/ST vs Arizona Cardinals

Available in 80% of Sleeper Leagues

The Seahawks D/ST have seen two ceiling performances through five games. While they are below average at creating turnovers, they produce sacks and are tied for the sixth most in the NFL with 19. On a fantasy points per game basis, they rank as the fourth best D/ST with 10.6-FPPG.

The Cardinals have struggled to slow down opposing defenses over the last three weeks. In that time frame they are 24^th in fantasy points allowed to the D/ST position with 9.3. Additionally, they have surrendered an average of 1.8 fantasy points above expectation (20^th).

Arizona’s quarterback, Joshua Dobbs, will be the X-factor. In his last three games Dobbs has five turnovers. Despite Dobbs’ issues the Cardinals are still an above-average team in turnovers surrendered, as well as defensive sacks allowed. Both stats are fundamental for D/ST fantasy scoring.

We have seen huge performances by the Seahawks D/ST this season, but Joshua Dobbs’ (ARI) performance will likely determine the Seahawks D/ST fantasy production.

Packers D/ST @ Denver Broncos

Available in 89% of Sleeper Leagues

There is not much credit to give the Denver Broncos. They have allowed the seventh most fantasy points per game to the D/ST position. They allow 2.8 fantasy points above expectation to opposing defenses, sixth most. Plus, Denver is tied for the third-most turnovers in the NFL and has allowed the sixth most sacks.

The Packers are coming out of their BYE week and have been below-average as a fantasy defense this season. They currently average seven fantasy points per game. This likely stems from their inability to create turnovers and their middling sack count for the season.

While the Packers are nothing special as a fantasy unit, the Broncos have shown a consistent ability to allow points to opposing D/ST’s. In their last five games Denver has allowed 10.2-FPPG to opposing defenses.

 

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