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).
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Oct 1, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) is chased by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Saints D/ST vs Chicago Bears
Available in 49% of Sleeper Leagues
Streaming against the Bears continues to be something worth attacking in fantasy football. They are 29th against opposing D/ST’s and allow 3.9 fantasy points above expectation, 30th in the NFL.
The Bears also allow the third-most sacks with 28 and have given the football away 13 times in eight games. New Orleans looks like a strong unit for Week 9.
Steelers D/ST vs Tennessee Titans
Available in 46% of Sleeper Leagues
Will Tennessee’s one-week, rookie sensation continue; or will quarterback Will Levis regress in Week 9? Since it is the rookie’s first road contest in the NFL it is a smart bet that Levis will struggle, especially playing in Pittsburgh – who just came off a loss. Rookie quarterbacks tend to get overwhelmed early in their careers while playing on the road.
The Steeler’s pressure can get to the Titans too, they have allowed 25 sacks this season which is tied for the sixth most in the NFL. The Steelers have averaged 11-FPPG as a D/ST since Week 5, third most in the NFL during that time.
Falcons D/ST vs Minnesota Vikings
Available in 66% of Sleeper Leagues
The Falcons failed spectacularly in Week 8, but you should be confident going back to them in Week 9. The Vikings will be starting fifth-round rookie, Jaren Hall, due to Kirk Cousins’ season ending injury. This will be Hall’s first start as an NFL quarterback, and it will come on the road. As stated above, rookie quarterbacks get overwhelmed early in their careers while playing on the road. Don’t overthink it, start the Falcons with confidence.
Chargers D/ST @ New York Jets
Available in 80% of Sleeper Leagues
The Jets have been an easy test for opposing D/ST’s in 2023. New York has allowed 8.6-FPPG to D/ST’s this season. In their last three games the Jets have surrendered 2.2 fantasy points above expectation, 28th best during that time frame. Additionally, the Jets have allowed 24 sacks and that is the eighth most in the NFL.
Over the Chargers’ last three games their defense has the 12th most fantasy points at their position with 21; that included facing Dallas and Kansas City. Los Angeles can get after the quarterback too. In 2023 they have logged 23 sacks which is ninth most in the NFL.
The Chargers should produce a decent outcome in Week 9. They have a chance for a ceiling performance if things go sideways for New York’s quarterback, Zach Wilson.
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