DFS Army’s Gthom goes over the defenses to stream this week. The defenses to stream listed below are normally found in at least 50-percent of ESPN leagues (prior to waivers).
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Oct 20, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) celebrates an interception as Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (17) walks off the field during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Bengals D/ST vs Las Vegas Raiders – 39%
The Raiders have been the team to pick on this season for opposing D/STs, and it’s easy to see why. They have allowed a top-six defense or better in six of their eight games. Vegas also gives up an average of 4.5 fantasy points above expectation to the position—among the highest in the NFL.
It doesn’t get better from there either. The Raiders average 2.1 giveaways per game, second-most in the league. Their offense also allows a sack on 8.04% of dropbacks, ranking 22nd. Additionally, the Las Vegas offense struggles in nearly every area, ranking 28th in yards per play and total yards per game, 26th in third-down conversions, points per game, and touchdowns per game.
The Bengals D/ST hasn’t been a consistent fantasy performer this season, but they have shown upside in random spots throughout the season. Start them in Week 9, as they should deliver a solid performance for your team.
Titans D/ST vs New England Patriots – 2%
The Titans have some surprising defensive stats this season. They lead the NFL in fewest total yards allowed per game (265.4) and fewest passing yards allowed (169.9). They also rank third in both opponent yards per play and yards per pass, and are fifth in opponent third-down conversion rate. However, turnovers have been a major issue for the team, largely due to injured quarterback Will Levis, who has committed 10 turnovers.
The Titans will face the New England Patriots and their starting quarterback, Drake Maye, is in danger of missing the game after to suffering a concussion in Week 8. If Maye is out, Jakobi Brisset will start for New England. Through six games, Brisset has totaled 828 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two turnovers.
New England allows a sack on 10% of their dropbacks, the third-highest rate in the NFL. They also average just 260.9 yards per game, the lowest in the league, and rank 29th in scoring with only 15.5 points per game. As long as Maye misses, the Titans should take care of business in Week 9.
Eagles D/ST vs Jacksonville Jaguars – 40%
The Eagles’ defense has improved since their bye week, averaging 10.3 fantasy points per game over the last three contests. During that stretch, they’ve accumulated 14 sacks and two turnovers. They’ll face the Jaguars, who may be severely depleted at receiver, with all three starters potentially out. If that happens, Jacksonville’s already struggling offense could fare even worse. Trevor Lawrence currently has one of the lowest completion rates in the league at 62.7%, which would be tough to improve without his primary receivers.
Jacksonville scores an average of 21.5 points per game, ranking 21st in the NFL. This aligns well for an Eagles defense that allows the fifth-fewest touchdowns per game and has the fourth-lowest red zone scoring percentage against them.
Sleepers:
- Patriots D/ST @ Tennessee Titans
- Saints D/ST @ Carolina Panthers
- Texans D/ST @ New York Jets
