Hello and welcome to the another edition of what I am calling Down the Stream! The purpose of this series is to help those streaming the less important fantasy positions (Defense, Kicker, Tight End etc.) find the perfect matchups/pickups on a week to week basis. Last week was a doozy fantasy wise due to the sheer amount of Covid cases circulating in the NFL, and this week appears to be no different. So without further ado, let's take a look at the defenses you should be eyeing on the waiver wire this week.
Seattle D/ST vs Chicago (Past Month: 19.2 Points Allowed Per Game, .8 Turnovers Per Game, 2 Sacks Per Game, 45% owned)
Well, well, well, If it isn’t our old friends the Chicago Bears. I know it feels almost like cheating picking against such a pitiful offense, but all is fair in fantasy football. In the past 4 weeks, opposing teams are averaging 9.75 fantasy points per game against the Bears. To put that in perspective if you were to consolidate that data into one team, it would be the 7th highest scoring defense in that timeframe. It’s not for a lack of scoring from Chicago but they just cannot stop turning the ball over. The Bears offense is 3rd in turnovers per game this season and it just keeps getting worse. They gave up 3 fumbles to Minnesota last week, and Justin Fields turned it over 3 times the week before. Also note the potential absence of star Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson. This is an admittedly average Seattle defense that should look otherworldly against the Bad News Bears.
Las Vegas D/ST vs Denver (Past Month: 27.6 Points Allowed Per Game, .4 Turnovers Per Game, 1.6 Sacks Per Game, 8% Owned)
The recent raw numbers on this Las Vegas defense look terrible but you have to remember the Raiders had death march games against the Chiefs and Cowboys high-powered offense. Nevertheless, the reason why I'm picking the Raiders has nothing to do with their defensive talent or lack thereof. It’s because of the injury to Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater and the man who will stand in his place; Drew Lock. He led the league in interceptions in only 13 games last season and already has four turnovers in three appearances. If you remember last week’s article, I lauded Denver for their awful pass protection and it will get even worse with the absence of Lloyd Cushenberry. Not to mention, Lock has been sacked on 11% of his pass attempts this season. This is a make or break start for Drew Lock’s NFL career, and all signs are pointing to break against the black and silver bunch.
Atlanta D/ST vs Detroit (Past Month: 23.5 Points Allowed Per Game,1.75 Turnovers Per Game, .5 Sacks Per Game, 7% Owned)
This is yet another case of facing off against a backup QB. Jared Goff tested positive for Covid-19 Monday, and it’s very unlikely that he will be available for Sunday's game against Atlanta. In his stead will be Tim Boyle who threw for 77 yards and two interceptions in his first career start. He also had the worst passer rating for a Lions QB since Drew Stanton in 2009. The Lions will be forced to be a run-first offense, potentially without starting RB D’Andre Swift who has missed the past 3 weeks with a shoulder injury. Monitor the health of Jared Goff, and if he’s unable to go, this will be a glorious play for any desperate fantasy managers.
Hello and welcome to the another edition of what I am calling Down the Stream! The purpose of this series is to help those streaming the less important fantasy positions (Defense, Kicker, Tight End etc.) find the perfect matchups/pickups on a week to week basis. Last week was a doozy fantasy wise due to the sheer amount of Covid cases circulating in the NFL, and this week appears to be no different. So without further ado, let's take a look at the defenses you should be eyeing on the waiver wire this week.
Seattle D/ST vs Chicago (Past Month: 19.2 Points Allowed Per Game, .8 Turnovers Per Game, 2 Sacks Per Game, 45% owned)
Well, well, well, If it isn’t our old friends the Chicago Bears. I know it feels almost like cheating picking against such a pitiful offense, but all is fair in fantasy football. In the past 4 weeks, opposing teams are averaging 9.75 fantasy points per game against the Bears. To put that in perspective if you were to consolidate that data into one team, it would be the 7th highest scoring defense in that timeframe. It’s not for a lack of scoring from Chicago but they just cannot stop turning the ball over. The Bears offense is 3rd in turnovers per game this season and it just keeps getting worse. They gave up 3 fumbles to Minnesota last week, and Justin Fields turned it over 3 times the week before. Also note the potential absence of star Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson. This is an admittedly average Seattle defense that should look otherworldly against the Bad News Bears.
Las Vegas D/ST vs Denver (Past Month: 27.6 Points Allowed Per Game, .4 Turnovers Per Game, 1.6 Sacks Per Game, 8% Owned)
The recent raw numbers on this Las Vegas defense look terrible but you have to remember the Raiders had death march games against the Chiefs and Cowboys high-powered offense. Nevertheless, the reason why I'm picking the Raiders has nothing to do with their defensive talent or lack thereof. It’s because of the injury to Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater and the man who will stand in his place; Drew Lock. He led the league in interceptions in only 13 games last season and already has four turnovers in three appearances. If you remember last week’s article, I lauded Denver for their awful pass protection and it will get even worse with the absence of Lloyd Cushenberry. Not to mention, Lock has been sacked on 11% of his pass attempts this season. This is a make or break start for Drew Lock’s NFL career, and all signs are pointing to break against the black and silver bunch.
Atlanta D/ST vs Detroit (Past Month: 23.5 Points Allowed Per Game,1.75 Turnovers Per Game, .5 Sacks Per Game, 7% Owned)
This is yet another case of facing off against a backup QB. Jared Goff tested positive for Covid-19 Monday, and it’s very unlikely that he will be available for Sunday's game against Atlanta. In his stead will be Tim Boyle who threw for 77 yards and two interceptions in his first career start. He also had the worst passer rating for a Lions QB since Drew Stanton in 2009. The Lions will be forced to be a run-first offense, potentially without starting RB D’Andre Swift who has missed the past 3 weeks with a shoulder injury. Monitor the health of Jared Goff, and if he’s unable to go, this will be a glorious play for any desperate fantasy managers.
Share your best bets!