Streaming Defenses, Fantasy Football Week 12

These fantasy football streaming defenses for Week 12 are ones to look for as potential waiver wire pickups or free agent adds, not only for this week but for the fantasy football playoffs.

Celebrating Thanksgiving: As is tradition, it is important to watch as much football as possible during the holidays, especially on Thanksgiving. But to ensure the maximum amount of time in front of the TV, shouting at Sean Peyton, who won’t stop giving the ball the Mark Ingram, you need to follow these tips. Otherwise, you might just end up spending the day trying not to burn down your garage in an oil fire, arguing politics with your conspiracy theory filled uncle,  or listening to your mother (in-law) provide in complete detail her plan to get the most out of Black Friday.

1. Traditionally, the Thanksgiving meal is usually a late afternoon meal, but why not have it for breakfast? Traditions in America are already slowly disappearing, making way for new ones that better fit our schedules and needs. If you were to get the turkey done by 8:30, you could be devouring your third (and hopefully last) piece of pie by 11:00. This leaves you the rest of the day to lay around and coach your fantasy team. Plus, dinner for breakfast is a delicious way to start the day and for supper you can have the best part of Thanksgiving: the leftovers.
2. Fake an illness, especially around those who plan on going Black Friday shopping. This is a big day for many of them and they cannot be hindered by an illness. They will most likely avoid you, or better yet, send you out of the house. Make sure you plan accordingly. Get a TV in the garage, fill a cooler with your favorite drink, and have a great holiday. Also, for those family members that you like, don’t be afraid to invite them too. They’ll thank you later.
3. Be “super helpful” to the family members who are preparing the meal. Act like you are trying your best to help them out, but just get in their way and make a mess. They will be appreciative of your efforts, but will kindly ask you to leave and just watch football instead. It is a win-win.
4. Last but not least, if you are forced to spend time with a large portion of your family and there is no escape, just bring up politics. The odds of that conversation ending well has almost a zero percent probably. Most likely, half of the people will get mad at the other half and a heated discussion will begin. This is your chance to quietly slip away. No one will notice. By the time the conversation is finished, almost everyone will be content with sitting on the couch, ignoring everyone else and just watching football.

[Week 12 Fantasy Football Analysis: See waiver wire pickups, players to drop, sleepers, streaming kickers, streaming defenses and more.]

I’m a Billiever: Buffalo Bills

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Slowly but surely the Bills have emerged as one of the best defenses in the league. In fantasy production, they are top ten, which is admirable. But more impressive than that is their yards allowed per game. They are second overall, only falling behind the Chicago Bears. For rushing, they fall in at number 11, but they are the most effective pass defense team in the league. Not to take anything away from this accomplishment, but some of that could be a result of teams running the ball more to run out the clock. Since they usually play from behind, many teams do not need to throw as much. But if they had a poor defense, their rushing yards allowed per game would be much higher.

This week, the Bills host the Jaguars, who have been very friendly to defenses all year. Since Week 3, they have allowed five defenses to score double digit fantasy points while only limiting three to single digit scoring. During the same time span, the Bills defense has had four double digit games. They did have several games where they scored very low, but they were against some of the best offenses in the league (Patriots, Colts, Bears, and Packers).

Verdict: This matchup is good because of the lack of points and yards that the Jaguars will produce. The Bills have proven themselves effective against mediocre offenses (Titans, Houston, Minnesota), and the Jaguars should be no different. This is a very safe play for those who need a defense to produce solid numbers.

Prediction: PA: 10-17, Total Yards: 200-250, Sacks: 3, Fumbles: 0, Interceptions: 1, TD: 0, Fantasy Points: 8-13

Bad Relationship: New England Patriots

This defense burned me bad last week. They had a great matchup against a poor Titans offense (who by the way just gave up 14 points to the Colts), and proceeded to not only score ZERO points, but lose the game. How is that even possible? It could have to do with several ex-Patriot players trying to get their revenge against their old team, or maybe Tom Brady is getting older and dementia is catching up with him. Either way, that left a sour taste in my mouth.

So why would I go back to them after they caused me such pain? They might have a great matchup again. I know what you are thinking, I should just move on with my life and forget them. Find myself a new defense that is more loyal and trustworthy. But I just know if I give them one more chance, they will pull through for me.

Up next is the New York Jets. This team has given up an average of almost ten points to opposing defenses all year, giving up double digit points in six of their games. Out of those six games, only two of them included a defensive touchdown. So the production of the defense was solely on the poor offensive play and turnover-prone quarterback.

Verdict: If the Jets have to play a game without their rookie quarterback, Sam Darnold, expect big things from this defense. Although they have disappointed in the past, the matchup is too good to resist, especially if you are desperate and have had a few drinks.

Prediction: PA: 17-24, Total Yards: 300-350, Sacks: 4, Fumbles: 1, Interceptions: 3, TD: 1, Fantasy Points: 10-15

Playoff Pickups

Here are two pickups for the second week of playoffs (Week 14)

1. New Orleans Saints: This defense is starting to fire on all cylinders. With their offense putting up fifty points per game, the opposing offense is usually forced to abandon the game script and start throwing the ball. In Week 14, the Buccaneers are playing the Saints. They have been rotating between quarterbacks all year and have been prone to causing turnovers. With a terrible defense allowing Drew Brees to throw all over them, they will be forced to take chances. I believe the Saint’s defense will capitalize and come away with a score.
2. Bills: Just keep the Bills. They have good matchups this week, next week, and the week after. Stop overthinking it and just roll with them. Or at least keep them on your bench so someone else doesn’t benefit from them.