These fantasy football streaming defenses for Week 13 are ones to look for as potential waiver wire pickups, not only for this week but for the fantasy football playoffs.
The fantasy season is winding down and there are only a few remaining games left until a champion is crowned. To reach that championship game, it is vital to make the right calls (although luck is involved, especially when you lose by five points all because Aaron Rodgers misses a wide-open Davante Adams in the end zone).
When it comes to defense, you need to know the right calls, but more importantly, the wrong calls. Too often people get lazy in the postseason and ride a defense they like based on previous games or matchups. But it is the (fantasy) postseason and the variables have changed.
Many teams will stop playing their studs because they have sealed up a playoff spot, or because they are eliminated. Some teams who usually are terrible will have a couple good outings against second stream defenses. Others will focus on developing their weak links (Aaron Jones is finishing this year with at least three 100-yard rushing games) and forgo their strengths (although at this point I can’t say that the Packers have much of a passing game either).
To avoid this, you need to know what is motivating the team you are playing against. Do they care? Are they still in the hunt for a playoff spot? Is the team they are playing against even going to show up? These are the questions that can help you determine not only the defenses you pick, but also the players you start.
Over the next four weeks, I will be offering advice over which team(s) are favorable to stream and which seemingly safe teams are a trap. Be careful in your choices, because one wrong decision and you could ruin everything you have worked for.
Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels: Kansas City Chiefs
This is a great streaming option this week. Don’t overthink it. Kansas City has been heating up over the past four weeks on defense, and after a bye week following a heartbreaking loss, they are sure to come out guns blazing.
Over the past four games, the Chiefs have sacked opposing quarterbacks five times, three separate times. The Raiders are allowing almost five sacks per game over the same time span. The defense is also averaging close to two turnovers per game. If the statistics hold true, that is nine bonus points the defense will pick up. Match that with the low scoring potential of the Oakland Raiders, as well as pressure to keep up with the man, the myth, the legend, Patrick Mahomes, and you are looking at a great streaming option.
Verdict: Oakland does not have the man power to stop the offense (neither does any other team), and Derek Carr will be forced to make plays with a receiving core that is weak. There will be plenty of sacks and also opportunities for big plays. I do not believe the Raiders will put up many points, although there is potential for garbage time points once the Chiefs are up by 30+. Either way, feel safe starting this defense this week.
Prediction: PA: 17-24, Total Yards: 250-300, Sacks: 5, Fumbles: 0, Interceptions: 2, TD: 1, Fantasy Points: 10-15
Don’t Take the Bait: Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have a great matchup this week. They get to play the ever popular Buffalo Bills. For most of the season, any defense that has started against the Bills has paid off (for the most part). So it would seem obvious to stream against them once again. Wrong!
Over the past six games, the Miami Dolphins has averaged less than four points per game, and that includes the game where they scored 20+ against the Jets. Remove that outlier and they are actually averaging negative points. Of course the Bills have been very vulnerable over the past season, but not recently. The Jets defense scored negative points against them and the Jaguars (the number one defense to start the year) scored zero points (ESPN leagues). The Dolphins are no better than those two defenses, and an argument could be made that they are actually worse.
With the Bills defense controlling the scoreboard and their offense taking fewer risks, the Bills are starting to turn things around. They are not the same team they were in October. Don’t take the bait and find yourself sitting out this year’s championship game.
Verdict: It is very possible that the Dolphins put up good numbers against the Bills, but for those of you who are in the playoffs, or still fighting for that last spot, it might not be worth it. The likelihood of the Dolphins scoring low or negative points and losing you the week are too great. Take my advice and find a new team that has more upside and less downside.
Prediction: PA: 17-24, Total Yards: 300-350, Sacks: 2, Fumbles: 0, Interceptions: 0, TD: 0, Fantasy Points: 0-5
No Comment! Be the first one.