Week 5 was a weird one for fantasy D/STs. Those with highly owned teams like the Cowboys and Commanders saw them score negative points in some formats. Streamers saw success by adding the Steelers or Bengals in tough matchups. But squads like the Bengals and Giants provided top-10 results with only 2% ownership on Yahoo.
So, with only two teams on bye, we can focus on strong defensive lines going against shaky O-lines thanks to the incredible Fantasy Points Data “OL/DL Matchups Tool.” You also know we will pick on struggling offenses with subpar QB play.
Drake’s Top 7 D/ST adds
All recommendations, unless otherwise noted, are under 50% rostered on Yahoo
- Las Vegas Raiders vs. Patriots
- Atlanta Falcons vs. Commanders
- LA Rams vs. Cardinals
- Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Colts
- Minnesota Vikings @ Bears
- Houston Texans vs. Saints
- Tennessee Titans vs. Ravens
If they happen to be available
Kansas City Chiefs (KC, 64%) vs DEN – Through five games, the Chiefs’ defense ranks fifth in the league in points allowed (15). It is truly the best side of the football for the Chiefs right now. Enter Week 6’s opponent, the Denver Broncos. Russell Wilson and the Mile High crew just took four sacks and lost three fumbles vs the Jets. While Denver has been a punchline this season, they’ve only given up the 9th fewest points to opposing D/STs. Still, KC should be playing with a lead and forcing Wilson into situations where he’ll make mistakes.
Focus your FAAB here
Las Vegas Raiders (LV, 2%) vs. NE – At this point, we’re recommending anyone with a pulse against this Patriots offense. The Raiders aren’t special by any means, but when your opponent has given up six turnovers and three defensive scores over the past two weeks, you close your eyes and click add. The Patriots have scored three points in that span. They are broken. Per Fantasy Points Data, the Pats have the 3rd worst dropbacks under pressure rate in the NFL at 44.7%. Roll the dice on Vegas this week and possibly hold them for a Week 7 matchup at the Bears.
Atlanta Falcons (ATL, 9%) vs WAS – The Commanders give up the third most DraftKings points to opposing defenses. Sam Howell has been sacked 29 times through five weeks, thrown five interceptions, and the team has lost four fumbles. The more Washington drops Howell back to pass, the better our chances of fantasy points for our defenses.
Los Angeles Rams (LAR, 2%) vs. ARI – Aaron Donald and company held up reasonably well against the buzz saw that is the Eagles offense. This week, they’ll host Arizona, who turned the ball over three times, including once for a score, last week. It was Arizona’s worst performance of the season. Maybe teams are getting film on Joshua Dobbs, and he’s returning to Earth as the replacement-level player he is. The Rams could be a fun play here, and the DFS community agrees, as the Rams are the fourth most expensive unit on DraftKings ($3700).
Jacksonville Jaguars (JAX, 16%) vs. IND – It’s Gardner Minshew time for the Colts. Jacksonville is mediocre at almost everything, so don’t get too excited. This is a play where a home team is going against a backup quarterback. It’s not ideal, but there’s a chance for some turnovers. Our OL/DL Matchup Tool lists the Colts as the 14th-worst pass-blocking grade. We know the Colts will try and pound the rock on the ground. If Trevor Lawrence can get a lead, we could have some fireworks.
Sign up for Fantasy Points Data and utilize our OL/DL Matchup Tool. Here, I’m showing the worst pass grade for their offensive line vs their Week 6 defensive line. Metrics like this can help you make lineup decisions, bet prop lines, and build DFS rosters. Sign up today at Data.FantasyPoints.com.
It's last call, and you’re desperate
Minnestoa Vikings (MIN, 5%) @ CHI – This Vikings squad will never be confused for a great defense. Their secondary is shaky, and they have only forced one interception. On the bright side, they’ll visit a Bears team that allows the second most points to opposing defenses. Yes, Justin Fields has thrown four touchdowns in back-to-back weeks, but he’s still Fields, and we could easily see those scores becoming turnovers. Fields has also been sacked an eye-popping 20 times this season. Proceed with caution, as this is a one-week play. The Vikings host San Francisco in Week 7.
DFS Targets: DraftKings Highest to lowest price
Raiders $3900 are in a killer spot, but it’s hard to fit them in at that price point. Plus, they are a shaky at best unit. I don’t want to invest THAT heavily in them.
Rams $3700 you save $200 vs playing Vegas, but you still are on the higher end of the spectrum.
Falcons $3600 should turn Sam Howell over a few times.
Dolphins $3500 see a Panthers team with no idea how to play offensive football.
Jaguars $3400 get Gardner Minshew in Duval County.
Lions $2700 at the Bucs. I don’t love the Lions on the road, but they can absolutely pressure Baker Mayfield into some mistakes. This is a big lean for me.
Patriots $2600 on the road to face a Raiders team who can’t block anyone. This game has crazy D/ST points written all over it. This price point is exactly where. I want to be.
Browns $2200 is nearly the bare minimum price for one of the top three defenses in football. Nobody is going to play them against the 49ers. Great GPP play if you want to be different.
