In Week 2, our top two streaming DSTs went #1 and #2, while our third option finished in the middle of the pack. Even as offenses are ruling the day so far, we’re finding value in under-owned, play-making defenses.
Let’s dive into this week’s streaming options. As always, we’re looking for under 50% rostered in Yahoo! leagues.
Los Angeles Rams (NYG, 58%)
The Rams might not be available, but they’re low enough in ownership to warrant consideration due to their juicy matchup. Daniel Jones and the Giants offense are averaging just 12.7 points, and have surrendered 9 sacks, 4 INTs, and 3 lost fumbles. Not surprisingly, they’ve given up the 3rd-most FPG to opposing DSTs. The Rams have a new scheme that’s given Dallas and Philadelphia fits - holding both offenses under 20 points - before Josh Allen and the Bills finally broke through in Week 3. Any decent defense would be a good bet this week facing the Giants at home. This defense has Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey.
Denver Broncos (@NYJ, 35%)
As if Sam Darnold’s nightmare season couldn’t get worse, rooke LT Mekhi Becton - who has been playing well - is dealing with a shoulder injury that puts his status in jeopardy for the short week. The Broncos and Jets face off in two days, and an ailing Becton would make an already enticing matchup for the Broncos D just too good to pass up. Even with Becton on the field, the Jets offense is averaging just 15 points a game and has allowed 7 sacks, 7 INTs, a lost fumble, and a safety. The Broncos defense has been a middle-of-the-pack unit without Von Miller, but they still average 2 sacks per game and have faced three teams that are a combined 8-1. The Jets are not 8-1. The Jets are 0-3, and the Broncos are a road favorite.
Arizona Cardinals (@Car, 43%)
Arizona invested heavily in its defense this offseason, and so far it’s paying dividends. The Cardinals are a top-10 defensive unit through three weeks, posting 11 sacks. They’re also a 4-point favorite heading to Carolina. The Panthers have surrendered 8 sacks, 2 INTs, and 2 lost fumbles and will still be without Christian McCaffrey. After putting up 30 points in Week 1, Carolina mustered up just 17 and 21 without CMC.
Houston Texans (Min, 3%)
The Hail Mary this week is to put your faith in a winless Texans team. But hear me out: Houston began the season facing the Chiefs, Ravens, and Steelers. That’s a tough way to open the season. This week they return home to face a Vikings offense that has given up the 3rd-most production to opposing defenses. Kirk Cousins has thrown 6 INTs, and the Vikings have allowed 7 sacks and 2 safeties. This smells like a “get well” game for J.J. Watt and this Texans D that has 7 sacks of their own so far.
