If you are one of those hooligans who streams defenses each week, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll be looking for 50% rostered or less in Yahoo! Leagues.
Miami Dolphins (Mia, 25%) @ NYJ
One of the most valuable positions in Brian Flores’ defense is outside corner. When his corners can play man coverage with no help, he can do a lot of creative things. So when his two stud CBs Xavien Howard (groin/shoulder) and Byron Jones (groin/Achilles) got banged up earlier this season, the defense began to struggle. Ever since these two came off the injury report, we’ve seen a different unit. One that more closely resembles the elite defense we saw last season. They’ve been a top-5 DST in each of the last two weeks, including holding Baltimore to just 10 points. They also racked up 9 sacks, 4 INTs, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 Defensive TD over the last two weeks, and face a Jets team that allows the most points to opposing DSTs this season.
Carolina Panthers (Car, 30%) vs. Was
One of the bigger surprises of the season has been this Carolina D that has finished in the top-10 in five of their last six games, and will now finish in the top-5 in two of their last three weeks. Already a strong unit up front and in the secondary, the team traded for shutdown corner Stephon Gilmore. Since Gilmore’s arrival, Carolina has 4 INTs, 10 sacks, and hasn’t allowed more than 18 points. This week, they’re at home versus a Washington offense that is 20th in total offense and has allowed 14 sacks and 3 INTs in their last three games. Washington also has a weakness in their kicking game, as they’ve surrendered 3 blocked kicks over that same span.
Philadelphia Eagles (Phi, 11%) vs. NO
The Jekyll & Hyde of DSTs this year, the Eagles have thrived in decent matchups and collapsed in bad matchups. Although chronicled the last time they made this list — where they finished as a top-5 DST that week — it bears repeating: they’ve been manhandled so far by the elite offenses (Tampa Bay, Kansas City, Dallas, and the Chargers). But just average offenses like Denver, Carolina, and Atlanta have been no problem for Philly. New Orleans and their 13th-ranked offense comes to town as the underdog with a backup QB and might not have Alvin Kamara.
