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.
Los Angeles Chargers (LAC, 50%) vs. Hou
The Chargers were holding their own against the Chiefs last week until stud safety Derwin James left with a hamstring injury. Until then, Travis Kelce and the Chiefs were held to 10 points, but Kelce and Kansas City blew up after that. James has 10 days to get healthy and is trending in the right direction. But even without James, the Chargers should have a fairly easy time handling the Texans. Los Angeles is a 10.5 point favorite at home against a Houston team that has just 3 wins, and 2 of those have come against the Jaguars. The Texans are a top-5 offense for FPA to DSTs, ranking near the bottom in points, yards, and 1st downs. Though they will be without Joey Bosa (COVID list) the Chargers D have yet to go sackless in a game and have 9 sacks, 4 INTs, 4 fumble recoveries, and a TD in their last four games. If the COVID list claims more of the Chargers defense this recommendation gets a little shakier, but it would take a lot to make Houston a formidable offensive foe for this defense.
Philadelphia Eagles (Phi, 49%) vs. NYG
Jake Fromm is likely starting for the Giants. That might be all you need to read. Due to the craziness that is Week 15, this is being written before Philadelphia plays Washington this week. Assuming nothing crazy happens in that game, Philly’s solid D will get a rookie QB, a banged up receiving corps, and a struggling Saquon Barkley. The Giants managed just 6 points in Week 15, marking the fourth time in five games that New York has scored fewer than 14 points. The Eagles are a 10-point home favorite.
Seattle Seahawks (Sea, 35%) vs. Chicago
Similar to the above paragraph, this is being published before their Week 15 game against the Rams. While the Seahawks have struggled, it hasn’t been because of their defense. They’ve held five of their last seven opponents under 20 points and have surrendered no more than 23 points during that span. This week, they’ll welcome a Bears team that managed just 9 points in Week 15 (really just 3, as the game-ending TD was meaningless) and has averaged 18 points per game over the last five games.
