NOW IS NOT THE TIME TO BE LAZY WITH YOUR DEFENSE. DO NOT SET IT AND FORGET IT. At this point in the season, if you were good enough to make the playoffs, it is important to spend at least a couple minutes looking at your defense.
Just because a defense has been solid for you all season, and even maybe perhaps won you multiple games (New England), does not mean that you should necessarily start them. For most leagues, only four or six people are still playing, meaning that there will be plenty of defenses to choose from. Don’t get lazy now that you’re so close to winning.
I will be ranking the top five defenses to play each week and a streamer for those who do not have any of them. I will also rank the top three defenses to avoid that some people might be tempted to start. Remember, although I am a complete stranger to you and you might not agree with my suggestions, I have a proven track record of choosing the best streaming defenses.
Over the course of the season, my streaming options have scored on average over 12 points per game (if you exclude two outliers). That number is out of 24 teams. Last year, my streaming options for the playoffs averaged over 15 points per game, including a 24 point performance by the Falcons (who were not good last year). Hopefully, you heed my advice because no one wants to lose the first round of the playoffs.
Top 5 Defense Options
- Pittsburgh (vs. Arizona)
- Jets (vs. Miami)
- Philadelphia (vs. Giants)
- Minnesota (vs. Detroit)
- Green Bay (vs. Washington)
Streaming Option: Atlanta Falcons
If you are in need of a Hail Mary play, this is the team for you. Now, I do not recommend using this team unless you need the points and the top options above are not available. That being said, this team could really produce great numbers this week if a couple of things go their way.
The Panthers just fired their head coach, which might be a good or bad thing depending on the game script and personality of the replacement coach. If they are in it to win it, that is good news for Falcons owners because they will take more risks. If they would rather just play it safe, there will be less chance for the defense to capitalize on mistakes.
My money is on the replacement coach using this chance to show his ability to beat the last-place team in their division, which shouldn’t be that hard. But with Carolina struggling, and Matt Ryan back, I believe this game will go in Atlanta’s favor.
Verdict: The Panthers have lost their last four games, including a loss to Washington who has been terrible this year. Do not expect them to get out of their rut this week. The Falcons haven’t been great all year, but have shown signs of success recently against the Saints and the Panthers.
The last time they played, Kyle Allen threw four interceptions and was sacked five times. One of those also led to a touchdown. It was a terrible showing for the young quarterback, one that might be repeated again this week. Although there is little doubt the Panthers won’t be as terrible as they were the last time they played the Falcons, there is a good chance they have a poor outing and the Falcon’s defense has a good week.
Prediction: PA: 21-28, Total Yards: 300-350, Sacks: 4, Fumbles: 0, Interceptions: 2, TD: 1, Fantasy Points: 8-12
Top Three Defenses to Avoid
- New Orleans (vs San Francisco)
- New England (vs Kansas City)
- Chicago (vs Dallas)
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