Streaming Defense Week 9: A few fantasy D/ST options to consider this week, including a Cowboys team with a very promising matchup against the Giants.
Embrace the Grind
In most sports, there comes a time in the season where things become repetitive, boring, and you feel yourself going through the motions. As a wrestler, that month came during January. It was cold, it was dark, and every practice seemed like a millennium.
In my younger years, I would start to put less effort into practice. I would shut my brain off and do what I was told, and I would generally not get any better.
Because of this, it took me a lot longer to become great at the sport than some of my peers. Once I did finally matured, I spent that time pushing myself, knowing that most of my competition was most likely practicing at half speed, trying only when necessary. When February finally showed itself, it was easy to figure out who spent January going through the motions. Those were the people sitting at home while I was wrestling for a state title.
November can be seen as the grind of fantasy football. With half the season done, many people have already thrown in the towel and given up, while the ones guaranteed a playoff spot tend to get a little lazy. DO NOT BE THAT GUY/GIRL! Use this month to discover new talent, work some trades, and to clinch that number one spot like a champion.
Most championship teams have at least one waiver wire hero that might have been picked up late in the season (I picked Phillip Lindsay halfway through the year and he got me into two championships). Although this month might drag on in fantasy, use it to become a champion this year, and the years that follow.
Consistency? Never Heard of It: Cleveland Browns
The Browns must be one of the worst teams to cheer for, or maybe they are the most exciting. Who knows? Either way, it is frustrating because they are so inconsistent. Some games I think that they are starting to turn things around, and then some games they just suck. Beating the Ravens was impressive, so was almost beating Seattle who in my opinion has this year’s MVP at quarterback.
They also did well enough against the Patriots’ monstrous defense. But unfortunately, they have also had some games that make Cleveland wish Lebron James would come back to Cleveland.
Unlike other teams though that I could see just going downhill after a series of close losses and missed opportunities, I see this team as one that just wants to fight harder. Although bold, I think the Browns will have a great rest of the season and it will start with a beat down of the Broncos.
Verdict: The Broncos have scored less than 13 points on average over the last four games. They just don’t have the explosive playmakers that they need and with the trading of Emmanual Sanders, it is clear that they have given up hopes at winning a Superbowl this year. With Brandon Allen starting for the Broncos, expect some mistakes from the unproven quarterback. Start this defense with confidence.
Prediction: PA: 10-17, Total Yards: 200-250, Sacks: 4, Fumbles: 0, Interceptions: 2, TD: 1, Fantasy Points: 15-20
Cowboy Up: Dallas Cowboys
It seems redundant to say, but play whatever team is playing against the New York Giants (as long as they don’t suck). They have been prone to turnovers, giving up big plays (Detroit scored a touchdown on them last week), and have surrendered double-digit fantasy points to two less-than-average defenses over the past two weeks.
In addition to that, they are most likely ready to throw in the towel for their playoff hopes, meaning they could potentially limit Saquon Barkley from playing that much and save him for next year.
They also will try to give Daniel Jones more looks to develop his gameplay which will certainly lead to more opportunities for the defense. Although it might be a competitive game, don’t trust the Giants to bring their A-game, unless it is the Superbowl and Tom Brady is playing against them.
Verdict: The Cowboys have a much better defense than most people give them credit. They have held four of their seven opponents to under 20 points and have done better than two-thirds of the league at limiting yards per game.
With the addition of Michael Bennett, they might actually have the pass rush that is consistent. If the Cowboys start to pull ahead, I predict big numbers from this defense. If it is a close game, you still have a reasonable floor, so don’t panic.
Prediction: PA: 10-17, Total Yards: 250-300, Sacks: 4, Fumbles: 0, Interceptions: 2, TD: 0, Fantasy Points: 10-15
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