Streaming Defenses Week 7
Streaming the right defense, QB, or even TE can win you a matchup in any given week. For instance, take a look at my week 6 streaming defenses. The 49ers held the Rams to 7 points which helped them reach 10 fantasy points, while one of the hottest defenses in the Steelers were able to put up 14 points on the road against the Chargers. So the importance of finding the right team or player can have a huge impact on your ability to win the week.
Week 7 brings a tough outlook for finding a defense to stream. There are no great matchups that get me excited for the defense of the week. With the Browns, Bucs, Steelers, and Panthers also on bye, it has become a tricky week to find that perfect streamer. Never the less, I have found the best options, most likely available in your league to stream this week.
Remember streaming a defense can be one of the biggest gambles of your fantasy week, while some may hope for safe numbers, there’s nothing wrong with taking a chance in hopes of hitting a jackpot. That’s kind of what this article is all about, trusting your predictions for how the games are going to go and taking more aggressive moves in hopes to gain an edge.
Here are the tools I utilize to help me determine who my best streaming options are:
- Daily Roto – Daily Roto has Redzone data, snap counts, targets, and an awesome Lineup optimizer
- FantasyData – Advanced player metrics, stats and live odds for week seven
Streaming Defenses
25% owned Yahoo/15% owned ESPN
The Chiefs are on the road in Denver in week 7. This is not the strongest unit in the NFL (hence why not many people own them). They are last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game while being one of the best against the run. This can be attributed somewhat to teams trying to keep up with the Chiefs high powered offense. The reason I like the Chiefs this week is they play well against the Broncos. In the 2 games, last season the Chiefs totaled 9 sacks and forced 3 turnovers. This theme should continue since the two teams are very familiar with each other. This also just feels like a week that Tyreek Hill could return a punt for a TD in Primetime.
4% owned Yahoo/9% owned ESPN
I am honestly surprised that this defense is owned this much. They have been bad from the start of the season, allowing 21 or more points in every game this year. This defense has struggled forcing turnovers which is something that has contributed to them allow so many points. Some bright spots have led me to have at least some, however small, confidence in this unit. The first thing is the Cardinals have had multiple sacks in all but 1 game this year. They now also shutdown corner Patrick Peterson back from suspension this week. Peterson in the secondary is only going to help this defense get its first interception of the season. The last thing that should be noted is the matchup. Since his first start against the Bucs, Daniel Jones has thrown 3 TDs and 6 INTs across 3 games. The potential for sacks and forced turnovers are there. This is a last resort start for a defensive unit but could pay off, if you are willing to take the risk.
51% owned Yahoo/9% owned ESPN
The Eagles don’t usually get lit up the way the did last week. It was a big game they dropped in an embarrassing fashion. The coaching staff cut veteran LB Zach Brown this week and I expect them to respond against a divisional opponent with a ton of injuries. Head coach Jason Garrett said Amari Cooper aggravated a quad contusion after running a slant-and-go route on the first series against the Jets. Cooper was limited in practice last week due to quad and ankle injuries. His status this week and Sunday remains to be seen. OT Tyron Smith tested his sprained ankle before kickoff against the Jets but ultimately was kept inactive and finally, OT La’el Collins Garrett said Collins’ status is similar to Smith – working hard to get back after missing the Jets game. If the Cowboys are without their star wide receiver of can’t stop the pass rush it could be a long day for the offense. I think if you’re in a jam, the Eagles aren’t a bad start in week 7.
Streaming Quarterbacks
66% owned Yahoo/48% owned ESPN
The fact that Josh Allen isn’t owned more with this matchup puts him in this spot. Check and see if he is available because Allen gets the Miami Dolphins in week 7. The Dolphins are the worst team against the quarterback position. If he is out there, go get him, and start him with confidence.
44% owned Yahoo/45% owned ESPN
Jacoby Brissett has thrown for multiple touchdown passes in 4 of 5 games this season. He now gets a Texans defense that has struggled against the pass. They are currently allowing the 9th most points to the position. The Texans defense has also allowed 300 yards passing in half of their games. Brissett and the Colts should be able to move the ball up and down the field at home which should allow him for several opportunities to put points on the board.
Streaming Tight Ends
14% owned Yahoo/5% owned ESPN
Tight End is a barren wasteland. If you need a guy to fill the position, you might as well get used to dumpster diving. Dawson Knox against the Dolphins, the worst team in the NFL, has a chance to catch 3-4 passes for 50 yards and a TD. He could also catch 1 pass for 10 yards. My feeling is a blowout could lead to more opportunities for Knox.
6% owned Yahoo/4% owned ESPN
Will Dissly is out for the season with an Achilles injury. Russell Wilson had featured Dissly, especially in the red zone. Willson is the next man up at the position and the Ravens are not the daunting defense they once were. If Wilson keeps targetting the tight end in the red zone, Willson has a real shot to come down with a touchdown. This game could be a shootout and I am ok with investing in a shootout.
Streaming Runningback/Receiver
- Darrell Henderson – 27% Yahoo/23% ESPN
- Jamal Williams – 51% Yahoo/44% ESPN
- Frank Gore – 62% Yahoo/66% ESPN
- Auden Tate – 27% Yahoo/30% ESPN
- Cole Beasley – 19% Yahoo/26% ESPN
Father to a daughter and son as well as a husband to a wife. I have a healthy obsession with football and not so healthy obsession with ice cream. I have been following the NFL closely for over a decade all while working full-time jobs, primarily as a police officer.
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