November 25, 2016

Frankie Soler looks at sneaky defense streaming options for the playoff push of the 2016 fantasy football season. Stash these D/ST sleepers off the waiver wire.

If you're well versed in fantasy football strategy, you're familiar with the notion that you shouldn't ever draft a defense earlier than your second to last pick. Doing so nets you a few additional fliers at running back and wide receiver and allows you to monitor defenses as the season progresses. Owners who play their cards right can pick and choose which defenses have the best matchups in a given week, streaming their way through the regular season. As we inch closer to the fantasy playoffs, it's wise to take a longer view of what matchups lie ahead. There are a few defenses out there facing a couple mediocre opponents that could be scooped up for the stretch run.

Depending on what site you're playing on, some of these options are going to be more available than others. It's also possible you've picked up a decent enough defense along the way and might not want to drop a unit that's netted you some wins. From a strategic standpoint, now isn't the time to be carrying around dead weight on your bench. I would much rather plan ahead for week 13 or 14 by carrying a second defense than hold onto a player you'd literally never start. Chances are Tyler Lockett and a second QB aren't going to win you a fantasy championship. Might as well play the long game and plan ahead.

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Top D/ST Streamers for Fantasy Football Playoffs

Now that we've got the game plan aspect out the way, let's get to some defenses that could help you out these last few weeks. Note that the teams are listed in order from strongest to least strong.

 
Miami Dolphins - Next Five Opponents: SF, BAL, ARI, NYJ, BUF

Admittedly, the Miami defense had a rather lackluster outing against a porous Los Angeles offense in Week 11. They were a popular streaming option that week yet even after a disappointing showing, I still think they possess legit streaming appeal down the stretch. Perhaps they're best possible matchup is this upcoming Sunday with the San Francisco 49ers . Even with Colin Kaepernick and Carlos Hyde playing better, nothing about the Niners scares you offensively. Speaking of offenses that don't scare you, Baltimore in Week 13, the Jets in Week 15, and the Bills in 16 are far from spooky.

Miami's toughest remaining opponent is the Cardinals in Week 14 and even that wouldn't have me shaking in my boots. I'd be willing to roll with the Dolphins against the enigma that is Carson Palmer. After all, Miami allows the eighth fewest passing yards to opposing teams and is tied for 10th fewest passing TDs allowed. None of those five remaining quarterbacks negate an above average passing defense.

Buffalo Bills - Next Five Opponents: JAX, OAK, PIT, CLE, MIA

In doing research for this column I noticed that the Buffalo Bills had been dropped in far too many leagues this past week. Granted, they currently have the highest ownership percentage among Fleaflicker leagues at 75% but the fact that they've even dipped that low is worth noting. This is simply a matter of knowing your league based on the site you play on. ESPN, for example, has their ownership percentage clocking in at 59%. Grab Buffalo while you can against Jacksonville but be wary of their next two games against Oakland and Pittsburgh.

This is the kind of add you'd be better off pairing with a second defense so you have some insurance against stronger offenses. Still, with three out of their next five against weak teams in the Jaguars, Browns, and Dolphins, the Bills are one of the safest bets out there if available. Similar to the Dolphins, the Bills have a solid secondary, allowing the 5th fewest passing yards to opposing quarterbacks. They're much stronger against the pass than they are the run and with games against Blake Bortles, Bad Quarterback X in Cleveland, and Ryan Tannehill, Buffalo is a strong option for the playoff push.

Tennessee Titans - Next Five Opponents: CHI, BYE, DEN, KC, JAX

The Tennessee Titans might have just hit the streaming jackpot after news that Jay Cutler is likely done for the year. The Bears will now turn to Matt Barkley under center, setting Tennessee up for their best matchup in weeks. For a while it looked like the Titans could have every week appeal but after bad outings against the Jaguars and Chargers, fantasy owners rightfully jumped off that bandwagon. Now, the ship should be righted as the Bears look like the NFC version of "start whatever defense is playing against the Browns."

Beyond this week, the Titans do have a bye in Week 13 so you'll want to plan ahead. I know some owners will be nervous about starting Tennessee against the Broncos after the bye but I'm not sure that Trevor Siemian concerns me all that much. Denver will likely continue to be a conservative offense and Tennessee's strength is in fact their run defense. Throw in mediocre offenses in Kansas City and Jacksonville to close out the fantasy playoffs and you're looking at an underrated Titans defense that could carry you through to the end.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Next Five Opponents: IND, NYG, BUF, CIN, BAL

Long gone are the days of the dreaded Steel Curtain but that doesn't mean the Steelers haven't improved on defense recently. Pittsburgh is coming off an absolute mauling of the Cleveland Browns and are set to face an Andrew Luck-less Colts team in Thanksgiving night. I don't know about you but I'd be fully on board in starting whatever defense not named Cupcake State is facing the likes of Scott Tolzein.

Beyond the obvious streaming appeal in Week 12, the Steelers do face a much improved Giants team that is likely to have you looking elsewhere for a streamer. After that, though, it gets a hell of a lot easier once again with Buffalo and Cincinnati. The Bills can't keep a healthy receiver on the field and the Bengals just lost two of their key playmakers for an extended period of time. Pittsburgh might not be the potent defense it once was but their schedule lends itself to being useful just at the right time. Their Week 16 matchup with the Ravens is most likely going to be another one of those old school 20-17 games so their championship round opponent shouldn't worry you either. The weakest of the bunch, the Steelers are your "in case of emergency" option if the previous three teams have already been snagged.