Fantasy football managers are constantly searching for that perfect waiver wire pickup that could make or break their week. Defensive units often fly under the radar, but savvy players know that streaming the proper defense can be the difference between victory and defeat.
This week presents some intriguing options that could provide significant value for your lineup. Smart fantasy football decisions aren’t always about the most prominent names, but rather about identifying favorable matchups and emerging opportunities.
Week 5 Defense Rankings
1) Arizona Cardinals (vs. TEN)
2) Detroit Lions (at CIN)
3) Minnesota Vikings (vs. CLE (London))
4) Buffalo Bills (vs. NE)
5) Cleveland Browns (vs. MIN (London))
6) Indianapolis Colts (vs. LV)
7) Philadelphia Eagles (vs. DEN)
8) Seattle Seahawks (vs. TB)
9) Los Angeles Rams (vs. SF)
10) Kansas City Chiefs (at JAX)
11) New York Giants (at NO)
12) Baltimore Ravens (vs. HOU)
13) Los Angeles Chargers (vs. WAS)
14) San Francisco 49ers (at LAR)
15) Houston Texans (at BAL)
16) Denver Broncos (at PHI)
17) New York Jets (vs. DAL)
18) Tennessee Titans (at ARI)
19) Miami Dolphins (at CAR)
20) Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. KC)
21) Carolina Panthers (vs. MIA)
22) New Orleans Saints (vs. NYG)
23) Washington Commanders (at LAC)
24) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at SEA)
25) Las Vegas Raiders (at IND)
26) Dallas Cowboys (at NYJ)
27) New England Patriots (at BUF)
28) Cincinnati Bengals (vs. DET)
Arizona Cardinals (vs. TEN)
Last week was a great week for streaming defenses. This week…not so much. A lot of good defenses are facing good offenses, which means the bad offenses are the ones playing the bad defenses.
The Cardinals represent the clear top option on the slate. They are an above-average defense. But most importantly, start anyone and everyone against the Titans.
Tennessee is completely bereft of playmakers. Cam Ward looks overmatched. The Cardinals have forced two turnovers in each of their last two games. The Titans are allowing the most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses. Arizona has legitimate matchup-winning upside this week.
Cleveland Browns (vs. MIN)
The Browns are obviously not a good team. But that doesn’t mean they can’t have a menacing defense.
Their overall numbers aren’t great due to giving up a combined 75 points to the Ravens and Lions. But they held the Bengals to 17 points and the Packers to 10.
This week, they get a Vikings offense that is still starting Carson Wentz. Their 21 points scored against the Steelers last week was largely fake, as they had six points going into the fourth quarter. Wentz threw two interceptions and was rattled by pressure all game.
Minnesota is allowing the fourth most fantasy points to defenses. They may be able to win this game, but it should be a low-scoring, defensive battle.
