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Streaming Defense Week 6

Streaming Defenses Strategy

Fantasy Defense production relies on weekly matchups more than any other position.

If you wisely selected your fantasy defense/special teams at the end of your draft -- according to our Redraft Strategy Playbook -- then the best strategy involves streaming the position to take advantage of those matchups.

Let’s dive into how DST works and ensure you stream to maximize your points for Week 6 and beyond.

How Does DST Scoring Work?

Most fantasy football leagues score team defenses on the following categories:

• Points allowed
• Sacks
• Interceptions
• Fumble recoveries
• TDs

At 6 points per TD, that category (including return scores) often produces the widest swings. Pick a DST that happens to find the end zone in a given week, and you’ve almost certainly got a top-10 unit.

The problem: Those scoring plays aren’t predictable.

Since 2020, 88 players have had a season with 4+ interceptions. Only 28 of them scored at least one TD, about 31.8%. 

Turnover volume doesn’t necessarily equal defensive TDs, so don’t rely on those random scores.

More Unpredictable Categories

It’s not just the TDs. INTs are also volatile. The same players rarely top the leaderboard in that category year to year.

Fumble recoveries are even less predictable. And even sack totals fluctuate.

We’re still interested in team defenses that can make big plays. We want stud pass rushers and DBs who get their hands on the ball in coverage.

But as far as DST scoring categories go, points allowed is the one we want to chase the most.

Target Positive Matchups

The first reason you shouldn’t just count on a single fantasy defense every week is the volatility of most scoring categories. The other is the volatility of opponents.

There will undoubtedly be team defenses better at limiting opponent scoring than others. But if one of those top fantasy defenses is playing the Eagles or Chiefs, for example, you’ll probably want to start a different DST instead.

Strategizing every week based on favorable matchups can be just as advantageous as having one of the top five season-long scoring DSTs. 

Embrace the stream and come back here weekly to find the best options. 

Streaming Defense Week 6 Options

Now into the meat of the season, some defenses are emerging as strong fantasy plays you can trot out almost every week.

If you picked up the Broncos, for example, you should keep starting them through at least Week 8.

The Vikings have ranked among the top fantasy scorers as well but hit a Week 6 bye. Try to keep them stashed if you can, though. Positive matchups lie beyond a Week 7 date with the Lions.

Now let’s dig into some streaming defense options for Week 6.

Chargers at Broncos 

Rostered: 12%

The Chargers' defense has been one of the most effective so far this season, ranking third in DVOA through their first four games. Giving up only 12.5 points per game remains the best mark in the league through five weeks.

Not only have they stifled opposing offenses, but the Chargers are also averaging nearly two turnovers and three sacks per game.

Going into Week 6, they are coming off a bye and heading to face the division-rival Broncos. Denver just scored 27 against the Raiders. But Bo Nix and the offense has been pretty miserable overall.

Even against Vegas, they managed just 289 total yards.

Eagles vs. Browns 

Rostered: 34%

Many fantasy managers dropped this defense after the Eagles allowed 29+ points twice and 385+ yards three times among their first four games. Philly also totaled just two takeaways and six sacks over that span.

But now they're playing the worst defense in the league to date.

The Browns haven’t scored more than 20 points in a game and are giving up 5.2 sacks per game.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski has been stubborn about benching QB Deshaun Watson, who has taken all those sacks. But the other option is Jameis Winston, who led the league in INTs last time he started a full season (2019).

The Eagles are coming off their bye week, so they've had extra time to prepare. They also held the Saints to only 12 points two weeks ago, displaying some upside.

Texans at Patriots

Rostered: 41%

Houston ranks fourth in DVOA this season and has drastically improved from last year. The Texans are averaging three sacks a game and shut down Josh Allen in Week 5.

Now come the Patriots, who are averaging just 8.7 points per game over the past three weeks.

Those Patriots are also giving up nearly four sacks per game, at the league's thrid-highest sack rate..

We'll see whether HC Jerod Mayo switches to QB Drake Maye. But the first NFL start for a rookie QB certainly wouldn't make this a matchup to avoid.

Deep Leagues

Falcons at Panthers 

Rostered: 5%

The Panthers returned to earth against the Bears last week, especially Andy Dalton and the passing game. 

The Falcons' defense hasn’t been stellar, sitting 20th in DVOA. They will also be coming off a mini-bye after playing on Thursday in Week 5.

The Panthers are averaging a turnover and over 2.4 sacks per game. And the Falcons may have Troy Andersen back. The athletic LB delivered a pick-6 before leaving Week 4 early.

In a deep league, the Falcons defense has a solid floor and a high ceiling this week.

Colts at Titans

Rostered; 17%

The Colts rank just 21st in DVOA. But they might be playing the cheat code of defensive streaming: Will Levis.

If Levis is back healthy after the Week 5 bye, this is a smash play. Levis has three turnovers in every game he has completed this season.

The Colts are an opportunistic defense, averaging nearly two takeaways per game.

Want More Help Streaming Defenses?

Use our Free Agent Finder to find the right defense to stream each week and the best overall waiver wire options.

You can sync your league and rosters to instantly get recommendations based on your specific league scoring and settings.

See how it can help you win your league:

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format including redraft, dynasty, devy, IDP, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance.