One of the biggest strategies in fantasy football is streaming defenses. Each week owners will look at matchups and make waiver wire acquisitions to find their starting defense. Here are fantasy football defenses to stream in week 12. (Note: All defense mentioned are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues)
1. New York Giants
The Giants have had a decent fantasy defense this season. They rank 13th and have scored positive points in every week, but one. They scored -4 against the 49ers in week 3, but also have a 13-point performance against Washington in week 6.
This week they have a very favorable matchup, as they play the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals rank 29th against opposing defenses this season and they will be without Joe Burrow, who is out for the season with a torn ACL and MCL. This leaves a huge opportunity for the Giants. They are owned in 21.6 percent of ESPN leagues.
2. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay ranks as the 19th fantasy defense this season. They have one double-digit performance this season against the Lions, when they scored 12 points. Their only negative performance of the season came against the Buccaneers. They scored -1 points against Tampa Bay. For the most part, the Packers get a few points a week.
The Packers are another team with a very favorable matchup. Green Bay plays the Bears this week, who rank 28th against opposing defenses this year. To make the game even more favorable for the Packers, both Nick Foles and Mitch Trubisky are banged up and a starter hasn’t been named. If the Packers can stop the run, they can put up a huge game. The Packers are owned in 41.7 percent of ESPN leagues.
3. Seattle Seahawks
It has been a rough year on the defensive side of the ball for the Seahawks, as they rank 22nd in fantasy. They have two negative performances, against the Cardinals and the Patriots. Their best point total of the season is six, which came against the 49ers in week 8.
Even though they have struggled, the Seahawks are a viable fantasy defense for week 12. They play the Philadelphia Eagles, who rank 31st against opposing defenses. Carson Wentz has struggled with being sacked and turning the ball over, which gives the Seahawks an opportunity to play well. Seattle is owned in 22.1 percent of ESPN leagues.
4. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals have had a few good weeks and a few bad ones, resulting in them ranking 17th as a fantasy defense. They have a 14-point performance against Dallas, but also have a -2-point performance against Carolina. In between those, they have a lot of average to below-average scoring games.
Arizona plays New England this week, who ranks 21st against opposing defenses. Cam Newton has struggled to get the offense rolling and the Cardinals can take advantage of that. The Cardinals are owned available in almost 80 percent of ESPN leagues.
5. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has had an awful season on the defensive side of the ball. They rank 28th in fantasy points with one big performance helping them achieve that ranking. Against the Eagles, the Cowboys were able to put up 15 points. Otherwise, they have four negative scoring performances.
While the Cowboys are a risky play as a fantasy defense, they do play Washington this week. Washington ranks 27th against opposing defenses this year. All season, Washington’s offense has struggled and that has continued with Alex Smith back under center. Dallas’ defense is owned in just 8.2 percent of ESPN leagues.
Make sure to check out our fantasy football page for more updates and rankings.
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