One of the biggest strategies in fantasy football is streaming defenses. Each week owners will look at matchups and make waiver wire acquisitions almost every week to find their starting defense. Here are fantasy football defenses to stream in week 13. (Note: All defense mentioned are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues)
1. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers had a good start to the season defensively, but have struggled for the last few weeks. They still rank 12th as a fantasy defense this season. Carolina should be able to rebound and provide a solid fantasy defense for the rest of the season.
This week, Carolina plays Washington. The Redskins got their first win with Dwayne Haskins at quarterback against the Lions. Haskins hasn’t gone up and produced against a defense like the Panthers. Luke Kuechly will make them productive in this game. The Panthers are owned in just under 40 percent of ESPN leagues.
2. Philadelphia Eagles
Surprisingly, the Eagles have had the 10th-ranked fantasy defense this season. They have three double-digit performances this season, but a 35 point performance against the Jets really boosts their ranking. Last week, they scored 11 points against the Seahawks.
Picking up the Eagles is all about the matchup. They play the worst offense against fantasy defenses this season in the Miami Dolphins. With the Eagles’ offense struggling, their defense will have to step up in this game. Philadelphia is owned in 36.9 percent of ESPN leagues.
3. Dallas Cowboys
This season, the Cowboys have the 13th-ranked defense in fantasy football. They have four double-digit performances, but have some down games as well. The highlight of their season has been a 19-point showing against the Giants. Dallas has solid players on every level of the defense and are a threat most weeks to put up points.
Now they play the Buffalo Bills. They are a solid team, but their offense has struggled this season. They are middle of the pack in their ranking against opposing defenses this year. Dallas should be able to limit the Bills’ offense on a short week and force some turnovers. The Cowboys are available in 60 percent of ESPN leagues.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have an average fantasy defense this season ranking 18th. They have two double-digit performances, but also have two one-point performances on the year. With the right matchup, they can be played down the stretch by fantasy owners.
Joey Bosa and the defense have had a week to prepare for the Broncos, as they were on bye in week 12. Denver will play the Chargers tough this week, but the Broncos won’t score a ton of points. The Chargers should have a big week. They are owned in 33.1 percent of ESPN leagues.
5. Green Bay Packers
Green Bay’s defense started the year off hot, but it hasn’t stayed that way. They rank 26th as a fantasy defense this year. Their two double-digit fantasy performances happened early in the season, while they have three negative-point performances since. They need to get back on track fast.
This week’s game against the Giants should help them have a good game. Saquon Barkley hasn’t played well, as he’s been banged up. Daniel Jones is turnover prone. Green Bay should be able to get pressure and play well. They are available in nearly 80 percent of ESPN leagues.
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