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 3. (Note: All defense mentioned are owned in less than 50 percent of ESPN leagues)
It isn’t often that a defense so good is available on the waiver wire, but the Panthers should be picked up. They put up 11 fantasy points in week 1 and 14 in week 2. They have been able to get to the quarterback 10 times and have three interceptions. After doing it against the Jets in week 1, they proved it wasn’t a fluke in week 2 by shutting down the Saints, who had played well in their week 1 matchup against the Packers.
This week the Panthers will get the Texans on a short week, as they play on Thursday night football. The Texans are projected to be one of the worst teams in the league and to make matters worse, starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor is out. Rookie Davis Mills will start, which should mean the Panthers will have a field day. They are available in about 87 percent of ESPN leagues.
The Titans don’t have a good defense. That is for sure. They scored -2 points in week 1 against the Cardinals. Tennessee followed that up with a one-point performance against the Seahawks. They have totaled five sacks and have an interception, but give up too many points.
Because of a unique situation, the Titans can be picked up and played this week. They are going up against the Indianapolis Colts, who have averaged just 20 points per game this season. For week 3, they may be without Carson Wentz, who sprained both of his ankles in their game against the Seahawks. Even if he plays, it will be hard to be effective with two sprained ankles. If he doesn’t Jacob Eason has proven that both in his college and pro career that he doesn’t protect the football well. The Titans should be able to take advantage. Their defense is available in 97 percent of ESPN leagues.
Like many teams this early in the season, it is hard to figure out the Arizona Cardinals on the defensive side of the ball. They put up 17 fantasy points against the Titans in week 1 behind Chandler Jones‘ five-sack performance. In week 2, they scored -2 points against the Vikings and had just one sack. They have talent on that side of the ball, but need to play better this week.
They will be going up against rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Lawrence has already thrown five interceptions this season and the Jaguars have only scored 17 points per game. The Cardinals should be able to play much better. Arizona is available in about 70 percent of ESPN leagues.
The Seahawks are far from their “Legion of Boom” days, but they did score six points in week 1 when they went up against the Colts. Last week, they faltered and scored -2 points against the Titans. They have two fumble recoveries and six sacks on the season so far.
In week 3, the Seahawks are playing Minnesota. The Vikings had a shaky performance against the Bengals, but then played better against the Cardinals. Their offensive line has shown vulnerability though, so the Seahawks could take advantage. They are rostered in just over 10 percent of ESPN leagues.
Although many didn’t expect it, the Raiders have played decent defense this season. They put up four fantasy points against the Ravens in week 1. The Raiders followed that up with a five-point performance against the Steelers. With one interception, two fumble recoveries and five sacks, they have made plays.
In week 3, the Raiders are playing a solid Dolphins’ squad. Unfortunately, Tua Tagovailoa will either be playing with an injured rib or Jacoby Brissett will be starting. If the Raiders play like they have been, they could be in store for a big day. Las Vegas is available in 99 percent of ESPN leagues.
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